Valuation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Erica species native to Turkey

Erica L. species (Ericaceae) have been popularly used as antirheumatic, diuretic, astringent and treatment of urinary infections. In order to evaluate this information, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of different extracts prepared with methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water from the aerial parts of Erica arborea L., Erica manipuliflora Salisb., Erica bocquetii (Pe?men) P.F. Stevens and Erica sicula Guss. subsp. libanotica (C.&;W. Barbey) P.F. Stevens (Ericaceae) of Turkish origin were investigated by using in vivo methods. For the anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model, PGE₂-induced hind paw edema model, and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema model and for the antinociceptive activity p-benzoquinone-induced writhing test in mice were employed. The ethyl acetate extracts of Erica arborea (EAE), Erica bocquetii (EBE) and Erica manipuliflora (EME) exhibited notable inhibition against carrageenan-induced (24.1–32.3%, 23.8–36.1%, 29.2–35.1%, respectively) and PGE₂-induced (21.2–37.7%, 6.8–29.7%, and 6.2–34.1%, respectively) hind paw edema as well as TPA-induced mouse ear edema models in mice, while the ethyl acetate extract of Erica sicula subsp. libanotica (ESE) (10.7–29.7%) displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity only on the PGE₂-induced hind paw edema model. However, the remaining extracts were found to be inactive against inflammatory models. Same extracts, i.e., EAE, EBE and EME were also found to exhibit remarkable antinociceptive activity in p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test at a dose of 100 mg/kg (46.5%, 27.7% and 36.3%, respectively).     

Mutagenic evaluation and chemical investigation of Byrsonima intermedia A. Juss. leaf extracts

Byrsonima intermedia is a native species of the cerrado formation (tropical American savannah). In Brazil, this plant has been used for the treatment of fever, in ulcers, as a diuretic, as antiasthmatics and in skin infections. Members of the genus Byrsonima (Malpighiaceae) are employed not only in the folk medicine but also as food to make juice, jellies and liquor. The aim of this work was to evaluate the mutagenic effects of Byrsonima intermedia, common name 'murici'. Phytochemical analysis of methanol extract furnished (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, quercetin-3-O-beta-d-galactopyranoside, methyl gallate, gallic acid, quercetin-3-O-alpha-l-arabinopyranoside, amentoflavone, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-(2'-O-galloyl)-beta-galactopyranoside and quercetin-3-O-(2'-O-galloyl)-alpha-arabinopyranoside. Methanol, hydromethanol and chloroform extracts were evaluated in mutagenic assay with Salmonella typhimurium (Ames test) and mice (Micronucleus test). The methanolic extract presented signs of mutagenic activity for the strains TA98 and TA100 in the Ames assay. Mutagenicity was not observed in vivo.     

In vivo anti-inflammatory activities of Ocimum suave in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ocimum suave has been used in the Ethiopian traditional medicine to relieve pain, fever, inflammation and other disease conditions.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts and some fractions of Ocimum suave in mice.

Materials and methods

The crude extracts were screened for their anti-inflammatory activities on carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema at three dose levels. The butanol and aqueous fractions of the aqueous extract were also evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities using carrageenan, histamine and serotonin-induced mouse paw edema at three dose levels. Normal saline and aspirin were employed as negative and positive control groups, respectively.

Results

Both ethanol and aqueous extracts significantly decreased carrageenan-induced inflammation at all the three doses used. However, greater paw edema inhibition was observed with the aqueous extract. The two fractions also showed significant reduction of inflammation against inflammatory models in which the aqueous residue exhibited the highest inhibition.

Conclusions

From the present findings, it can be concluded that the ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts as well as butanol and aqueous fractions of Ocimum suave have shown anti-inflammatory properties.     

