Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of turmeric extracts in rat adjuvant arthritis

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-arthritic effects of turmeric extracts (Standard and CurQfen) on rat adjuvant arthritis. The impact of the treatment was investigated on pro- and antioxidant status, serum interleukins IL-17 and IL-[beta], blood indices, joint swelling, and histological changes in the joints, liver and body weight. Both turmeric extracts improved blood indices, decreased the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced antioxidant level. Both extracts diminished swelling and normalized histological structure in soft periarticular tissues, synovial membrane and hyaline cartilage. No negative effect on the liver was observed. CurQfen was more effective than Standard extract. The strong antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of the turmeric extracts suggest their usefulness in the treatment of autoimmune arthritis as monotherapy or in combination with traditional anti-arthritic drugs. Key words: turmeric extracts; antioxidant activity; adjuvant arthritis; rats