Beneficial effects of the decoction from Ximenia americana stem barks on sodium monoiodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis in rats.

Barks of Ximenia americana L. (Olacaceae), or wild plum, are used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory and painful conditions, in line with experimental studies that have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory effect. This study performed the chemical characterisation and investigated the anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of the decoction rich in carbohydrates/polyphenols from X. americana stem barks (DC-Xa) on experimental osteoarthritis. Animals received monoiodoacetate in the tibiotarsal joints and were treated daily with DC-Xa (100 mg/kg/day p.o.) during 28 days for evaluation of inflammatory, nociceptive, oxidative, histopathological and functional parameters. HPLC identified gallic acid as the main constituent (8.49%). DC-Xa reduced peripheral (59%) and central (65%) nociception; oedema (65%); leukocytes (60%); TNF-α (24%), IL-1β (42%), IL-6 (21%); malondialdehyde (66%); nitrite (13%) and cartilage damage (64%); increased GSH (49%) and SOD activity (47%) and ameliorated mobility. DC-Xa attenuates inflammation, nociception, oxidative and cartilage damage and restores functional capacity in experimental osteoarthritis.