Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healer glycosides from the flowers of Verbascum mucronatum Lam.

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The leaves, flowers and whole aerial parts of Verbascum L. species have been used to treat respiratory problems, haemorrhoids and other types of inflammatory conditions in traditional Turkish medicine.

Aim of the study

In order to evaluate this traditional information, the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healing activities of Verbascum mucronatum Lam. which is used as haemostatic in Turkish folk medicine were investigated.

Materials and methods

In vivo inhibitory effect of the extracts on the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model in mice was studied for the assessment of anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, the wound healing potential of the plant were evaluated by using in vivo wound healing experimental models, i.e. incision and excision models on mice and rats, were comparatively assessed with a reference ointment Madecassol^®. Skin samples were also evaluated histopathologically.

Results

The results of these experimental studies exhibited that Verbascum mucronatum displays anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healing activities. Through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation procedures four iridoid glucosides, ajugol (1), aucubin (2), lasianthoside I (3), catalpol (4), two saponins, ilwensisaponin A (5) and C (6) and a phenylethanoid glycoside, verbascoside (7) were isolated and their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques. Verbascoside (7) was found to possess significant wound healing activity as well as antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials, per os without inducing any apparent acute toxicity or gastric damage.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that Verbascum mucronatum displays remarkable antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities.     

Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive principles from a folk remedy, Rhododendron ponticum L. leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Rhododendron ponticum L. (Ericaceae) is used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and to alleviate rheumatic pain and against toothache in Turkish traditional medicine.     

Bioassay-guided isolation of kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-galactoside with anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity from the aerial part of Calluna vulgaris L

Calluna vulgaris L. (Ericaceae) is used for the treatment of various inflammatory ailments in traditional medicines. In order to evaluate this ethnobotanical information, its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities were studied using in vivo experimental models in mice. The ethanolic extract of the plant was first fractionated into five extracts; namely, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol, and water fractions. Among them, the EtOAc Fr. was found to be the most effective and was further subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation procedures. After successive column chromatography applications, on Sephadex LH-20 and silica gel, a component, which is responsible for the above-mentioned activities of this species of Turkish origin, was isolated and its structure was elucidated as kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-galactoside, a common flavonol derivative by means of spectral techniques.     

Investigation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Lantana trifolia

The anti-inflammatory activity of Lantana trifolia (Verbenaceae) was determined by carrageenan, serotonin and histamine-induced rat paw edema and the analgesic activity of this plant was studied by acetic acid-induced writhings and tail flick tests in mice. Lantana trifolia extracts (at 30 mg/kg) inhibited carrageenan and histamine-induced rat paw edema. Although the extracts did not produce any effect on acetic acid-induced writhings, they all develop a significant increase on tail flick antinociceptive index (doses varying between 1 and 30 mg/kg), indicating a spinal antinociceptive effect. These results provide support for the use of Lantana trifolia in relieving inflammatory pain.     

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of some Onosma L. species growing in Turkey

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Roots of Onosma species are used for the treatment of various disorders such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, hemorrhoids as well as alleviating pains in folk medicine in Turkey. AIM OF THE STUDY: The chloroform and ethanol (70%) extracts obtained from the roots of Onosma species (Boraginaceae) growing in Turkey, Onosma aucheranum DC., Onosma isauricum Boiss. and Heldr. (endemic), Onosma sericeum Willd., Onosma tauricum Pallas ex Willd. var. brevifolium DC. (endemic) and Onosma tauricum Pallas ex Willd. var. tauricum (Syn: Onosma velenovskyi Davidov) were evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the preliminary screening, carrageenan-induced hind paw edema for the anti-inflammatory activity and, p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test for the antinociceptive activity were used in mice. RESULTS: The chloroform extracts from Onosma aucheranum and Onosma isauricum and ethanolic extracts from Onosma isauricum and Onosma sericeum demonstrated 28.0%, 34.3%, 24.6% and, 27.5% inhibition in p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test. The chloroform and ethanol (70%) extracts of Onosma isauricum and ethanol (70%) extract of Onosma sericeum also exhibited marked inhibition, ranging between 12.3-27.3%, 10.5-25.3%, 8.2-22.6%, respectively, in carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model at 100mg/kg dose without gastric damage and the activity was quite comparable to indomethacin (32.0-38.4% inhibition) as a reference sample. Neither death nor gastric bleeding was observed for any of the plant extracts during the acute toxicity evaluation. CONCLUSION: The experimental data demonstrated that Onosma aucheranum, Onosma isauricum and Onosma sericeum displayed remarkable anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.     

Antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities of Xanthii Fructus extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Xanthii seeds commonly called Cang-Erzi were used as a traditional Chinese medicine for treating sinusitis, headache due to rheumatism and skin pruritus.

Aim of the study

In order to evaluate the actions of this plant, studies were performed on antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Materials and methods

The aqueous extract of Xanthii Fructus (AXF) was evaluated in mice for anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model. The antinociceptive activity of AXF was evaluated by writhing and formalin tests. Antioxidant properties were assayed in terms of antioxidant activity by scavenging abilities on 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), reducing activity and liposome protection. In addition, the total phenolic content was determined with spectrophotometric method.

Results

AXF exhibited significant radical scavenging and reducing activity. And oral treatment with AXF elicited inhibitory activity on acetic acid effect and reduced the formalin effect at the late-phase. In the anti-inflammatory test, AXF inhibited the development of paw edema induced by λ-carrageenan (Carr). AXF decreased the paw edema at the fifth hour after Carr administration, and increased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the liver tissue and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the edema paw. AXF decreased the level of serum nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α after Carr injection and AXF decreased the levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions in paw edema at the fifth hour.

Conclusions

AXF shows antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat various inflammatory diseases.     

Flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity from Cistus laurifolius L. leaves through bioassay-guided procedures

Extracts obtained from the leaves and branches of various Cistus species have been used worldwide as folk remedy for the treatment of various inflammatory ailments including rheumatism and renal inflammations. Effects of the extracts and fractions from the leaves with non-woody branches of Cistus laurifolius L. (Cistaceae) were studied using two in vivo models of inflammation in mice. Model one was based on observed potent inhibitory activity against carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema and the second model used was acetic acid-induced, increased vascular permeability model. Through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation procedures three flavonoids; 3-O-methylquercetin (1), 3,7-O-dimethylquercetin (2) and 3,7-O-dimethylkaempferol (3) were isolated as the main active ingredients from the ethanol extract. Later on, these flavonoids were shown to possess potent antinociceptive activity, which was assessed through inhibition of p-benzoquinone-induced writhing reflex. Results of the present study have clearly supported the utilization of Cistus laurifolius in Turkish traditional medicine. Subsequently, three flavonoids were shown to have strong antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, per os without inducing any apparent acute toxicity as well as gastric damage.     

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.     

Phenolic compounds of Sideritis ozturkii and their in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities

Acetone extract from aerial parts of Sideritis ozturkii Aytaç &; Aksoy and its fractions were investigated for its in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. For the anti-inflammatory activity assessment, carrageenan-induced hind paw edema and for the antinociceptive activity, p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction tests were used. Acetone extract of the plant and its phenolic fraction were found to possess significant inhibitory activity on these in vivo models in mice. Ozturkoside A (chrysoeriol 7-O-[2′′′-O-caffeoyl-6′′′-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranoside]); ozturkoside B (chrysoeriol 7-O-[2′′′-O-caffeoyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranoside]); and ozturkoside C (chrysoeriol 7-O-[2′′′-O-p-coumaroyl-6′′′-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranoside]) were isolated from the active phenolic fraction. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, 1D- and 2D-NMR, MS). Ozturkoside C showed notable antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities without inducing any apparent acute toxicity or gastric damage. Although the activity of ozturkosides A and B were found insignificant in statistical analysis, some inhibitory effect was observed. Accordingly, it is suggested that these components in phenolic fraction might possibly share the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities together.     

