Medicinal composition for protection of joints, method for producing the same and use thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of health care food technology, specifically to a traditional Chinese medicine composition with a function of protecting joints, a use thereof, a method for producing the same and a health care food thereof. The Chinese medicine composition comprises CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract, cartilage extract, COICIS SEMEN extract and PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract. The composition of the present disclosure has a reasonable formulation, and the ingredients cooperate with each other to achieve functions of reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating biochemical index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area through various paths and at various levels.

Claims

1. A medicine composition with a function of protecting joints, comprising parts by weight: 5 to 10 parts of Curcumae longae rhizome extract, 25 to 35 parts of cartilage extract, 5 to 15 parts of Coicis semen extract and 0.1 to 0.5 parts of Puerariae lobatae radix extract.

2. The medicine composition according to claim 1, comprising parts by weight: 10 parts of Curcumae longae rhizome extract, 35 parts of cartilage extract, 15 parts of Coicis semen extract, and 0.5 parts of Puerariae lobatae radix extract.

3. The medicine composition according to claim 1, which is in a form of a health care food.

4. The medicine composition according to claim 3, wherein dosage form of the health care food is oral liquid, capsule, tablet, powder, effervescent, granule or tableted candy.

5. The medicine composition according to claim 3, wherein the health care food further comprises a food additive.

6. A method of producing the medicine composition according to claim 1, comprising mixing parts by weight: 5 to 10 parts of Curcumae longae rhizome extract, 25 to 35 parts of cartilage extract, 5 to 15 parts of Coicis semen extract and 0.1 to 0.5 parts of Puerariae lobatae radix extract.

7. A method of relieving arthritis, comprising administering an effective amount of the composition according to claim 1 to a subject in need thereof.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the relieving arthritis is one or more selected from reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating biochemical index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(1) In the present disclosure, a traditional Chinese medicine composition for protecting joint, a use thereof, a method for producing the same and a health care food thereof is provided. One of ordinary skill in the art can learn from the contents of this document and appropriately improve the process parameters to achieve the disclosure. It is should be noted that all such alternatives and modifications are obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art and are considered to be included in the present invention. The method and application of the present disclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the methods and applications described herein may be modified or modified and combined to implement and practice the techniques of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of protection of the present disclosure.

(2) In TCM Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Terminology-Diseases, Osteoarthritis of the knee is specifically called “Bi in the knee”. Blood stasis leads to Bi disease, and long-time Bi disease certainly leads to stagnate of blood, thus eliminating blood stasis is necessary in treating Bi disease. Traditional Chinese medicine CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA is one of the medicines for invigorating blood circulation and eliminating stasis, which is the dry rhizome of zingiberaceae Curcuma Longa L. or Curcuma rcenyujin Y, H. Chenet C. Ling. It is pungent and bitter in taste and warm in nature, works on the spleen and liver channel, having functions of dredging the blood vessels and promoting the circulation of Qi. The traditional Chinese medicine thinks that weakness of the spleen and the stomach, unbalance diet may lead to poor yield of Qi and blood, lack of muscles, and malnutrition of joints in arms and legs. If the above conditions last long, Qi and blood is depletion, bones and tendons and the blood vessels are not nourished, the nutrient qi and defensive qi camp is out of harmony, the pathogen of the Feng, cold and dampness invades and effects on the tendon and vessel, resulting in the rheumatism and Bi disease. COICIS SEMEN nourishes the spleen and removes the humidification. The effective ingredient of COICIS SEMEN, coix seed oil, has effects of anti-inflammation and relieving pain, and effectively remits the inflammatory responses. PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX has functions of expelling pathogenic factors from muscles for abatement of heat, promoting the secretion of body liquid, promoting eruption, arising yang and antidiarrheal. The neovascularization factor contained in cartilage inhibits the growth of abnormally proliferating blood vessels, reconstructs articular cartilage, and inhibits cartilage degradation. A combination of CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA, COICIS SEMEN, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX and cartilage extract has a synergistic function of reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area.

