Protective effect of rutin in attenuation of collagen-induced arthritis in Wistar rat by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress

Background/aim: In the present study, the protective effect of rutin in ameliorating the disease process via markedly reducing the reactive oxygen species in joint destruction was demonstrated in collagen induced arthritis (CIA) model. Methods: Arthritis was induced in male Wistar rats by CIA method. Rutin was administered at a dose of 25 mg kg^-1 body weight once daily for 21 days. The effects of treatment in the rats were assessed by biochemical and histological evaluation in joints. Results: There was a steep elevation in the activity of neutrophils elastase following by the induction of disease. The depletion of the cellular defence in the CIA rats was significant decrease in the enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants. The study revealed that the treatment with rutin was due to the significant changes on all the parameters studied in CIA rats as compared to control. Conclusions: These data confirm that erosive destruction of the joint cartilage in CIA is due to free radicals released by activated neutrophils. The beneficial effect of rutin may be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. This study indicates that the administration of rutin might have potential value in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.