Design of Novel herbal formulation of Zingiber officinale and Eclipta alba for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent synovial inflammation, joint destruction, and substantial morbidity. Current therapeutic strategies including NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, and DMARDs provide symptomatic relief but fail to arrest disease progression and are often associated with adverse effects and high treatment costs. In this context, natural products are being investigated as safer alternatives due to their multi-target therapeutic potential. newlineObjective: This study was aimed at formulating a standardized herbal nanoformulation incorporating enriched extracts of Eclipta alba and Zingiber officinale, targeting their principal bioactive compounds wedelolactone and 6-shogaol, respectively for the treatment of RA. newlineMethods: Ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of Eclipta alba and rhizomes of Zingiber officinale were prepared and enriched with wedelolactone and 6-shogaol through selective extraction and concentration techniques. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to quantify and standardize the active phytoconstituents in both conventional and enriched extracts. newlineGiven the poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability of these compounds, self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) were developed using optimized surfactants and co-surfactants to enhance their solubility and absorption. Acute oral toxicity of enriched extracts and SNEDDS was evaluated as per OECD guideline 423. newlineThe antiarthritic efficacy was tested using the Freund s Complete Adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis model in Wistar rats. Parameters such as paw edema, body weight, cytokine levels (TNF-and#945;, IL-1and#946;), and histopathological analysis were assessed. Antioxidant activity and safety profile were also determined. newline