A Botanical Mixture (NWG11-02) of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (oleaster) and Sophora japonica L. Fruit Extract Alleviates Monoiodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage degradation, synovial inflammation, and impaired joint function.This study investigated the therapeutic potential of a botanical mixture, NWG11-02, comprising Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (oleaster) extract (OE) and Sophora japonica L. fruit extract (SJFE) in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rat model.Oral administration of the mixture for four weeks significantly improved weight-bearing function and preserved cartilage architecture, as evidenced by reduced Mankin scores and enhanced proteoglycan retention in toluidine blue-stained sections.Molecular analyses revealed that the mixture markedly enhanced the expression of cartilage anabolic markers (aggrecan and type II collagen) and reduced matrix-degrading enzymes (MMP-3 and MMP-13), while suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) at both mRNA and protein levels.These effects exhibited a dose-dependent pattern, with the medium-dose mixture (80 mg/kg) demonstrating superior efficacy compared to individual extracts.No systemic toxicity was observed during the treatment period.Collectively, these findings suggest that NWG11-02 exerts multi-faceted protective effects on joint tissues and may serve as a promising natural therapeutic strategy for OA management.
Authors: Seohan Kim, Seongjun Kim, Myeonghwan Oh, Jinyeong Lim, Wonchul Lim, Tae-Gyu Lim
Institution: Sejong University
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4417177238