Integrated GC-MS phytochemical analysis and in vivo assessment of antiarthritic activity of Curcuma zedoaria extracts.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Curcuma zedoaria has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory conditions; however, comprehensive evaluation of its various solvent extracts, particularly in chronic arthritis models, remains limited. The research focused on assessing and comparing the antiarthritic potential of three Curcuma zedoaria extracts: CZC (chloroform extract), CZCM (chloroform–methanol, 1:1 extract), and CZM (methanol extract) to determine the most effective extract for mitigating chronic inflammation utilizing the Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was conducted to examine the phytochemical profile. Acute analgesic models and anti-inflammatory models were employed to evaluate efficacy. Based on these results, the chloroform methanolic extract (CZCM) was selected for chronic evaluation in CFA-induced arthritic mice at dosages of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Behavioral assessments, paw thickness, arthritis scoring, hematological and biochemical parameters, radiographic and histopathological analyses, and antioxidant enzyme assays (SOD, CAT, GSH, POD, GST, TBARS, NO) were conducted over 21 days. RESULTS: CZCM exhibited the most potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in acute models. In chronic arthritis testing, it dose-dependently improved pain thresholds, reduced paw swelling and arthritis scores, and normalized hematological and biochemical biomarkers. Radiological and histopathological findings confirmed joint preservation. These therapeutic effects were primarily attributed to curcuminoids and sesquiterpenes identified via GC–MS analysis, aligning with known bioactivities of Curcuma species. CONCLUSIONS: The chloroform-methanolic extract of Curcuma zedoaria (CZCM) demonstrated strong antiarthritic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities, suggesting it as a promising candidate for modifying disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis. Further studies are needed to isolate active phytoconstituents and explore clinical applicability.