Cordia myxa abrogates rheumatoid synoviocytes through inhibiting inflammatory responses and expression profiles of the TNF-α and COX-2 signaling pathway in a rodent model.

The exact reasons behind rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are still unknown, though multiple contributing factors include genetic factors, family history, environmental factors, hormones, age, etc. Identifying complicated genetic variants may help create new treatments and enable personalized medicine based on a person's genetic composition. Promising medicinal fruits are increasingly being incorporated into functional nutrition. Overall, these fruits possess significant therapeutic challenges not only for immunomodulation but also for a variety of inflammatory diseases. Fortunately, Cordia myxa can effectively inhibit signaling pathways crucial for inflammation at most Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX), a mechanism that explicates its anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this protocol was to assess the therapeutic benefits of Cordia myxa (Bumber) as an herbal alternative to COX-2 and TNF-α inhibitor drugs in male Wistar rats with rheumatic arthritis (RA) induced by type II collagen. Male rats of the Wistar strain, weighing 200 ± 10 g, were allocated into 4 groups: a control group, Bumber group [15% Cordia myxa of the diet weight], Arthritic group [CII 1.0 mL/rat by both intraperitoneal (I.P.) & intradermal (I.D.) injection], and treated group [Bumber (15% Cordia myxa of the diet weight) + CII (1.0 mL/rat i.p.)]. All groups were subjected to their respective treatments daily for 60 consecutive days; the C. myxa was concurrently administered with collagen. Rheumatic arthritis disease activity using the titer of rheumatoid factor (RF), markers of inflammation, and the apoptotic BAX gene was assayed. The arthritic group evidenced a marked elevation in blood RF compared to the distilled water-treated group. The positivity level of both TNF-α and COX-2 was significantly (P < 0.05) expressed in hepatocytes and enterocytes from RA rats compared to those in control samples. Consistent results were demonstrated for the Bax protein expression in the RA group. Histopathological examination revealed osteoarthritis with papillary and granulomatous lesions, hepatocyte necrosis, and intestinal necrosis in arthritic rats. Concurrent administration of Cordia myxa by the arthritic group reduced (P < 0.05) the rise in these indices. Whereas, Bumber lessened the severity of collagen II-induced arthritis and tissue damage. To conclude, Cordia myxa excites a possible immunodulatory effect on collagen-induced RA. A prospective study for the elucidation of the detailed mechanisms of this protective role is inevitable; however, the radical scavenging activity of Cordia myxa might be involved.