In-vivo effects of IVT-15 - A traditional knowledge-inspired formulation for the management of rheumatoid arthritis

Background -Cyperus scariosus, Zingiber officinale, and Piper longum are known and used in Ayurveda to manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Due to their intrinsic properties, these plants fight diseases from different aspects. Combination of the three is suspected to provide all-around approach to manage RA and related disorders. Objective - The study aims to scientifically validate the efficacy of IVT-15 (combination of C. scariosus, Z. officinale, and P. longum) against RA and related disorders. Materials & methods IVT-15 was prepared by mixing aqueous extracts of the three plants in 1:1:1 ratio and analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for authenticating plant materials. IVT-15, a chemically defined formulation was further scientifically validated for safety and efficacy. Acute and subacute toxicity studies were performed on Swiss albino mice and efficacy was studied on standard animal models. Results Chemical profiling revealed high presence of 6-gingerol, α-cyperone, and piperine, and toxicity studies proved IVT-15 to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg body weight single dose acute oral toxicity study. IVT-15 revealed its invivo anti-arthritic efficacy by reducing arthritis score and index significantly against collagen-induced arthritis. Reduction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation confirmed anti-inflammatory potential of IVT-15. Further in vivo testing indicated that IVT-15 has potential analgesic and immunomodulatory properties. Conclusion This study proves that IVT-15 can be used as alternative medicine for managing RA. Future clinical studies on IVT-15 will help in realizing its full healthcare benefits against arthritis.