Abstract

EFFECT OF JUSTICIA FLAVA EXTRACT ON SOME PROTEIN PARAMETERS AND ON OXIDATIVE STRESS PARAMETERS DURING CFA-INDUCED ARTHRITIS IN RATS

*N. Guessan Yao Firmin, Monyn Epse Kouamé Ebalah Delphine, Kouamé Djè Kouamé Wenceslas, Doumbia Idrissa

ABSTRACT

Justicia flava is a plant belonging to the Acanthaceae family, widely used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory, infectious, and painful conditions. Therefore, the overall objective of this study was to evaluate the mitigating effect of this extract on protein disturbances and damage related to oxidative stress. Eight (8) groups of 8 rats each were used. All rats, except for the healthy control group, received a single 0.1 mL injection of CFA (Freund's Complete Adjuvant) solution under the plantar pad of the left hind paw. Administering CFA at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg bw significantly increased total protein levels from 8.95% to 15.01% (day 15) and from 25.77% to 41.75% (day 21) compared to arthritic control rats. The extract also increased albumin levels from 15.47% to 34.67% (day 15) and from 41% to 66% (day 21) compared to arthritic control rats. Regarding oxidative stress parameters, EAJf increased catalase (CAT) activity by 117.69% (500 mg/kg bw) and glutathione (GHS)activity by 172% (500 mg/kg bw), while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 55.09% (500 mg/kg bw) compared to arthritic control rats. Finally, EAJf restored total protein and albumin levels, as well as oxidative stress parameters (CAT, GHS, MDA), during CFA-induced arthritis.

Keywords: arthritis, CFA, Justicia flava, proteins, oxidative stress.