EVALUATION OF ANTI-ARTHRITIC ACTIVITY OF MICROSPONGE FORMULATION IN FREUND’S COMPLETE ADJUVANT-INDUCED ARTHRITIC RAT MODEL

The aim of the present study was to improve the release rate of herbal drugs by microsponges prepared through quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique using ethyl cellulose and PVA as carriers. The microsponges were characterized by FTIR, DSC and SEM studies followed by the determination of total drug content and entrapment efficiency. Anti-arthritic activity was evaluated by Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritic rat model. RA was induced by intradermal injection of 0.1 ml FCA in the left hind paw. The animals were treated with doses 50:50, 70:30, 30:70, and 100:100 mg/kg b.w. of microsponge formulation. Methotrexate at a dose of 10 mg/kg is used as a standard drug. Assessment of paw volume, % inhibition of paw volume, serum parameters for RA factor determination and histopathological examination was also carried out.In this current study, the microsponge formulation (B. serrata + A. barbadensis) had a better effect on controlling CFA induced arthritis. Formulation codes M1 and M4 showed a good reduction in paw edema and joint thickness. It produced a significant reduction of R_f values comparable to the methotrexate treated group. Therefore prepared microsponge has got definite effect in reducing the inflammatory components as well as the above-cited results also focus on its immunomodulatory role. Hence, the polymeric microsponge-based formulation of herbal drugs would be an anticipation and promising substitute to conventional therapy of rheumatoid arthritis and supports the common belief prevailing in traditional medicines worldwide.