Chondroprotective activity of a detoxicated traditional Chinese medicine (Fuzi) of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx against severe-stage osteoarthritis model induced by mono-iodoacetate

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Fuzi is an effective but toxic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) derived from Aconitum carmichaeli. In our previous study, detoxicated Fuzi (d-Fuzi) has been originally developed with no toxicity but significant efficacy. However, whether d-Fuzi can be used for therapy of osteoarthritis (OA), remain unknown.

Materials and methods: Severe OA model was established by intra-articular mono-iodoacetate (MIA) injection (1.25mg) into rats and orally treated with 2g/ml d-Fuzi at a dosage of 7 ml/kg body weight for 28 days. In vivo, the articular radiographic and histopathologic analyses were performed to qualitatively assess the chondroprotective effect of d-Fuzi, followed by quantitative measurements of bone density and Mankin scores. In vitro, such effect on chondrocyte viability after MIA attack was evaluated. Hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS) was performed for chemical analysis of d-Fuzi.

Results: d-Fuzi was demonstrated to possess chondroprotective activity on MIA-induced OA model by in vivo preventing the articular degeneration and the reducing of bone density and Mankin score, as well as by in vitro promoting the chondrocyte proliferation and inhibiting the MIA-induced chondrocyte damage. A total of 23 compounds were identified in d-Fuzi, most of which were deduced as the non-toxic derivatives of aconite alkaloids.

Conclusions: This is the first report regarding chondroprotective effect and chemical profile of d-Fuzi, originally revealing its great anti-OA potential and thereby providing a promising TCM candidate for OA therapy.