Bioassay-guided isolation of iridoid glucosides with antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities from Veronica anagallis-aquatica L

Extracts obtained from the herbs of various Veronica species are used as folk remedy worldwide for the treatment of various inflammatory ailments including rheumatism. In vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. aerial parts were investigated. Methanolic extract of the plant was shown to possess significant inhibitory activity against carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model and of p-benzoquinone-induced writhings in mice. Through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation procedures eight compounds, aquaticoside A (1), aquaticoside B (2), aquaticoside C (3), veronicoside (4), catalposide (5), verproside (6), verminoside (7) and martynoside (8) were isolated and their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques. Catapol derivative iridoid glucosides, verproside (6) and catalposide (5), were found to possess potent antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, per os without inducing any apparent acute toxicity as well as gastric damage. Results of the present study supported the utilization of the plant in Turkish folk medicine.     

The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Piptadenia stipulacea Benth. (Fabaceae)

Aim

In this study, we attempted to identify the possible antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions of the aqueous phase, the ethyl acetate phase and one unknown flavonoid obtained from aerial parts of Piptadenia stipulacea, known in Brazil as “jurema-branca”, “carcará” and “rasga-beiço”.

Materials and methods

Aerial parts of Piptadenia stipulacea were used and after fractionation, the flavonoid FGAL was obtained. Experiments were conducted on Swiss mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the hot plate test, the formalin-induced pain test and zymosan A-induced peritonitis test.

Results

The aqueous and ethyl acetate phases (p.o., 100 mg/kg); and the flavonoid FGAL (p.o. and i.p. at 100 μmol/kg), reduced the nociception produced by acetic acid, by 49.92%, 54.62%, 38.97% and 64.79%, respectively. In vivo inhibition of nociception by the ethyl acetate phase (100 mg/kg, p.o.) in the hot plate test was favorable, indicating that this fraction exhibited central activity. The ethyl acetate phase (100 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the formalin effects in both phases by 28.51% and 55.72%, respectively. Treatment with the aqueous phase (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and FGAL (100 μmol/kg, i.p.) only protected the second phase by 69.76% and 68.78%, respectively. In addition, it was observed in the zymosan A-induced peritonitis test that the aqueous phase, the ethyl acetate phase and the FGAL exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, reducing significantly the number of recruit cells by 35.84%, 37.70% and FGAL (1), respectively.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that the FGAL elicits pronounced antinociceptive activity against several pain models. The actions of this flavonoid probably are due to antioxidative properties. However, pharmacological and chemical studies are continuing in order to characterize the mechanism(s) responsible for this antinociceptive action and also to identify other active substances present in Piptadenia stipulacea.     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of arbortristoside-A

Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn is a well-documented plant. It is evident from literature and previous investigations that Nyctanthes arbortristis possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. In the present study arbortristoside-A has been isolated from the ethanolic extract of its seeds. The structure of the isolated compound was determined by chemical reactions and spectroscopic methods. Arbortristoside-A was found to possess significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity. It seems arbortristoside-A inhibited the histamine, serotonin and carrageenan-induced edema suggesting its inhibiting effect on carrageenan, arachidonic acid, histamine and serotonin-induced edema suggesting its anti-inflammatory activity may be due to the inhibiting effect of prostaglandin, histamine and serotonin. The analgesic activity of arbortristoside-A may be due to the inhibition of the action of prostaglandin.     

Bioassay-guided isolation of antifungal alkaloids from Melochia odorata

An alkaloidal extract of the leaves of Melochia odorata exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a TLC bioautographic method. Bioassay-guided fractionation of this extract using separation by normal and reverse high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) resulted in the isolation of two active compounds identified as frangulanine, a cyclic peptide alkaloid, and waltherione-A, a quinolinone alkaloid.     

Characterization of the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities from Cocos nucifera L. (Palmae)

Aim of the study

Cocos nucifera cultivated in Brazil is known as “coco-da-Bahia” or “coqueiro-da-Índia”. The tea from the husk fiber is widely used to several inflammatory disorders. Crude extract and fractions obtained from Cocos nucifera “common variety” were evaluated to test the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.

