Ethanol Leaf Extract of Buchholzia coriacea Ameliorates Biochemical Dysregulations Due to Rheumatoid Arthritis in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that involves many body organs. In this study, we examined the anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect of ethanol leaf extract of Buchholzia coriacea (ELEBC). Methods Firstly, the chemical compositions of ELEBC were investigated. The in vivo study was further done using 90 female rats weighing 121–146 g. Rats were appropriated into 6 groups (n = 15). Group 1 was provided with normal saline (1 ml/kg) only. Group 2 was induced with RA and untreated. Group 3 was induced and treated with 5 mg/kg indomethacin™ while Groups 4–6 were induced with RA and treated with ELEBC at varied doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Induction of RA was done using Freund’s adjuvant, whereas the route of administration of the standard drug and the extract was via oral intubation. The study period was 31 days. Results The chemical composition analysis revealed that ELEBC has a high level of various chemical constituents. The adjuvant injection caused a significant increase in paw sizes plus a reduction in body weight. Levels of creatinine, uric acid, total protein, white blood cell, and total and conjugated bilirubin were significantly elevated in the arthritic rats. There were significant elevations in alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase activities while the levels of red blood cells, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin were lowered significantly. Treatment with ELEBC markedly reduced the paw sizes and caused weight gain. Conclusion Other biochemical dysregulations were also ameliorated. Thus, ELEBC may be useful in the control of RA.