Anti-inflammatory Activity of Polygonum bistorta,Guaiacum officinale and Hamamelis virginiana in Rats

Abstract— The aqueous ethanolic extracts of Polygonum bistorta L. Polygonaceae, Guaiacum officinale L. Zygophyllaceae and Hamamelis virginiana L. Hamamelidaceae were screened for anti-inflammatory activity. Administered (100 and 200 mg kg^?1, p.o.) before the induction of carrageenan rat paw oedema, extracts of P. bistorta significantly suppressed both the maximal oedema response and the total oedema response (monitored as area under the time course curve). H. virginiana was inactive and G. officinale was only active at 200 mg kg^?1. At 200 mg kg^?1 administered before the induction of adjuvant arthritis, P. bistorta significantly inhibited both the acute and chronic phases of the adjuvant-induced rat paw swelling, while G. officinale and H. virginiana were only active against the chronic phase. Further studies on P. bistorta (100–800 mg kg^?1) revealed a dose-dependent inhibition of the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema over the dose range 100–400 mg kg^?1, the E50 value being approximately 158·5 mg kg^?1. The extract (200 mg kg^?1), administered after the onset of the inflammatory responses reversed the course of both the carrageenan- and adjuvant- induced rat paw swelling. The results confirm that the extracts of P. bistorta, G. officinale and H. virginiana contain anti-inflammatory substances.     

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Jungia paniculata

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Jungia paniculata (DC.) A. Gray (Asteraceae), used traditionally in Peru. The dry leaves were extracted with methanol, 50% methanol, and water. The anti-inflammatory activity of this plant was studied using in vitro (nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages and sPLA₂ inhibition assay) and in vivo (carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and TPA-induced ear edema in mice) model systems. The antioxidant activity of extracts was studied using three in vitro model systems (DPPH^? radical-scavenging assay, ABTS^?+ assay, and superoxide radical-scavenging activity). The results have been correlated with total phenolics and total flavonoids contents. In the NO test of the extracts of Jungia paniculata, no significant cytotoxicities were observed at the concentrations determined by MTT assay. Only the MeOH50 extract of Jungia paniculata significantly inhibited PLA₂ enzyme activity (82.3?±?2.6%). At 3?h, the 50% methanol extract of Jungia paniculata at an oral dose of 500?mg/kg showed significant suppression of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema (36.36%). The same extract induced a 93.99% reduction in TPA-induced edema in topical administration. The extracts exhibited a high antioxidant activity and contained high total levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. There was a significant linear correlation between total phenolics and flavonoids contents and antioxidant activity in the three models used. In conclusion, Jungia paniculata possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which confirm the use of this plant in folk medicine as a topical anti-inflammatory herbal.     

beta-Amyrin and alpha-amyrin acetate isolated from the stem bark of Alstonia boonei display profound anti-inflammatory activity

Context: Alstonia boonei De Wild (Apocyanaceae) is used in ethnomedicine for the management of malaria, ulcer, rhematic pain, toothache, and inflammatory disorders.

Objective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of β-amyrin and α-amyrin acetate isolated from the stem bark of Alstonia boonei using animal models.

Materials and methods: Chromatographic purification of the crude methanol extract led to the isolation and structure elucidation of β-amyrin and α-amyrin acetate. Their anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated in rodents using egg albumen-induced paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema models. The gastric ulcerogenic, in vivo leucocyte migration, and RBC membrane stabilization tests were also investigated.

Results: α-Amyrin acetate at 100?mg/kg showed significant (p?p?>?0.01) irritation of the gastric mucosa while significant (p?p?p?Discussion and conclusion: This study generally provided evidence of profound anti-inflammatory activity of β-amyrin and α-amyrin acetate isolated from the Alstonia boonei stem bark.     

In vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Rosmarinus officinalis aqueous extracts,rosmarinic acid and its acetyl ester derivative

Abstract

Context: Despite several pharmacological applications of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae), studies on its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties have been scarce.

Objective: The aim of this work was to use in vivo models to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extracts obtained from leaves (AEL) and stems (AES) of Rosmarinus officinalis, as well as its isolated compound – rosmarinic acid (RA). We also prepared and assessed the acetyl ester derivative of RA.

