Anti-inflammatory effect of a methanolic extract of leaves of Dregea volubilis

Aim of study

The aim of this study was to establish the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of Dregea volubilis leaves (MEDV) with its fractions and to delineate the possible mechanism of action for MEDV.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activities of MEDV along with its petroleum ether and chloroform fractions were evaluated in a carrageenan induced model of acute inflammation. The effect of MEDV on lipopolysaccharide induced production of nitric oxide (NO) in macrophages was also studied.

Results

MEDV (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema; chloroform fraction was most potent (66%, p < 0.001). MEDV was non-toxic up to 125 μg/ml in mouse peritoneal macrophages wherein it (0-100 μg/ml) reduced lipopolysaccharide induced NO production.

Conclusion

MEDV possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity. Chloroform fraction of MEDV showed best anti-inflammatory activity.     

Nigella sativa modulates splenocyte proliferation, Th1/Th2 cytokine profile, macrophage function and NK anti-tumor activity

Aim of the study

Nigella sativa, also known as blackseed, has long been used in traditional medicine for treating various conditions related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems as well as different types of cancers. In this study, the potential immunomodulatory effects of Nigella sativa are investigated in light of splenocyte proliferation, macrophage function, and NK anti-tumor activity using BLAB/c and C57/BL6 primary cells.

Materials and methods

Splenocyte proliferation was assessed by [³H]-thymidine incorporation. Griess assay was performed to evaluate NO production by macrophages. ELISA was performed to measure the level of cytokines secreted by splenocytes and macrophages. NK cytotoxic activity against YAC-1 tumor cells was examined by JAM assay.

Results

We demonstrate that the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa significantly enhances splenocyte proliferation in a dose-responsive manner. In addition, the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa favors the secretion of Th2, versus Th1, cytokines by splenocytes. The secretion of IL-6, TNFα, and NO; key pro-inflammatory mediators, by primary macrophages is significantly suppressed by the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa, indicating that Nigella sativa exerts anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. Finally, experimental evidence indicates that the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa significantly enhances NK cytotoxic activity against YAC-1 tumor cells, suggesting that the documented anti-tumor effects of Nigella sativa may be, at least in part, attributed to its ability to serve as a stimulant of NK anti-tumor activity.

Conclusions

Our data present Nigella sativa as a traditionally used herb with potent immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. We anticipate that Nigella sativa ingredients may be employed as effective therapeutic agents in the regulation of diverse immune reactions implicated in various conditions and diseases such as cancer.     

Involvement of heme oxygenase-1 in the anti-inflammatory activity of Chrysanthemum boreale Makino extracts on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in RAW264.7 macrophages

Aim of the study

This study is to elucidate the involvement of anti-inflammatory heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the inhibitory activity of a Chrysanthemum boreale Makino (CB) extract on nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.

Materials and methods

Cell viability and NO assay were performed. In addition, iNOS expression was detected by Western blotting and real-time PCR. HO-1 expression was also evaluated by Western blotting, and blocking HO-1 activity on NO production was performed.

Results

The CB extract at the highest concentration (100 μg/ml) significantly inhibited NO production by approximately 90% and suppressed iNOS protein expression by approximately 84.8% compared to LPS-stimulated cells. Furthermore, the CB extract (100 μg/ml) inhibited iNOS mRNA expression in a concentration-dependant manner and suppressed iNOS mRNA expression by 94.8%. The CB extract induced the expression of HO-1 in a dose-dependent manner, and blocking HO-1 activity abolished the inhibitory effects of the CB extract. Moreover, the addition of carbon monoxide such as tricarbonyl dichlororuthenium (II) dimmer (RuCO), a byproduct derived from heme degradation, mimicked the inhibitory action of low concentrations of CB extract.

Conclusion

These results suggest that a CB extract has potent anti-inflammatory activity in RAW264.7 macrophages involving the induction of HO-1.     

Intracellular replication inhibitory effects of Galla Rhois ethanol extract for Brucella abortus infection

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Galla Rhois (GR) has long been applied in traditional Korean and Oriental medicine. Although GR has an anti-bacterial effect, the anti-bacterial mechanism and therapeutic efficiency of GR for intracellular parasitic Brucella infection are still unclear.

Aim of the study

The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial and therapeutic effects of GR ethanol extract (GRE), which is a natural antibacterial component for the treatment of Brucella abortus infection.

