Dual Inhibition of Ca+2 Influx and Phosphodiesterase Enzyme Provides Scientific Base for the Medicinal Use of Chrozophora prostrata Dalz. in Respiratory Disorders

The crude ethanolic extract of Chrozophora prostrata (Cp.Cr) was tested using in vivo and ex vivo assays for its possible bronchodilatory effects in order to validate its medicinal use in respiratory disorders, like asthma and cough. Cp.Cr exhibited dose‐dependent inhibition of carbachol (CCh)‐induced bronchospasm in anesthetized rats, similar to aminophylline. When tested on guinea‐pig tracheal preparations, Cp.Cr caused relaxation of both CCh (1 μM) and high K⁺ (80 mM)‐induced contractions with comparable potencies, similar to papaverine, a dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterse (PDE) and Ca⁺² influx. Pre‐treatment of the tracheal tissues with Cp.Cr resulted in potentiation of the inhibitory effect of isoprenaline on CCh‐induced contractions, like that caused by papaverine indicative of PDE inhibitory activity, which was confirmed when Cp.Cr concentration dependently (1 and 3 mg/mL) increased intracellular cAMP levels of the tracheal preparations, like papaverine. Cp.Cr shifted concentrationresponse curves of Ca⁺² constructed in guinea‐pig tracheal preparation towards right with suppression of the maximum response, similar to both verapamil and papaverine. These data indicate bronchodilator activity of Chrozophora prostrata mediated possibly through dual inhibition of PDE and Ca⁺² influx, thus, showing therapeutic potential in asthma with effect enhancing and side‐effect neutralizing potential Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antispasmodic,bronchodilator and blood pressure lowering properties of Hypericum oblongifolium – possible mechanism of action

The crude extract of Hypericum oblongifolium (Ho.Cr), which tested positive for flavonoids, saponins and tannins caused concentration‐dependent (0.1–1.0 mg/mL) relaxation of spontaneous and high K⁺ (80 mM)‐induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, suggesting a Ca⁺⁺ antagonistic effect, which was confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Ho.Cr produced a rightward shift in the Ca⁺⁺ concentration‐response curves, like that caused by verapamil. Ho.Cr relaxed carbachol (1 μM) and high K⁺‐induced contractions in guinea pig tracheal preparations. It caused a dose‐dependent (3–100 mg/kg) fall in arterial blood pressure of rats under anesthesia. In isolated guinea pig atria, Ho.Cr caused inhibition of both atrial force and rate of spontaneous contractions. When tested in rabbit aortic rings, Ho.Cr exhibited a vasodilator effect against phenylephrine (1 μM) and high K⁺‐induced contractions. These results indicate that Ho.Cr possesses gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular inhibitory effects, mediated via a Ca⁺⁺ antagonist mechanism. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anti‐inflammatory activity of Rhodiola rosea – “a second‐generation adaptogen”

Rhodiola rosea (golden root), a unique phytoadaptogen grown in high‐altitude regions has gained attention for its various therapeutic properties. In India, this plant is found in the Himalayan belt and has not been completely explored for its beneficial health effects. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory efficacy of the tincture extract of Rhodiola rosea roots (RTE). The anti‐inflammatory activity was determined through carrageenan‐induced paw oedema, formaldehyde‐induced arthritis and nystatin‐induced paw oedema in rat model. The tincture extract exhibited inhibitory effect against acute and subacute inflammation at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight. Inhibition of nystatin‐induced oedema was also observed in a dose‐dependent manner. The in vitro inhibitory effects of the tincture extract from R. rosea roots was evaluated against the enzymes relating to inflammation. The enzymes include cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and Phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂). The extract showed varying inhibitory activities against these enzymes depending on the concentrations. A potent inhibition was observed against Cox‐2 and PLA₂. Inhibition of nystatin induced oedema and phospholipase A₂ suggested that membrane stabilization could be the most probable mechanism of action of RTE in anti‐inflammation. The findings in this study may provide the use of R. rosea root extract in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Studies on Bronchodilator Activity of Salvia officinalis (Sage): Possible Involvement of K+ Channel Activation and Phosphodiesterase Inhibition

