Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Agriculture - Department of Agricultural Biochemistry

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common rheumatic disease and emerged as an important worldwide public health problem. The objective of the present research was evaluation of the anti arthritic effect of thyme, turmeric, and cinnamon petroleum ether and ethanol extracts on adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA), which is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in human. The anti arthritic effect and mechanism of action of these extracts have been studied through measuring the size of inflammation and determination of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The safety of the studied plants' extracts on liver and kidney functions were evaluated. Total phenolic contents in the plants' powder, Fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter (UNSAP) in the petroleum ether extracts' were determined. Cinnamon showed the highest content of total phenolic compound (5.320 g GAE / 100g sample). GLC investigation of UNSAP revealed that campesterol, stigmasterol and Ý- amyrin were present in all the studied plants. Ý- sitosterol was present only in cinnamon. GLC analysis of the fatty acids showed that linolenic acid ({uF077}-3) was present in thyme, turmeric and cinnamon by 8.721%, 8.488% and 1.797%, respectively. All extracts produced significant reduction in inflammation ranged from 44 to 54%. Ethanol extract of turmeric showed the highest inhibition activity (54%). All studied extracts showed improvement in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level as oxidative stress marker and tumor necrosis factor- Ü (TNF- Ü) as inflammatory marker. Plasma levels of total protein, albumin and A / G ratio increased significantly in arthritic rats given daily oral dose of extracts, while plasma globulin reduced significantly. Oral administration of extracts showed significant improvement in nutritional parameters. All spices extracts showed complete safety towards liver and kidney functions. The present study proves the anti inflammatory activity of turmeric, cinnamon and thyme petroleum ether and ethanol extracts, which may have beneficial effects against rheumatoid arthritis onset/progression as shown in AIA rat model

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