Impact of aqueous leaf-extract of psychotria vogeliana (benth) on serum electrolytes concentration in wistar rats with complete freund's adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis

Plant extracts can influence electrolytes concentration and potentially have implications for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management. 48 female albino rats weighing between 100 and 200g were used in this study. RA was induced in the rats using 0.1ml of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). Arthritis index was tracked following the Chondrex technique, which only showed signs of inflammation such as redness, edema in the injected paw. Experimental animals were divided into six groups. Group 1 (control) received feeds and water only. Group 2 (toxic) was induced with RA and left untreated. Group 3 (Standard) was induced with RA and treated with standard drug (methotrexate at the dose of 0.225 mg/kg daily). Groups 4, 5 and 6 (treated groups) were induced with RA using CFA, 3 hours later, administered orally with Psychotria vogeliana aqueous leaf-extract at the doses of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 600 mg/kg respectively. Standard methods were employed to determine serum electrolytes concentration. Psychotria vogeliana leaf extract at 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg significantly raised the levels of serum electrolytes of RA rats in a manner comparable to the group that was treated with standard drug and the normal control group. Our findings revealed that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes a notable decrease in the concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium, and bicarbonates, which can lead to a depletion of the serum electrolyte balance. Nonetheless, Psychotria vogeliana leaf extract showed a lot of potential for resupplying these vital bodily electrolytes.