Background: Capparis spinosa grows in Asian and Mediterranean desert areas. Different parts of Capparis spinosa, including flowers, have been used in various folk medicine applications.
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the anti-arthritic potential of ethanolic extract of Egyptian Capparis spinosa flowers in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, analysis of Capparis spinosa extract was performed using LC-qTOF-MS/MS.
Methods: Animals were split into six groups: negative control group, induced arthritic animals, arthritic rats receiving 7, 14 and 28 mg/kg of Capparis spinosa extract, respectively, in three groups to detect the optimum dose, and the induced group receiving a standard drug. The arthritic score was checked daily for 15 days after induction. After animals were sacrificed, their joints and muscles were subjected to microscopic and ultra-structure examinations. Ex vivo culturing of osteoclasts was performed. Cytokine levels were measured in all examined groups.
Results: The results revealed 7 mg/kg of Capparis spinosa extract as the optimal dose, which decreased inflammation signs through controlling chondrocytes, osteoclasts, and levels of inflammatory mediators.
Conclusion: LC-Mass analysis revealed Capparis spinosa extract to contain a mixture of flavonol glycosides, flavan-3-ols and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, which may provide beneficial multifunction in regulating arthritic symptoms.
Keywords: Capparis spinosa; adjuvant induced arthritis rats; cytokines; histology; osteoclasts; rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
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