Neuroprotective constituents from Hedyotis diffusa

In a bioassay-guided search for neuroprotective compounds from medicinal plants, a MeOH extract of whole plants of Hedoytis diffusa yielded five flavonol glycosides, kaempferol 3-O-[2-O-(6-O-E-feruloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-beta-D-galactopyranoside (1), quercetin 3-O-[2-O-(6-O-E-feruloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-beta-D-galactopyranoside (2), quercetin 3-O-[2-O-(6-O-E-feruloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), kaempferol 3-O-(2-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (4), and quercetin 3-O-(2-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (5), and four O-acylated iridoid glycosides (6-9). Compounds 1 and 2 are previously unreported natural products, and all nine compounds exhibited significant neuroprotective activity in primary cultures of rat cortical cells damaged by L-glutamate.     

In vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of the crude extract and fractions from Rosa canina L. fruits

The aqueous and ethanol extracts of Rosa canina L. (Rosaceae) fruits and the fractions prepared from the latter were investigated for their anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in several in vivo experimental models. The ethanolic extract was shown to possess significant inhibitory activity against inflammatory models (i.e., carrageenan-induced and PGE(1)-induced hind paw edema models, as well as on acetic acid-induced increase in a capillary permeability model) and on a pain model based on the inhibition of p-benzoquinone-induced writhing in mice. Hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate, n-butanol and the remaining water fractions were obtained through bioassay-guided fractionation. Ethylacetate and n-butanol fractions displayed potent anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities at a dose of 919 mg/kg without inducing acute toxicity. Further attempts to isolate and define the active constituent(s) were inconclusive, possibly due to the synergistic interaction of components in the extract.     

糯米藤中黄酮类化学成分研究

目的:对糯米藤的化学成分进行研究。方法:运用多种色谱方法进行分离纯化,根据理化性质和波谱数据鉴定化合物的结构。结果:从糯米藤95%乙醇提取物的乙酸乙酯萃取部分中分离得到12个化合物,分别签定为异鼠李素(1),山柰酚(2),槲皮素(3),异鼠李素-3-O-α-L-鼠李糖苷(4),山柰酚-3-O-α-L-鼠李糖苷(5),异鼠李素-3-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(6),山柰酚-3-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(7),槲皮素-3-O-α-L-鼠李糖苷(8),槲皮素-3-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(9),异鼠李素-3-O-芸香糖苷(10),山柰酚-3-O-芸香糖苷(11)和槲皮素-3-O-芸香糖苷(12)。结论:所有化合物均为首次从该属植物中分离得到。     

Anti-inflammatory effect of extract and fractions from the leaves of Byrsonima intermedia A. Juss. in rats

Aim of the study

Byrsonima intermedia is commonly used for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery in Brazilian folk medicine. The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract and fractions of Byrsonima intermedia leaves.

Materials and methods

Rats with carrageenan-induced paw edema and fibrovascular tissue growth, which was induced by subcutaneous implantation of a cotton pellet, were used as acute and chronic animal models of inflammation to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract and the individual ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and aqueous fractions of Byrsonima intermedia and catechin. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the fingerprint chromatogram of the aqueous extract and fractions of Byrsonima intermedia.

Results

The crude aqueous extract at test doses of 30-300 mg/kg p.o. clearly demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema, as did the ethyl acetate (100 mg/kg) and aqueous fractions (30-100 mg/kg). In the chronic inflammation rat animal model with fibrovascular tissue growth, the aqueous extract of Byrsonima intermedia (BiAE) at doses of 30-300 mg/kg and the individual EtOAc and aqueous fractions at doses of 30-100 mg/kg and catechin significantly reduced the formation of granulomatous tissue. The presence of catechin and phenolic compounds in the extract and fractions of Byrsonima intermedia was confirmed using HPLC.

Conclusion

BiAE and the individual EtOAc and aqueous fractions of Byrsonima intermedia exhibited chronic and acute anti-inflammatory efficacy in rats, which supports previous claims of its use in traditional medicine.     