(3) In the present disclosure, a composition was obtained by mixing CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract, COICIS SEMEN extract, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract and cartilage extract, all were purchased on the market or hand-made. All the raw materials or adjuvants used in the traditional Chinese medicine composition and the use thereof, the method for producing the same and the health care food thereof provided by the present disclosure were purchased from the market. CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract was purchased from CHR Hansen (China) Co., Ltd.; COICIS SEMEN extract was purchased from Shaanxi Jiahe Phytochem Co., Ltd; PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract was purchased from Huangshan greenxtract Biotechnology Co., Ltd., cartilage extract was purchased from Meitek Technology (Qingdao) Co., Ltd.

(4) In the present disclosure, the cartilage extract was purchased from the market, or hand-made, and the extraction method was: pre-treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, impurity removal, drying and the like.

(5) The present disclosure will be further illustrated in conjunction with examples hereinafter.

Example 1

(6) A composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area provided by the present disclosure was made from the following active ingredients in parts by weight:

(7) CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract 10 parts, cartilage extract 35 parts, COICIS SEMEN extract 15 parts, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract 0.5 part.

(8) The composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area was obtained by the following method: CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract, cartilage extract, COICIS SEMEN extract and PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract were weighed according to the weight ratio, other adjuvants and water were added. After processes of preparation, encapsulation, sterilization, etc., an oral liquid was obtained, which could be used as a health care food or food.

Example 2

(9) A composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area provided by the present disclosure was made from the following active ingredients in parts by weight:

(10) CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract 10 parts, cartilage extract 35 parts, COICIS SEMEN extract 15 parts, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract 0.5 part.

(11) The composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area was obtained by the following method: CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract, cartilage extract, COICIS SEMEN extract, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract and other adjuvants were weighed. After sieving, mixing, and packing, a composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area was obtained. The dosage form of the composition was powder, and the powders could be used as a health care food or food.

Example 3

(12) A composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area provided by the present disclosure was made from the following active ingredients in parts by weight:

(13) CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract 10 parts, cartilage extract 35 parts, COICIS SEMEN extract 15 parts, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract 0.5 part.

(14) The composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area was obtained by the following method: CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract, cartilage extract, COICIS SEMEN extract, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract and regular adjuvants were taken and subjected to mixing, tableting, etc. to obtain tablets or tableted candies. The tablets or tableted candies could be used as a health care food or food.

Example 4

(15) A composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area provided by the present disclosure was made from the following active ingredients in parts by weight:

(16) CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract 10 parts, cartilage extract 35 parts, COICIS SEMEN extract 15 parts, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract 0.5 part.

(17) The composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area was obtained by the following method: CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract, cartilage extract, COICIS SEMEN extract, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract and regular adjuvants were taken and subjected to sieving, mixing, and filling to obtain the composition in a dosage form of hard capsule, which could be used as a health care food or food.

Example 5

(18) A composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area provided by the present disclosure was made from the following active ingredients in parts by weight:

(19) CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract 10 parts, cartilage extract 35 parts, COICIS SEMEN extract 15 parts, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract 0.5 part.

(20) The composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area was obtained by the following method: CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract, cartilage extract, COICIS SEMEN extract, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract and regular adjuvants were taken and subjected to sieving, mixing, and filling to obtain the composition in a dosage form of soft capsule, which could be used as a health care food or food.

Example 6

(21) A composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area provided by the present disclosure was made from the following active ingredients in parts by weight:

(22) CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract 10 parts, cartilage extract 35 parts, COICIS SEMEN extract 15 parts, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract 0.5 part.

(23) The composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area was obtained by the following method: CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract, cartilage extract, COICIS SEMEN extract, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract and regular adjuvants were taken and subjected to sieving, mixing, granulating, drying and packing to obtain the composition in a dosage form of granule, which could be used as a health care food or food.

Example 7

(24) A composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area provided by the present disclosure was made from the following active ingredients in parts by weight:

(25) CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract 5 parts, cartilage extract 25 parts, COICIS SEMEN extract 5 parts, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract 0.1 part.

