Ziziphus mauritiana: Phytochemistry, Pharmacognosy, and Evaluation of Antiarthritic Properties in a CFA-Induced Arthritis Model in Rats — A Comprehensive Review

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@article{1718798,
      author = {Pooja Chauhan, Radhika Patel},
      title = {Ziziphus mauritiana: Phytochemistry, Pharmacognosy, and Evaluation of Antiarthritic Properties in a CFA-Induced Arthritis Model in Rats — A Comprehensive Review},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {12},
      pages = {936-949},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1718798.pdf},
      abstract = {Background: Arthritis, encompassing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), represents one of the most debilitating inflammatory joint disorders worldwide, imposing a significant socioeconomic burden. Conventional pharmacotherapy, while effective, is associated with numerous adverse effects, prompting growing interest in plant-based therapeutic alternatives.
Objective: This review aims to comprehensively summarize the pharmacognostic characteristics, phytochemical profile, and documented anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic potential of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. (Rhamnaceae) with special focus on CFA-induced arthritis models.
Methods: Extensive literature from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science was reviewed, along with ethnomedicinal data. Studies published between 2003 and 2025 were evaluated.
Results: Z. mauritiana contains an abundance of flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin), triterpenoids (betulinic acid, oleanolic acid), alkaloids (nummularine, mauritine), tannins, saponins, and glycosides. Preclinical studies confirm significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema and CFA-induced polyarthritis in rat models, linked to downregulation of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, and NF-κB pathways. Standardization of leaf powder revealed ash value 7.2±0.3%, moisture content 5.1±0.2%, and notable alcohol- and water-soluble extractive values.
Conclusion: Z. mauritiana exhibits robust anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic properties. Further mechanistic, toxicological, and clinical studies are warranted to translate these findings into therapeutic applications.},
      keywords = {Ziziphus mauritiana, Antiarthritic, CFA-induced arthritis, Inflammation, Phytochemistry, Flavonoids, COX-2, TNF-α, NF-κB},
      month = {June},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718798}
  }