Anti-rheumatic arthritis efficacy of Pueraria montana extract against type-II collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis rat model an in vitro and in vivo assessment

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Pueraria montana (PM) is a Chinese medicinal herb used to treat alcoholism, inflammation, swelling, and anti-apoptosis. However, the mechanisms and active compounds of PM remain poorly understood.

Aim of the study

Chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect multiple joints. Inflammation begins in the synovium and spreads to the surrounding cartilage and bone if left untreated. This study assessed the probable anti-arthritic mechanisms of action of PM extracts. Type II collagen emulsion-induced rheumatoid used as an in vivo model.

Materials and methods

TNF-α-stimulated MC cells were used to investigate the mechanism of PM extract in RA, and the PM extract was confirmed using HPLC analysis. The antiproliferative efficacy of PM was assessed by MTT assay, and apoptotic activity was evaluated using Hoechst staining and flow cytometry assessment. Furthermore, the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) ratio and mRNA expression of Bcl-2, Cas-3, Cas-9, and SOCS1 were determined using ELISA and qRT-PCR.

Results

PM extract treatment possesses anti-arthritic properties in CIA rats and can suppress inflammation and inhibit the invasion and migration of MH7A cells. The upregulation of Bcl-2, a recognized inhibitor of apoptotic genes, prevents the release of cyto-C into the cytoplasm. The in vivo outcomes showed that PM reduced the arthritis score and toe swelling in CIA rats. In vitro, PM extract exhibited substantial antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic properties on TNF-α-induced MH7A cell lines. The invasive and adhesive properties of MH7A cells decreased, and MMP secretion was reduced.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the PM extract possesses anti-arthritic properties in the CIA model and is an extension of the clinical treatment of rheumatic arthritis.