Histopathological Evaluation of GastroHepatoprotective Effect of Cassia fistula versus Naproxen in Rat Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating disease leading to incapacitation and deformity due to side effects of anti arthritic drugs and chronic need to use these drugs, patients often switch to and prefer phytotherapy. Aims & Objectives: The present study was the histopathological evaluation of gastrohepatoprotective effect of Cassia fistula compared to naproxen in rheumatoid arthritis murine model. Place and duration of study: This three month study was conducted at the Animal House, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. Material & Methods: Ninety six male rats were randomly sorted into 12 groups (n=8). CFA injection (0.2 ml) was administered in the right hind paw of all groups except Group 1 (negative control). Group 2 (positive control) and groups 3-7 (prophylactic groups) were administered orally BD on 3 consecutive days 1,2 &3, naproxen (25mg/kg), anthraquinone (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg) and methanolic (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg) extracts of Cassia fistula respectively, the first dose given 30min prior to CFA injection .Groups 8-12 (therapeutic groups) were given naproxen, anthraquinone and methanolic extracts orally BD respectively in the same doses on 3 consecutive days 9, 10 and 11. On Day 15, histopathology of stomach & liver was done. Results: Oral anthraquinone and methanolic extracts of Cassia fistula 500mg/kg vs 250mg/kg BD, in prophylactic groups normalized histology of gastric and liver tissue more as compared to the therapeutic groups and to naproxen gastrohepatic damage . Conclusion: Cassia fistula anthraquinone and methanolic extracts exhibited greater prophylactic than therapeutic, dose dependent gastrohepatoprotection as compared to naproxen damage to these organs in the CFA rheumatoid arthritis rat model. Key words: Cassia fistula, Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA), naproxen, gastrohepatoprotective