A comparative study on the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of five Juniperus taxa

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Juniperus L. (Cupressaceae) species have been used to various inflammatory and infectious diseases such as bronchitis, colds, cough, fungal infections, hemorrhoids, gynecological diseases, and wounds in Turkish folk medicine.

Aim of the study

To evaluate this traditional information, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the methanolic and aqueous extracts prepared from different parts (stem, fruit and leaves) of the five Turkish taxa under Juniperus section of the gender; J. drupacea, J. communis var. communis, J. communis var. saxatilis, J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus, and J. oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa growing were investigated.

Methods

For the anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced and PGE₂-induced hind paw edema models, and for the antinociceptive activity p-benzoquinone-induced writhing and hot plate tests in mice were employed.

Results

The methanolic extracts of fruit and leaves from J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus and J. communis var. saxatilis exhibited notable inhibition in carrageenan-induced edema model at a dose of 100 mg/kg. The same extracts also displayed significant activity against PGE₂-induced edema model. While, the remaining extracts were found inactive against these edema models. A similar activity pattern was observed against p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test without inducing any gastric damage or apparent acute toxicity, whereas all extracts were inactive in hot plate test.

Conclusion

The experimental data demonstrated that J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus and J. communis var. saxatilis displayed remarkable anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities; however, further studies are warranted to define and isolate the active anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive components from these active species which may yield safe and effective agents to be used in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.     

Ethnopharmacological evaluation of some Scorzonera species: in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Scorzonera species are mainly used against inflammation and to relieve pain in Turkish traditional medicine. Therefore, we aimed to assess in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the aerial part and root extracts of Scorzonera acuminata, Scorzonera cana var. alpina, Scorzonera cana var. jacquiniana, Scorzonera cana var. radicosa, Scorzonera cinerea, Scorzonera eriophora, Scorzonera incisa, Scorzonera laciniata ssp. laciniata, Scorzonera parviflora and Scorzonera sublanata.

Materials and methods

For the anti-inflammatory activity evaluation carrageenan, PGE₂ and serotonin-induced hind paw edema and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema models were used. p-Benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test was employed in mice for the assessment of antinociceptive activity. Furthermore chemical composition of the tested extracts was investigated qualitatively and quantitatively by using RP-HPLC method. Some phenolic acids and flavonoids were used as standards.

Results

Extracts prepared from the aerial parts of Scorzonera cana var. jacquiniana, Scorzonera cinerea, Scorzonera eriophora, Scorzonera incisa and Scorzonera parviflora showed significant inhibitory effect on carrageenan and PGE₂-induced hind paw edema model as well as on p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test. The extracts did not show any remarkable activity on serotonin-induced hind paw edema and TPA-induced mouse ear edema models. Chlorogenic acid was detected as major compounds in all the species investigated. Additionally, among the tested flavonoids, luteolin-7-glucoside, hyperoside and rutin were found to be in different amounts in Scorzonera species.

Conclusion

The experimental data revealed that Scorzonera cana var. jacquiniana, Scorzonera cinerea, Scorzonera eriophora, Scorzonera incisa and Scorzonera parviflora possess significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity. It has been suggested that flavonoids and chlorogenic acid are partly responsible for mentioned activities of Scorzonera species.     

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.     

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.     

蜂胶的外用抗炎作用实验研究

目的:观察蜂胶的外用抗炎作用.方法:昆明种小鼠60只,随机分为模型对照组(3.0 g·kg-1吐温80)、阳性药布洛芬乳膏组(4.0 g·kg-1),蜂胶高、中、低剂量组(0.72,0.24,0.08 g·kg-1),每组12只采用二甲苯致小鼠耳廓肿胀模型,检测小鼠血清中前列腺素E2(PGE2),一氧化氮(N0)含量,观察蜂胶对二甲苯致小鼠耳廓肿胀炎症模型的影响;Wistar大鼠60只,分组同上,模型对照组(3.0 g·kg-1吐温80),布洛芬乳膏组(3.0g·kg-1),蜂胶高、中、低剂量组(0.20,0.10,0.05 g·kg-1),采用角叉菜胶致大鼠足跖肿胀模型,检测大鼠炎症组织中PGE2含量,观察蜂胶对角叉菜胶致大鼠足跖肿胀炎症模型的影响.结果:蜂胶能明显抑制二甲苯导致的小鼠耳肿胀(P＜0.05);能明显减轻角叉菜胶导致的大鼠足肿胀(P＜0.05);能显著降低小鼠血清中PGE2,NO含量(P＜0.01);能显著降低大鼠炎症组织中PGE2含量(P＜0.01).结论:蜂胶外用具有明显的抗炎作用.     

