Planta Med 2012; 78 - PI105
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1320792

Theaflavin (TF), chief flavanoid of black tea protect adjuvant induced rheumatoid arthritis in experimental animal models

P Datta 1, A Gomes 1
  • 1Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, Calcutta University, Kolkata, India

Objectives: Evaluating the anti-arthritic activity of Theaflavin. Materials and Method: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) was induced by Freund's complete adjuvant. Subjects: Male albino Wistar rats (120±10g), groups: I- Sham control, II- Arthritis control, III- Standard drug, IV- TF treated (0.01mg 100gm-1 ip for 14 days), V- TF treated (0.05mg 100gm-1 ip for 14 days). Anti-arthritic activity of TF was examined through physical, urinary, serum, synovial fluid parameters, histological structure, X ray of joints & bone minerals content. Institutional Animal Ethical Committee approved all animal experiments. Results were expressed in terms of mean±SEM (n=6) and Level of Significance determined through One Way ANOVA (P<0.05). Results: Ankle & paw diameter changed significantly in arthritic group compared to Group I and this change was significantly restored in group IV & V. Urinary markers hydroxyproline, glucosamine, pyridoline and deoxypridoline levels were significantly restored in Group IV & V. 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 Group IV & V. Histological and X-Ray studies showed significant effects. Conclusion: Findings showed that TF possess distinct anti-arthritic activity.