The Combined Effect of Curcumin and Crocin on the Reduction of Inflammatory Responses in Arthritic Rats

Background: The present study evaluated the anti-arthritic impact of combined crocin and curcumin on Adjuvant Induced Arthritis (AIA) in rats. Methods: The arthritis model was induced in rats by injecting Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into the right hind paw and was subsequently treated with crocin and curcumin. Evaluation of anti- arthritic activity was carried out using paw swelling, hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, inflammatory cytokines, and histopathology of rats. Results: The results showed increased paw swelling, increased serum markers levels, including CRP, RF, ALP, ALT, and AST, and inflammatory cytokines (ILlβ and TNFα) along with histology changes (cartilage and bone degradation) in arthritic rats when compared to the normal group. Crocin, curcumin and crocin + curcumin administration at different doses (especially combination at 40 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg, respectively), as well as MTX, revealed a suitable therapeutic effect on AIA rats. Moreover, both phytochemicals and their combination at different doses showed effective anti- arthritic effects owing to their anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusion: Crocin and curcumin, either alone or in combination, can be a suitable treatment modality for rheumatoid arthritis.