The aqueous methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Salvia officinalis (So.Cr) was studied to provide possible underlying mechanism(s) for its medicinal use in asthma using the in vivo bronchodilatory assay and isolated tracheal preparations. S. officinalis (1–10 mg/kg) dose‐dependently inhibited carbachol (CCh)‐induced bronchospasm in anesthetized rats with three‐fold greater potency than the positive control, aminophylline. In tracheal preparations, So.Cr inhibited the low K⁺ (25 mM)‐induced contractions. Pretreatment of the tissues with 4‐aminopyridine reversed the inhibitory effect of the plant extract against low K⁺, whereas glibenclamide did not show any effect, thus showing the involvement of voltage‐sensitive K⁺ channels. When tested against the CCh‐induced pre‐contractions for the involvement of any additional mechanism, interestingly, the extract showed a dose‐dependent (0.03–0.1 mg/mL) inhibitory effect and shifted the inhibitory concentration response curves of isoprenaline to the left, thus showing phosphodiesterase enzyme inhibitory‐like action, similar to that of papaverine. These results indicate that the crude extract of S. officinalis possesses bronchodilatory activity mediated predominantly via activation of voltage‐dependent K⁺ channels and inhibition of phosphodiesterase enzyme; thus, this study provides sound pharmacological basis for its medicinal use in hyperactive airways disorders such as asthma and cough. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

六棱菊总黄酮的抗炎作用研究

 目的研究六棱菊总黄酮(LAF)的抗炎活性。方法采用二甲苯致小鼠耳肿胀、甲醛致大鼠足跖肿胀、羧甲基纤维素钠(CMC-Na)致大鼠皮下气囊白细胞游走和角叉菜胶致大鼠皮下气囊肿4个模型分别考察LAF对炎症反应3个不同时相的抑制作用,并通过检测肾上腺中胆固醇和维生素C的含量,了解药物对肾上腺皮质系统的影响。结果LAF在50,100和200 mg·kg^-1剂量下能显著抑制小鼠耳肿胀,抑制率分别为41.0%,52.6%和68.4%。在200 mg·kg^-1给药剂量下,能显著抑制甲醛致炎后3,6,12和24 h的足肿胀,抑制率分别为21.4%,33.3%,56.5%和76.2%;能显著抑制CMC-Na致炎后3和6 h的大鼠皮下气囊白细胞游走,抑制率分别为42.5%和54.4%;能显著抑制角叉菜胶所致大鼠皮下气囊肉芽组织增生和炎性渗出,抑制率分别为51.5%和54.0%。此外,LAF对大鼠肾上腺中胆固醇和维生素C含量以及肾上腺指数均无显著性影响。结论LAF对以上3种炎症反应均具有显著的抑制作用,并与2.5 mg·kg^-1剂量地塞米松接近;对二甲苯致小鼠耳肿胀模型的抗炎活性在50mg·kg^-1剂量下强于穿心莲内酯(200 mg·kg^-1)和齐墩果酸(200 mg·kg^-1);其抗炎机制可能并不依赖于下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺皮质轴的存在。     

Pharmacological Studies on the Antispasmodic,Bronchodilator and Anti‐Platelet Activities of Abies webbiana

