Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Tinospora Cordifolia extract through in-vitro and in-vivo methods

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systematic autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation, pain and stiffness, leading to loss of function of the joint. However, pharmacological treatments are usually accompanied by undesired adverse side effects, therefore, there has been a relatively increased concern in other forms of treatment. In this research, the possible treatment effects of Tinospora cordifolia are examined given that the plant possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Thus, in vivo and in vitro approaches were employed in conducting the research. In vivo the study entailed the use of Tinospora cordifolia extract on an animal model of RA to determine its therapeutic efficacy in relation to joint swelling, pain and inflammation. Some of the animals received the extract for a pre – determined period and clinical signs of arthritis like paw swelling and pain score were assessed. The changes in the degree of tissue injury and inflammation at the cellular level were also assessed using histopathological examination. In vitro studies analyzed the scientific performance of the extract on immune cells and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. PBMCs were prepared and cultured with Tinospora cordifolia extract and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, IL-6 were estimated. Cell viability and the regulation of cytokine gene expression were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. The findings showed that the tested compounds reduced the joint inflammation and pain in the in vivo RA model, as well as suppressed the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the in vitro experiments. It is further evidence that Tinospora cordifolia may have immunomodulatory effects and anti-inflammatory activity and could be used as a complementary or even an alternative to conventional RA medicines. Thus, more studies are required before pinpointing bioactive compounds accountable for the effects depicted herein.