Estimation of anti-inflammatory,antinociceptive and antioxidant activities on Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh. ssp. minus

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh. ssp. minus (Asteraceae) leaves are used to alleviate rheumatic pain, against fever and sunstroke with externally application in Turkish folk medicine.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts prepared from the leaves of Arctium minus ssp. minus.

Materials and methods

The ethanolic and aqueous extracts from the leaves of Arctium minus ssp. minus were evaluated in mice for anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model and for antinociceptive activity using p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal contractions test. Moreover, the antioxidant power of the extracts has been determined by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and flow injection analysis-luminol chemiluminescence (FIA-CL). In addition, the total phenolic content in both extracts was determined with spectrophotometric method.

Results

Our results showed that only the ethanol extract exhibited a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity ranging between 11.1 and 23.6% at 200 mg/kg dose as well as displayed a significant antinociceptive activity without inducing any gastric damage. Although, both extracts were shown to possess significant DPPH radical-scavenging activity, that of aqueous extract was found to have more pronounced activity. In FIA-CL system, the ethanol extract was shown to possess a significant scavenger activity against H₂O₂ while the aqueous extract was much more potent antioxidant activity against HOCl-luminol CL than ethanol extract.

Conclusion

According to our results, it was concluded that Arctium minus ssp. minus contains potent natural antioxidants. In this study, in vivo experimental results have also supported the folk medicinal utilization of Arctium minus ssp. minus.     

Experimental study on anti-inflammatory activity of a TCM recipe consisting of the supercritical fluid CO2 extract of Chrysanthemum indicum, Patchouli Oil and Zedoary Turmeric Oil in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Chrysanthemum indicum (Compositae) Linné, Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth and Curcuma wenyujin (Zingiberaceae) Y. H. Chen et C. Ling are three of the extensively used herbal remedies among traditional Chinese medicines for the purpose of anti-inflammation. A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recipe named CPZ consisting extracts of the above three herbs, has shown noteworthy anti-influenza activity, which is closely related to its anti-inflammatory feature.

Aim of this study

To investigated the anti-inflammtory activity of CPZ in vivo for a further exploration of the recipe's anti-inflammatory properties.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory property of CPZ on acute inflammation was evaluated by inflammatory models of dimethylbenzene (DMB)-induced ear vasodilatation and acetic acid-induced capillary permeability enhancement in mice, as well as the carrageenan-induced paw edema rat model, in which inflammation-related cytokine including prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO) in the edematous paw tissue were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, effect of CPZ on chronic inflammation was observed through granuloma formation in rats subjected to cotton pellet implantation.

Results

CPZ (340, 170, and 85 mg/kg for mice, p.o.) not only decreased the DMB-induced ear vasodilatation but also attenuated capillary permeability under acetic acid challenge in mice. And the significant inhibition on carrageenan-induced paw edema was observed. Further more, the ELISA results showed that CPZ (170, 85, and 42.5 mg/kg for rats, p.o.) could up-regulate the level of IL-1β in the edema paw tissue of rats significantly while down-regulate that of PGE₂, but no apparent effect on TNF-α or NO was observed in the test. Besides, CPZ had a certain degree of restraining effect on the cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation in rats and the highest dose of 170 mg/kg even showed a significant suppression on it.

Conclusion

The above results indicated that CPZ possessed a potent anti-inflammatory activity, which is indicated to be closely associated with its regulation on IL-1β and PGE₂ thereby mediating the inflammatory response acting at an appropriate level.     

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.     

Estimation of antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity on Geranium pratense subsp. finitimum and its phenolic compounds

To obtain experimental evidence on the therapeutic efficacy of Geranium species and its phenolic compounds for inflammatory diseases, we examined the effects of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Geranium pratense subsp. finitimum (Woronow) Knuth, its fractions and isolated compounds, the mixture of quercetin 3-O-alpha-arabinopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-beta-galactopyranoside (1), the mixture of quercetin 3-O-beta-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-beta-galactopyranoside (2), kaempferol 3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (3), (-)-6-chloroepicatechin (4), the mixture of quercetin 3-O-(2'-O-galloyl)-beta-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-(2'-O-galloyl)-beta-galactopyranoside (5) and myricetin 3-O-(2'-O-galloyl)-beta-glucopyranoside (6), on carrageenan-, PGE(2)- and TPA-induced inflammation in mice and p-benzoquinone-induced writhing reflex to assess anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. The effective dose of materials for the inhibition of carragenan-induced hind paw edema assay was determined to be 100 mg/kg, which was also used in the assays with the extract, its fractions and isolated compounds in all other experiments. The aqueous extract, 1, 2 (100 mg/kg), as well as indomethacin (10 mg/kg) inhibited significantly the formation of the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema. There was also a significant reduction in PGE(2)-induced hind paw edema and TPA-induced ear edema models with 5, in addition to the aqueous extract and the other active components 1 and 2. In the antinociceptive assay, the aqueous extract and its fractions, as well as 1, 2, and 5 diminished significantly the number of writhings. Based on the results obtained it is suggested that the aqueous extract of Geranium pratense subsp. finitimum and its phenolic compounds display anti-inflammatory activity, supporting the folkloric use.     