Assessment of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Daphne pontica L. (Thymelaeaceae)

The n-hexane, diethylether, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from roots, leaves, stems and flowers with young leaves of Daphne pontica L. (Thymelaeaceae) were investigated for their in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. For the anti-inflammatory activity assessment, carrageenan-induced hind paw edema, PGE(2)-induced hind paw edema and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema models and for the antinociceptive activity, p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test were used. Only ethyl acetate extracts of the roots showed significant anti-inflammatory activity on carrageenan-induced (22.7-32.0% inhibition) and PGE(2)-induced hind paw edema (3.2-27.3% inhibition) as well as 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema (47.8-43.3% inhibition) models at 50 mg/kg dose without inducing any apparent gastric lesion or acute toxicity, whereas the other extracts were shown to be ineffective. In addition to roots, ethyl acetate extracts of the stems exhibited 19.5-29.9%; 5.3-23.9%; 36.6-28.1% inhibition on carrageenan-induced and PGE(2)-induced hind paw edema as well as 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema models, respectively. On the other hand, none of the extracts showed any significant antinociceptive activity.     

柳叶蜡梅化学成分及其抗氧化活性研究

目的:研究柳叶蜡梅Chimonanthus salicifolius叶中的化学成分及其抗氧化活性.方法:采用各种柱色谱法进行分离纯化柳叶蜡梅叶中的化学成分,采用理化性质和NMR等波谱学方法鉴定化合物结构;采用ABTS法评价各化合物的抗氧化活性.结果:从柳叶蜡梅叶乙醇提取物中分离得到7个化合物,分别为7-羟基-6-甲氧基香豆素(1),莨菪亭-7-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(2),山萘酚-3-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(3)、山萘酚-3-O-芸香糖苷(4)、山萘酚(5)、槲皮素(6)和大黄素-S-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(7).抗氧化活性结果表明化合物1,5,6具有较好的清除抗氧化活性( ABTS)自由基的作用,其半数抑制率(IC50)分别为8.72,1.62,0.563 mmol·L-1.结论:化合物2,3,7均是首次从蜡梅属植物中分离得到,部分化合物具有较好的抗氧化活性.     

In vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive actions of some Lamium species

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Several Lamium species have been used to relieve pain in arthritic ailments in Turkish folk medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of different extracts prepared with methanol, dichloromethane, n-butanol and water from the aerial parts of some Lamium species of Turkish origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lamium eriocephalum subsp. eriocephalum, Lamium garganicum subsp. laevigatum, Lamium garganicum subsp. pulchrum and Lamium purpureum var. purpureum (Lamiaceae); for the anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model, PGE(2)-induced hind paw edema model, and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema model and for the antinociceptive activity p-benzoquinone (PBQ)-induced writhing test in mice were employed. RESULTS: The n-butanol extracts of Lamium garganicum subsp. laevigatum (LGL-BuOH), Lamium garganicum subsp. pulchrum (LGP-BuOH), and Lamium purpureum var. purpureum (LPP-BuOH) exhibited notable inhibition (16.5-28.9, 14.5-26.9, 12.3-21.5%, resp.) in carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model at doses of 200mg/kg without inducing any gastric damage. The LGL-BuOH (7.1-30.4%) and LGP-BuOH (5.9-24.1%) extracts also displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity against PGE(2)-induced hind paw edema model. LGL-BuOH and LGP-BuOH were also found to exhibit remarkable antinociceptive activity in p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test at a dose of 200 mg/kg (25.0 and 24.3%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The experimental data demonstrated that Lamium garganicum subsp. laevigatum and Lamium garganicum subsp. pulchrum displayed remarkable anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.     

Biomolecular evidence of anti-inflammatory effects by Clematis mandshurica Ruprecht root extract in rodent cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Clematis mandshurica Ruprecht root is widely used in Asia as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. This research investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Clematis mandshurica Ruprecht root extract (CRE) using RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and carrageenan- (CA-) induced rat paw edema.

