Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Vitex leucoxylon L. Bark Extracts Against Freund's Complete Adjuvant Induced Arthritis in Sprague Dawley Rat

Problem statement: Anti-inflammatory agents, particularly steroids and cyclooxygenase inhibitors are often associated with adverse side effects including, GI irritation, ulcers, hypertension and cardiac abnormalities. A safe and effective intervention is essential for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Approach: Abstract Vitex leucoxylon L., a medicinal plant of the verbenaceae family, used in traditional medicine for relieving headache and catarrh. VL-89/185A, was obtained by bio activity-guided fractionation using 5-Lipoxygenase inhibitory activity. VL-89/185A was further tested against Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis in Sprague Dawley (SD) rat. Results: Oral supplementation of VL-89/185A resulted in significant anti-inflammatory effects as indicated by reduction in paw edema both at 100 and 250 mg kg^-1 doses when compared to untreated control rats. Furthermore, treatment with VL-89/185A significantly reduced circulating proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. The safety of VL-89/185A was established (LD₅₀ >5000 mg kg^-1 body) by acute oral toxicity limit test according to OECD guidelines 425. Conclusion: The safety and efficacy profiles indicated that VL-89/185A is a safe intervention for inflammatory disorders.