Materials and methods

The antibacterial activity of GRE towards Brucella abortus was evaluated by incubating Brucella abortus with GRE. Following treatment with GRE, Brucella abortus adherence, uptake, intracellular growth, and intracellular trafficking in macrophages were monitored. Mice were infected intraperitoneally with Brucella abortus and treated orally with GRE for 14 days, and then the weight and CFUs from each spleen were monitored.

Results

The viability of Brucella abortus was markedly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Brucella abortus internalization and intracellular growth within macrophages were reduced in GRE-treated cells. The number of bacteria that adhered to GRE-pretreated cells was significantly lower than that of untreated cells. With regards to intracellular trafficking, treatment with GRE augmented the colocalization of Brucella abortus-containing phagosomes with LAMP-1. GRE-treated mice showed considerably decreased weight and bacterial burdens in the spleen compared to untreated mice.

Conclusion

GRE exhibits antibacterial and protective effects on Brucella abortus in vitro and in vivo. These results highlight the beneficial effects of GRE in the prevention and treatment of brucellosis.     

Diuretic activity and kidney medulla AQP1, AQP2, AQP3, V2R expression of the aqueous extract of sclerotia of Polyporus umbellatus FRIES in normal rats

Aim of the study

Zhuling, sclerotia of Polyporus umbellatus FRIES, a Traditional Chinese Medicine, has long been used as a diuretic. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diuretic effect on the urinary electrolyte concentration (Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl⁻) and regulation of the relative mRNA expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1), aquaporin-2 (AQP2), aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and vasopressin V₂ receptor (V₂R) post-oral administration of sclerotia of Polyporus umbellata aqueous extract in normal rats.

Materials and methods

Aqueous extract of sclerotia of Polyporus umbellatus (50 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg) or the reference drug, furosemide (10 mg/kg) were administrated orally to male SD rats and their urine output was quantified and collected 24 h and 8 days after the treatment. The kidney medulla AQP1, AQP2, AQP3 and V₂R mRNA relative expressions were measured with RT-PCR.

Results

After single dose of the exact of sclerotia of Polyporus umbellata, urine output was found to be significantly increased, which began at 4 h, and at 24 h after the treatment, the sclerotia of Polyporus umbellatus extract and furosemide treatment produced the similar total volume of urine excreted. The extract increases urinary levels of Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl⁻, to about the same extent, while furosemide increased urinary levels of Na⁺ and Cl⁻. After the 8-day doses, all two substances induced significant diuresis, natriuresis and chloriuresis. These two substances do not regulate the AQP1 and AQP3 mRNA level in normal rat kidney medulla. The AQP2 mRNA level of sclerotia of Polyporus umbellata extract was down-regulated significantly, the V₂R mRNA level of sclerotia of Polyporus umbellata extract 50 mg/kg dose group and 250 mg/kg dose group were down-regulated significantly too. Interestingly, the low-dose group had higher effect on regulation of AQP2 and V₂R mRNA level.

Conclusion

Aqueous extract of sclerotia of Polyporus umbellatus has conspicuous diuretic effect confirming its ethnopharmacological use. From the pattern of excretion of water, sodium, potassium, chlorine, AQP2 and V2R mRNA level, it may be logically concluded that it has effect from down-regulating AQP2, and down-regulate AQP2 by down-regulating V₂R.     

Immunomodulatory properties of Xylaria nigripes in peritoneal macrophage cells of Balb/c mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Wu Ling Shen, a folklore name for Xylaria nigripes (XN), is a high value medicinal fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Aim of study

The present study aimed to examine the immunomodulatory properties of aqueous (XN-H) and ethanol (XN-E) XN extracts in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritoneal macrophage cells of Balb/c mice.

Materials and methods

After treating the macrophage cells with LPS (1 μg/ml) and different XN extracts, the immunomodulatory properties were determined by the responses of inflammatory mediators, namely nitrite oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) and cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ) production, iNOS, COX-2 and IκB-α expression, and NF-κB activation.

