A Novel Citrus medica Gel for the Treatment of Experimental Osteoarthritis: A Preclinical Study

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis affecting the elderly and obese population, and requires long-term medical management. Inflammatory pathways, possibly initiated by tissue damage and stress are involved in the pathogenesis of OA. Citrus medica Linn., known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, has been the focus of management of OA in recent years. Objectives: To explore the therapeutic potential of Citrus medica gel in Wistar Albino rat OA model with standard Aceclofenac gel. Materials and Methods: An experimental interventional animal study was conducted in which OA was induced in 24 male Wistar Albino rats (12-week-old) using monosodium iodoacetate. The animals were observed for 1 week for signs of joint inflammation. They were then divided into four groups. Group A (standard) received Aceclofenac gel twice daily (BD) for 4 weeks. Group B received C. medica gel (0.2 g, 0.33% w/w) once daily (OD). Group C received C. medica gel (0.2 g, 0.33% w/w) BD, and Group D was kept as a disease control throughout the study. The results were compared between groups using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The double-dose C. medica gel regimen displayed a significant and earlier reduction in ankle joint circumference (ANOVA, p value < .001). Pain relief was observed, as evidenced by a favorable reversal of the arthritic index and score compared to the standard treatment. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of C. medica gel in reducing inflammation and pain associated with OA. These findings warrant further investigation through clinical trials.