Extract of the Chinese herbal formula Huo Luo Xiao LingDan inhibited adjuvant arthritis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The herbal formula Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan (HLXL) and its modifications have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for about one hundred years to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Aim

To investigate the effects of HLXL on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced multiple-joint arthritis in rats.

Materials and methods

Male Lewis rats, 190–210 g, were immunized subcutaneously at the base of the tail with 200 μl of heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis in mineral oil (5 mg/ml). HLXL (2.30 and 4.60 g/kg) or vehicle control (n = 8 per group) was administered orally (i.g.) once a day between days 16 and 25 post-CFA injection. The rats were observed for signs of arthritis with arthritic changes (erythema, edema, induration) being scored on a scale of 0–4 of increasing severity using a standard scoring system. The maximum arthritis score per rat was 16. A plethysmometer was used to measure edema volume in each paw. Adverse effects of HLXL were monitored by closely observing the animals for unusual behavioral changes. Levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in local tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on day 25 post-CFA.

Results

HLXL significantly decreased arthritis scores between days 23–25 in the 2.30 g/kg group and 21–25 in the 4.60 g/kg group (p < 0.05). It reduced paw edema on days 22 and 24 in the 2.30 g/kg group and on days 20, 22 and 24 in the 4.60 g/kg group compared to control (p < 0.05). Local tissue TNF-α and IL-1β levels on day 25 post-CFA injection were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in rats treated with HLXL than in control rats. No observable adverse effects were found.

Conclusion

The data suggest that HLXL produces significant anti-arthritic effects that may be mediated by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and it appears to be safe.     

Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of total flavonoids of the roots of Sophora flavescens

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The roots of Sophora flavescens have long been used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of fever, inflammatory disorders, ulcers and skin burns. Sophora flavescens contains flavonoids and alkaloids.

Aim of the study

This study was conducted to develop a plant-based anti-inflammatory agent focused on chronic inflammatory disorders. To accomplish this, the alkaloid-free prenylated flavonoid-enriched fraction (PFS) of rhizomes of Sophora flavescens was prepared and its in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities were then evaluated for the first time.

Materials and methods

The inhibitory activity of PFS on PGE₂, NO, IL-6 and TNF-α production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells was measured. Additionally, adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats was used as an animal model of chronic inflammation to establish the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of PFS.

Result

PFS inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-catalyzed PGE₂ and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-catalyzed NO production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells at 10–50 μg/ml, and these effects primarily occurred via COX-2 inhibition and iNOS down-regulation, respectively. PFS also inhibited IL-6 and TNF-α production. When tested against adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats (chronic inflammation), PFS strongly inhibited arthritic inflammation when administered orally at doses of 10–100 mg/kg/day. In addition, PFS administered orally potently inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing in mice.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that PFS inhibits chronic inflammatory response and the inhibition of proinflammatory molecules such as COX-2, iNOS and IL-6 may contribute, at least in part, to the anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. Overall, these results indicate that PFS from Sophora flavescens may have the potential for treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.     

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.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of ethyl acetate fraction of the seeds of Brucea Javanica

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The seeds of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. (Yadanzi in Chinese) have been used for the treatment of inflammation, dysentery, malaria, and cancer in Chinese traditional medicine. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Brucea javanica has not been fully elucidated. This study examined the anti-inflammatory activity of ethyl acetate fraction of the seeds of Brucea javanica (EA-BJ) in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activity of EA-BJ and its ability to modulate the production of NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage were evaluated. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity of EA-BJ was also in vivo assayed by carrageenan induced paw edema in mice.

Results

In vitro assays showed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity of EA-BJ, through the inhibition of production of NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 inflammatory mediators and induction of production of IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine. In vivo assays showed anti-inflammatory activity for decrement of the paw edema in carrageenan induced paw edema test.

Conclusion

The results obtained in vitro and in vivo showed that possible anti-inflammatory effects of EA-BJ may be attributed to inhibition pro-inflammatory mediators production, NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 and to increase production of IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine. The seeds of Brucea javanica may thus prove beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.     

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.     

In vitro anti-inflammatory effects of arctigenin,a lignan from Arctium lappa L., through inhibition on iNOS pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Arctigenin, a bioactive constituent from dried seeds of Arctium lappa L. (Compositae) which has been widely used as a Traditional Chinese Medicine for dispelling wind and heat included in Chinese Pharmacophere, was found to exhibit anti-inflammatory activities but its molecular mechanism remains unknown yet.

Aim of the study

To investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of arctigenin.

Materials and methods

Cultured macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and THP-1 cells were used for the experiments. Griess assay was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of arctigenin on the overproduction of nitric oxide (NO). ELISA was used to determine the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The inhibitory effect on the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was tested by colorimetric method. Western blot was used to detect the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and COX-2.

Results

Arctigenin suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion, including TNF-α and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner. Arctigenin also strongly inhibited the expression of iNOS and iNOS enzymatic activity, whereas the expression of COX-2 and COX-2 enzymatic activity were not affected by arctigenin.

