Anti-rheumatoid arthritic effect of fermented Adlay and Achyranthes japonica Nakai on collagen-induced arthritis in mice

Adlay (CL) has been used as food and medicinal plant, and its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-allergic activities have been demonstrated. However, its anti-rheumatoid arthritic effect has not been evaluated. We evaluated the anti-rheumatoid arthritic activity of fermented CL (FCL) in vivo compared to fermented Achyranthes japonica Nakai (FAJN). The collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model was used, and clinical signs, histological examination, serum inflammatory and rheumatoid factors were analyzed. FCL and FAJN significantly reduced incidence of CIA, alleviated inflammation and joint destruction through inhibition of IL-1 beta and rheumatoid factors. In addition, they increased anti-oxidant enzyme activity such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver. Interestingly, ferulic acid was isolated from the FCL extract, which have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Moreover, the anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) effect of FCL was shown to be similar to or much better than that of FAJN. Therefore, our study suggests that FCL and FAJN are potential agents to alleviate RA.