• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.95-105
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• 2013

Objectives : The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Curcuma longa $L_{INNE}$ pharmacopuncture at $ST_{36}$ on Complete Freund's Adjuvant(CFA)-induced arthritis in rats. Materials and methods : Arthritis was induced by injecting CFA subcutaneously into the left knee joint and paw, and Curcuma longa $L_{INNE}$ pharmacopuncture(CLL-A. $0.0343{\mu}g/kg$; CLL-B. $0.171{\mu}g/kg$; CLL-C. $0.343{\mu}g/kg$) was injected at $ST_{36}$ each other day for 5 times beginning on day 10 after the CFA injection. Paw edema, withdrawal response, hematological, serological and histological observation were assessed. Results : In paw edema volume all 3 groups(CLL-A, CLL-B, CLL-C) showed significant decrease compared to the CFA control group. In withdrawal response to reaction time and withdrawal response to force all 3 groups(CLL-A, CLL-B, CLL-C) showed significant increase compared to the CFA control group. In serum AST, group CLL-C showed significant decrease compared to the CFA control group. In histological observations, in all 3 groups, more normal chondrocytes were observed compared to the CFA control group and safranin O stain showed high positive reaction in the cartilage tissue close to the bone tissue. Conclusions : The results suggest that Curcuma longa $L_{INNE}$ Pharmacopuncture at $ST_{36}$ has a suppressing inflammation effect on Freund's adjuvant arthritis in rats.