(26) The composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area was obtained by the following method: CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract, cartilage extract, COICIS SEMEN extract, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract and regular adjuvants were taken and subjected to mixing, encapsulating, sterilizing and other process to obtain the composition in a dosage form of oral liquid.

Example 8

(27) A composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area provided by the present disclosure was made from the following active ingredients in parts by weight:

(28) CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract 8 parts, cartilage extract 30 parts, COICIS SEMEN extract 10 parts, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract 0.3 part.

(29) The composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area was obtained by the following method: CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract, cartilage extract, COICIS SEMEN extract, PUERARIAE LOBATAE RADIX extract and regular adjuvants were taken and subjected to mixing, encapsulating, sterilizing and other process to obtain the composition in a dosage form of oral liquid.

Experimental Example

(30) Pharmacodynamics research on composition for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area

(31) 1. Test Agency

(32) Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Sun Yat-sen University.

(33) 2. Purpose of the Test

(34) To study whether the health care food or food of the present disclosure has functions of reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area.

(35) 3. Materials

(36) The health care food or food of the present disclosure: composition obtained in Example 2 (a formulation for relieving arthritis), provided by Infinitus (China) Co., Ltd., which was yellow powders. The recommended oral administration amount of human being was 1.56 g/day, once a day; body weight of each person was set as 60 kg, so the equivalent dose of the composition was 0.026 g/kg.Math.bw. The daily administration amount of cartilage extract was 1 g/day; body weight of each person was set as 60 kg, so the equivalent dose was 0.0167 g/kg.Math.bw. The daily administration amount of CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract was 0.2 g/day; body weight of each person was set as 60 kg, so the equivalent dose was 3.333 mg/kg.Math.bw. The daily administration amount of COICIS SEMEN extract was 0.2 g/day; body weight of each person was set as 60 kg, so the equivalent dose was 3.333 mg/kg.Math.bw.

(37) 4. Method (Efficacy Study in Animal)

(38) 4.1 Design of the Dosage

(39) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Administration amount according to body weight Multiples amounting Group to human dosage Dosage for rat Cartilage extract 10 166.67 mg/kg CURCUMAE LONGAE 10 33.33 mg/kg RHIZOMA extract COICIS SEMEN 10 33.33 mg/kg extract Cartilage extract + 10 166.67 mg/kg cartilage extract CURCUMAE LONGAE and 33.33 mg/kg CURCUMAE RHIZOMA extract LONGAE RHIZOMA extract Cartilage extract + 10 166.67 mg/kg cartilage extract, CURCUMAE LONGAE 33.33 mg/kg CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract + RHIZOMA extract and 33.33 mg/kg COICIS SEMEN extract COICIS SEMEN extract Example 2 10 0.26 g/kg

(40) The dosage design: administration amount of rat in the formula group was 0.26 g/kg, equal to 10 multiples of the administration amount of a 60 kg-adult, 1.56 g/day;

(41) administration amount of rat in the cartilage extract group was 166.67 mg/kg, equal to 10 multiples of the administration amount of a 60 kg-adult, 1 g/day;

(42) administration amount of rat in the CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract group was 33.33 mg/kg, equal to 10 multiples of the administration amount of a 60 kg-adult, 0.2 g/day;

(43) administration amount of rat in the COICIS SEMEN extract group was 33.33 mg/kg, equal to 10 multiples of the administration amount of a 60 kg-adult, 0.2 g/day.

(44) The administration amount of (cartilage extract+CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract) group was a combination of 166.67 mg/kg cartilage extract and 33.33 mg/kg CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract.

(45) The administration amount of (cartilage extract+CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract+COICIS SEMEN extract) group was a combination of 166.67 mg/kg cartilage extract, 33.33 mg/kg CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract and 33.33 mg/kg COICIS SEMEN extract.

(46) The samples of each dosage group were fine milled, and distilled water was added and the resultant was blended and adjusted to a constant volume suitable for gavage administration.

