Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis, disease of unknown causes is a rheumatic and autoimmune pathology, recognised for its increasing frequency and its adverse consequences. It is a disease that occurs in most cases between 50 and 60 years and women are more affected than men. This study aimed at evaluating immunomodulatory and anti-arthritis capacity of aqueous and methanol extracts of stem bark of Piptadeniastrum africanum (Mimosaceae). METHODS: ROS production from phagocytes, proliferation of T-cells, TNF-α and IL-1β production and cytotoxicity were performed by using chemiluminescence technique, liquid scintillation counter, ELISA and MTT assay, respectively. Anti-arthritic activity was evaluated using a model of adjuvant induced arthritis. RESULTS: Methanol and aqueous extracts of Piptadeniastrum africanum significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited extracellular and intracellular ROS production. These extracts also possess significant (P < 0.001) inhibitory activity on T-cell proliferation other than reduced TNF-α and IL-1β production. Piptadeniastrum africanum also significantly exhibited antiarthritic activity in complete Freund's adjuvant induced arthritis in rat associated with a significant anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesia activity. CONCLUSIONS: Immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antihyperalgesia and anti-arthritis potential revealed in this study approve that, Piptadeniastrum africanum is a plant rich in compounds with anti-arthritic properties.