This study evaluated the antispasmodic, bronchodilator and anti‐platelet activities of Abies webbiana to rationalize some of its folk uses in gut and airways disorders and inflammation. The crude extract of A. webbiana (Aw.Cr) caused a complete relaxation of both spontaneous and K⁺ (80 mM)‐induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum in a concentration‐dependent manner. Aw.Cr shifted the Ca⁺⁺ concentration–response curves (CRCs) to the right, in a fashion similar to verapamil, confirming its Ca⁺⁺ channel blocking (CCB) effect. In isolated rabbit tracheal preparations, it caused relaxation of carbachol (1 μM) and K⁺ (80 mM)‐induced contractions comparable to verapamil suggesting that the bronchodilatory effect may possibly be mediated through CCB activity. Aw.Cr was found to be the inhibitor of both ADP‐ and epinephrine‐induced aggregation of human platelets thereby suggesting therapeutic potential in this plant against thrombo‐embolic conditions. The exhibited anti‐platelet effect was observed at low doses against epinephrine as compared to ADP. This study confirmed the presence of spasmolytic activity in Abies webbiana through possible blockade of Ca⁺⁺ channels providing evidence for its folkloric use in gut and respiratory disorders in addition to anti‐platelet activity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Blood pressure lowering,cardiovascular inhibitory and bronchodilatory actions of Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium Linn. (Asteraceae) is used in folk medicine for the treatment of overactive cardiovascular and respiratory ailments. This study describes its hypotensive, cardio‐depressant, vasodilatory and bronchodilatory activities. The crude extract of Achillea millefolium (Am.Cr) caused a dose‐dependent (1–100 mg/kg) fall in arterial blood pressure of rats under anaesthesia. In spontaneously beating guinea‐pig atrial tissues, Am.Cr exhibited negative inotropic and chronotropic effects. In isolated rabbit aortic rings, Am.Cr at 0.3–10 mg/mL relaxed phenylephrine (PE, 1 µm ) and high K⁺ (80 mm )‐induced contractions, as well as suppressed the PE (1 µm ) control peaks obtained in Ca⁺⁺‐free medium, like that caused by verapamil. The vasodilator effect of Am.Cr was partially blocked by N_ω‐nitro‐l ‐arginine methyl ester in endothelium intact preparations. In guinea‐pig tracheal strips, Am.Cr inhibited carbachol (CCh, 1 µm ) and K⁺‐induced contractions. These results indicate that Achillea millefolium exhibits hypotensive, cardiovascular inhibitory and bronchodilatory effects, thus explaining its medicinal use in hyperactive cardiovascular and airway disorders, such as hypertension and asthma. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Zanthoxylum armatum in gut,airways and cardiovascular disorders

This study describes the gut, airways and cardiovascular modulatory activities of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (Rutaceae) to rationalize some of its medicinal uses. The crude extract of Zanthoxylum armatum (Za.Cr) caused concentration‐dependent relaxation of spontaneous and high K⁺ (80 mM)‐induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum, being more effective against K⁺ and suggestive of Ca⁺⁺ antagonist effect, which was confirmed when pretreatment of the tissues with Za.Cr shifted Ca⁺⁺ concentration‐response curves to the right, like that caused by verapamil. Za.Cr inhibited the castor‐oil‐induced diarrhea in mice at 300–1000 mg/kg. In rabbit tracheal preparations, Za.Cr relaxed the carbachol (1 μM) and high K⁺‐induced contractions, in a pattern similar to that of verapamil. In isolated rabbit aortic rings, Za.Cr exhibited vasodilator effect against phenylephrine (1 μM) and K⁺‐induced contractions. When tested in guinea pig atria, Za.Cr caused inhibition of both atrial force and rate of spontaneous contractions, like that caused by verapamil. These results indicate that Zanthoxylum armatum exhibits spasmolytic effects, mediated possibly through Ca⁺⁺ antagonist mechanism, which provides pharmacological base for its medicinal use in the gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of gossypin and procumbentin – cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibition studies

In the present study the antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of a few selected flavonoids were investigated. Procumbentin, gossypin, chrysin and methylhespiridin were studied for antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities using in vitro enzymatic assays and in animal models utilizing acetic acid‐induced writhing in mice and hind paw edema in rats. In vitro studies were performed using TMPD (NNN′N′‐tetramethyl‐p‐phenylene diamine) and oxygraphic methods for COX‐1 (cyclooxygenase‐1), COX‐2, 5‐LOX (5‐lipoxygenase) and 15‐LOX. Gossypin and procumbentin showed COX‐2 inhibitory activity and exhibited IC₅₀ (COX‐2/COX‐1) ratios of 0.14 and 0.11, respectively. None of the flavonoids tested in this study showed LOX inhibitory activity. Four groups were studied for each test compound following intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of doses of 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg. Antiinflammatory activity was measured by the carrageenin‐induced rat hind paw edema model and antinociceptive activity by acetic acid‐induced writhing. Procumbentin and gossypin showed antinociceptive activity at the 100 mg/kg dose. Gossypin showed antiinflammatory activity at doses of 10, 30, 100 mg/kg. Procumbentin and gossypin exhibited COX‐2 inhibitory activity when tested by in vitro methods. Procumbentin and gossypin showed antinociceptive, and gossypin showed antiinflammatory, activities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Complement-Mediated Antiinflammatory Action of Extracts and Pure Secoiridoids Isolated from Fraxinus Species