Results

Results showed that treatment of macrophages with 5-30 μg/ml of XN-H or XN-E plus 1 μg/ml LPS exhibited no cytotoxic effect on cell viability. At these concentrations, although both XN-H and XN-E showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on NO, PGE₂, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ production in LPS-stimulated macrophages, a greater potency was noted in the XN-H treated group. RT-PCR assay also showed that XN-H possessed a greater inhibition than XN-E on iNOS and COX-2 RNA expression. Furthermore, XN-H also showed a significant stronger suppression than XN-E on the LPS-induced IκB-α phosphorylation and NF-κB activation. XN-E showed a higher total flavonoid and phenol contents but a lower β-glucan content than XN-H.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results conclude that XN-H possesses a stronger anti-inflammatory activity than XN-E, and its mechanism of action could be mediated by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 expression via the NF-κB signaling pathway, and these activities could be contributed by the β-glucan content.     

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Cardiospermum halicacabum and its reference compounds ex vivo and in vivo

Aims of the study

Cardiospermum halicacabum (CH) has been used in Chinese medicine for a long time. However, its fingerprint chromatogram, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism are still needed to be explored. Therefore, the aims of this study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of CH extracts and its reference compounds ex vivo and in vivo.

Materials and methods

In HPLC analysis, the fingerprint chromatogram of ethanolic extract of CH (ECH) was established. The effects of ACH (aqueous extract of CH) and ECH extracts were assessed for the antioxidant and LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. In vivo anti-inflammatory activities of ECH were evaluated in mouse paw edema induced by λ-carrageenan (Carr). We investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ECH via studies of the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the liver and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite oxide (NO) in the edema paw. Serum NO and TNF-α were also measured.

Results

ECH had better antioxidant activity than that of ACH. In the anti-inflammatory test, ECH inhibited the development of paw edema induced by Carr and increased the activities of CAT, SOD and GPx in the liver tissue. ECH also decreased the level of NO in edematous paw tissue and in serum level, and diminished the level of serum TNF-α at the fifth hour after Carr injection.

Conclusions

ECH exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing TNF-α and NO. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of ECH might be related to the decrement of the level of MDA in the edema paw via increasing the activities of CAT, SOD and GPx in the liver. The results showed that ECH might serve as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.     

(+)-Nootkatone and (+)-valencene from rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus increase survival rates in septic mice due to heme oxygenase-1 induction

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus have been used as traditional folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, the mechanism by which extract of rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus (ECR) elicits anti-inflammation has not been extensively investigated so far. The aim of the present study was to test whether heme oxygenase (HO)-1 induction is involved in the anti-inflammatory action of ECR.

Materials and methods

Induction of HO-1 and inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)/NO production by ECR and its 12 constituents (3 monoterpenes, 5 sesquiterpenes, and 4 aromatic compounds) were investigated using RAW264.7 cells in vitro. In addition, anti-inflammatory action of ECR and its two active ingredients (nookkatone, valencene) were confirmed in sepsis animal model in vivo.

Results

ECR increased HO-1 expression in a concentration-dependent manner, which was correlated with significant inhibition of iNOS/NO production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. Among 12 compounds isolated from ECR, mostly sesquiterpenes induced stronger HO-1 expression than monoterpenes in macrophage cells. Nootkatone and valencene (sesquiterpenes) significantly inhibited iNOS expression and NO production in LPS-simulated RAW264.7 cells. Inhibition of iNOS expression by nootkatone, valencene, and ECR were significantly reduced in siHO-1 RNA transfected cells. Furthermore, all three showed marked inhibition of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) in LPS-activated macrophages and increased survival rates in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis in mice.

Conclusions

Taken together, we concluded that possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of ECR is, at least, due to HO-1 induction, in which sesquiterpenes such as nootkatone and valencene play a crucial role.     

Bioactivity-directed isolation, identification of diuretic compounds from Polyporus umbellatus

Aim of the study

Polyporus umbellatus is a fungus used as a diuretic medicine. The objective of this study was to isolate and elucidate the diuretic constituents of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water extracts of Polyporus umbellatus and to evaluate their diuretic activity.

Materials and methods

The n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water extracts of Polyporus umbellatus were tested by diuretic experiment of normal rats in metabolic cage. The n-hexane extract and n-butanol extract were prepared separately by the bioassay-guided approach. Three isolated compounds doses (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg BW) were orally administered to normal rats. Water excretion rate, pH and content of Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻ were measured in the urine of saline-loaded rats.

Results

n-Hexane extract (P < 0.05), n-butanol extract (P < 0.05) and three isolated compounds (ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one, ergosterol and d-mannitol) displayed diuretic activity.