Materials and methods

Production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in the culture supernatant, mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2, protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the extract were assayed. In addition, the effect of CRE on acute inflammation in vivo was observed using CA-induced rat hind paw edema assay. The changes on the histopathology and histomorphometry of hind paw skins—dorsum and ventrum pedis were observed using CA-treated rats.

Results

Treatment with CRE (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) resulted in inhibited levels of protein expression of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB, and MAPKs (ERK, JNK, and p38) as well as production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NO, and PGE₂ induced by LPS. Consistent with these results, CRE reduced the LPS-induced expressions of these cytokines, iNOS and COX-2 at the mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, results of the CA-induced rat hind paw edema assay showed an anti-edema effect of CRE. In addition, treatment with CRE resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of CA-induced increases of skin thickness, mast cell degranulation, and infiltrated inflammatory, TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, and COX-2-positive cells in both dorsum and ventrum pedis skin, respectively.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that CRE exhibits anti-inflammatory activities via decreasing production of pro-inflammatory mediators through suppression of the pathways of NF-κB and MAPKs in LPS-induced macrophage cells. In addition, results of the CA-induced rat hind paw edema assay show an anti-edema effect of CRE. Our findings also support the traditional use of CRE in the inflammatory symptoms of rheumatic arthritis and acute icteric hepatitis. Thus, CRE may have therapeutic potential for a variety of inflammation-mediated diseases and may be developed into potent anti-inflammatory drugs.     

Antibacterial activity of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids from Marrubium globosum ssp. libanoticum

Marrubium globosum Montbr. et Auch. ex Benth. ssp. libanoticum Boiss. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, asthma, coughs and other pulmonary and urinary problems. The goal of our study was to assess the biological activity of M. globosum testing the methanol extract of aerial parts for its antibacterial activity against bacteria known to cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin and urinary disorders; the extract showed antibacterial effects against all the strains of bacteria used. A purification of this active extract showed the presence, as main constituents, of verbascoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-beta-D-rutinoside, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-rutinoside, naringenin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-rutinoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-(3'-p-coumaryl)-glucoside, p-methoxy-cinnamic acid, kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucoside and apigenin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside. The pure compounds were tested for their antibacterial activity; quercetin 3-O-beta-D-rutinoside, verbascoside and naringenin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside showed the greatest activity.     

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of flavonol glycosides from different Aconitum species

Bioassay-guided fractionation by 1,1-diphenyl-2-dipicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test of polar extracts of some Italian Aconitum species (A. napellus subsp. tauricum, A. napellus subsp. neomontanum, A. paniculatum, A. vulparia) led to the isolation of 13 flavonol glycosides: quercetin 3-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (1), kaempferol 3-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (2), quercetin 3-O-(6-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (3), kaempferol 3-O-(6-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (4), quercetin 7-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (5), kaempferol 7-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (6), kaempferol 7-O-(6-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (7), kaempferol 3-O-beta-(2"-acetyl)galactopyranoside (8), kaempferol 3-O-beta-(2"-acetyl)galactopyranoside-7-O-alpha-arabinopyranoside (9), quercetin 3-O-beta-(2"-acetyl)galactopyranoside-7-O-alpha-arabinopyranoside (10), quercetin 3,7-di-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (11), kaempferol 3,7-di-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (12) and quercetin 3-O-beta-glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (13). Their antioxidant activity (AA) was determined by measuring free radical scavenging activity by DPPH test and the coupled oxidation of beta-carotene and linoleic acid assay. The results showed that 5 is the most active compound in the DPPH free-radical scavenging test (IC(50) 1.9 microM) while in the coupled oxidation of beta-carotene and linoleic acid assay compound 1 has the highest inhibitory ratio after 1h (58.9%). Some structure-activity relationships on the AA were obtained.     

