Experimental evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential of Saccharum officinarum node extract in FCA-induced arthritic models

Background Saccharum officinarum has been traditionally utilized to treat different types of inflammation in ayurvedic medicine. Scientific investigation into the therapeutic potential of plant nodes remains limited and has not been extensively explored. Objectives To investigate the pharmacological efficacy of ethanolic extract of S. officinarum node (EESO) in reducing inflammation and arthritis in experimental models. Methods EESO was obtained via ethanol extraction and analysed for its phytochemical constituents. Rat paw edema was used to check for anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan induced model, with Methotrexate (1 mg/kg) employed as the conventional reference drug. The EESO node was administered orally to experimental animals at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. Measurements of paw thickness were taken at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h. The anti-arthritic activity was assessed in the rat through induction of arthritis using Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA). Parameters assessed included paw edema, motor coordination, nociceptive threshold, and, post-sacrifice, biochemical (CRP, RF, ALP, AST, ALT), haematological (Hb, RBC, WBC, ESR), cytokine (TNF -α, IL -1, IL -6), radiological, and histopathological markers. Results EESO at 200 mg/kg significantly reduced paw edema by inhibiting inflammatory mediator release and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) in FCA-induced arthritic rats. Histopathology showed decreased synovial hyperplasia and cartilage erosion due to reduced immune cell infiltration and joint inflammation. These inhibiting inflammatory mediator release, downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced immune cell infiltration and joint inflammation scientifically validate the traditional use of EESO in managing arthritis and inflammation. This data sufficiently support the assertion that EESO can be utilized for the treatment of arthritis and inflammation. Conclusions EESO at a dose of 200 mg/kg demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity in the study, scientifically validating its traditional use. The findings provide adequate preclinical evidence supporting its potential therapeutic role. These results suggest that EESO could serve as a natural treatment option for managing arthritis and inflammation.