Protective effect of Ginsenoside Rc on the complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats by attenuation of inflammatory mediators through inhibition NF-κB pathway

[Display omitted] •Ginsenoside Rc could reduce cartilage damage in RA rat model.•Ginsenoside Rc could inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines release and production in joint of RA rat.•Ginsenoside Rc could downregulate the NF-κB signaling pathway. Ginsenoside Rc (GRc), an active component isolated from ginseng, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential mechanism of its effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not reported. The present study established the RA model by injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant in the hind paw. GRc was administrated by gavage daily. The results showed that GRc ameliorated the swelling rate of both hind paws and reduced the arthritis score in rats. Meanwhile, GRc inhibited cartilage damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in the joint tissue. Furthermore, GRc significantly decreased the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the joint tissue of rats. Additionally, GRc downregulated the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, these findings show that GRc remarkably reduced cartilage damage and inflammatory response in the RA rat model by inhibiting of NF-κB signaling pathway.