Assessment of Therapeutic Potential of “Trachyspermum ammi” against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks tissue near joints and other body parts. It causes significant morbidity and loss of productivity. Around 0.5–1.0% of the world’s adult population is affected by RA. Previously used traditional drugs against RA can cause certain side effects when used for a longer period of time. Moreover, their high cost is another dark side of the story, which demands some natural and cost-effective drugs with minimum adverse effects. In the present scenario, herbal drugs and their formulations have become an alternative to the synthetic drugs as they contain certain bioactive compounds which can be used further in the development of some potential, novel therapeutic agents. Purpose of the study was to assess the therapeutic potential of Trachyspermum ammi against Rheumatoid Arthritis. The antioxidant activity of two different extracts of Trachyspermum ammi i.e. aqueous and methanolic was evaluated by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), H2O2 radical scavenging activity. In- vitro bioassays were done in order to evaluate the anti-rheumatic activity of both the extracts. Some liable compounds (ligands) were identified from the plant extract which can engage a potential therapeutic target for Rheumatoid Arthritis. After eight predictions and on the basis of their interactions and docking, a lead compound i.e. 4-terpineol is identified which engages androgen receptor and their interaction can upregulate the function of androgen leading to immune-modulatory outcomes.