Synergistic Activities of Ethanolic Extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis Leaves in Conventional Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Ankles of Wistar Rats

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common cause of chronic inflammatory joint disease. Plant extracts contain several bioactive factors which can re-establish the homeostasis of joints and joint cartilages. Objectives: This study aim to evaluate the synergism of ethanolic extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves with Ibuprofen and Sulfasalazine as an antirheumatic agent. Methodology: 45 adult male Wistar rats were subjected to different types of treatment; A: Positive control, B: Low dose of extract only, C: Medium dose of extract only, D: High dose of extract only, E: Ibuprofen and Sulfasalazine only, F: Ibuprofen, Sulfasalazine and Low dose of extract, G: Ibuprofen, Sulfasalazine and Medium dose of extract, H: Ibuprofen, Sulfasalazine and High dose of extract, I: Normal control. Groups A-H were collagen-induced arthritic (CIA) models. One week before sacrifice, anterior-posterior and lateral diameters of both ankles, physical appearance and weight were assessed. After sacrifice, histological analysis of ankles using modified Mankin scoring system was done. Results: Groups F-H exhibited significant results in direct proportion to the dosages of J. tanjorensis extract administered and the combination of drugs. Increased doses slowed down the progression of cartilage destruction evidenced by prevention of joint swellings and preservation of chondrocytes and its histological features, while treatement with different dosages of the extract only was found to be unremarkable. Conclusion: The result indicate that the plant extract could enhance current treatment options of rheumatoid arthritis. The physical appearance, assessment of weight, anterior-posterior and lateral diameters, and histological examination of both ankles of the animal confirms the assumptions of Jatropha tanjorensis in management of rheumatoid arthritis.