Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease for which no cure has been reported. Hence, the management of the disease is done by anti-inflammatory agents like NSAIDs and traditional herbal medicines. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Malvaceae) is a herb that which is reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. In view of its potent anti-inflammatory activity, the present study was carried out to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Methods: The hydroalcoholic extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (HRS) was tested against Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis in rats. Arthtitis score, paw volume, mechanical hyperalgesia and nociceptive thereshold were measured periodically. On day 28, the animals were sacrificed, tibiotarsal joint was extracted for histopathology and antioxidant status. Results: HRS significantly decreased the paw volume, arthritic index. HRS also significantly increased the body weight of animals, mechanical hyperalgesia and nociceptive threshold. There was a decrease in malonaldehyde and increase in glutathione and superoxide dismutase. The histopathology also revealed decrease in inflammation with HRS. Conclusion: From the present study it is evident that HRS possesses antiarthritic activity which may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