Materials and methods

Crude extract (CE, 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg), fraction 1 (F1, molecular weight lesser than 1 kDa, 1, 10, and 50 mg/kg), fraction 2 (F2, molecular weight higher than 1 kDa, 1, 10, and 50 mg/kg), and the references drugs morphine (5 mg/kg), acetilsalicilic acid (200 mg/kg), prometazine (30 mg/kg), and metisergide (5 mg/kg) were evaluated on models of analgesia and inflammation.

Results

CE, F1, and F2 significantly develop peripheral and central antinociceptive activity but with less effect on supra-spinal regions of the brain. Administration of the opioid antagonist, naloxone (5 mg/kg) inhibited the antinociceptive effect indicating that Cocos nucifera crude extract and fractions may be acting in opioid receptors. CE and F1 also inhibited rat paw edema induced by histamine, and serotonin.

Conclusions

results demonstrated that Cocos nucifera and its fractions have antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities which confirm the popular use of this plant in several inflammatory disorders.     

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.     

Characterization of the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of fractions obtained from Copaifera multijuga Hayne

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Copaifera multijuga Hayne (Leguminosae) is a tree that produces an oleoresin, which is extensively commercialized in Brazil as capsules or crude oil for the treatment of several disorders. Ethnopharmacological studies show a diversity of indications such as anti-inflammatory and epidermal wound cicatrization.

Aim of the study

In the present work three fractions obtained from Copaifera multijuga oleoresin (hexane (HF), chloroform (CF), and methanol (MF) from a KOH impregnated silica gel column chromatography, representing the three main classes of compounds in the Copaifera genus (hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes and acidic diterpenes), were evaluated using antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory models.

Materials and methods

HF, CF, and MF (doses ranging between 1 and 150 mg/kg, depending on the model used), Copaifera multijuga oleoresin (CMO, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and the reference drug morphine (5 mg/kg, p.o.) were evaluated using models for analgesia (acetic acid-induced contortions and tail flick) or inflammation (rat paw oedema and increase in vascular permeability). To elucidate the mechanism of action from the fractions, animals were pre-treated with naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist, 5 mg/kg, i.p.).

Results

Fractions significantly inhibited (in a concentration-dependant way) the number of contortions induced by acetic acid and the second phase of formalin-induced licking response. Similar results were observed in the tail flick model. The central antinociceptive effect for HF and CF at the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg was higher than the one observed for morphine (1 mg/kg). Administration of naloxone inhibited the antinociceptive effect of fractions indicating that HF, CF, and MF may be acting on opioid receptors. All three fractions also inhibited rat paw oedema and the increase in vascular permeability induced by several phlogistic agents (carrageenan, histamine, and serotonin).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that fractions obtained from Copaifera multijuga Hayne demonstrate an antinociceptive effect probably mediated by opioid receptors, and anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of histaminergic and serotoninergic pathways.     

Clematis vitalba L. aerial part exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic effects

Extracts obtained from the dried aerial parts of Clematis species are used as folk remedy worldwide for the treatment of various inflammatory ailments such as rheumatism and to reduce fever. In order to test the effectiveness of extracts, fractions and subfractions from dried Clematis vitalba L. (Ranunculaceae) aerial parts were studied on mice. Extracts are shown to have a potent effect on carrageenan-induced hind paw edema and acetic acid-induced increased vascular permeability models. Through bioassay-guided fractionation procedures a new C-glycosylflavon, 4′-O-coumaroyl-isovitexine (vitalboside) was isolated as the main active ingredient of the aerial parts. Vitalboside showed a potent and dose-dependent (in 75 and 150 mg/kg does, per os) in vivo anti-inflammatory activity against acute (carrageenan-, serotonin- and PGE₂-induced hind paw edema model, castor oil-induced diarrhea), subacute (subcutaneous air-pouch) and chronic (Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis) models of inflammation. The same compound was also isolated as the main antinociceptive principle which was assessed by using the models based on the inhibition of p-benzoquinone-induced writhings, as well as antipyretic activity against Freund's complete adjuvant-induced increased body temperature. Acute and subchronic toxicity studies were also performed.     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of the leaves of Eriobotrya japonica

