Abstract :
In the present study the chondroprotective effect of melittin and chitin from bee venom and crab shell was examined
against papain induced osteoarthritis in rabbits. The leukocyte count in synovial fluid, X-ray radiography of ankle
joints and histopathology of joint cartilage were performed to assess chondroprotective activity. There is a
significant fall in leukocyte count of bee venom (1.2mg/kg, s.c) treated group when compared with osteoarthritic
control and the standard groups. Histopathological studies exhibit that the chitin (80mg/kg, i.a) treated group shows
no degradation in joint cartilage when compared to bee venom and combination (bee venom+chitin) groups which
shown little deviations to that of prednisolone ( 10mg/kg, s.c) group. X-ray graphs revealed that bee venom, chitin
and combination of both shows good chondroprotective activity.
Keywords: Leukocytes, Chondroprotective, Bee venom, Melittin, Chitin,
Keyword :
Leukocytes, Chondroprotective, Bee venom, Melittin, Chitin,