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.     

醋制老瓜头镇痛抗炎活性研究

目的: 研究醋制老瓜头二氯甲烷、乙酸乙酯、正丁醇层萃取物抗炎、镇痛活性,明确活性部位。 方法: 将小鼠分为11组,分别为:阳性对照组、模型组、醋制老瓜头二氯甲烷萃取物,乙酸乙酯萃取物,正丁醇萃取物分别设低、中、高剂量组(按生药量计为400,800,1 600 mg·kg^-1),给药3 d后进行实验,以热板法、醋酸扭体法为镇痛实验模型,二甲苯致小鼠耳肿胀、角叉菜胶致小鼠足肿胀、小鼠炎性组织前列腺素E₂(PGE₂)含量为抗炎实验模型,进行活性测定。 结果: 镇痛实验,热板法模型中醋制老瓜头各萃取层与模型组比较能显著延长热板所致的小鼠舔后肢的时间,扭体法模型中,醋制老瓜头各萃取层能显著减少醋酸致小鼠扭体反应的次数,并呈现一定的药物依赖性(P<0.05,P<0.01);抗炎实验,二甲苯致耳肿胀模型中醋制老瓜头各萃取层与模型组比较能不同程度地抑制二甲苯致小鼠耳肿胀,角叉菜胶致鼠足肿胀模型中醋制老瓜头各萃取层能不同程度抑制角叉菜胶致鼠足肿胀,各萃取层能显著降低小鼠炎症组织中PGE₂含量(P<0.05,P<0.01)。 结论: 二氯甲烷层为醋制老瓜头镇痛、抗炎活性最强部位,醋制降毒后仍有较强生物活性,表现为延长小鼠舔后肢的时间,抑制二甲苯致小鼠耳肿胀、角叉菜胶致足肿胀并显著降低小鼠炎症组织中PGE₂含量,其抗炎作用可能与PGE₂相关。     

Molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of Pluchea indica leaves in macrophages RAW 264.7 and its action in animal models ofinflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Pluchea indica Less.

(Asteraceae) is a Thai medicinal plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hemorrhoids, lumbago, leucorrhoea and inflammation. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of Pluchea indica leaf extract in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and also determined its action in acute inflammation animal models.

Materials and methods

The inhibitory effect of Pluchea indica leaf extract on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production was evaluated by Griess reaction. Protein and mRNA expressions were determined by real time RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) promoter activity was evaluated by iNOS promoter based reporter gene assay. In vivo anti-inflammatory effect was examined in ethylphenylpropiolate (EPP)-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema in rat models.

Results

Ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract of Pluchea indica leaves (EFPI) exhibited the potent inhibitory effect on NO production in LPS-induced macrophages and also inhibited PGE₂ release. EFPI reduced iNOS mRNA and protein expression through suppressed iNOS promoter activity and nuclear translocation of subunit p65 of nuclear factor-κB, but did not inhibit phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Moreover, EFPI possessed anti-inflammatory activities on acute phase of inflammation as seen in EPP-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema inrats.

Conclusions

These data support the pharmacological basis of Pluchea indica plant as a traditional herbal medicine for treatment of inflammation.     