Materials and methods: The analgesic activity was evaluated using abdominal constriction and formalin tests. For the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects, carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats were used. The extracts were used at doses of 100, 200 and 400?mg?kg^?1 compounds were tested at 10, 20 and 40?mg?kg^?1.

Results: Orally administered AEL, AES and RA were not significantly active at any of the doses tested during the abdominal constriction test; the acetyl ester derivative of RA displayed significant analgesic activity. In the carrageenin-induced paw edema assay, the acetyl derivative of RA at all the tested doses produced significant anti-inflammatory effects and reduced the number of paw licks in the second phase of the formalin test.

Discussion and conclusion: The results suggest that the analgesic effects of the acetyl derivative of RA operate via a peripheral-mediated mechanism. The acetyl ester derivative of RA is potentially applicable as a new lead compound for the management of pain and inflammation.     

Topical anti-inflammatory phytomedicine based on Sphagneticola trilobata dried extracts

Context: The aerial parts of Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski (Asteraceae) are popularly used to treat topical inflammation, but have not been fully investigated.

Objective: To identify polar compounds in S. trilobata extracts and develop a new topical phytomedicine based on the kaurenoic acid (KA) content while monitoring and demonstrating its topical anti-inflammatory activity.

Materials and methods: Ethanol spray-dried extract of S. trilobata was analysed by LC-MS while the KA content from semisolid was analysed by LC-UV. The extent of ear edema induced by applying 20?μL of croton oil (2.5%), arachidonic acid (AA; 2?mg/ear) and decanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA; 2.5?mg/ear) in mice was used to evaluate the biological activity of the semisolids, which were applied 30?min before the phlogistic agents.

Results: Eight phenylpropanoids and four oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins were identified, majority of them reported for the first time in this species, in addition to KA. The semisolid containing 1.0% of dried extract reduced the ear edema induced by croton oil [77.2?±?4.5%; ID50?=?0.49 (0.28–0.87%)], TPA (81.5?±?2.4%) and AA (39.1?±?6.9%), with decreasing effect at higher KA concentrations. This was accompanied by neutrophil migration inhibition as investigated by biochemical and histological assays.

Discussion and conclusion: The anti-inflammatory effects were (at least in part) due to the interference in protein kinase C (PKC) activation, AA-cascade products and neutrophil migration inhibition, demonstrating the efficacy of the folk topical usage of this plant. The results support the development of a novel topical anti-inflammatory phytomedicine properly standardized to treat inflammatory dermatological diseases.     

Anticholinesterase,antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity assessment of Xeranthemum annuum L. and isolation of two cyanogenic compounds

Context: Xeranthemum annuum L. (Asteraceae) (XA) is an ornamental and medicinal species with limited bioactivity and phytochemical data.

Objective: Identification of anticholinesterase, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the flower and root–stem (R-S) extracts of XA.

Materials and methods: Anticholinesterase (at 100?μg mL^?1) and antioxidant (at 1000?μg mL^?1) effects of various extracts were evaluated via microtiter assays, while anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the R-S extracts were tested using carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema (100 and 200?mg kg^?1) and p-benzoquinone (PBQ) writhing models (200?mg kg^?1) in male Swiss albino mice. The R-S ethanol extract of XA was subjected to isolation studies using conventional chromatographic methods.

Results: Most of the extracts showed inhibition over 85% against butyrylcholinesterase and no inhibition towards acetylcholinesterase. The flower chloroform and the R-S ethyl acetate extracts were most effective (97.85?±?0.94% and 96.89?±?1.09%, respectively). The R-S ethanol extract displayed a remarkable scavenging activity against DPPH (77.33?±?1.99%) and in FRAP assay, while the hexane extract of the R-S parts possessed the highest metal-chelating capacity (72.79?±?0.33%). The chloroform extract of the R-S caused a significant analgesic effect (24.4%) in PBQ writhing model. No anti-inflammatory effect was observed. Isolation of zierin and zierin xyloside, which were inactive in anticholinesterase assays, was achieved from the R-S ethanol extract.

Discussion and conclusion: This is the first report of anticholinesterase, antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities and isolation of zierin and zierin xyloside from XA. Therefore, XA seems to contain antioxidant and BChE-inhibiting compounds.     

