Objective: To study the effect of geniposide on serum IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels of rheumatoid arthritis rats, as well as the mechanism of this drug.
Method: To establish an experimental rat model of type II collagen-induced arthritic (CIA). The inhibitory effects on paw edema were observed, and serum IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels were determined in experimental rats.
Result: Compared with the model, geniposide delayed the starting time of right paw edema significantly, and the levels of serum IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were significantly decreased by geniposide at high dose or medium dose (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Geniposide can lower serum IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels in rheumatoid arthritis rats. The effect may be close related to inhibitory development of rheumatoid arthritis by the agent.