Fig. 4

Effect of SHW administration on CIA-induced swelling and erythema of hind limbs. (a-b) Mice were separated into 5 groups (Control; n = 7, CIA; n = 7, CIA + MTX; n = 7, CIA + 100 mg/kg SHW; n = 7, CIA + 500 mg/kg SHW; n = 7). Morphological analysis was carried out on hind limbs. Rheumatoid arthritis score was assessed weekly beginning from 21 days of the second immunization, by examiners over three times per week. Clinical assessment was scored as follows: 0 = symptomless, 2 = erythema, 4 = mild swelling and erythema, 6 = mild swelling, erythema from the tarsals to the ankle, 8 = moderate swelling, erythema from the metatarsal joints to the ankle, 10 = severe swelling and erythema from the foot to the ankle. The X axis indicates Weeks. Data are presented as the mean ± SEM (n = 7). ^*p < 0.05, versus the CIA group by one-way ANOVA with Tukey-Kramer’s multiple comparison test. CIA, collagen induced arthritis; MTX, methotrexate; SHW, water extract of Saururus chinensis leaves