Ameliorative effect of Gastrodia elata Blume extract on inflammation in a rat model of osteoarthritis

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by progressive articular cartilage degeneration, in which inflammatory mediators drive MMP-mediated matrix breakdown and chondrocyte apoptosis, ultimately leading to pain and functional impairment. Although often described as a "wear-and-tear" disease, increasing evidence highlights immune/inflammatory signaling as a key contributor to OA progression. Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB) has reported anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, but its preventive potential in OA remains unclear. This study evaluated GEB extract in a widely used monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (5 weeks old) were assigned to CON, OA, OA + L-GEB, and OA + H-GEB groups; GEB was administered orally once daily for 5 weeks, and OA was induced by intra-articular MIA (3 mg/50 µL) at day 21.