Ethanol extracts from Fraxinus sp. were tested for in vitro and in vivo influence on complement activity. Total extracts from F. oxycarpa with a high anticomplement effect were tested in mice models of paw oedema. An inhibitory effect of about 48% in carrageenan-induced oedema and inhibition of about 80% in cobra venom-induced oedema was observed at a dose of 25 mg/kg. A correlation between the reduction of oedema volume and changes in the alternative pathway activity was established. A series of pure secoiridoid constituents was compared in vitro for anticomplement action as well as for their ability to prevent cobra venom-induced complement activation in normal human serum. The substances selectively suppressed the classical pathway activity at 10⁻⁴ m . The results support data for the traditional use of Fraxinus stem bark in some inflammatory disorders.     

Studies on the antiinflammatory principle of Mentzelia chilensis

A crude aqueous extract of Mentzelia chilensis GAY (Loasaceae), the ethyl acetate extraction thereof as well as the molecular weight fraction <1000 Dalton obtained by ultrafiltration showed antiinflammatory activity on carrageenin induced rat paw oedema. Bioassay guided isolation led to the iridoid glycoside mentzeloside (syn. deutzioside) as an active principle. Mentzeloside showed a marked and significant dose dependent inhibitory activity on carrageenin induced rat paw oedema with an ED₅₀ of 40.4 μg/kg. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The calcium channel blocking and phosphodiesterase inhibitory activities of the extract of Andropogon muricatus explains its medicinal use in airways disorders

The present work was carried out to provide a pharmacological base for the medicinal use of Andropogon muricatus in airways disorders, such as asthma. In isolated guinea‐pig tracheal strips, the crude extract of Andropogon muricatus exhibited a non‐specific relaxant effect against carbachol (1 µ m ) and high K⁺ precontractions, with EC₅₀ values of 0.10 (0.07–0.11) and 0.15 mg/mL (0.11–0.18), respectively, similar to papaverine, while verapamil was more potent against high K⁺. This suggests the involvement of a non‐specific relaxant effect, mediated possibly through Ca⁺⁺ channel blockade and phosphodiesterase inhibition. The functional nature of the relaxant effect was further confirmed through indirect evidence when pretreatment of the tissues with the plant extract caused potentiation of the isoprenaline inhibitory response curves, similar to papaverine, while the effect of verapamil remained unchanged. These data indicate that the crude extract of Andropogon muricatus contains constituent(s) that mediate the tracheal relaxant effect, possibly through dual inhibition of Ca⁺⁺ channels and phosphodiesterase and provide pharmacological evidence for its medicinal use in airways disorders, particularly asthma. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anti‐inflammatory properties of cryptolepine

Cryptolepine is the major alkaloid of the West African shrub, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. Cryptolepine has been shown to inhibit nitric oxide production, and DNA binding of Nuclear Factor‐kappa B following inflammatory stimuli in vitro. In order to validate the anti‐inflammatory property of this compound in vivo, we investigated its effects on a number of animal models of inflammation. Cryptolepine (10–40 mg/kg i.p.) produced significant dose‐dependent inhibition of the carrageenan‐induced rat paw oedema, and carrageenan‐induced pleurisy in rats. These effects were compared with those of the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug indomethacin (10 mg/kg). At doses of 10–40 mg/kg i.p., cryptolepine inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced microvascular permeability in mice in a dose‐related fashion. Oral administration of up to 40 mg/kg of the compound for four consecutive days did not induce gastric lesion formation in rats. Analgesic activity was also exhibited by cryptolepine through a dose‐related (10–40 mg/kg i.p.) inhibition of writhing induced by i.p. administration of acetic acid in mice. The results of this study reveal that cryptolepine possesses in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antipyretic and Anticonvulsant Activity of Polygonatum verticillatum: Comparison of Rhizomes and Aerial Parts

