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.