𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗫𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗿𝗮 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁

A recent study published in Scientific Reports highlights the potential the promising anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential of the seeds of Ximenia caffra (X. caffra) as a natural approach to managing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Researchers from Al-Azhar University, Cairo University, Zigazig University, and Sinai University analyzed the extract’s bioactive profile using Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS), identifying key compounds believed to drive the extract’s medicinal properties. These include phenolic acids like citric acid and gallic acid, flavonoids such as catechin, epicatechin, rutin, hyperoside, and isoquercitrin, and procyanidins like Procyanidin B1 and B2.

In laboratory tests, X. caffra seed extract demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme with an IC50 of 26.01 ± 0.85 μg/mL. the extract showed a dose-dependent ability to block inflammatory pathways, a result attributed to its high phenolic and flavonoid content.

In Vivo Success in Arthritis Models

In animal experiments using a rat model of arthritis, rats were treated with varying doses of X. caffra extract (26, 50, and 100 mg/kg) or the standard drug methotrexate (MTX). Treatment resulted in reduced joint swelling, improved arthritis scores, and restoration of normal cartilage and muscle tissue. Researchers found that a 26 mg/kg dose was optimal for reducing arthritis symptoms and restoring the structure of joints and muscles. This dose was effective enough to restore near-normal joint measurements by the end of the 15-day experiment, performing comparably to the standard drug MTX. Furthermore, treated rats showed improved body weight, indicating a recovery in general health and feeding behavior.

• Cartilage Preservation: While untreated arthritic rats showed shrunken, degenerated chondrocytes and synovial tissue damage, those treated with 26 mg/kg of the extract exhibited regularly preserved chondrocytes and restored joint architecture.
• Osteoclast Regulation: The extract helped normalize the size of osteoclasts and significantly reduced the high rates of cell death (apoptosis) caused by the induced arthritis.
• Muscle Protection: The treatment also reversed muscle damage, such as myofiber degradation and inflammatory infiltration, restoring normal movement in the animals.

The study also found that the extract modulates the immune system, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and IFN-γ, while increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. Additionally, it normalized the activity of osteoclasts. This shift is essential for stopping the progressive tissue destruction seen in rheumatoid arthritis.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that X. caffra seed extract is a potent natural agent capable of modulating immune responses and preserving joint integrity.  Its high biocompatibility and low toxicity make it a promising candidate for long-term, safe therapy. Although further laboratory and clinical validation is still needed, this research points toward a promising, plant-based path for managing rheumatoid arthritis naturally and safely.

Article edited and summarized by Dr. Parvin Dr. Parvin Aktar Barbhuiya

Reference Source: Yosri, M., Mekky, A. E., Elaasser, M. M., Abdel-Aziz, M. M., Youssef, F. S., Kamel, H. A., Al-Habibi, M. M., Helal, E. E., & Amin, B. H. (2026). In vitro anti-inflammatory potential and in vivo anti-arthritis activities of Ximenia caffra extract on antigen-induced arthritis in rats. Scientific Reports, 16:797. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-32300-7