The current study was undertaken to explore the antipyretic and anticonvulsant profile of the Polygonatum verticillatum in established pharmacological paradigms. The crude methanol extract of rhizomes (PR) and aerial parts (PA) of the plant were tested in Brewer's‐yeast‐induced pyrexia and pentylenetetrazole‐induced convulsion test. PR and PA both evoked prominent antipyretic activity (p < 0.01) in a dose‐dependent manner during all assessment times at the dose of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally. The protection elicited by PR (82.20%) at 200 mg/kg was comparable with aspirin (88.48%) as a standard drug at 100 mg/kg. However, PA was less potent, and maximum protection was 64% at 200 mg/kg. Both PR and PA were devoid of any anticonvulsant activity. Our results demonstrated prominent evidence of antipyretic activity of P. verticillatum that is consistent with the folk uses of the plant. In addition from a biodiversity point of view, PA of the plant can also be used as an alternate of PR. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anti‐Inflammatory Sesquiterpene Lactones from Lychnophora trichocarpha Spreng. (Brazilian Arnica)

The aerial parts of Lychnophora trichocarpha Spreng. (Asteraceae) are used macerated in water or ethanol to treat inflammation, pain, rheumatism, contusions, bruises and insect bites in Brazilian traditional medicine. In this study, anti‐inflammatory activity of ethanol extract from aerial parts of L. trichocarpha and its ethyl acetate fraction was investigated. Sesquiterpene lactones, lychnopholide (Lyc) and eremantholide C (EreC), isolated of ethyl acetate fraction, were also assayed for in vitro and in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity. Topical treatment with ointments containing ethanol extract, its ethyl acetate fraction and sesquiterpene lactones significantly reduced carrageenan‐induced mice paw oedema. In vitro assays demonstrated that Lyc inhibited interferon ‐γ/lipopolysaccharide ‐stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in J774A.1 macrophages and increased production of IL‐10 anti‐inflammatory cytokine. The reduction of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) production by EreC was accompanied by an increased production of IL‐10 in a concentration‐dependent manner in J774A.1 macrophages. The anti‐inflammatory effect of Lyc seems to involve the inhibition of production of NO and increased production of IL‐10. The mechanism of the effect of EreC on the reduction of carrageenan‐induced paw oedema may be attributed to inhibition of production of TNF‐α and stimulation of IL‐10 production. The results corroborate the use of ethanol extract from Lychnophora trichocarpha in folk medicine for anti‐inflammatory action and indicate that the topical route is suitable for use. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pharmacological Basis for Medicinal Use of Lens culinaris in Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Disorders

Crude extract of Lens culinaris (Lc.Cr), which tested positive for presence of anthraquinones, flavonoids, saponins, sterol, tannins, and terpenes exhibited protective effect against castor oil‐induced diarrhea in mice at 100–1000 mg/kg. In rabbit jejunum preparations, Lc.Cr caused relaxation of spontaneous contractions at 0.03–5.0 mg/mL. Lc.Cr inhibited carbachol (CCh, 1 μM) and K⁺ (80 mM)‐induced contractions in a pattern similar to dicyclomine, but different from verapamil and atropine. Lc.Cr shifted the Ca⁺⁺ concentration‐response curves to the right, like dicyclomine and verapamil. Pretreatment of tissues with Lc.Cr (0.03–0.1 mg/mL) caused leftward shift of isoprenaline‐induced inhibitory CRCs, similar to papaverine. In guinea‐pig ileum, Lc.Cr produced rightward parallel shift of CCh curves, followed by non‐parallel shift at higher concentration with suppression of maximum response, similar to dicyclomine, but different from verapamil and atropine. Lc.Cr (3.0–30 mg/kg) caused suppression of carbachol (CCh, 100 µg/kg)‐induced increase in inspiratory pressure of anesthetized rats. In guinea‐pig trachea, Lc.Cr relaxed CCh and high K⁺‐induced contractions, shifted CCh curves to right and potentiated isoprenaline response. These results suggest that L. culinaris possesses antidiarrheal, antispasmodic, and bronchodilator activities mediated possibly through a combination of Ca⁺⁺ antagonist, anticholinergic, and phosphodiesterase inhibitory effects, and this study provides sound mechanistic background to its medicinal use in disorders of gut and airways hyperactivity, like diarrhea and asthma. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Selective Antibacterial Activity of Patchouli Alcohol Against Helicobacter pylori Based on Inhibition of Urease

