Anti-arthritic Property of Sahacharadi Kashayam Against Freund's Complete

Introduction: The available modern molecular drugs for the therapy of Rheumatoid arthritis are beset with several side effects and alternative drugs are urgently needed. The present investigation was performed to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of Sahacharadi Kashayam (SK), an Ayurvedic formulation, against Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) - induced arthritis in rats. Methods: In this experimental trial, SK was administered at doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ml/kg body weight orally to adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritic rats. The anti-arthritic activity was evaluated by using paw volume, haematological parameters and arthritic biomarkers. The efficacy of the Kashayam was compared with the standard Leflunomide (10 mg/kg) drug. Results: Significant reduction in paw volume and thickness by SK (0.5 ml dose) has been found and there was considerably improvement in haematological parameters and arthritic markers in CFA rats till 14 days. After 14^th day SK treatment with doses (1.0 and 1.5ml), however, reoccurrence of inflammation and pathological changes were observed in rats. Conclusion: The study clearly indicated the anti-arthritic role of SK. Future studies, however, are warranted to provide a new approach in relation to the therapeutic dose and treatment period of SK which may eventually lead to the development of a new category of the anti-arthritic agent.