In the collagen type II induced arthritis, decrease in Hb level and increase in WBC count and ESR was observed. Decrease in Hb level reflects the presence of anemia in arthritic rats. Anemia is the most common extra cellular manifestation of RA. The increase in WBC might be due to the stimulation of immune system against the invading pathogenic microorganism. ESR is an indirect measurement of acute phase response for determining the disease activity in RA. The above-mentioned changes were brought back to near normal levels upon MEBL treatments, which emphasized the beneficial effect of the drugs on CIA. In the collagen type II induced arthritis, decrease in antioxidants (SOD, TBARS and GST) levels were observed which was reverted to near normal on treatment with MEBL. In the collagen type II induced arthritis decrease in serum albumin, total protein, calcium and phosphorus levels were also observed. Hypoalbuminea is the characteristics of the chronic inflammatory disease. Loss of bone and degradation of the cartilage is one the most important features of the RA. Thus here decreased level of Calcium and Phosphorus representing the bone and cartilage loss in CIA. The abovementioned changes were brought back to near normal levels upon MEBL treatments, which again emphasizes the
beneficial effect of the drugs on CIA. These findings seem to justify the use of the plant in traditional medicine in the treatment RA.