The aim of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial activity and urease inhibitory effects of patchouli alcohol (PA), the bioactive ingredient isolated from Pogostemonis Herba, which has been widely used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The activities of PA against selected bacteria and fungi were determined by agar dilution method. It was demonstrated that PA exhibited selective antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori, without influencing the major normal gastrointestinal bacteria. Noticeably, the antibacterial activity of PA was superior to that of amoxicillin, with minimal inhibition concentration value of 78 µg/mL. On the other hand, PA inhibited ureases from H. pylori and jack bean in concentration‐dependent fashion with IC₅₀ values of 2.67 ± 0.79 mM and 2.99 ± 0.41 mM, respectively. Lineweaver‐Burk plots indicated that the type of inhibition was non‐competitive against H. pylori urease whereas uncompetitive against jack bean urease. Reactivation of PA‐inactivated urease assay showed DL‐dithiothreitol, the thiol reagent, synergistically inactivated urease with PA instead of enzymatic activity recovery. In conclusion, the selective H. pylori antibacterial activity along with urease inhibitory potential of PA could make it a possible drug candidate for the treatment of H. pylori infection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Presence of blood‐pressure lowering and spasmolytic constituents in Buddleja crispa

This aim of this study was to investigate the crude extract of Buddleja crispa (Bc.Cr) and its active constituent(s) for their antihypertensive and antispasmodic activities. The Bc.Cr caused a dose‐dependent (3–10 mg/kg) fall in mean arterial pressure in rats under anesthesia. In rabbit aorta preparations, Bc.Cr (0.03–1 mg/mL) caused inhibition of high K⁺ (80 mM) precontractions. The Bc.Cr (0.03–1 mg/mL) also inhibited spontaneous and high K⁺ precontractions in rabbit jejunum preparations, suggestive of calcium channel blocking (CCB) activity. CCB activity was further confirmed when pretreatment of the tissues with Bc.Cr (0.03–0.10 mg/mL) caused a rightward shift in Ca⁺⁺ concentration response curves, similar to verapamil. Among the pure compounds, BdI‐H3 was more potent against the high K⁺ than spontaneous contractions and was around eight times more potent than Bc.Cr against the spontaneous contractions while the other two compounds, BdI‐2 and BH‐3 were inactive. Activity‐directed fractionation revealed that the hexane fraction was more potent against K⁺ precontractions. These data indicate that Bc.Cr possesses a blood‐pressure lowering effect, mediated possibly through CCB, though additional mechanism(s) cannot be ruled out. Among the pure compounds, Bdl‐H3 is likely to be the active compound involved in the spasmolytic and possibly BP lowering effect of the parent crude extract. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Volatile Oil Exhibited Anti‐inflammatory Effects In Vivo and Inhibited Nitric Oxide and Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Production in LPS‐stimulated Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages In Vitro

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HC) is a medicinal herb that generally used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating allergic inflammation. The present study investigated the inhibitory effect of the volatile oil from HC Thunb. on animal models of inflammation and the production of inflammatory mediators in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, xylene‐induced mouse ear edema, formaldehyde‐induced paw edema and carrageenan‐induced mice paw edema were significantly decreased by HC volatile oil. HC volatile oil showed pronounced inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) E₂ and malondialdehyde production in the edematous exudates. In vitro exposure of mouse resident peritoneal macrophages to 1, 10, 100 and 1000 µg/mL of HC volatile oil significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated production of NO and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in a dose‐dependent manner. Exposure to HC volatile oil had no effect on cell viability and systemic toxicity. Furthermore, HC volatile oil inhibited the production of NO and TNF‐α by down‐regulating LPS‐stimulated iNOS and TNF‐α mRNA expression. Western blot analysis showed that HC volatile oil attenuated LPS‐stimulated synthesis of iNOS and TNF‐α protein in the macrophages, in parallel. These findings add a novel aspect to the biological profile of HC and clarify its anti‐inflammatory mechanism. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analgesic antiinflammatory action of Pfaffia paniculata (Martius) kuntze

The alcoholic extract of Pfaffia paniculata dried roots was studied for analgesic antiinflammatory activity in the rat paw oedema test, writhing test, hot plate test and increased vascular permeability. Pfaffia paniculata inhibited the carrageenin-induced rat paw oedema and increased vascular permeability and showed analgesic activity on inflammatory pain but not on noninflammatory pain. Moreover the extract was devoid of local irritant action.