Analyzing Anti-Rheumatic Properties of Novel Medicinal Flora (Dodonaea viscosa) through Expression Analysis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder characterized by bone and cartilage damage. Several factors are involved in the onset and progression of the disease including environmental and genetic factors. Currently, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, however, conventional treatments like disease-modifying anti-rheumatoid drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and glucocorticoids are available associated with various side effects. In ancient times, medicinal plants were used for prolonged treatments to combat various diseases. Medicinal herbs containing therapeutic phytochemicals are cost-effective and have fewer side effects can be a great alternative for RA treatment. Dodonaea viscosa is traditionally used in various pathological conditions such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, spasmolytic, antiviral, anti-microbial, laxative, rheumatism, hypotensive, gout, fractures, wound healing, hemorrhoids, and snake bites. This study focuses on analyzing Dodonaea viscosa for its anti-rheumatic potential. In the present study the phytochemical analysis was performed, the ethanolic extract of the plant showed multiple bioactive compounds presence including phenols, cardiac glycosides, tannins, coumarins, steroids, sterols, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, deoxysugars, carbohydrates and resins. The extract contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties assessed by percentage inhibition of albumin denaturation assay and DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl) assay. The anti-arthritic potential of the plant extract was further confirmed using collagen induced arthritis (CIA) BALB/c mouse models. During the in-vivo and ex-vivo studies, plant extract presented no toxic effects confirmed by acute toxicity (LD50). The mice models were evaluated by different clinical parameters before and after RA induction and treatment by the plant. D.viscosa treated groups showed significant decrease in paw measurements compared to the arthritic groups. The x-rays of treated groups presented less inflammation of soft tissues and less bone destruction indicating the protective function of the plant. The group treated with plant showed serum levels for Rheumatoid factor score within the normal range. Similarly, the liver catalase test indicated less ROS species production in the plant extract treatment group proving its therapeutic potential. Further studies were performed to assess the Interleukin-6 expression through Sandwich ELISA and Real-time PCR. During both qualitative, and quantitative studies, significantly lower concentrations of of interleukin-6 were observed in treatment groups (D.viscosa) compared to arthritic group proving the drugs to be effective for RA. The study confirmed the anti-arthritic potential of Dodonaea viscosa plant through in-vitro and in-vivo analysis. Further in-silico studies can be performed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.