Green-synthesis and characterization of Pueraria tuberosa aqueous extract loaded silver nanoparticles for antiarthritic effect against Freund’s complete adjuvant induced in male Wistar rats

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune chronic illness affecting 0.5% to 1% of the population. Traditional medicinal plants, pivotal in drug discovery, prompted the investigation of Pueraria tuberosa (PT) tuber for its anti-rheumatic properties. Aqueous extract of PT and Pueraria tuberosa loaded silver nanoparticle (PTAgNP) were investigated for their effects in Freund’s Complete Adjuvant induced RA in rats. In vivo evaluation using Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis model and Pueraria tuberosa tuber extract at a dose (200, 400 mg/kg) and PTAgNP 100mg/kg was used as a treatment for about 21 days. NPs were characterized using UV, XRD, SEM, zetasizer. After 21 days treatment, oxidative stress in paw tissue, biochemical parameter, inflammatory cytokines, x-ray, histopathological analysis of ankle joint were evaluated. PT and PTAgNP which showed treatment significantly ameliorates the adjuvant induced arthritic scoring, histological alterations, paw volume, elevation of biochemical (AST, ALT, ALP, CRP) and restored the endogenous anti-oxidant (SOD, GSH, MDA) activities. Significant reduction in paw swelling, arthritis score and weight of spleen in treatment groups. Increased in the body weight, indicating improvement of disease condition. Biochemical analyses indicated reduced ESR, WBC and increased level of RBC and Hb suggesting decreased inflammation. There was also a significant decrease in levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokines in treatment groups. Radiological examination showed reduced soft tissue swelling and joint changes in treated groups. PT and PTAgNPs showed anti-arthritic effects through anti-oxidant activity, reduction of inflammatory markers and improvement in joint parameters. These findings support further exploration of PT and the nanoparticles demonstrated significant antiarthritic activity against rheumatoid arthritis induced by complete Freund's adjuvant in experimental rats, surpassing the effects of the extract and standard indomethacin, Pueraria tuberosa loaded silver nanoparticle showed as a potential source as a novel anti-arthritic drug.