Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pain and inflammation are closely associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which affects the bones and joints. AIM: While there are a number of therapeutic options for arthritis, their side effects restrict their use and encourage the search for alternative, natural remedies. METHODS: In male rats, we examined the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of Naja haje venom (NHV). Thirty adult albino rats were divided into five equal groups, each consisting of six rats. The 1st group was kept as a control, while the 2nd group Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) received an injection of 0.05 ml of FCA for eight days to induce RA and inflammation. The 3rd group (FCA/NHVL) and the 4th group (FCA/NHVH) received an injection of FCA followed by an intraperitoneal injection of 0.042 µg/kg (low; L) and 0.085 µg/kg (high; H) of lyophilized NHV, respectively, for 14 days. The 5th group (FCA/Indomethacin) received an injection of FCA followed by an intraperitoneal injection of 0.25 mg indomethacin/kg for 14 days. RESULTS: This study found that NHVH significantly increased the body's total antioxidant capacity after FCA while lowering the levels of interleukins IL-10 and IL-6, as well as the activity of genes that cause inflammation, like nuclear factor kappa B and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Furthermore, histological findings in NHVH groups showed a partial regeneration of the cartilage, bone, and synovium in the palm and ankle joint compartments. CONCLUSION: All of our findings suggest that NHV has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic qualities that may help repair the joint damaging components caused by FCA and restore cellular equilibrium.