Effect of Santolina oblongifolia on ACII-immunized animals.

The therapeutic effect of organic extracts of Santolina oblongifolia in adjuvant-carrageenan-induced inflammation (ACII) in Wistar rats was investigated. The present study concerns the effect of the extracts on serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels, and on hindpaw swelling and ankle joint widths of arthritic animals. Compared with controls, the arthritic animals showed an increase in serum Cu levels, while serum Zn was decreased. The altered levels of trace elements in arthritic animals were significantly normalized in the chronic phase of the disease after treatment with most of the extracts of S. oblongifolia. Additionally, administration of the extracts significantly decreased the clinical signs of inflammation. The results of the present investigation indicated that these extracts could offer a partial protective action against changes induced by ACII in Wistar rats.