Anti-inflammatory Properties of Entada abyssinica. Leaves

Abstract

The effects of the defatted methanol extract of Entada abyssinica. Steud. ex A. Rich leaves on some models of inflammation were investigated. The analgesic property of the plant extract was also tested on acetic acid–induced writhing, as well as formalin-induced paw licking, in mice. The antipyretic effect was evaluated using yeast-induced hyperpyrexia in mice. At doses of 50–200 mg/kg, the extract produced significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of leukocyte migration after intraperitoneal injection of carrageenan in rats. A topical anti-inflammatory effect was produced by 20 mg/ear of the extract, as demonstrated by inhibition of croton oil–induced ear edema in mice. The analgesic property of the plant extract was observed by inhibition of acetic acid–induced writhing and paw licking induced by formalin in mice. The extract, however, exhibited no antipyretic activity. This study further established the anti-inflammatory activity of E. abyssinica., in addition to its analgesic effect.     

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of N,N′-bis(3-dimethylamino-1-phenyl-propylidene)hydrazine dihydrochloride

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of N, N′-bis(3-dimethylamino-1-phenyl-propylidene)hydrazine dihydrochloride, D1, on carrageenan-induced edema. In addition, its effect on hyaluronidase-induced vascular permeability was also tested. D1 was synthesized, and anti-inflammatory activity was determined by carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats (n?=?30) at 50, 100, and 200?mg kg^?1 doses of D1 and also a 25?mg kg^?1 dose of indomethacin. The effects of D1 and indomethacin on hyaluronidase-induced capillary permeability were investigated in rabbits (n?=?18) at a 100?mg kg^?1 dose of D1 and 25?mg kg^?1 dose of indomethacin. D1 inhibited carrageenan-induced inflammation by 40, 20, and 10% at 50, 100, and 200?mg kg^?1 doses after 1?h. The inhibitions were 22.5, 32.7, 28.6% and 15.6, 33.4, 8.9% at 2?h and 3?h, respectively. The inhibitions due to indomethacin (25?mg kg^?1 dose) were 67.5, 87.8, and 91.1%, at 1?h, 2?h, and 3?h, respectively. The subcutaneous spreading areas of Trypan blue at 1, 5, 30, and 60?min after subcutaneous injection of hyaluronidase were 172.6?±?41.6, 210.2?±?39.7, 363?±?50, and 400.2?±?46.7?mm² in the D1 (100?mg kg^?1) treated group. The spreading areas at these time periods were 38.8?±?3.7, 48.2?±?4.5, 100.6?±?6.9, and 119.8?±?22.5?mm² in the indomethacin treated group. Our results showed that D1 inhibits carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats. A tendency to decrease the capillary permeability suggested that the mechanism of action of the anti-inflammatory effect of D1 may partly depend on inhibition of the hyaluronidase enzyme.     

Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory Properties of Chlorophora excelsa. Stem Bark Extract

ABSTRACT

A methanol extract of the stem bark of Chlorophora excelsa. (Welw.) Benth and Hook was evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity in different models. Acute inflammatory effects were studied in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, and the effect of the extract in chronic inflammation was evaluated using the cotton pellet granuloma test. The effect of the extract on topical inflammation induced with croton oil was also tested in mice. The extract produced a significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependent inhibition of the carrageenan-induced pedal edema, as well as granuloma tissue formation in rats. Topical anti-inflammatory effect was only evident with 400 mg/kg of the extract. This study demonstrated acute, chronic, and topical anti-inflammatory properties of the methanol extract of C. excelsa..     

Analysis of the anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive potential and description of the antimutagenic mode of action of the Annona crassiflora methanolic extract

Context: Annona crassiflora Mart. (Annonaceae) is a medicinal plant that is widely used in folk medicine, which leads to its investigation as a potential source of new pharmacological principles.

Objective: This study describes the anti-inflammatory, antiallodynic, and antimutagenic/chemopreventive activities of the leaves A. crassiflora methanolic extract. Its antimutagenic mode of action was analyzed in a plant or animal experimental model.

Materials and methods: Total flavonoids were quantified by spectrophotometry at 415?nm and its composition was analyzed by ¹H NMR spectra. Animals received orally, 30, 100, and 300?mg/kg of extract in both tests, carrageenan-induced paw edema and myeloperoxidase activity. Animals were treated with 100 and 300?mg/kg, in all the analyzed tests, pleural cell migration and protein exudation, carrageenan-induced cell migration into the pouch, induction of joint inflammation and carrageenan-induced allodynia response in the mouse paw. To evaluate the antimutagenic/chemopreventive activity through the Allium cepa test, we used 5, 10, and 15?mg/L of extract, and for the micronucleus test in the peripheral blood, we used the dose of 15?mg/kg.