胆木叶提取部位群的抗炎镇痛作用

目的:观察胆木叶提取部位群(ELN)的镇痛和抗炎作用。方法:取ICR小鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、阳性药物[三七伤药(0.39 g.kg-1)/阿司匹林(0.26 g.kg-1)]组、胆木浸膏片1.56 g.kg-1组、ELN(0.390,0.195,0.098 g.kg-1)组。每天1次,连续ig给药3 d。末次给药后1 h选用热板法、扭体法、二甲苯致耳肿胀、醋酸致腹腔炎症方法观察镇痛及抗炎作用;取SD大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、胆木浸膏片(0.78 g.kg-1)组、ELN(0.195,0.098,0.049 g.kg-1)组。每天1次,连续ig给药3 d。末次给药后1 h选用角叉菜胶诱导足肿胀方法观察抗炎作用。结果:ELN(主要指标性成分异长春花苷内酰胺含量16%左右)能显著延长小鼠的疼痛反应时间,明显减少小鼠的扭体次数;抑制醋酸致小鼠腹腔毛细血管通透性增高,减轻小鼠耳肿胀和大鼠足跖肿胀反应;能明显减少大鼠角叉菜胶性炎症渗出液中前列腺素E2(PGE2)含量。结论:ELN具有显著的镇痛和抗炎作用,其机制可能与抑制PGE2产生与释放有关。     

维吾尔族药刺山柑果实抗炎活性部分的初步筛选

目的:初步确定维吾尔族药刺山柑果实抗炎活性最强的部分。方法:分别采用蒸馏水、80%乙醇和石油醚对刺山柑果实进行提取,制备不同极性提取物,并以此分组。SPF级昆明种小鼠240只,分别采用小鼠右后肢足趾中部ih 1%的角叉菜胶至小鼠足肿胀实验、二甲苯致小鼠耳廓肿胀实验,两组实验均分为维吾尔族药刺山柑果实水提部位高、中、低剂量组(7.903,3.952,1.976 g·kg-1),维吾尔族药刺山柑果实石油醚部位高、中、低剂量组(2.935,1.468,0.734 g·kg-1),80%乙醇高、中、低剂量组(5.644,2.822,1.411 g·kg-1)及雷公藤多苷组(8.5 mg·kg-1),羧甲基纤维素纳(CMC-Na)组和食用油组,每组10只;每日给予相应药物1次,连续14 d,第14天在给药60 min后,两组实验分别给予造模剂。小鼠足肿胀实验注射角叉菜胶后30 min,1,2,4,6 h用足爪肿胀测量仪测定小鼠致炎右后足趾容积,同时将致炎足自踝关节以上1 cm剪下,测定前列腺素E2(PGE2)含量;小鼠耳廓肿胀实验小鼠右耳涂抹二甲苯20μL致炎,1 h后取左耳片和右耳片称重,计算耳肿胀度。结果:与食用油组和CMC-Na组比较,雷公藤多苷组和各提取部位组均能降低不同时间点的足肿胀,并能降低PGE2含量,尤其是水提部位高、中、低剂量组具有明显统计学差异(P<0.05);与食用油组和CMC-Na组比较,雷公藤多苷组和各提取部位组均能降低小鼠耳肿胀度,水提部位高、中、低剂量组具有明显统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论:动物实验结果提示刺山柑果实水提取物具有良好的抗急性炎症作用,可初步确定为维吾尔族药刺山柑果实抗炎活性部分。     

天然牛黄、培植牛黄和鸡胆汁对大鼠足跖肿胀率及炎性组织中PGE2含量的影响

采用大鼠足跖肿胀法和紫外可见光光度法，研究了天然牛黄，胆红素含量不同的培植牛黄以及鸡胆汁对大鼠角叉菜胶性和甲醛性的足跖肿胀率和炎性组织中ＰＧＥ２含量的影响。结果表明，天然牛黄，中胆红素培植牛黄，低胆红素培植牛黄和鸡胆汁均能显著地抑制角叉菜胶和甲醛致炎后的大鼠足跖肿胀和炎性组织中的ＰＧＥ２含量。     

Antiinflammatory effects of Viola tricolor gel in a model of sunburn in rats and the gel stability study

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Viola tricolor, popularly known as heartsease has been empirically used in several skin disorders, including burns.

Aim of the study

The objective of this study was investigate the antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effect of a gel containing extract of Viola tricolor flowers on thermal burn induced by UVB irradiation and to perform gel stability study.

Methods

The antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effect were evaluated by static and dynamic mechanical allodynia model, paw edema, and neutrophilic cell infiltration. Metabolites compounds were quantified by HPLC. The gel stability study was performed analyzing organoleptical aspects, besides pH, viscosity, and quantification of rutin by HPLC.

Results

In the results were evidenced changes in threshold in statical and dynamic mechanical allodynia (I_max=100±10% and 49±10%, respectively), paw edema (I_max=61±6%), and myeloperoxidase activity (I_max=89±5%). Such effects may be attributed, in part, to rutin, salicylic and chlorogenic acids, and others compounds found in this species. No important changes were detected in the stability study, in all aspects analyzed in temperature below 25 °C.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that Viola tricolor gel has an antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effect in the ultraviolet-B-induced burn, since maintain the temperature below 25 °C.     

Isolation of active constituents from cherry laurel (Laurocerasus officinalis Roem.) leaves through bioassay-guided procedures

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The fresh leaves of Laurocerasus officinalis Roem. (Rosaceae) are externally used against pain and feverish symptoms in Turkish folk medicine.

Aim of the study

Effects of the extracts, fractions and isolated compounds from the leaves of L. officinalis were investigated using in vivo models of inflammation and pain in mice.

Methods

The crude ethanolic extract from the leaves of plant was sequentially fractionated into five subextracts; explicitly, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol, and remaining water extracts. Further studies were carried out on the most active EtOAc subextract was further subjected to fractionation through column chromatography. For the anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced hind paw edema and acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability models, and for the antinociceptive activity p-benzoquinone-induced writhing test in mice were employed.

Results

Ethanolic extract of the leaves was shown to possess significant inhibitory activity in the assay methods without inducing any gastric damage. Through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation procedures three phenolic compounds, 2-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-2-hydroxyphenyl-acetic acid (1), kaempferol-3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2) and (+)-catechin (3) were isolated from the active fraction and their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques (1D and 2D NMR, ESIMS).

Conclusion

The experimental data verified that Laurocerasus officinalis leaves displayed remarkable anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity.     

Inhibitory effect of eupatilin and jaceosidin isolated from Artemisia princeps on carrageenan-induced inflammation in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Artemisia princeps Pampanini (family Asteraceae) is an herbal medicine widely used as a hepatoprotective, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agent in Korea, China, and Japan.

Aim of the study

This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effect of the main constituents, eupatilin and jaceosidin, isolated from Artemisia princeps.

Materials and methods

We used carrageenan-induced inflammation in an air pouch on the back of mice and carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of eupatilin and jaceosidin. Inflammatory makers, such as expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunoblot analyses.

Results

Eupatilin and jaceosidin blocked carrageenan-induced increase in leukocyte number and protein levels in air pouch exudates. Eupatilin and jaceosidin inhibited COX-2 expression and NF-κB activation, and markedly reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) levels. They also inhibited hind paw edema induced by carrageenan. Eupatilin and jaceosidin had similar activity.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that eupatilin and jaceosidin may reduce inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB activation, and that Artemisia princeps inhibits inflammation because of these constituents.     

Biological activities of Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf extracts and isolation of the active compounds

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf (Parmeliaceae) is a common epiphytic lichen in the conifer-hardwood forest of Anatolia. This species is used in traditional medicine in Turkey as a treatment for wounds, eczema and hemorrhoids.

Aim of the study

The present study was designed to investigate the active compounds from Pseudevernia. furfuracea, and the isolation studies yielded atraric acid ( Aslan et al., 2006) as the major compound and a mixture of methyl hematommate ( Baumann, 1960) and methyl chlorohematommate ( Bay?r et al., 2006). Furthermore, methanolic extract from thalli of Pseudevernia. furfuracea and its fractions and isolates ( 1, 2 and 3) were investigated for in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, and in vivo antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities.

Material and methods

Antimicrobial activities of the samples were determined by using the disc diffusion technique. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used as a rapid TLC screening method to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Pseudevernia. furfuracea. The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test was used to assess the efficacy of the extracts in protecting liposomes from lipid peroxidation. 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. p-Benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test was used to explore the antinociceptive effects of the extracts. Moreover, the wound healing potential of the plant extracts that were evaluated by using in vivo incision and excision wound models on rats and mice, were comparatively assessed with a reference ointment Madecassol^®.

Results

Significant antimicrobial activities were observed against Gram (+) microorganisms and Candida krusei and Candida. dubliniensis in dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts and isolates. The methanol (MeOH), DCM and EtOAc extracts of the lichen were found to possess moderate inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation. Methanolic extract of the lichen was found to possess significant inhibitory activity on the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model in mice whereas the other fractions did not show any activity. While DCM and EtOAc extracts and fractions showed notable anti-inflammatory activity on carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model without inducing any apparent acute toxicity or gastric damage. Moreover, topical application of the ointment prepared with MeOH extract and EtOAc fraction onto the incised wounds exerted remarkable wound healing activity.

Conclusion

The results of these experimental studies exhibited that nonpolar fractions of Pseudevernia. furfuracea have significant antimicrobial activity against especially Candida species and polar fractions (especially MeOH) display antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healing activities.     

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.