Methotrexate

Methotrexate, a folate antagonist, is a potent anti-inflammatory agent when used weekly in low concentrations, the anti-phlogistic action of which is due to increased adenosine release at inflamed sites. Studies have demonstrated that methotrexate polyglutamates are active inhibitors of several enzymatic reactions, including dihydrofolate reductase. (In Vivo) :Methotrexate (Amethopterin) reduces thymus and spleen indices of mice. Methotrexate markedly decreases white blood cells, thymic and splenic lymphocytes at dose ≥5 mg/kg. However, there is a significant difference between the treatment plus control group and the model group (p<0.01) . The combination of grape seed proanthocyanidins and Siberian ginseng eleutherosides obviously diminishes the effects of Methotrexate exposure on indices of thymus and spleens in mice.Methotrexate (MTX) (2 mg/kg; i.p.; once in a week for 5 weeks) is effective in Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis. The combination of Methotrexate (1 mg/kg; i.p.; once in a week for 5 weeks) and Curcumin (30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, thrice a week for 5 weeks; i.p.) shows a significant anti-arthritic action and protection from hematological toxicity.