Results: The fractionation of the ethyl acetate (EA) fraction, resulting from the partition of the methanol extract of the A. crassiflora, afforded through chromatographic methods resulted in the isolation of kaempferol 3-O-β-glucoside and kaempferol 3-O-β-diglucoside. Oral treatment with 100 and 300?mg/kg of extract significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced edema formation, with inhibitions of 53?±?7% and 47?±?10%; in MPO activity, the observed inhibitions were 60?±?7% for 100?mg/kg treatment and 63?±?7% for 300?mg/kg. The ACME reduced significantly the total leukocytes (an inhibition of 78?±?9% with 100?mg/kg and 90?±?7% with 300?mg/kg) and protein levels (approximately 100% inhibition with both doses) in the pleurisy model. In?carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration into the pouch, the extract inhibited leukocyte migration only when administered 300?mg/kg per dose (the reduction was 43?±?5%). Pretreatment with extract failed to reduce the zymosan-induced edema formation and did not inhibit the carrageenan-induced mechanical allodynia. Damage reduction in Allium cepa tested with different concentrations (5, 10, and 15?mg/L) was 66.17, 75.75, and 69.19% for the pre-treatment; 72.72, 33.33, and 22.22% for the simple simultaneous treatment; 100.50, 93.93, and 102.52% for the simultaneous treatment with pre-incubation; 89.39, 79.79, and 84.34%; for the post-treatment, and 86.36, 81.31, and 93.43% for the continuous treatment. The antimutagenic evaluation in the micronucleous test showed a damage reduction of 75.00 and 64.58% for the pre-treatment and simultaneous protocols, respectively. The post-treatment protocol increased the cyclophosphamide effects in 45.83%.

Conclusion: These results suggest that this medicinal plant has chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential.     

The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Salvia officinalis leaf aqueous and butanol extracts

Context: The leaf of sage Salvia officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) is reputed in the folk medicine of Arabia, and Jordan in particular, to relieve pain associated with gastrointestinal disturbance.

Objectives: Evaluation of the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous and butanol extracts of S. officinalis leaf.

Materials and methods: The analgesic effects of the aqueous extract (10, 31.6, 100, 316, 1000?mg/kg) and butanol extract (10, 31.6, 100, 316?mg/kg) were studied using the hot-plate test for mice and the formalin-induced paw licking in rats. The effects were compared to those of morphine and the influence of naloxone on these effects was also evaluated. The same concentrations of both extracts were used to evaluate their anti-inflammatory effects using the cotton pellet granuloma and carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats.

Results: The aqueous extract (10, 31.6, 100, 316, 1000?mg/kg) and butanol extract (10, 31.6, 100, 316?mg/kg) caused analgesic effect in the hot-plate latency assay as well as in early and late phases of formalin-induced paw licking in rats. These effects were reduced by the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone (5?mg/kg). The same range of doses of both extracts caused dose-dependent inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats as well as inhibition of cotton pellet granuloma.

Discussion and conclusion: These observations suggest that the sage leaf aqueous and butanol extracts have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, confirming the traditional use of this plant for pain alleviation.     

Anti-inflammatory,analgesic, and antioxidant activities of Pisonia aculeata: Folk medicinal use to scientific approach

Context: Pisonia aculeata leaves (Nyctagenaceae), a Folk medicinal plant used in the treatment of several inflammation, pain, and oxidative stress associated diseases.

Objective: To evaluate anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant potential of crude methanol extract of P. aculeata leaves (MEPA).

Materials and methods: Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of MEPA (250 and 500?mg/kg) were evaluated using writhing, formalin, hot plate, tail flick, carrageenan-induced paw edema test, and membrane stabilizing activity. Free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of MEPA were also determined using standard methods.

