Mountain Top University Library

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a persistent autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation and has systemic consequences. The spleen, which is an essential component of the immune system, undergoes changes in response to inflammation brought on by RA. Alafia barteri, a shrub with anti-inflammatory qualities, has attracted interest for its traditional therapeutic usage. This study aimed to look into the protective effects of Alafia barteri extracts on spleen of formalin-induced arthritis mice. Arthritis was induced by injecting 0.1 ml of 2% formaldehyde into the right hind paw of the mice. Alafia barteri extract was orally administered to the treatment group for a period of 14 days and the body weight of the mice was measured. The results showed that spleen index was much less in the treatment groups given Alafia barteri extracts than in the arthritic control. The treatment groups had no effect on the body weight of the mice as compared to the arthritic group that caused a decrease in the body weight of the mice. There was a reduction in paw diameter underscores the potential anti-inflammatory action of the extract and indicates the extracts' potential to alleviate arthritic symptoms. Splenic antioxidant enzymes,including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH) was assayed for and they were markly decreased in the arthritic control group which indicate oxidative stress. The treatment
groups however, showed elevated levels of SOD, catalase and GSH which suggests antioxidant properties. Interleukin-1 beta, a cytokine that promotes inflammation, was also markedly increased in the arthritis group, but treatment with Alafia barteri extract reduced its levels. In conclusion, this research shows that Alafia barteri extract has anti-inflammatory properties against formalin-induced arthritis. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities of the extract may help with its potential therapeutic use in treating RA.
Keywords: Antioxidants, autoimmune, formaldehyde, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis