Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity assessment of plants used as remedy in Turkish folk medicine

Ethanolic and aqueous extracts from seven plant species used in Turkish traditional medicine were evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities; Helleborus orientalis Lam. roots and herbs, Juglans regia L. leaves, Laurocerasus officinalis Roemer leaves, Nerium oleander L. dried and fresh flowers and leaves, Rhododendron ponticum L. leaves, Rubus hirtus Walds. et Kit aerial parts and Rubus sanctus Schreber aerial parts and roots. All the plant extracts, except the aqueous extract of Rubus hirtus, were shown to possess significant antinociceptive activity in varying degrees against p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal contractions in mice. However, only the ethanolic extracts of Helleborus orientalis roots, Juglans regia leaves, Laurocerasus officinalis leaves, Nerium oleander dried and fresh flowers, and Rhododendron ponticum leaves exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model in mice without inducing any gastric damage. Results of the present study confirmed the folkloric claim that all the selected materials to possess potent antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity.     

Anti-inflammatory and related pharmacological activities of the n-BuOH subfraction of mushroom Phellinus linteus

This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory and related activities of mushroom Phellinus linteus. The results show that the EtOH extract of Phellinus linteus (PLE) dose-dependently inhibited the mouse ear edema induced by croton oil. Among PLE subfractions, the n-BuOH subfraction showed highest anti-inflammatory activity in croton oil-induced ear edema test. The n-BuOH subfraction also showed highest inhibitory activity on the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) angiogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. PLE could significantly reduce the number of writhing induced by acetic acid in mice, indicating that PLE possesses potent antinociceptive effect mediated by its anti-inflammatory activity. Mycelial extract of six different Phellinus strains were found to contain anti-angiogenic activity in the CAM assay. These results suggest that Phellinus linteus has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, in addition to its anti-angiogenic activity.     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential of Maclura pomifera (Rafin.) Schneider fruit extracts and its major isoflavonoids, scandenone and auriculasin

The aqueous, ethanolic and chloroform extracts and two prenylated isoflavones: scandenone (I) and auriculasin (II), isolated from the fruits of Maclura pomifera (Rafin.) Schneider, were investigated for their in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity. For the anti-inflammatory activity, both carrageenan-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. Scandenone, the chloroform and the ethanolic extracts were shown to possess antinociceptive activity and anti-inflammatory activity on carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model at 100 mg/kg dose. The same compound and the extract were also found to be highly active in (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema model whereas auriculasin and the H(2)O extract showed to be inactive in all of the assays.     

Cytotoxicity of plants from Malaysia and Thailand used traditionally to treat cancer

The SRB cytotoxicity assay was used to screen extracts and isolated constituents of some traditional medicinal plants from Malaysia and Thailand against two human cancer cell lines, COR L23 lung cancer cell line and MCF7 breast cancer cell line and the non-cancer MCF5 cell line. Five out of the seven species tested, i.e. Thai Alpinia galanga, Alpinia officinarum, Cayratia japonica, Physalis minima, Tabernaemontana divaricata, exhibited interesting cytotoxicity activity and this is the first report of cytotoxicity from any Cayratia species. Following bioassay-guided fractionation, 1′-acetoxychavicol acetate (48 h exposure against COR L23 cells, IC₅₀ 7.8 μM against MCF7 cells, IC₅₀ 23.9 μM) was isolated as the major cytotoxic component of the Alpinia species, physalin F as the major cytotoxic component of Physalis minima (48 h exposure against COR L23 cells IC₅₀ 0.4 μM against MCF7 cells, IC₅₀ 0.59 μM). The Malaysian Alpinia galanga showed weak activity compared with the Thai sample and this was shown to be due to the relatively high amounts of 1′-acetoxychavicol acetate present in the Thai sample.     

Antinociceptive activity of Buddleja globosa (matico) in several models of pain

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Leaf extracts of Buddleja globosa (Buddlejaceae) are used in Chilean folk medicine for wound healing. The anti-inflammatory (topic and per os), analgesic (per os) effects and the antioxidant activity of Buddleja globosa were for the first time reported by us. AIM OF THE STUDY: Assess the antinociceptive activity of the methanol sequential and global extracts using complementary chemical and thermal models of pain, characterize pharmacologically the antinociception induced, evaluate seasonal influence to support Buddleja globosa medicinal use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Global methanol, sequential methanol and ethanol (leaves collected in autumn and summer) extracts were evaluated for oral and topic analgesia in tail flick, formalin and writhing models, verbascoside and 7-O-luteolin glucoside were assayed in tail flick and writhing. Ibuprofen was used as reference. For characterization of induced antinociception, naltrexone, naltrindole, tropisetron, nor-binaltorphimine, prazosin, yohimbine, atropine, and N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester were used as antagonists and inhibitors drugs. RESULTS: Seasonal influence was observed since autumn extract resulted less active. Extracts showed a dose-dependent antinociceptive activity in all assays, the highest effects were obtained for the formalin and writhing test. Verbascoside was more active than ibuprofen in the writhing test (67.6% and 50.0% at equimolar doses) and showed similar effects in the tail flick (topic and oral) near 25% at equivalent doses - ED25 or EC25 - to ibuprofen. Luteolin 7-O-glucoside was slightly more active in the tail flick test and nearly half active than verbascoside in the writhing assay. Effectiveness was higher for the sequential than for global alcoholic extracts, and can be increased by selective blocking of opioid receptors. Global methanol extract seems modulated only by naltrexone. CONCLUSIONS: Analgesic effect of Buddleja globosa is here demonstrated validating its use in traditional medicine. Season influence is important to be considered.     

Effect of Punica granatum Linn. (flowers) on blood glucose level in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

‘Gulnar farsi’, male abortive flowers of Punica granatum L., are used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in Unani medicine. Oral administration of its aqueous-ethanolic (50%, v/v) extract led to significant blood glucose lowering effect in normal, glucose-fed hyperglycaemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. This effect of the extract was maximum at 400 mg/kg, b.w.     

Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive glycoterpenoids from the flowers of Verbascum lasianthum Boiss. ex Bentham

Infusions of Verbascum lasianthum flowers have been used for hemorrhoids in Turkish folk medicine. In order to evaluate the scientific basis for this practice, in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Verbascum lasianthum Boiss. ex Bentham flowers were investigated. A methanolic extract of the flowers was shown to possess significant inhibitory activity in the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model and in p-benzoquinone-induced writhings in mice. Through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation procedures eight compounds, 6-O-(4-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)--l-rhamnopyranosylaucubin (1), 6-O-(4-O-trans-p-methoxycinnamoyl)--l-rhamnopyranosylaucubin (2), sinuatol (3), aucubin (4), geniposidic acid (5), catalpol (6), ajugol (7) and ilwensisaponin A (8) were isolated and their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques. An iridoid glucoside, aucubin (4) and a triterpenoid saponin, ilwensisaponin A (8) were found to possess significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, per os without inducing any apparent acute toxicity or gastric damage. Results of the present study support the continued and expanded utilization of plants employed in Turkish folk medicine.     

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory effects and acute toxicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Myrtus communis L. Aerial parts in mice

Myrtus communis L. aerial parts have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disease. In this study 350 mice were divided into three main groups: negative (saline), positive (morphine or diclofenac) controls, and test groups. The acute toxicity was assessed for 2 days. Antinociceptive activity was performed using hot plate and writhing tests. The anti-inflammatory effect was investigated using xylene-induced ear edema and a cotton pellet test. According to phytochemical screening, the extracts contained tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The LD50 values of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts were 0.473 and 0.79 g/kg, respectively. In hot plate test, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed significant antinociceptive activity that was inhibited by naloxone. The extracts exhibited antinociceptive activity against acetic acid-induced writhing and also showed significant activity against acute inflammation which was dose dependent for aqueous extract. The ethanolic (0.05 g/kg) and aqueous extracts (0.005, 0.015, and 0.03 g/kg) demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects against chronic inflammation. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the aerial parts of M communis L. showed antinociceptive effects and these may be mediated by opioid receptors.     

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and acute toxicity effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss extracts in mice and rats

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and acute toxicity of the aqueous infusion and ethanolic maceration extracts of the aerial parts of Zataria multiflora Boiss were studied in mice and rats. Antinociceptive activity was done using hot-plate and writhing tests. The effect of the extracts against acute inflammation was studied by vascular permeability increased by acetic acid and xylene induced ear edema in mice. The activity of the extracts against chronic inflammation was assessed by the cotton pellet test in rats. LD50 of the infusion and maceration extract was 3.85 and 3.47 g/kg, respectively. Intraperitoneal injection of both extracts in mice showed significant and dose-dependent antinociceptive activity. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, pretreatment inhibited the antinociceptive activity of the extracts. The extracts exhibited antinociceptive activity against acetic acid induced writhing which was partially blocked by naloxone. Both extracts did not show remarkable activity against acute inflammation induced by acetic acid in mice. In the xylene ear edema, Z. multiflora Boiss extracts showed significant activity in mice. In the chronic inflammation the efficacy of the extracts was more than in acute inflammation. It is concluded that aqueous infusion and maceration of the aerial parts of Z. multiflora Boiss have antinociceptive effect and this may be mediated by opioid receptors. The extracts showed also anti-inflammatory effect against acute and chronic inflammation.     

Comparative evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of Turkish Eryngium species

Extracts obtained from the root and aerial parts of various Eryngium (Apiaceae) species are used as folk remedy worldwide for the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts obtained from either aerial parts or roots of eight Eryngium species growing in Turkey, i.e., were evaluated for their in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. Eryngium campestre, Eryngium creticum, Eryngium davisii, Eryngium falcatum, Eryngium isauricum, Eryngium kotschyi, Eryngium maritimum, and Eryngium trisectum. For the antinociceptive activity assessment p-benzoquinone-induced writhing test, and for anti-inflammatory activity carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema and TPA-induced ear oedema tests were employed in mice. According to the results of investigations, except Eryngium falcatum extracts, ethanol extracts either from the aerial parts or roots of Eryngium species showed apparent anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity. In spite of potent activity of the ethanol extract from Eryngium isauricum aerial parts was induced gastric damage. Aerial parts and roots of Eryngium maritimum and Eryngium kotschyi were found to possess most promising activities without including any apparent gastric damage.     

Antinociceptive activity of alcoholic extract of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. in mice

The ethanolic extract of roots of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. (family: Asclepiadaceae) was investigated for possible antinociceptive effect in mice. Three models were used to study the effects of extracts on nociception, which was induced, by acetic acid (Writhing test), formalin (Paw licking test) and hot plate test in mice. Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. extract was administered in the dose range of 25, 50 and 100mg/kg orally 1h prior to pain induction. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract showed the presence of triterpenes, flavonoids, pregnane glycosides and steroids. Oral administration of Hemidesmus indicus extract revealed dose-dependent antinociceptive effect in all the models for antinociception and it blocked both the neurogenic and inflammatory pain and the nociceptive activity was comparable with the reference drug. The results indicate that alcoholic extract of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. possesses a significant antinociceptive activity. The activity can be related with the significant phytochemicals such as triterpenes, flavonoids, and sterols reported in the root extract.     

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.     

Medicinal plants and food medicines in the folk traditions of the upper Lucca Province, Italy

An ethnopharmacobotanical survey of the medicinal plants and food medicines of the northern part of Lucca Province, north-west Tuscany, central Italy, was carried out. The geographical isolation of this area has permitted the survival of a rich folk phytotherapy involving medicinal herbs and also vegetable resources used by locals as food medicine. Among these are the uncommon use of Ballota nigra leaves as a trophic protective; the use of Lilium candidum bulbs as an antiviral to treat shingles (Herpes zoster); Parmelia sp. as a cholagogue; Crocus napolitanus flowers as antiseptic; Prunus laurocerasus drupes as a hypotensive; and the consumption of chestnut flour polenta cooked with new wine as bechic. Many wild gathered greens are eaten raw in salads, or in boiled mixtures, as ‘blood cleansing’ and ‘intestine cleansing’ agents. Of particular interest is the persistence of the archaic use of Bryonia dioica root against sciatica, and the use of ritual plant therapeuticals as good omens, or against the ‘evil eye.’ Over 120 species represent the heritage of the local folk pharmacopoeia in upper Garfagnana. Anthropological and ethnopharmacological considerations of the collected data are also discussed.     

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.     