(47) Grouping: SD rats, female, SPF grade, 180˜220 g, were purchased from Experimental Animal Center of Sun Yat-sen University. The rats were randomly divided into 8 groups, 10 rats per group. A. normal control group, B. model group, C. cartilage extract group (166.67 mg/kg), D. CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract group (33.33 mg/kg), E. COICIS SEMEN extract group (33.33 mg/kg), F. cartilage extract+CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract group (166.67 mg/kg cartilage extract+33.33 mg/kg CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract), G. cartilage extract+CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract+COICIS SEMEN extract group (166.67 mg/kg cartilage extract+33.33 mg/kg CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract+33.33 mg/kg COICIS SEMEN extract), and H. formula group (0.26 g/kg).

(48) 4.2 Effects on Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rat Model

(49) SD rats of each group were preventively administered for 2 weeks, once a day. 2 weeks after the administration, 0.1 mL Freund's complete adjuvant was injected to right back vola pedis of rats to induce inflammation. On the same day, all the groups were administered, and continuously administered once a day for 3 weeks. After the administration, samples were collected and the following indexes were detected.

(50) 1) Observation: mental states of rats, walking, etc., were observed every day; and the body weight was weighed every 7 d.

(51) 2) Arthritis index (AI): arthritic index was evaluated by arthritis scoring method (0˜4 grades). 0 point: normal, without arthritis; 1 point: erythema and slight swelling occurred on the ankle joint; 2 points: erythema and slight swelling occurred from the ankle joint to the metatarsophalangeal joint or the palm joint; 3 points: erythema and moderate swelling occurs from the ankle joint to the metatarsophalangeal joint or palm joint; 4 points: erythema and severe swelling occurs from the ankle joint to the metatarsophalangeal joint.

(52) 3) Measure of arthrocele: the volume of vola pedis was measured by the vola pedis volume measuring instrument once before the inflammation and 3 h, 3 d, 7 d, 14 d, 21 d, 30 d after the inducing of inflammation, and the difference in volume of the vola pedis before and after was used to evaluate the arthrocele degree.

(53) 4) Measure of biochemical indicators: blood sample was collected, and serum was separated to measure the contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α by ELISA; synovial fluid was collected to measure the expression levels of MMP-3 and COL-II; and the inflammatory swelling paw was sheared off, and levels of prostaglandin PGE2 and IL-1β were measured.

(54) 5) Measure of articular cavity: after anesthesia, the ankle joint was irradiated with an ultrasound apparatus to measure the area of articular cavity of the ankle joint.

(55) 4.3 Statistics Analysis

(56) The test data was analyzed by GraphPad Prism 7.0 biological statistical software. The data was expressed as Mean±SD; weight, arthritis index, arthrocele degree was analyzed by one-way ANOVA combining with Dunnett's multiple comparisons; and biochemical indicators, articular cavity were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance.

(57) 5. Test Result

(58) 5.1 Observation

(59) 1 h after model establishment in rat, all the model rats showed claudication. 3 h later, the inflammatory paw swelled. 18 h later, the swelling reached the peak value. 3 d later, the swelling gradually reduced, and tended to back to normal after 14 d.

(60) Before the administration and 1 to 14 d of the preventive administration, there was no statistical difference in body weight between each group (P>0.05); 14 d after the administration, except for the normal group, all other groups were subjected to model establishment. Comparing with the normal group, from the 21.sup.th day of administration (the 7.sup.th day of model establishment), body weight of each modeled group tended to reduce; on the 28.sup.th day of administration (the 14.sup.th day of model establishment) and the 35.sup.th day of administration (the 21.sup.th day of model establishment), the body weight of modeled group showed significantly reduced (P<0.01). Comparing with the model group, test samples have no obvious effect on weight of the rats (P>0.05). Results are shown in Table 2.

