Protective effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Medicago sativa against complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar rats
Keywords:
Antiarthritic, Medicago sativaAbstract
This study evaluated the antiarthritic activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Medicago sativa through phytochemical screening and a complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis model in Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, saponin glycosides, phytosterols, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides. Six groups of six rats each were treated, and administration of the extract at 400 mg/kg significantly reduced paw swelling, arthritis severity scores, rheumatoid factor, and C-reactive protein levels compared to untreated arthritic controls. Motor coordination, as well as thermal and cold pain sensitivity, were restored at this dose, comparable to the effects of diclofenac sodium at 10 mg/kg. Imaging and histological examination confirmed protection of joint structure. These findings indicate that M. sativa extract possesses significant, dose-dependent, multi-parameter antiarthritic activity.
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