Results: Oral administration of MEPA showed significant (p < 0.001) inhibition of paw edema, pronounced at 4?h and 5?h after carrageenan injection, and at 200 µg/mL exerts 77.67 and 38.51% protective effect against hypotonic solution and heat induced hemolysis, respectively. MEPA (250 and 500?mg/kg) produced 35.21 and 79.14% inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing. Furthermore, MEPA (500?mg/kg) inhibited 49.19% early and 73.14% late phase of formalin-induced hypernociception. In contrast, a lower dose of MEPA did not prevent hot plate induced nociception, while in the tail immersion method, pronounced analgesic activity was observed between 1 and 4?h postdosing. The extract possesses significant in vitro antioxidant activity and a lipid peroxidation inhibition effect. Total phenolic and total flavonoid content in MEPA were 87.99?±?0.87?mg GAE/g and 58.98?±?0.01?mg QE/g, respectively.

Discussion and conclusion: Our findings confirmed the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Pisonia aculeata leaves. Contents of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in extract could be correlated with its observed biological activities.     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Homalium letestui

Abstract

Context. Homalium letestui Pellegr (Flacourtiaceae) is used in various decoctions traditionally by the Ibibios of the Niger Delta of Nigeria to treat stomach ulcer, malaria and other inflammatory diseases, as well as an aphrodisiac.

Objective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the stem extract of the plant.

Materials and methods: The ethanol stem extract (500, 750, 1000?mg/kg, i.p.) of H. letestui was investigated for anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan, egg albumin-induced and xylene-induced ear edema models and analgesic activity using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking and thermal-induced pain models. The ethanol extract was administered to the animals orally, 30?min to 1?h depending on the model, before induction of inflammation/pain. The LD₅₀ was also determined. GC–MS analysis of dichloromethane fraction was carried out.

Results: The extract caused a significant (p?<?0.05–0.001) reduction of inflammation induced by carrageenan (8.3–70.0%), egg albumin (10.0–71.42%) and xylene (39.39–84.84%). The extract also reduced significantly (p?<?0.05–0.001) pain induced by acetic acid (44.22–73.65%), formalin (55.89–79.21%) and hot plate (93.0–214.5%). The LD₅₀ was determined to be 4.38?±?35.72?g/kg.

Discussion and conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the ethanol stem extract of H. letestui possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant as revealed by the GC–MS.     

In vivo and in vitro pharmacological activity of Aristolochia tagala (syn: Aristolochia acuminata) root extracts

Context: Aristolochia tagala Cham. (syn: Aristolochia acuminata Lam.) (Aristolochiaceae), known as Nallayishwari in Telugu, has been of interest to researchers because of its traditional uses for treating rheumatic pains and fever.

Objective: The anti-inflammatory activity of the petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts of A. tagala roots were investigated for the first time.

Materials and Methods: In vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects were investigated employing the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats and the macrophage cell line RAW264.7 stimulated with proinflammatory stimuli (lipopolysaccharide interferon γ or the calcium ionophore A23187) to determine PGE₂ or LTB₄ release, respectively.

Results: All the extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory effects which were found to be significant (p?<?0.001) at 200 and 400?mg/kg, p.o, in rats tested and the ethyl acetate extract inhibited the induction of PGE₂ with IC₅₀?=?39.1?mg mL^?1 and LTB₄ with IC₅₀?=?29.5?mg mL^?1.

Discussion and conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the A. tagala roots have excellent anti-inflammatory activity and validate the traditional indications of this plant in its origin country.     

Antioxidant,anti-inflammatory activities and acute toxicity of the polyherbal formulation: Romix®

Context: Polyherbal formulations containing different plants are used for the treatment of various diseases. Romix^® powder is a polyherbal formulation consisting of 14 traditionally used herbs and is used as a food supplement. There is no information about pharmaceutical activities of Romix^®.

Objective: This study determined the total phenolic and total flavonoid content, and investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and acute toxicity of Romix^®.

Material and methods: The total phenolics in the extracts were determined colorimetrically by using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The total flavonoid content of the extracts was evaluated by a spectrophotometric method. The quercetin content of the extract was analyzed using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the carrageenan-induced paw edema test in the rat.

