E-ISSN 2536-9520 | ISSN 1110-2047
 
2026, Vol: 88
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Original Article
Online Published: 20 Nov 2025
 


Anti-inflammatory Effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Meloxicam on Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Rabbits: Modulation of Cytokines and Ultrastructural Changes Observed via Electron Microscopy

Mustafa A. Suwaidan, N. Nasreldin, Eman S. Elashry, Magdy S. Amer.


Abstract
Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disorder marked by cartilage breakdown, inflammation, and pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as meloxicam, are widely used to alleviate symptoms; however, prolonged use is associated with adverse effects. Citrullus colocynthis, a medicinal plant with reported anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, may offer a safer alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of C. colocynthis compared to meloxicam in an experimentally induced rabbit model of OA.
Materials and Methods: Osteoarthritis was induced in rabbits by intraperitoneal injection of Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 10788 / ATCC©). Following induction, animals were treated for 7 days with either meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg/day, intramuscularly) or C. colocynthis extract (100 mg/kg/day, orally). Clinical signs of OA were monitored throughout the study. Serum levels of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], interleukin-6 [IL-6], cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2]), autoimmune indicators (rheumatoid factor [RF], antinuclear antibodies [ANA]), and the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 [IL-10] were measured. Histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the knee joints were assessed using electron microscopy.
Results: Both meloxicam and C. colocynthis treatments significantly reduced joint swelling and decreased serum levels of CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2, while increasing IL-10 concentrations. C. colocynthis exhibited therapeutic efficacy comparable to, and in some parameters slightly greater than, meloxicam—particularly in reducing CRP, COX-2, IL-6, and TNF-α by the second week after treatment. Ultrastructural analysis revealed diminished inflammatory cell infiltration and improved cartilage architecture in both treated groups, with better preservation observed in the C. colocynthis-treated joints.
Conclusion: Citrullus colocynthis exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity comparable to meloxicam, supporting its potential as a natural alternative or adjunct therapy for osteoarthritis.

Key words: Keywords: Osteoarthritis, anti-inflammatory, Rabbits, Citrullus colocynthis, EM, Biochemical indices.


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Suwaidan MA, Nasreldin N, Elashry ES, Amer MS. Anti-inflammatory Effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Meloxicam on Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Rabbits: Modulation of Cytokines and Ultrastructural Changes Observed via Electron Microscopy. AJVS. 2026; 88(0): 149-159. doi:10.5455/ajvs.291135

Web Style

Suwaidan MA, Nasreldin N, Elashry ES, Amer MS. Anti-inflammatory Effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Meloxicam on Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Rabbits: Modulation of Cytokines and Ultrastructural Changes Observed via Electron Microscopy. https://www.alexjvs.com/?mno=291135 [Access: February 04, 2026]. doi:10.5455/ajvs.291135

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Suwaidan MA, Nasreldin N, Elashry ES, Amer MS. Anti-inflammatory Effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Meloxicam on Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Rabbits: Modulation of Cytokines and Ultrastructural Changes Observed via Electron Microscopy. AJVS. 2026; 88(0): 149-159. doi:10.5455/ajvs.291135


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Suwaidan MA, Nasreldin N, Elashry ES, Amer MS. Anti-inflammatory Effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Meloxicam on Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Rabbits: Modulation of Cytokines and Ultrastructural Changes Observed via Electron Microscopy. AJVS. (2026), [cited February 04, 2026]; 88(0): 149-159. doi:10.5455/ajvs.291135


Harvard Style

Suwaidan, M. A., Nasreldin, . N., Elashry, . E. S. & Amer, . M. S. (2026) Anti-inflammatory Effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Meloxicam on Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Rabbits: Modulation of Cytokines and Ultrastructural Changes Observed via Electron Microscopy. AJVS, 88 (0), 149-159. doi:10.5455/ajvs.291135


Turabian Style

Suwaidan, Mustafa A., N. Nasreldin, Eman S. Elashry, and Magdy S. Amer. 2026. Anti-inflammatory Effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Meloxicam on Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Rabbits: Modulation of Cytokines and Ultrastructural Changes Observed via Electron Microscopy. Alexandria Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 88 (0), 149-159. doi:10.5455/ajvs.291135


Chicago Style

Suwaidan, Mustafa A., N. Nasreldin, Eman S. Elashry, and Magdy S. Amer. "Anti-inflammatory Effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Meloxicam on Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Rabbits: Modulation of Cytokines and Ultrastructural Changes Observed via Electron Microscopy." Alexandria Journal of Veterinary Sciences 88 (2026), 149-159. doi:10.5455/ajvs.291135


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Suwaidan, Mustafa A., N. Nasreldin, Eman S. Elashry, and Magdy S. Amer. "Anti-inflammatory Effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Meloxicam on Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Rabbits: Modulation of Cytokines and Ultrastructural Changes Observed via Electron Microscopy." Alexandria Journal of Veterinary Sciences 88.0 (2026), 149-159. Print. doi:10.5455/ajvs.291135


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Suwaidan, M. A., Nasreldin, . N., Elashry, . E. S. & Amer, . M. S. (2026) Anti-inflammatory Effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Meloxicam on Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Rabbits: Modulation of Cytokines and Ultrastructural Changes Observed via Electron Microscopy. Alexandria Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 88 (0), 149-159. doi:10.5455/ajvs.291135




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    About Alexandria Journal of Veterinary Sciences

    The Alexandria Journal of Veterinary Sciences (AJVS) Official Journal of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University   ISSN: 1110-204 ... Read more.



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    Alexandria University
    P.O.: 21944
    Abees 10th district, Alexandria
    Egypt.

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