Targeting Synovial Inflammation and Joint Destruction: Therapeutic Potential of Nigella sativa Seeds in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Shahbaz Khan, Mohd Rizvan, Himank Varshney, Alka LohaniIntroduction:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent synovial inflammation and progressive joint destruction. Conventional therapies, including NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and DMARDs, may cause adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer, multi-targeted agents. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of Nigella sativa seed extract in carrageenan- and Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced rat models.
Materials and Methods:
Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using carrageenan-induced paw edema, while anti-arthritic activity was evaluated using CFA-induced arthritis in Wistar rats. Paw volume, body weight, motor coordination, hematological parameters, and joint histopathology were assessed.
results:
The investigations on acute toxicity proved the extract was safe up to 2000 mg/kg. Nigella sativa extract had a strong and dose-dependent effect on the paw edema in carrageenan induced acute inflammation. The CFA-induced model of chronic inflammatory arthritis treated showed a significant reduction in paw swelling, prevented weight loss and improved motor activity as compared to the controls with arthritis. The extract dramatically prevented inflammatory related hematological disorders by elevating the level of RBC and hemoglobin and decreasing the number of WBC and ESR. The histopathological results showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration rate, enhancement of bone trabecular thickness and bone architecture maintenance in treatment groups, which showed remission of inflammatory destruction of the joints. The effects of the high dose (100 mg/kg) were comparable to those of ibuprofen.
Results:
Acute toxicity studies showed that the extract was safe up to 2000 mg/kg. Nigella sativa produced a significant, dose-dependent reduction in carrageenan-induced paw edema. In CFA-induced arthritis, the extract reduced paw swelling, prevented body-weight loss, improved motor activity, and attenuated alterations in RBC, WBC, Hb, and ESR. Histopathological examination demonstrated reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, improved trabecular thickness, and preservation of bone architecture.
Discussion:
The observed effects are consistent with the reported anti-inflammatory potential of Nigella sativa, which may involve suppression of inflammatory mediators and pathways. The findings support its multi-targeted activity against inflammation and joint damage.
Conclusion:
Nigella sativa seed extract demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects, suggesting potential as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory disorders such as RA.