Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the main causes of physical disability worldwide. Considering the complications of common treatments of OA, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, establishment of new treatments is crucial.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of Echinops cephalotes extract on the main inflammatory biomarkers in OA.
Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of Echinops cephalotes, Ibuprofen and betamethasone were prepared to investigate their effects on inflammatory biomarkers. Human monocyte/macrophage (THP-1) cells and chondrocytes cells were used as a model of monocyte/macrophage and human cartilage cells in osteoarthritis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce production of inflammatory cytokines in both cells. After RNA extraction and production of cDNA, RT_PCR & PCR were done. Then Real Time-PCR was used to investigate the amount of expression of proinflammatory genes.
Results: Echinops cephalotes extract reduced mRNA expression level of proinflammatory cytokines in the cells induced by LPS. Moreover, production of PGE2 and NO in in the LPS-induced THP-1 cells was reduced by this extract. Ibuprofen and betamethasone were more effective in reducing above inflammatory agents than the extract.
Conclusion: Echinops cephalotes extract can be used as a supplementary treatment option in osteoarthritis to reduce NSAIDs and corticosteroids dose in treatment of this disease.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, age-associated disease that is characterized with cartilage destruction, subchondral bone remodeling and inflammation of the synovial membrane. Considering the complications of common treatments of OA, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, investigating new treatments for this disorder is crucial. Recently, the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression in pathogenesis of OA has attracted attention.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of punicic acid (PA) in inhibition of MMPs gene expression in LPS-stimulated Bovine Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (BFLS) as a model of OA.
Methods: In the first stage, the toxicity of PA was measured using MTT assay on BFLS cells. Afterward, the cells were stimulated by LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) and MMPs (Matrix Metalloproteinase) expression level in the BFLS cells were investigated using Real-Time PCR, in vitro Migration and Gelatin Zymography, Western Blot Analysis, ELISA Assay and Invasion Assay.
Results: The results showed that PA significantly decreased MMP-9 expression levels in LPS-stimulated BFLS cells; also, it suppressed migration and invasion of the mentioned cells. However, PA had no significant effect on MMP-1-2-3.
Conclusion: Based on our results PA could significantly reduce the activity and inflammatory effect of MMP-9 in OA, its potential role as a supplementary agent to common NSAIDs and corticosteroids was confirmed. Nonetheless, cellular modeling does not significantly confirm the beneficial effect of OA in patients.