EFFECT OF TRITERPENES FROM CRATAEVA-NURVALA STEM BARK ON LIPID-PEROXIDATION IN ADJUVANT-INDUCED ARTHRITIS IN RATS

Lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpene was isolated from C. nurvala stem bar k and its ester lupeol linoleate was synthesised. These triterpenes we re tested for their anti-inflammatory activity in complete Freund's ad juvant induced arthritic rats. For some time free radicals have been i mplicated in damage to connective tissues during inflammatory conditio ns and arthritis. Lupeol and lupeol linoleate were administered orally at the dose level of 50 mg kg(-1) body weight daily for 8 days, from the 11th to 18th day postadjuvantly. There was a significant increase in lipid peroxide level in plasma of arthritic rats but it was found t o be decreased in the liver. The antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismut ase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase were elevated in both the liv er and haemolysate in adjuvant-induced rats. Blood glutathione was dec reased in arthritis. The triterpenes reduced the above alterations pro duced in arthritic animals. The effect of lupeol linoleate was found t o be better in this respect when compared with lupeol. (C) 1998 The It alian Pharmacological Society.