Anti-diabetic activity of alcoholic extract of Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schultes in rats

Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schultes commonly known as ‘Sunny khur’ is widely used in Indian folk medicine for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of an alcoholic extract of A. lanata (AAL) on blood glucose and other biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. AAL was found to reduce the increase of blood sugar in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (42% at 375 mg/kg and 48% at 500 mg/kg body weight). Chronic administration of AAL significantly (P<0.001) reduced the blood sugar of alloxan induced diabetic rats for 2 weeks. Also the extract prevented a decrease in body weight and reduced the increased lipid peroxides in alloxan induced diabetic rats. These results suggest that the AAL posseses anti-diabetic activity and is able to ameliorate biochemical damages in alloxan induced diabetic rats.     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the ethanolic extract of Bougainvillea xbuttiana

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bougainvillea xbuttiana is widely distributed in Mexico and it is used as an analgesic in folk medicine.

Aim of the study

In the present study the in vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the Bougainvillea xbuttiana ethanolic extract have been studied in mice.

Materials and methods

The phytochemical analysis was performed. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated through writhing and formalin test in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined with the carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema model. IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ levels were determined by enzyme-like immunosorbent assay, whereas TNF and nitrite levels were detected by standard assay with L929 cells and colorimetric Griess reactive, respectively.

Results

The results showed that the ethanolic extract of the Bougainvillea xbuttiana has significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, by inhibition of nociception induced by acetic acid and paw oedema. This extract also induced a decrease in TNF levels and an increase of IL-6, IFN-γ and NO levels that we observed up to 2 h. The highest levels of IL-10 were observed up to 4 h. The ratios of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines in sera from mice injected with the ethanolic extract, may be manifesting an anti-inflammatory status.

Conclusions

The present study provides convincing evidences that Bougainvillea xbuttiana extract possesses significant anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of Sida rhomboidea leaves

Various organic extracts of Sida rhomboidea leaves were studied for antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Ethyl acetate extract has shown significant (P < 0.01) antinociceptive activity. Percentage inhibition of edema by butanolic extract (33.05, P < 0.001) is comparable to that of phenylbutazone, 100 mg/kg inhibition (38.83%). Phytochemical screening of the extracts indicated the presence of alkaloids, steroids and/or triterpenoids and their glycosides, tannins, flavonoids and their glycosides, carbohydrates and absence of cardiac glycosides.     

Anti-inflammatory,analgesic activity and acute toxicity of Glaucium grandiflorum extract

The species of Glaucium have been used in Iranian herbal medicine as laxative, hypnotic, antidiabetic agents and also in the treatment of dermatitis. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the aerial parts of Glaucium grandiflorum Boiss & Huet (Papaveraceae), a native plant of Iran, were studied using carrageenan induced edema, formalin and hot plate tests. The G. grandiflorum extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg had more edema inhibition than indomethacin at the doses of 10 (P<0.01) and 8 mg/kg (P<0.001) in the carrageenan test. The ED₅₀ (i.p.) in the edema induced by carrageenan was 13.59 mg/kg. In formalin test, the extract (60–90 mg/kg, i.p.) caused graded inhibition of both phases of formalin-induced pain. In hot plate test, the i.p. administration of the extract at the doses of 60, 70, 80 and 90 mg/kg significantly raised the pain threshold at a observation time of 45 min in comparison with control (P<0.001). The extract, at the antinociceptive doses, did not affect motor coordination of animals when assessed in the rotarod model. The 72 h acute LD₅₀ value of this extract after i.p. administration in mice was 797.94 mg/kg.     

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.     

Inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators and tumor cell proliferation by Anisomeles indica extracts

Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze (Labiatae), is a traditional anti-inflammatory herb used in Taiwan. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of whole plants, leaves, flowers and stems; and chloroform and n-butanol fractions of methanol extract, from A. indica were investigated for their anti-inflammatory activity on murine peritoneal macrophages. In addition, the tumor cells proliferation inhibition activities of these extracts were also evaluated against a panel of tumor cell lines such as Colon 205, PC 3, HepG2 and MCF 7. Treatment with A. indica extracts did not reduce cell viability at any dose used. However, all the extracts significantly inhibited the enhanced production of NO radicals, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, and IL-12) induced by LPS/IFN-gamma in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, methanolic extracts of leaves and flowers significantly and dose-dependently arrest mitogen-stimulated spleen cells in G0/G1 stage, in addition to their cell proliferation inhibition against Colon 205, MCF 7 and PC 3 by 94, 82; 98, 71; 82, 98%, respectively, at 200 microg/mL concentration. This is the first report on A. indica extracts for their growth inhibitory activities, against inflammatory mediator production, and human tumor cell lines, colon, prostate, hepatoma and breast cells proliferation.