Suppressive effects of QFGJS, a preparation from an anti-arthritic herbal formula, on rat experimental adjuvant-induced arthritis.
To analyze the anti-arthritic effects of QFGJS (a pharmaceutical preparation from herbs) on rheumatoid arthritis, adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) was established in male SD rats, and two administration protocols, i.e., oral treatment with different doses of QFGJS on the day of arthritis induction or on the day when visible clinical signs of arthritis occurred, were initiated and continued until day 30. Treatments with QFGJS using both administration protocols significantly suppressed the incidence and severity of arthritis in a dose-dependent manner, showing dramatic reduction of paw swelling and ESR throughout the disease progression of AIA. Radiological and histopathological examinations showed markedly decreased tissue and bone destruction of ankle joints in the QFGJS-treated rats. The serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 were significantly decreased in the QFGJS-treated rats. QFGJS demonstrates pronounced anti-arthritic effects on AIA, indicating that this herbal preparation would be a potent candidate as a novel botanical drug for further investigation.
Cai
Xiong
X
Research and Development Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, China.
Zhou
Hua
H
Wong
Yuen Fan
YF
Xie
Ying
Y
Liu
Zhong Qiu
ZQ
Jiang
Zhi Hong
ZH
Bian
Zhao Xiang
ZX
Xu
Hong Xi
HX
Liu
Liang
L
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001169:Arthritis, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D002356:Cartilage / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D029001:Herbal Medicine; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D007596:Joints / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013997:Time Factors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007375:Interleukin-1; D015850:Interleukin-6; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; C520667:qingfu guanjieshu