Formulation of Calendula officinalis, Glycine max, and Aloe vera extract topical gel ointment attenuates rheumatoid arthritis in rats via inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines

Abstract

Abstract Background: Several pharmacological effects have been reported on Calendula officinalis (C), Aloe vera (A) and Glycine max (G) scientific validation of its rheumatoid arthritis property of the combination of these plants in topical gel ointment has not been done so far. Due to its promising therapeutic effects, to improve its efficacy, we designed combined these plants in gel ointment (CAG/gel). This study aimed to investigate special participation of a new topical herbal formulation containing CAG in gel ointment in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory models. Methods: HPLC analysis were performed to investigate the chemical composition of herbal formulation. The efficacy of CAG/gel as potential treatment was supported in CFA-induced-arthritis rats in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 studies and proliferation of B and T lymphocytes. Result: In the phytochemical profile, seventeen flavonoids were identified. Results indicated that topical administration of CAG/gel to CFA-induced-arthritis rats showed a significant reduction of paw swelling like those of the diclofenac used as reference. Arthritic joints produce the remission of disease and recovery of the joint structure and regulates the levels of proinflammatory mediators. CAG/gel modulates adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis by regulating inflammatory cytokines. CAG/gel treatment showed that the polyphenolic-rich extract no cytotoxic effect in RAW 264.7 cells and also exhibited significantly inhibition production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin (IL)-6, nitric oxide (NO),and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages RAW 264.7. In addition, CAG/gel significantly decreased the abnormal proliferation of B and T lymphocytes. Conclusion: Findings demonstrated that treatment with CAG/gel provides satisfactory rheumatoid arthritis property to those in the standard diclofenac. The improved rheumatoid arthritis, especially in the 10% CAG/gel groups, can be attributed to phytochemical content which reveals the presence of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant as the major active components. The mechanism of anti-rheumatoid arthritis associated to decrease of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines to its immune function. The CAG/gel exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory activity with a synergistic effect between the flavonoids contained in the three plants. Thus, CAG/gel ointment is a reasonable alternative to the topical formulation for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis conditions.