Aim of the study

The leaves of Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. have been widely used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases including coughs and asthma. The present study was designed to validate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of the n-BuOH fraction of E. japonica (LEJ) leaves.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory properties of LEJ were studied using IFN-γ/LPS activated murine peritoneal macrophage model. The antinociceptive effects of LEJ were assessed using experimental models of pain, including thermal nociception methods, such as the tail immersion test and the hotplate test, and chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and subplantar formalin in mice. To examine the possible connection of the opioid receptor to the antinociceptive activity of LEJ, we performed a combination test with naloxone, a nonselective opioid receptor antagonist.

Results

In the IFN-γ and LPS-activated murine peritoneal macrophage model, LEJ suppressed NO production and iNOS expression via down-regulation of NF-κB activation. It also attenuated the expression of COX-2 and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, LEJ also demonstrated strong and dose-dependent antinociceptive activity compared to tramadol and indomethacin in various experimental pain models. In a combination test using naloxone, diminished analgesic activities of LEJ were observed, indicating that the antinociceptive activity of LEJ is connected with the opioid receptor.

Conclusions

The results indicate that LEJ had potent inhibitory effects on the inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide, iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-6 via the attenuation of NF-κB translocation to the nucleus. LEJ also showed excellent antinociceptive activity in both central and peripheral mechanism as a weak opioid agonist. Based on these results, LEJ may possibly be used as an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic agent for the treatment of pains and inflammatory diseases.     

In vivo study of four preparative extracts of Clematis terniflora DC. for antinociceptive activity and anti-inflammatory activity in rat model of carrageenan-induced chronic non-bacterial prostatitis

Aim of the study

The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Clematis terniflora DC. extracts and fractions and to further support its traditional use as Chinese folk medicine in treatment of urinary infections, especially the disease of prostatitis.

Materials and methods

The antinociceptive activity of its water extract (WE), 70% ethanol extract (EE), water eluted part of EE from AB-8 macroporous resin (WEPMR) and 70% ethanol eluted part of EE from AB-8 macroporous resin (EEPMR) was conducted using mice writhing test with different doses. Then the anti-inflammatory activity of the four parts was evaluated on rat models of carrageenan-induced chronic non-bacterial prostatitis (CNP). Preliminary study was taken to determine the phytochemical compositions of the four preparative extracts.

Results

Significant writhing inhibitory effect was found with EE at small (7.5 g/kg body wt.), moderate (15 g/kg body wt.) and large (30 g/kg body wt.) doses (doses here are presented as crude herbs) as well as EEPMR at moderate and large doses by oral administration (OA) (p ≤ 0.01). Data from prostatic index, lecithin microsome density and white blood cell level showed that moderate dose of EE and EEPMR both had significant (p ≤ 0.05 or p ≤ 0.01) inhibition effect on carrageenan-induced inflammation in rat prostate. The HPLC analytical results showed that flavonoids were the main active compounds in WE, EE and EEPMR. And most flavonoids were accumulated into the part of EEPMR by AB-8 macroporous resin leaving only few compounds in WEPMR. No acute toxicity was identified in oral administration of the four parts at a dose of 100 g/kg body wt.

Conclusions

The results described here suggest that extracts of the aerial part of Clematis terniflora DC. might be of therapeutic interest in the treatment of prostatitis.     

Effect of the aqueous extract and saponin fraction from the flowers of Verbascum thapsiforme on protein biosynthesis in a rat liver ribosomal system

The effect of fractions isolated from the aqueous extract of Verbascum flowers on protein biosynthesis was studied. A strong inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract on protein biosynthesis was demonstrated in isolated rat liver ribosomes. The saponin fraction was shown to be responsible for this activity and it was compared to commercial glycyrrhizic acid and its aglycon as the standard drungs. It was found that these compounds strongly inhibited the incorporation of [¹⁴C]leucine into proteins in vitro and that the target site for inhibition was the ribosome fraction from rat liver cells.