(61) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Effects of the composition on weight of Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis model rats (g, Mean ± SD) 0 d of the 7 d of the 14 d of the 21 d of the 28 d of the 35 d of the Group administration administration administration administration administration administration A. normal group 207.50 ± 11.54 222.20 ± 7.70  233.70 ± 12.34 233.30 ± 18.34  252.50 ± 11.16**  279.00 ± 16.65** B. model group 208.40 ± 12.78 214.20 ± 15.30 224.40 ± 12.94 227.20 ± 16.80 232.50 ± 15.69 252.40 ± 26.30 C. Cartilage extract 206.40 ± 9.35  213.10 ± 11.93 224.80 ± 14.13 224.00 ± 8.47  232.10 ± 10.57 253.60 ± 17.95 group D. CURCUMAE 206.50 ± 9.92  218.60 ± 9.61  231.60 ± 11.23 226.80 ± 15.66 235.60 ± 15.94 260.50 ± 13.67 LONGAE RHIZOMA extract group E. COICIS SEMEN 208.40 ± 9.25  219.70 ± 11.96 237.80 ± 18.02 235.30 ± 17.63 238.10 ± 11.92 257.30 ± 11.26 extract group F. Cartilage extract + 208.10 ± 10.35 220.00 ± 12.65 233.80 ± 13.10 233.40 ± 14.03 245.10 ± 12.91 260.10 ± 14.81 CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract group G. Cartilage extract + 207.70 ± 7.53  220.40 ± 8.69  230.40 ± 10.56 234.40 ± 7.72  243.60 ± 14.71 256.50 ± 13.07 CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract + COICIS SEMEN extract group H. formula group 208.00 ± 10.90 223.80 ± 10.45 231.00 ± 7.94  234.70 ± 9.57  242.00 ± 14.52 258.20 ± 13.23 (Example 2) Comment: comparing with the model group, *P < 0.05; and **P < 0.01.

(62) Comment: comparing with the model group, *: P<0.05; and **: P<0.01.

(63) 5.2 Arthritis Index

(64) Comparing with the normal group, AI scores of the model group increased significantly (P<0.01), wherein the score of the 3.sup.th day after model establishment was the highest. After 3 d, the scores gradually reduced, and tended to be stable after 14 d of model establishment. Comparing with the model group, each group improved the AI score in varying degrees. In the test drugs, effects of the cartilage extract+CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA group, cartilage extract+CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA+COICIS SEMEN group and the formula group were the most significant (P<0.05 or P<0.01); and wherein the formula group was the optimum (reference was made to Table 3).

(65) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Effects of the composition on arthritis index of Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis model rats (g, Mean ± SD) 3 h after model 3 d after model 7 d after model 14 d after model 21 d after model Group establishment establishment establishment establishment establishment A. normal group  0.00 ± 0.00**  0.00 ± 0.00**  0.00 ± 0.00**  0.00 ± 0.00**  0.00 ± 0.00** B. model group 3.30 ± 0.67 3.90 ± 0.32 3.40 ± 0.52 3.20 ± 0.42 3.10 ± 0.74 C. Cartilage extract 3.00 ± 0.47 3.60 ± 0.52 3.10 ± 0.57 2.80 ± 0.42 2.70 ± 0.67 group D. CURCUMAE 3.20 ± 0.63 3.80 ± 0.42 3.20 ± 0.42 2.90 ± 0.57 2.80 ± 0.79 LONGAE RHIZOMA extract group E. COICIS SEMEN 3.10 ± 0.32 3.60 ± 0.70 3.00 ± 0.47 2.70 ± 0.67 2.60 ± 0.70 extract group F. Cartilage extract + 2.80 ± 0.42 3.40 ± 0.70  2.70 ± 0.48*  2.50 ± 0.53* 2.50 ± 0.53 CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract group G. Cartilage extract + 2.70 ± 0.48 3.30 ± 0.48  2.50 ± 0.53**  2.40 ± 0.52**  2.40 ± 0.84* CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract + COICIS SEMEN extract group H. formula group  2.60 ± 0.52*  3.00 ± 0.82**  2.60 ± 0.70**  2.40 ± 0.52**  2.30 ± 0.48** (Example 2) Comment: comparing with the model group, *P < 0.05; and **P < 0.01
5.3 Arthrocele Degree

(66) Comparing with the normal group, the arthrocele degree of the model groups significantly increased (P<0.01), wherein the arthrocele degree of the 3.sup.th day after model establishment was the highest. After 3 d, the arthrocele gradually reduced, and tended to be stable after 14 d of model establishment. Comparing with the model group, test samples reduced the arthrocele degree in varying degrees, wherein the effects of cartilage extract+CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract group, cartilage extract+CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract+COICIS SEMEN extract group and the formula group showed significant difference (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the formula group was the optimum (see Table 4).