Results: The flavonoid and phenolics contents of Romix^® were 50.58 and 265.83?mg/g in ethanol extract and 18.60 and 222.50?mg/g in water extract, respectively. Total quercetin content of Romix^® was determined as 2.857?mg/g. Antioxidant activity results showed that ethanol extract in 1?mg/mL concentration (4.49775 µg/mL) had moderate antioxidant activity than water extract in the same concentration (4.28191 µg/mL). Intraperitoneal administration of 25?mg/kg Romix^® extract exhibited anti-inflammatory activity and inhibited paw swelling at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6?h in rats with no acute toxicity.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that Romix^® due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities may be useful in the prevention or treatment of aging-related and inflammatory diseases.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the methanol root extracts of some selected Nigerian medicinal plants

Context: The roots of Alafia barteri Oliver (Apocynaceae), Combretum mucronatum Schumach (Combretaceae) and Capparis thonningii Schum (Capparaceae) are used in Traditional African Medicine to alleviate painful and inflammatory conditions.

Objective: This study investigated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the methanol root extracts of Alafia barteri (MeAB), C. mucronatum (MeCM), and Capparis thonningii (MeCT).

Materials and methods: Analgesic activity of the extracts (50, 100, and 200?mg/kg, p.o. 1?h) was evaluated using acetic acid-, formalin- and hot plate-induced pain while anti-inflammatory actions (100 or 200?mg/kg) were investigated using the carrageenan- and xylene-induced edema tests.

Results: MeAB, MeCM, and MeCT (200?mg/kg) inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction by 55.07, 46.67, and 47.25%, respectively. In the formalin test, the index of pain inhibition of early and late phases was, respectively, 47.83 and 81.98% for MeAB, 56.10 and 63.81% for MeCM, and 42.84 and 63.29% for MeCT (200?mg/kg). MeAB and MeCT pretreatments significantly increased the reaction time by 46.67 and 25.53%, respectively, 120?min post-treatment in the hot-plate test. Naloxone (5?mg/kg, s.c.) pretreatment 15?min before extract administration, significantly (p?MeAB, MeCM, and MeCT showed significant anti-inflammatory activity with 60.44 and 30.39%, 63.74 and 58.08%, and 50.55 and 77.84% (200?mg/kg, 4?h), respectively, inhibition of paw and ear edema.

Discussion and conclusion: The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of MeAB and MeCT involve an interaction with opioid pathway and/or inhibition of chemical mediators of pain and inflammation.     

Phytochemical screening and anti-inflammatory properties of Algerian Hertia cheirifolia methanol extract

Context: Hertia cheirifolia L. (Asteraceae) is traditionally used in Northern Africa to treat various inflammatory infections. However, few studies on this plant have been reported.

Objective: The anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extract of H. cheirifolia leaves was investigated using different experimental models.

Materials and methods: Phytochemical analysis was performed to determine phenolic compounds. Acute toxicity of the extract (2000?mg/kg) was examined in Swiss albino mice for 14 days, before croton oil-induced ear oedema in mice, carrageenan-induced paw oedema in Swiss albino rats, cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats and carrageenan-induced air pouch in mice were conducted. The IL-1β and TNF-α release from concanavalin A-stimulated monocytes was measured by ELISA.

Results: Methanol extract of H. cheirifolia is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. Cinnamic acid and rutin represent the major constituents. Methanol extract up to 2000?mg/kg did not produce any toxic effects. Topical application of 2?mg/ear of the extract produced 78.7% of inhibition on ear swilling. Oral pre-treatment of rats with 200 and 400?mg/kg of the extract inhibited paw oedema by 70% and 89%, respectively. At 200?mg/kg, granuloma dry and wet weights were reduced by 41.85% and 61.72%, respectively. Moreover, the treatment with methanol extract at 1?mg/kg exerted 62.7% of inhibition on leucocytes migrated into the ear pouch. TNF-α and IL-1β release was reduced by 69% and 78%, respectively, with 1?μg/mL of the extract.

Conclusion: Methanol extract of H. cheirifolia possesses a strong anti-inflammatory activity and may be considered an interesting source of effective anti-inflammatory compounds.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of Juncus effusus extract (JEE) on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and edema models

Context: Juncus effusus L. var. decipiens BUCHEN. f. leschenaultii GAY has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ethanol extract from the pith of Juncus effusus (JEE) on anti-inflammatory activities in RAW 264.7 cells.

Materials and methods: The production of inflammatory mediators and the underlying mechanisms using 3.1, 6.3, and 12.5?μg/mL concentrations of JEE were investigated. In addition, the topical anti-inflammatory effects of JEE (0.5, 1, and 2?mg/mL) on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorobol-13 acetate (TPA)-induced ear edema and oral administration of JEE (50, 100, and 200?mg/kg) on carrageenan-induced paw-edema were studied in mice.

