title: Suppressive effect of Withania somnifera root powder on experimental gouty arthritis: An in vivo and in vitro study.
abstract: The effect of Withania somnifera L. Dunal root powder on paw volume and serum lysosomal enzyme activities was investigated in monosodium urate crystal-induced rats. The levels of beta-glucuronidase and lactate dehydrogenase were also measured in monosodium urate crystal incubated polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL). A significant increase in the level of paw volume and serum lysosomal enzymes was observed in monosodium urate crystal-induced rats. The increased beta-glucuronidase and lactate dehydrogenase level were observed in untreated monosodium urate crystal incubated polymorphonuclear leucocytes. On treatment with the W. somnifera root powder (500/1000 mg/kg body weight), the above changes were reverted back to near normal levels. W. somnifera also showed potent analgesic and antipyretic effect with the absence of gastric damage at different dose levels in experimental rats. For comparison purpose, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indomethacin was used as a standard. These results provide evidence for the suppressive effect of W. somnifera root powder by retarding amplification and propagation of the inflammatory response without causing any gastric damage.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Biosciences, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed University), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India. mkr474@rediffmail.com
authors.forename: Mahaboobkhan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rasool
authors.forename: Palaninathan
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Varalakshmi
mesh_terms: D019342:Acetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001169:Arthritis, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015210:Arthritis, Gouty / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002460:Cell Line; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D032341:Withania / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D014527:Uric Acid; D019342:Acetic Acid; D007213:Indomethacin