ABSTRACT
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by joint inflammation, which often leads to significant tissue damage and functional impairment. Kigelia africana, a traditional medicinal plant, has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in previous studies. This research investigates the effect of methanol extract and flavonoid rich extracts of Kigelia africana fruit on creatinine levels in rats with Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis, comparing it with standard drugs Dexamethasone and Diclofenac-sodium, and flavonoids. Rats were divided into ten groups (n=6 each): Normal rats, Paraffin oil (vehicle control), Negative Control (CFA-induced rats), Dexamethasone 1.0mg (positive control), Diclofenac-sodium 10mg (standard drug), Standard Flavonoids (Quercetin) 5mg, Methanol Extract 200mg, Methanol Extract 400mg, Flavonoid Rich Extracts 100mg, and Flavonoid Rich Extracts 200mg. Complete Freund's Adjuvant induced arthritis was established in all groups except the Normal rats and the Paraffin oil rats. The treatment groups received respective interventions for 28 days, the creatinine levels were measured at the study's end. Significant variations in creatinine levels were observed among the groups. Mean creatinine levels were as follows: Normal rats: 150 ± 2.89 (control group), Paraffin oil: 137 ± 2.55, Negative Control: 137 ± 23, Dexamethasone 1.0mg: 133 ± 5.11, Diclofenac-sodium 10mg: 35.3 ± 5.04, Standard Flavonoids (Quercetin) 5mg: 128 ± 2.55, methanol extract 200mg: 165 ± 16.4, methanol extract 400mg: 82.6 ± 24.1, flavonoid rich extracts 100mg: 50.2 ± 7.8, flavonoid rich extracts 200mg: 121 ± 1.10. The results suggest that Kigelia africana fruit extract administration, particularly at the Flavonoid rich extracts 100mg dose and 600mg/kg body weight, significantly reduced the creatinine levels in complete freund's adjuvantinduced arthritic rats. This finding indicates a potential ameliorative effect on renal function. Diclofenac-sodium, a standard anti-inflammatory drug, exhibited a remarkable reduction in xii creatinine levels, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Kigelia africana fruit extract shows promise in reducing creatinine levels in complete freund's adjuvant -induced arthritic rats, suggesting a potential role in improving renal function. Further research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and assess long-term safety and efficacy.