Conclusions

The ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one was the strongest diuretic constituent in the three compounds. Ergosterol and d-mannitol were found to be also responsible for duiretic effects in Polyporus umbellatus for the first time. Data show that 20 mg/kg dose of the ergosterol for urine out put became significantly higher than in the control rats, but the ratio of Na⁺/K⁺ almost unaltered in the three doses. The highest dose of the d-mannitol was significant and increased the cumulative urine output. Regarding the electrolyte excretion, data show that the doses 10 and 20 mg/kg produce significant increase for excretion of Na⁺ and Cl⁻. The present results provide a quantitative basis explaining application of Polyporus umbellatus as a diuretic medicine. The result proved that its diuretic effects were also due to the contribution of multi-components in clinical application.     

Characterization, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Costa Rican noni juice (Morinda citrifolia L.)

Aim of the study

Noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia L.) juice has been used for more than 2000 years in Polynesia as a traditional folk medicine. The aim of the present study was to finely characterize noni juice from Costa Rica and to evaluate its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Materials and methods

A microfiltrated noni juice was prepared with Costarican nonis. HPLC-DAD and Electro Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometric detection (HPLC-ESI-MS) were used to identify phenolic compounds and iridoids. The anti-oxidative activity of noni juice was measured in vitro by both Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging methods. The anti-inflammatory effects of noni juice were investigated in vitro by: measuring its effect on nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production by activated macrophages, evaluating its inhibitory activities on cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 and in vivo on a carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in rats.

Results

Several polyphenols belonging to the coumarin, flavonoid and phenolic acid groups, and two iridoids were identified. Noni juice demonstrated a mean range free radical scavenging capacity. Furthermore, it also reduced carrageenan-induced paw oedema, directly inhibited cyclooxygenase COX-1 and COX-2 activities and inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins E₂ (PGE₂) in activated J774 cells, in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusions

This study showed that noni's biological effects include: (1) anti-oxidant properties probably associated with phenolic compounds, iridoids and ascorbic acid and (2) anti-inflammatory action through NO and PGE₂ pathways that might also be strengthened by anti-oxidant effects.     

Inonotus obliquus extracts suppress antigen-specific IgE production through the modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokines in ovalbumin-sensitized mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus, IO) has been used as a folk remedy for cancer, digestive system diseases, and other illnesses in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Aim of the study

In the present study, we investigated the immunomodulating effects of IO through in vivo and ex vivo studies.

Materials and methods

Serum immunoglobulins (IgE, IgG₁, and IgG_2a) and cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-2) were measured in concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated splenocytes and CD4⁺ T cells. The nitric oxide (NO) secretion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophages was also measured after oral administration of 50, 100, or 200 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹ IO hot water extract (IOE) to ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized BALB/c mice.

Results

We found that the OVA-induced increase in serum IgE and IgG_2a was significantly suppressed when IOE was orally administered after the second immunization with OVA. ConA stimulation in spleen cells isolated from OVA-sensitized mice treated with 100 mg kg⁻¹ IOE resulted in a 25.2% decrease in IL-4 production and a 102.4% increase in IFN-γ, compared to the controls. Moreover, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-2 were significantly reduced after ConA stimulation in isolated CD4⁺T cells. We also determined that IOE inhibits the secretion of NO from LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages ex vivo.

Conclusions

We suggest that IO modulates immune responses through secretion of Th1/Th2 cytokines in immune cells and regulates antigen-specific antibody production.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of 11-O-galloylbergenin

Aims of the study

Current study was designed to explore the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of a constituent isolated from Mallotus philippinensis, in order to validate its folk use.

Materials and methods

11-O-galloylbergenin was isolated from ethanolic extract of Mallotus philippinensis. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the test compound were assessed using formalin test and carrageenan-induced paw edema models.

Results

11-O-galloylbergenin showed significant analgesic activity at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg against formalin test in rats. Similarly, 11-O-galloylbergenin exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema model at doses of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg.

Conclusion

11-O-galloylbergenin has demonstrated its significant potential to be further investigated for its discovery as a new lead compound for management of pain and inflammation.     

Apoptotic activity of ethanol extract from Styrax Japonica Siebold et al Zuccarini in HepG2 cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Styrax japonica Siebold et al Zuccarini (SJSZ) has been used to heal inflammation and bronchitis as an herbal plant in Korea.

