Introduction: Osteoarthritis is lately considered as a low-grade inflammatory disease, causing discomfort, stiffness, and function loss. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Anonna muricata against Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced osteoarthritis in Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) of albino rats.
Material and Methods: Thirty adult male, pathogen free, white albino rats, weighing 150-250 gms were selected and divided into 3 groups (10 rats each): Control group receiving only phosphate buffered saline (PBS), Arthritic group which was subjected to induction of osteoarthritis by intra articular injection of two doses of CFA (50 μl) 1st dose on day one of experiment while 2nd dose was on day 14, followed by oral administration of 20 mg/ kg of PBS Annona group: this group was subjected to induction of osteoarthritis as arthritic group, then was treated by Annona extract 100 mg/kg/day for 14 days post CFA 2nd injection. After arthritis confirmation animals were sacrificed after three weeks. Demineralized tissue sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, Anti TNFα, Anti MMP3, Picrosirius red stain then were subjected to digital image analysis followed by one way ANOVA statistical analysis.
Results: Annona Muricate treated group revealed improvement in TMJ regeneration in comparison with the arthritic group in H&E sections with decreased disc thickness, increased condylar cartilage and more organized bone trabeculation. Immunohistochemically, Annona treated group showed decreased expression of TNFα and MMP3 (P < 0.001) when compared to arthritic group. While picrosirius red stain sections showed more organized and less inflamed collagen fibers in articular disc of Annona treated group.
Conclusion: Annona Muricata leaf and fruit extract can be possible candidates for alleviation of osteoarthritic conditions in rats.