Theaflavin, chief flavanoid of black tea protect adjuvant induced rheumatoid arthritis in animal models*

Objectives: Aim of the study was to evaluate the anti arthritic activity of theaflavin (TF), chief flavonoid of black tea in rheumatoid arthritis animal model.

Materials and Method: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was induced by Freund's complete adjuvant. Male albino Wistar rats (120±10g) were used and divided into following groups: Gr1- Sham control, Gr2 -Arthritis control, Gr 3- Standard drug, Gr 4- TF treated (0.01mg 100gm^-1 ip x14 days), Gr5- TF treated (0.05mg 100gm^-1 ip x14 days). Anti-arthritic activity of TF was examined through physical, urinary, serum, synovial fluid parameters, histological structure, X-ray of joints and bone minerals content. All animal experiments were approved by Institutional animal ethical committee. Results were expressed in terms of mean±SEM (n=6) and level of significance determined through one way ANOVA (P<0.05).

Results: Ankle and paw diameter significantly restored in TF treated group. Urinary markers hydroxyproline, glucosamine, pyridoline and deoxypridoline levels were significantly restored in TF treated groups. Serum enzymes (ACP/ALP), cytokines (osteocalcin, IL6, TNFα, IL 10, IL 12), synovial fluid cytokines, antioxidant markers, bone ash minerals (Ca⁺⁺, P and Na) were restored significantly in TF treated group. Histological and Xray studies showed partial restoration in TF treated groups.

Conclusion: Findings showed that TF possess distinct anti arthritic activity in experimental arthritis models.