Disease Modifying Activity of Rosa centifolia in Experimental Arthritis

Rosa centifolila Linn. (Family: Rosaceae) commonly known as 'Shatapatri' in Ayurveda and 'Gul-e-Surkh' in Unani is a constituent of many antiinflammatory and antiarthritic formulations in traditional medicine. The present study evaluates the antiarthritic activity of Rosa centifolia hydroalcoholic extract (RCHE) in formaldehyde and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis. To evaluate the effect of RCHE on modulation of disease activity in CFA induced arthritis, we evaluated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines viz. TNF-a in serum by ELISA and IL-1ß and IL-6 in the synovial joint by immunohistochemistry. As most of the pathological effects of TNF-a are mediated by TNF-R1, we also evaluated the receptor expression in the synovial joint. RCHE significantly reduced the joint swelling in both formaldehyde and CFA induced arthritis as compared to the control animals. TNF-a level in the serum and IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-R1 expression in the synovial joint was also found to be reduced as compared to the control. Results clearly indicate the modulation of immune status in the antiarthritic activity of RCHE. Findings of the present study validate the traditional use of RCHE in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.