EVALUATION OF THE ANTI-ARTHRITIC POTENTIAL OF SALIX ALBA IN EXPERIMENTAL RATS

Arthritis is a joint disorder which is characterized by inflammation. A joint function to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis means inflammation of one or more joints. The study investigates the anti-arthritic activity in rodents by use of in-vivo parameters Paw volume, Knee diameter, Paw thickness, Paw oedema, and body weight. Some biochemical parameters were also done, such as SGOT, SGPT, Total protein estimation, ESR rate, Haemoglobin level Histopathological investigation. Animals serving as arthritic control received 2% formaldehyde 0.1ml throughout the study; while the animals in the standard group received 10mg/kg of Indomethacin. The animal in the test group received 240mg/kg extract once daily by oral route. The results revealed that preliminary phytochemical screening of Salix alba extract, revealed the presence of following phytoconstituents i.e., alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins and proteins. The proximal analysis of extract was found ash value, acid value and moisture content. Histopathology was represented, Normal control group joint normal synovial membrane and joint space, Negative control group Arthritis characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells neutrophils & lymphocytes joint space. Test group joint marked recovery of synovial membrane but mild inflammation reaction in joint space. Standard Joint marked degeneration of bone and synovial membrane. The present study’s findings reveal that Salix alba extract has anti-arthritic activity, which could be due to its various effects. It could be used as add-on therapy in the management of arthritic conditions.