The effect of two formulations of Entada phaseoloides seeds after topical application in monoiodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis in rats

Objective: Arthritis is a very common clinical condition affecting both sexes and all ages. Most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In all types of arthritis pain, inflammation and functional restriction are the presenting manifestation. Anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs, corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs etc are used for symptomatic relief but many times they are associated with adverse effects that can often be as difficult to manage as the disease itself. Therefore a need exists for new ways to treat these patients. In this study it was aimed to investigate the effect of topical application of two formulations of Entada phaseoloides (EP) seeds in the ‘monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis’ model in rats. Methods: Paste and ointment formulations of EP were tested. Thirty-two Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g were divided into four groups as (I) vehicle, (II) EP paste, (III), EP ointment and (IV) diclofenac ointment. Osteoarthritis was induced by intraarticular injection of 50 μl of MIA solution. Drug treatment was given topically according to groups for 14 days. Animals were observed for joint inflammation and gait. Joint histopathology was studied and scored. Results: Swelling and redness of left knee was seen in all rats within 24 h which subsided gradually. Lame gait and thickening of the joint capsule was seen only in control rats. Histopathologically, osteoarthritic changes were significantly less in drug-treated groups compared to control. Conclusion: Both the formulations of EP were effective in preventing the damage to the joint. [J Exp Integr Med 2013; 3(1): 37-41]