Appraisal of antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential of extract and fractions from the leaves of Torreya grandis Fort Ex. Lindl

Torreya grandis (Taxaceae) was studied for antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. Leaves were extracted with 80% ethanol at 80 °C for 3 h and fractionated with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethylacetate and n-butanol. The aqueous ethanolic extract (aq.EE), ethylacetate fraction (EaF) and butanol fraction (BtF) at the doses of (100 and 200 mg/kg, i.g.) body weight were used for study. Evaluation of antinociceptive activity was carried out by acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin-induced paw licking time in the first and second phases of mice. The paw edema induced by formalin- and xylene-induced ear edema were used to assess anti-inflammatory activity. It was found that Torreya grandis extract and fractions at the doses of (100 and 200 mg/kg, i.g.) were significantly attenuated the writhing responses induced by acetic acid and second phase of pain response induced by subplantar injection of formalin in mice. In addition, these extract and fractions inhibiting the formaldehyde-induced arthritis as well as xylene-induces edema prolifically. From acute oral toxicity studies no mortality was pragmatic even at highest dose (2500 mg/kg, i.g.). Furthermore, our phytochemical studies indicated that the aq. ethanolic extract of leaves contains alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and saponins. The results provide justification for the folkloric uses of Torreya grandis in the treatment of analgesic and inflammatory-based diseases across the China.     

醉马草中黄酮类化学成分研究

目的研究禾本科芨芨草属植物醉马草Achnatheruminebrians中的化学成分。方法综合运用HP-20大孔树脂、ODS中压色谱、SephadexLH-20凝胶柱色谱以及制备型高效液相色谱等方法进行系统的分离纯化,根据化合物的理化性质及其波谱数据,并通过对比文献报道的波谱数据,鉴定化合物的化学结构。结果从醉马草乙醇提取物中分离得到15黄酮类化合物,分别鉴定为异红草素(1)、金丝桃苷(2)、槲皮素-3-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖基-(3′→O-3′′′)-槲皮素-3?-O-β-D-吡喃半乳糖苷(3)、3?-甲氧基槲皮素-3-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖基-(1→6)-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(4)、异鼠李素-3-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖基-(1→2)-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(5)、槲皮素-3-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖基-(1→2)-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(6)、槲皮素-3-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖基-7-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖苷(7)、山柰酚-3-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖基-(1→2)-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(8)、山柰酚-3-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖基-(1→4)-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(9)、8-甲氧基槲皮素-...     

Anti-inflammatory,anti-nociceptive,and anti-psychiatric effects by the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum on complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Alpinia officinarum Hance (Zingiberaceae) is an annual plant. Its rhizome has long been used as an anti-inflammatory, an analgesic, a stomachic and a carminative in traditional medicine.

Objective

The aim of this study was to test the anti-inflammatory effects of Alpinia officinarum rhizomes on acute and chronic arthritis in SD rats.

Methods

Alpinia officinarum rhizomes were extracted by refluxing using 80% ethanol. The fractions were prepared by the fractionation of ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol, and water. This extract was administrated to rats by peroral injection. Acute arthritis was induced by a subcutaneous injection of carrageenan into the hind paw of SD rats. Chronic arthritis was stimulated by a subcutaneous injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the hind paw of SD rats. The paw volume was measured using a plethysmometer, thermal hyperalgesia was tested using a thermal plantar tester, hyperalgesia was evaluated by ankle flexion evoked vocalizations, and the expression of c-Fos in the brain hippocampus was measured with the avidin–biotin-peroxidase technique. Nitric oxide (NO) production was evaluated on nitrite by a Griess assay in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.

Results

An 80% ethanolic extract showed acute anti-inflammatory activity that it reduced the edema volume in carrageenan-stimulated arthritis and inhibited NO generation in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, this extract showed chronic anti-rheumatic and analgesic activities by suppressing the swelling volume, by recovering the paw withdrawal latency, and by inhibiting the flexion scores in CFA-induced arthritis. Particularly, this medicine had potent meaningful effects on the second signal of the left hind paw in the form of an immunological reaction compared to its effects on the first signal in the right hind paw after the CFA treatment. This also shows an anti-psychiatric effect through control of the expression of the c-Fos protein of the brain hippocampus in CFA-stimulated arthritis. On the other hand, each fraction showed acute anti-inflammatory effects; the action of the EtOAc fraction may have resulted from the suppression of NO production.