(67) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Effects of the composition on arthrocele degree of Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis model rats (g, Mean ± SD) 3 h after model 3 d after model 7 d after model 14 d after model 21 d after model Group establishment establishment establishment establishment establishment A. normal group  0.03 ± 0.15**  0.04 ± 0.16**  0.09 ± 0.12**  0.11 ± 0.14**  0.13 ± 0.11** B. model group 1.36 ± 0.29 2.39 ± 0.56 2.04 ± 1.07 1.66 ± 0.39 1.61 ± 0.32 C. cartilage extract 1.37 ± 0.25 2.34 ± 0.69 1.89 ± 0.36 1.59 ± 0.60 1.51 ± 0.25 group D. CURCUMAE 1.37 ± 0.29 2.31 ± 0.49 1.65 ± 0.27 1.44 ± 0.30 1.39 ± 0.33 LONGAE RHIZOMA extract group E. COICIS SEMEN 1.35 ± 0.28 2.28 ± 0.55 1.72 ± 0.33 1.49 ± 0.21 1.46 ± 0.40 extract group F. cartilage extract + 1.28 ± 0.23 2.13 ± 0.46  1.55 ± 0.39* 1.32 ± 0.21 1.25 ± 0.25 CURCUMAELONGAE RHIZOMA extract group G. cartilage extract + 1.26 ± 0.24 2.07 ± 0.44  1.48 ± 0.25** 1.22 ± 0.28 1.19 ± 0.25 CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract + COICIS SEMEN extract group H. formula group 1.21 ± 0.21 1.95 ± 0.47  1.34 ± 0.29**  1.22 ± 0.33*  1.13 ± 0.20* (Example 2) Comment: comparing with the model group, *P < 0.05; and **P < 0.01
5.4 Measure of Biochemical Indicators

(68) Biochemical indicators in serum: comparing with the normal group, contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum of the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). Comparing with the model group, each test sample has effect of reducing contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum at certain degree, wherein the cartilage extract+CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract group, cartilage extract+CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract+COICIS SEMEN extract group and the formula group significantly decreased the contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Results are shown in Table 5. Biochemical indicator of swelling tissue: comparing with the normal group, contents of PGE2 and IL-1β in the swelling tissue of the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). Comparing with the model group, each test sample has effect of reducing contents of PGE2 and IL-1β in the tissue at certain degree, wherein the cartilage extract+CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract+COICIS SEMEN extract group and the formula group significantly decreased the content of PGE2 in the tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01); and the formula group also reduced the content IL-1 in the tissue (see Table 6). Biochemical indicators of synovial fluid: comparing with the normal group, content of MMP-3 in the synovial fluid of the swelling tissue of the model groups significantly increased (P<0.01). Comparing with the model group, each test sample has effect of reducing content of MMP-3 in the tissue at certain degree, wherein the formula group showed the most significant effect (P<0.05). Comparing with the normal group, content of COL-II in the synovial fluid of the swelling tissue of the model group significantly decreased (P<0.01). Comparing with the model group, each test sample has effect of increasing content of COL-II in the synovial fluid at certain degree, but the difference is not significant (P>0.05). Results are shown in Table 7.