Aims of the study

The purpose of the present study is to determine whether the ethanol (EtOH) extract of SJSZ induces the programmed cell death (apoptosis) in human hepatoma HepG2 cells.

Materials and methods

It was evaluated cytotoxicity using MTT assay, amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) and Ca²⁺ using fluorescence. Activities of apoptotic relevant factors [Bid, cytochrome c, caspase-9, -3, and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)] were measured by Western blot.

Results

The results in this study indicated that ethanol extract of SJSZ (75 μg/ml) stimulates to increase amount of iROS, Ca²⁺, and the apoptotic relevant factors [Bid, cytochrome c, caspase-9, -3, and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in the HepG2 cells.

Conclusion

The results in this study indicated that ethanol extract of SJSZ (75 μg/ml) induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the HepG2 cells. Therefore, we speculate that ethanol extract of SJSZ could be used for healing of hepatocarcinoma as one of chemotherapeutic agents.     

The ethyl acetate extract of PGP (Phellinus linteus grown on Panax ginseng) suppresses B16F10 melanoma cell proliferation through inducing cellular differentiation and apoptosis

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Phellinus linteus and Panax ginseng have been widely used as traditional herbal medicines to treat various diseases including cancer in East Asia.

Aim of the study

The present study sought to investigate the possible mechanism in anti-proliferative effect of Phellinus linteus that was grown on Panax ginseng (PGP) on B16F10 melanoma cells.

Materials and methods

The anti-proliferative effect of PGP on B16F10 was evaluated by CCK-8 assays. Apoptotic cells were detected by flow cytometry analysis. The proteins involved in apoptosis and cellular differentiation were assessed by immunoblot analysis. Ginsenosides contents of PG or PGP were analyzed using HPLC.

Results

The ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAc) of PGP exhibited the strongest anti-proliferative activity among PGP fractions (butanol or water) on B16F10 cells. PGP EtOAc extract showed stronger inhibitory effect than Panax ginseng (PG) or Phellinus linteus (PL) EtOAc extract on B16F10 melanoma cell proliferation. PGP EtOAc extract induced the dendrite-like structures and the melanin production in B16F10 cells. PGP EtOAc extract increased a sub-G1 cell population through inducing p53/p21 and activated caspase-8 protein expression in B16F10 cells. Notably, PGP EtOAc extract contained ginsenosides Rd, Rg3, Rb2, Rg1 and Rb1 more than PG EtOAc extract. Rd and Rg3 significantly inhibited B16F10 cell proliferation.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that PGP EtOAc extract inhibits B16F10 cell proliferation through inducing apoptosis and cellular differentiation.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. in rats

Aim of the study

Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) is one of the medicinal plants that is often used in Sri Lankan traditional systems of medicine. One of its uses is the treatment of inflammatory conditions. However, validity of the anti-inflammatory activity has not been scientifically investigated so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of Trichosanthes cucumerina hot water extract (HWE) and its fractions.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activity of Trichosanthes cucumerina was evaluated by use of the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in Wistar rats. In addition, the mechanism/s by which Trichosanthes cucumerina is mediated the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by determining its effects on (a) membrane stabilizing activity and (b) nitric oxide inhibitory activity.

Results

Apart from the lowest dose of the HWE, other tested doses (500, 750, 1000 mg/kg) produced a significant (P ≤ 0.05) inhibition of the inflammation, most pronounced at 5 h after the injection of carrageenan. The anti-inflammatory effect induced by 750 mg/kg, was comparable to that of the reference drug, indomethacin at 4 and 5 h. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production and membrane stabilization activities are probable mechanisms by which Trichosanthes cucumerina mediates its anti-inflammatory actions. Among the tested fractions, methanol fraction (MEF) and aqueous fraction (AQF) at a dose of 75 mg/kg exhibited marked inhibition against carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema. The anti-inflammatory effect induced by MEF, was comparable to that of the reference drug, indomethacin and as well as to the 750 mg/kg of HWE at 4 and 5 h.

Conclusions

(a) These findings rationalize the traditional usage of this plant as an anti-inflammatory agent and (b) membrane stabilizing properties and NO inhibitory activity are possible mechanisms through which Trichosanthes cucumerina mediates its anti-inflammatory action.