To evaluate the antiarthritic activity of ethanolic seed extract of Diplocyclos palmatus (L) C. Jeffrey in rodents. The antiarthritic activity of ethanolic extract of Diplocyclos palmatus (L) C. Jeffrey (EEDP) was studied against Freund’s complete adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. The EEDP was administered at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. The parameters including paw volume, joint diameter, thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, biochemical parameters, haematological parameters and histopathology of synovial joint was observed. Diclofenac was taken as standard. EEDP showed significant (P<0.001) anti-inflammatory activity by reducing increased paw volume and joint diameter in arthritic rats. EEDP at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly (P<0.001) increased the animals paw mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. EEDP (200 and 400 mg/kg) exhibits anti-arthritic activity by improving the altered haematological parameters (CRP, WBC, RBC, platelets and Hb) and biochemical parameters (AST, ALT and ALP). Histopathological examination showed reduced cell infiltration and erosion of joint cartilage in EEDP treated arthritic rats. This study validates the ethnomedicinal use of ethanolic extract of Diplocyclos palmatus (L) C. Jeffrey seeds in the treatment of pain, inflammation and arthritic conditions.
