New Phytoformula (CAS) Containing the Roots of Cyathula officinalis, Achyranthes japonica and Sophora subprostrata Inhibits Collagen-induced Arthritis in Mice

The combined new phytoformula (CAS), a mixture (5 : 3 : 2, w/w/w) of the ethanol extracts of the roots of C. officinalis and A. japonica, and the n-butanol fraction of the S. subprostrata strongly inhibited arthritic severity score as well as IL-6 production in serum of collagen-induced arthritic mice. Histological observation also indicated that the CAS-treated group showed less breakdown of joint cartilage of the collagen-treated mice. In contrast, C. officinalis alone or a combination of A. japonica and S. subprostrata did not show significant inhibitory action on the same animal model. Thus, it is thought that CAS possesses a synergistic inhibitory action on arthritic condition. All these results strongly suggest that CAS may be a potential anti-arthritic agent.