DefinePK

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent inflammation, joint degradation, and systemic complications. Current treatment regimens, while effective, often come with adverse effects and limited long-term applicability. Therefore, the exploration of plant-based therapeutic alternatives with minimal toxicity is of significant interest.This study explores the anti-arthritic potential of two medicinal plants, Aegle marmelos and Momordica cymbalaria, widely known for their traditional therapeutic applications. Fruits from both plants were collected, shade-dried, and subjected to successive solvent extraction using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water. The percentage yield varied with each solvent, with ethanolic extracts showing the highest yield. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, saponins, and terpenoids—compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.The in vitro anti-arthritic activity was evaluated using protein denaturation assays involving bovine serum albumin and egg albumin. Denaturation of proteins is a primary mechanism in inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis, and agents that prevent this process can serve as potential anti-arthritic drugs. Both plants exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation. Notably, the ethanolic extract of Aegle marmelos demonstrated the highest inhibition (88%) in the bovine serum albumin model, closely comparable to the standard diclofenac sodium (95%). Similarly, Momordica cymbalaria ethanolic extract showed significant inhibition (up to 77%) at 500 µg/mL concentration.These results highlight the therapeutic potential of both plants in managing arthritis through protein stabilization mechanisms. The presence of multiple phytochemicals in the extracts may contribute synergistically to the observed effects. The findings support the ethnomedicinal use of these plants and lay the groundwork for further studies, including in vivo evaluations and isolation of active constituents, to validate and develop effective, plant-based anti-arthritic agents.