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Anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory efficacy of Micromeria biflora Benth extract and its fractions in rats by restoring oxidative stress, metalloproteinases, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines network

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A Correction to this article was published on 07 November 2024

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Abstract

Micromeria biflora (M.B) Benth has proven anti-inflammatory efficacy, thereby, the goal of the current investigation was to assess the anti-arthritic potential of M.B ethanolic extract and fractions as well as to investigate the likely mechanism of action. The effectiveness of M.B against acute arthritic manifestations was assessed using an arthritic model prompted by formaldehyde, whereas a chronic model was developed using an adjuvant called Complete Freund’s in Sprague–Dawley rats. Weekly evaluations were conducted for parameters involving paw volume, body weight, and arthritic score; at the completion of the CFA model, hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters as well as the level of various mediators (PGE2, IL-1β, TNFα, IL6, MMP2, 3, 9, VEGF, NF-ĸB, IL-10, and IL-4) were evaluated. The results demonstrated the plant’s ability to treat arthritis by showing a significant decrease in paw volume, arthritic score, and histological characteristics. The levels of NF-ĸB, MMP2, 3, 9, IL6, IL1β, TNFα, and VEGF were all significantly reduced after treatment with plant extract and fractions. Plant extract and its fractions substantially preserved body weight loss, oxidative stress markers and levels of IL-4 and 1L-10. PGE2 levels were also shown to be reduced in the treatment groups, supporting the M.B immunomodulatory ability. Hematological and biochemical indicators were also normalized after M.B administration. Outcomes of the study validated the anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory attributes of M.B probably through modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers.

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Funding

This work was funded by the Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at Jouf University under grant no. DGSSR-2023-01-02424.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, 72341, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia

    Fakhria A. Al-Joufi & Sumera Qasim

  2. Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan

    Ambreen Malik Uttra, Urooj Iqbal & Nabeela Tabassum Sial

  3. Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Institute of Pharmacy, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan

    Nabeela Tabassum Sial

  4. College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, 72341, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia

    Noura M. Alhumaid

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  1. Fakhria A. Al-Joufi
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Correspondence to Ambreen Malik Uttra or Sumera Qasim.

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Al-Joufi, F.A., Uttra, A.M., Qasim, S. et al. Anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory efficacy of Micromeria biflora Benth extract and its fractions in rats by restoring oxidative stress, metalloproteinases, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines network. Inflammopharmacol 32, 2477–2491 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-024-01479-y

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