(69) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Effects of the composition on biochemical indicators in serum of Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis model rats (Mean ± SD) Group IL-1β (pg/mL) IL-6 (pg/mL) TNF-α (pg/mL) A. normal group  113.42 ± 25.97**   787.25 ± 120.12**   78.35 ± 10.39** B. model group 509.61 ± 16.47 1579.92 ± 71.57  253.40 ± 19.00 C. cartilage extract group 487.01 ± 60.36 1471.27 ± 166.23 235.47 ± 36.05 D. CURCUMAE LONGAE 441.68 ± 76.07 1417.31 ± 132.32 218.08 ± 40.74 RHIZOMA extract group E. COICIS SEMEN extract 472.17 ± 62.03 1531.38 ± 152.87 231.85 ± 32.36 group F. cartilage extract +  422.82 ± 82.72*  1404.23 ± 162.10*  217.24 ± 31.33* CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract group G. cartilage extract +  410.20 ± 83.09*  1374.56 ± 147.16*  209.11 ± 27.76** CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract + COICIS SEMEN extract group H. formula group (Example 2)  387.14 ± 83.28**  1232.20 ± 157.22**  191.03 ± 32.30**

(70) TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Effects of the composition on biochemical indicators of swelling foot tissue of Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis model rats (Mean ± SD) Group PGE2 (pg/mg) IL-1β (pg/mg) A. normal group  199.94 ± 23.66**  311.00 ± 88.03** B. model group 429.96 ± 39.00 686.49 ± 79.44 C. cartilage extract group 412.73 ± 30.86 619.06 ± 89.78 D. CURCUMAE LONGAE 391.80 ± 31.18 608.43 ± 77.55 RHIZOMA extract group E. COICIS SEMEN group 397.58 ± 43.74 652.18 ± 75.30 F. Cartilage extract + 384.29 ± 40.37 608.90 ± 89.27 CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract group G. Cartilage extract +  381.80 ± 34.49* 593.43 ± 66.62 CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract + COICIS SEMEN extract group H. formula group (Example 2)  364.07 ± 61.21**  572.85 ± 93.98*

(71) TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Effects of the composition on MMP-3, COL- II in synovial fluid of Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis model rats (Mean ± SD) Group MMP-3 (pg/mL) COL-II (pg/mL) A. normal group   91.92 ± 20.91**  371.70 ± 46.45** B. model group 244.11 ± 32.26 199.45 ± 36.25 C. cartilage extract group 228.43 ± 38.93 216.62 ± 47.77 D. CURCUMAE LONGAE 216.16 ± 32.47 231.31 ± 59.35 RHIZOMA extract group E. COICIS SEMEN extract group 223.80 ± 46.51 222.56 ± 34.22 F. cartilage extract + 213.36 ± 45.26 236.89 ± 52.20 CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract group G. cartilage extract + 200.46 ± 42.33 237.04 ± 74.52 CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA extract + COICIS SEMEN extract group H. formula group (Example 2)  192.83 ± 30.52* 245.93 ± 39.54 Comment: comparing with the model group, *P < 0.05; and **P < 0.01
5.5 Measure of Articular Cavity

(72) Comparing with the normal group, the articular cavity area of ankle joint of the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). Comparing with the model group, each test sample has effect of reducing articular cavity area of the ankle joint at certain degrees, where in the effect of the formula group was the most significant (P<0.05). Results are shown in Table 8.

(73) TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Effects of the composition on articular cavity area of ankle of Freund's 2 adjuvant-induced arthritis model rats (mm.sup.2, Mean ± SD) articular cavity Group (mm.sup.2) A. normal group  20.76 ± 3.10** B. model group 40.32 ± 4.17 C. cartilage extract group 37.32 ± 9.57 D. CURCUMAE LONGAE RHIZOMA group 35.43 ± 5.33 E. COICIS SEMEN group 37.73 ± 8.90 F. Cartilage extract + CURCUMAE 34.36 ± 5.83 LONGAE RHIZOMA group G. Cartilage extract + CURCUMAE LONGAE 33.21 ± 7.27 RHIZOMA + COICIS SEMEN group H. formula group (Example 2)  31.15 ± 5.67* Comment: comparing with the model group, *P < 0.05; and **P < 0.01.

(74) Thus, the composition of the present disclosure has functions of reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area, and can be used for manufacturing health care foods or foods for reducing arthrocele degree, decreasing arthritis index, ameliorating physiological index of arthritis and reducing articular cavity area.

(75) The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that a number of modifications and refinements may be made by one or ordinary skill in the art without departing from the principles of the disclosure, and such modifications and refinements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the disclosure.