Conclusions

Alpinia officinarum rhizomes may be viable therapeutic or preventive candidates for the treatment of acute and chronic arthritis.     

Antiinflammatory effect of topically applied propolis extract in carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema

The antiinflammatory effect of an ointment containing propolis extract (3%-7%) was examined using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats. Treatment with the ointment inhibited the edema moderately, and the inhibition was significant at 5% and 7%. Additionally, the effect of the ointment on chemotaxis of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) was investigated using the agarose plate method. Migration of PMNs toward zymosan-treated serum was inhibited in the presence of 5% propolis ointment. These results demonstrate that topical application of propolis extract is effective in inhibiting carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema, and its inhibitory effect on the chemotaxis of PMNs may also contribute to the antiinflammatory effect.     

乌药叶化学成分的研究

目的 研究乌药Lindera aggregate(Sims)Kosterm叶的化学成分.方法 乌药叶70％乙醇提取物采用硅胶、Sephadex LH-20、制备HPLC进行分离纯化,根据理化性质及波谱数据鉴定所得化合物的结构.结果 从中分离得到13个化合物,分别鉴定为hydroxylinderstrenolide(1)...     

Chemical constituents from the stem bark of Symplocos paniculata Thunb. with antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The stem bark of Symplocos paniculata Thunb. has been used to check abortion in folk medicine in India.

Aim of the study

The present study was undertaken to isolate the phytochemicals from the plant together with the evaluation of antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the plant extract and isolated compounds.

Materials and methods

The plant extract was subjected to column chromatography for isolation of phytochemicals. The agar diffusion method was adopted for antimicrobial activity to determine MICs. Ethanolic extract and isolated compounds were selected for investigating their analgesic activity on acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was performed on carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats.

Results

The stem bark of the plant afforded seven compounds, 4-(8-hydroxyethyl) cyclohexan-1-oic acid (1); androst-5(6)-ene 17-one 3β-O-(β-d-glucopyranoside) (2); 9β,25-cyclo 3β-O-(β-d glucopyranosyl)-echynocystic acid (3); 9β,19-cyclo 24-methylcholan-5,22-diene 3β-O-{β-d-glucopyranosyl (1 → 6) α-l-rhamnopyranoside} (4); 30-ethyl 2α,16α-dihydroxy 3β-O-(β-d-glucopyranosyl) hopan-24-oic acid (5); 32,33,34-trimethyl-bacteriohopan-16-ene 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (6) and flavone 3′,4′,5′,6-tetramethoxy 7-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (1 → 3) β-d-glucopyranoside (7). The extract and isolated compounds exhibited antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Conclusion

The present study concludes that ethanolic extract of the plant and its constituents having significant antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.     

Further studies on the antinociceptive action of aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melegueta

This study presents the results of further investigations on the antinociceptive profiles of an aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melegueta in rodents. The antinociceptive activity of the intraperitonal doses of 25-100 mg/kg of Aframomum melegueta was assessed using the formalin-induced paw licking, Randall-Selitto paw pressure and hot plate models of pain. The extract was found to produce a significant dose-dependent inhibition of the inflammatory but not the neurogenic pains associated with the formalin test. In the Randall-Sellito paw pressure test, the extract significantly reduced the nociceptive responses elicited by compression of inflamed hind paw of rats in a dose-related manner. However, Aframomum melegueta did not alter the pain threshold in non-inflamed paw and also failed to prolong the reaction time of the animals to noxious heat in the hot plate test. Taken together, these findings suggest that the aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melegueta possess peripheral analgesic activity.