Abstract
BACKGROUND: As a chronic joint condition, osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem among older people. Pain, aching, stiffness, swelling, decreased flexibility, reduced function, and disability are the symptoms of arthritis. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we tested the extracts of Ziziphus jujuba (ZJE) and Boswellia serrata (BSE) to reduce OA symptoms as an alternative treatment. METHODS: NMRI mice were administered an intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA; 1 mg/10 mL) in the left knee joint cavity for the induction of OA. Hydroalcoholic extracts of ZJE (250 and 500 mg/kg), BSE (100 and 200 mg/kg), and combined ZJE and BSE were orally administered daily for 21 days. Following behavioral tests, plasma samples were collected to detect inflammatory factors. To screen for general toxicity, acute oral toxicity was evaluated. RESULTS: Oral administration of all the hydroalcoholic extracts significantly increased the locomotor activity, pixel values of the foot-print area, paw withdrawal threshold, the latency of the withdrawal response to heat stimulation, and decreased the difference between pixel values of hind limbs compared to the vehicle group. Also, the elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were reduced. As tested in this study, ZJE and BSE were practically nontoxic and had a high degree of safety. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the oral administration of ZJE and BSE slows the progression of OA through anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. Oral co-administration of ZJE and BSE extracts can be used as herbal medicine to inhibit OA progression.