Results: JEE reduced the release of nitric oxide (NO, IC₅₀ value?=?1.98?μg/mL), prostaglandin E₂ (IC₅₀ value?=?5.5?μg/mL), and pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β (IC₅₀ value?=?4.74?μg/mL) and IL-6 (IC₅₀ value?=?20.48?μg/mL). JEE also suppressed the protein expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Mechanism studies showed attenuation of LPS-induced activation of NF-κB by JEE via abrogation of IκBα degradation and a subsequent decrease in nuclear p65 level. Phosphorylation of all three MAP kinases (ERK, JNK, and p38) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was also suppressed in a dose-dependent manner. In acute inflammation models of mice, topical application (1 and 2?mg) and oral administration (50, 100, and 200?mg/kg) of JEE ameliorated TPA-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema, respectively, in dose-dependent manners.

Discussion and conclusion: These results indicate that JEE exhibited anti-inflammatory activities by suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and by attenuating edema in mice.     

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Pittocaulon species from México

Context: Stems and leaves of Pittocaulon spp. (Asteraceae) are used in Mexican traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory substance and for the treatment of skin injuries.

Objective: This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of methanol (MeOH) and dichloromethane (DC) extracts of five Pittocaulon species.

Materials and methods: DC and MeOH extracts from flowers, roots, and stems of Pittocaulon praecox (Cav.) H. Rob. & Brettell, P. bombycophole (Bullock) H. Rob. & Brettell, P. filare (Mc Vaugh) H. Rob. & Brettell, P. velatum (Greenm.) Rob. & Brettell and P. hintonii H. Rob. & Brettell.

Result and Discussion: In the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the flower extracts obtained with MeOH were the most active with IC₅₀ values ranging from 51.83?±?4.08 to 154.19?±?8.39 ppm. In the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) model, the best activity was shown by DC extracts of roots with IC₅₀ values ranging from 55.54?±?1.28 to 160.82?±?5.37 ppm. The MeOH extract of flowers of P. bombycophole had the highest IC₅₀ value in both DPPH (51.83?±?4.08 ppm) and TBARS (39.78?±?1.97 ppm). The samples with the best values in the antioxidant activity assays were evaluated in the anti-inflammatory tests. The DC root extract of P. velatum at a dose of 1?mg/ear produced the greatest reduction (84.96%) of the 2-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema. This extract also reduced the activity of the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) (73.65%) at the same dose. In contrast, DC root extract of this species did not show significant inhibition of the increase in paw edema induced by carrageenan at the doses tested (100?mg/kg).

Conclusion: These results support the traditional use of these plants as anti-inflammatory. DC extracts of P. velatum and MeOH extracts of P. bombycophole may be a potential resource of natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, respectively. Additional studies must be done to identify the compounds responsible of the activity on these plants and to establish the mechanism of action.     

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of Withania somnifera root on collagen-induced arthritis in rats

Context: Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal (Solanaceae) has long been used as an herb in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine and has received intense attention in recent years for its chemopreventive properties.

Objective: The present study focuses on the effect of W. somnifera root powder on the behavioral and radiological changes in collagen-induced arthritic rats.

Materials and methods: The rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control, arthritic control, arthritic rats treated with W. somnifera root powder (at dose levels 600 and 800?mg?kg^?1) and arthritic rats treated with methotrexate (at dose level 0.3?mg?kg^?1). The treatment with W. somnifera (daily) and methotrexate (weekly) was initiated from the 20th day post collagen immunization and continued up until the 45th day. Arthritis was assessed macroscopically by measuring paw thickness, ankle size and body weight. Arthritic pain was assessed by toe-spread and total print length of the affected paw. Functional recovery due to the oral treatment of W. somnifera and methotrexate was assessed by sciatic functional index and rota rod activity.

Results: Administration of W. somnifera root powder (600?mg?kg^?1) to the arthritic rats significantly decreased the severity of arthritis by effectively suppressing the symptoms of arthritis and improving the functional recovery of motor activity and radiological score.

Discussion and conclusion: W. somnifera root has a protective effect against collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. The results suggest that W. somnifera root powder acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent in decreasing the arthritic effects in collagen-induced arthritic rats.