*Corresponding Author: Dr. Deena Sangeetha C, Email: deenasangeetha@gmail.com ISSN 0976 – 3333 ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE Available Online at www.ijpba.info International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives 2014; 5(1): 60 - 65 Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation in Rheumatoid Arthritis – A Case Control Study Deena Sangeetha C 1 *, Vasanthi B 2 , Porkodi R 3 , Komathi J 4 1 Tamil Nadu Assistant Professor, Dept of Pharmacology, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Coimbatore, 2 Professor, Dept of Pharmacology, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 3 Former Professor, Dept of Rheumatology, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 4 Assistant Professor, Dept of Pharmacology, Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Received 10 Nov 2013; Revised 14 Feb 2014; Accepted 25 Feb 2014 ABSTRACT Aim: We aimed to demonstrate that Vitamin E had an analgesic effect in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by measuring reduction in painful and tender joint score and an anti-inflammatory effect by measuring reduction in swollen joint score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C reactive protein (CRP). Methodology: This was a prospective, open labeled, parallel group, randomized control trial. A total of 85 patients were selected (out of 92 screened) from those attending the Rheumatology out-patient department, Stanley Medical College, Chennai. They were randomized by lots into “Control Group” (43 patients) and “Vitamin E Group” (42 patients). The Control Group received Indomethacin 25 mg BD & Chloroquine 250 mg OD, whilst the Vitamin E Group received Vitamin E 400 mg BD in addition to the above drugs for a period of 12 weeks. Joint examination (painful, tender and swollen joint scores), ESR and CRP were done at baseline and at 12 weeks. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in average painful, tender & swollen joint scores, ESR or CRP between both groups at the start of the study, before drug administration. At the end of the study, there was a statistically significant decrease of all parameters in the Vitamin E group, which was not seen in the Control group, shown by paired t test (p=0.001). Conclusion: The possible analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Vitamin E, which are demonstrated by a better improvement of both joint scores and lab markers of inflammation, highlights the possible role for Vitamin E and other anti-oxidants as safer disease-modifying anti-rheumatoid agents. Key words: Vitamin E, rheumatoid arthritis, analgesic, anti-inflammatory. INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common disease with a prevalence of 0.5 –1% in diverse populations worldwide [1] . Once initiated, the persistent synovitis, characteristic of RA, causes progressive joint destruction and permanent deformity with resultant deterioration in quality of life and high cost to society [1,2] . Functional capacity decreases most rapidly at the beginning of the disease and it is essential to control active disease as soon as possible [3,4] . Hence prompt introduction of Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), either singly or in combination, in a step-down approach is required to prevent joint damage. Currently used drugs like Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), DMARDs and glucocorticoids are highly toxic on long term use [2] A recent study indicated that increased oxidative stress and/or defective antioxidant status contribute to the pathology of RA. When human immunoglobulin is exposed to free radical generating systems, Ig G complexes are formed that stimulate the release of superoxide from . Therefore there exists a need for a newer disease modifying agent that is effective, yet non toxic on chronic administration.