Conclusions

These results indicated that potent inhibition on NO, TNF-α and IL-6, but not COX-2 expression and COX-2 activity, might constitute the anti-inflammatory mechanism of arctigenin. Arctigenin suppressed the overproduction of NO through down-regulation of iNOS expression and iNOS enzymatic activity in LPS-stimulated macrophage.     

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extract of Centipeda minima

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Centipeda minima (L.) is traditionally used in Chinese folk medicine for the treatments of rhinitis, sinusitis, relieving pain, reducing swelling, and treating cancer for a long history in Taiwan. However, there is no scientific evidence which supports the use in the literature.

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of Centipeda minima (ACM).

Materials and methods

The following activities were investigated: antioxidant activities [2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl)], and anti-inflammatory [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 macrophages and paw-edema induced by λ-carrageenan (Carr)]. We also investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ACM via studies of the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the edema paw. Serum NO, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were also measured in vivo. In HPLC analysis, the fingerprint chromatogram of ACM was established.

Results

ACM showed the highest TEAC and DPPH radical scavenging activities, respectively. ACM also had highest contents of polyphenol and flavonoid contents. We evaluated that ACM and the reference compound of protocatechualdehyde and caffeic acid decreased the LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. Administration of ACM showed a concentration dependent inhibition on paw edema development after Carr treatment in mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of ACM could be via NO, TNF-α, and IL-1β suppressions and associated with the increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Western blotting revealed that ACM decreased Carr-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions.

Conclusions

Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ACM might be correlated to the decrease in the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA), iNOS, and COX-2 via increasing the activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx in the edema paw. Overall, the results showed that ACM demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, which supports previous claims of the traditional use for inflammation and pain.     

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.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extracts of the root of Lilium lancifolium on LPS-stimulated Raw264.7 cells

Aim of the study

Lilium lancifolium is commonly used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extracts of the root of Lilium lancifolium (LL extracts) in LPS-stimulated Raw264.7 cells.

Material and methods

Levels of NO, PGE₂ and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the supernatant fraction were determined using sandwich ELISA. Expression of COX-2 and iNOS, phosphorylation of MAPK subgroups (ERK and JNK), and NF-κB activation in extracts were detected via Western blot and immunocytochemistry assays.

Results

The LL extract significantly inhibited NO, PGE₂, IL-6 and TNF-α production in LPS-stimulated cells, and suppressed iNOS and COX-2 expression. A mechanism-based study showed that phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK and translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit into nuclei were inhibited by the LL extract. Furthermore, interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 production in Con A-induced splenocytes was suppressed.

Conclusion

These results indicate that anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extracts from Lilium lancifolium are due to downregulation of iNOS and COX-2 via suppression of NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation as well as blocking of ERK and JNK signaling in LPS-stimulated Raw264.7 cells.     

Identification of NF-κB Inhibitors in Xuebijing injection for sepsis treatment based on bioactivity-integrated UPLC-Q/TOF

Ethnopharmacological evidence

Inflammation plays an important role in sepsis, and NF-κB is a key mediator of inflammation. Xuebijing (XBJ) injection is a traditional Chinese medicine injection that was widely used in the treatment of sepsis in China. However, the active constituents and mechanism responsible for its actions have not been investigated experimentally.

Aim of the study

To screen the anti-inflammatory components in XBJ injection and investigate the modulation of NF-κB in the treatment of sepsis.

Materials and methods

In this study, the effect of XBJ was assessed in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) -induced sepsis model. Subsequently, a bioactivity-integrated ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF) assay system was established for screening potential anti-inflammatory ingredients in XBJ. Ultimately, six active ingredients were confirmed through an in vitro test.

Results

XBJ significantly reduced the mortality rate, anal temperature and expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 induced by CLP. Nine potential anti-inflammatory ingredients, including gallic acid, danshensu, protocatechualdehyde, hydroxysafflor yellow A, oxypaeoniflorin, paeoniflorin, safflor yellow A, senkyunolide I and benzoylpaeoniflorin, were found based on the bioactivity-integrated UPLC-Q/TOF assay system. Among these compounds, the NF-κB inhibitor activity of senkyunolide I, safflor yellow A, oxypaeoniflorin, and benzoylpaeoniflorin are first reported here.

Conclusions

XBJ showed significant efficacy in the treatment of sepsis induced by CLP. Multiple targets of the different components were related to these anti-inflammatory effects, which contributed to the treatment of sepsis by XBJ in a clinical setting.     

A herbal formula containing roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and Pueraria lobata (Gegen) inhibits inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The herbal formula DG, containing roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and Pueraria lobata (Gegen), has long history in treating cardiovascular diseases. It has been shown to be able to reduce intima-media thickening in coronary patients in our previous clinical study. Since intima-media thickening is the hallmark of atherosclerotic disease, the etiology of which is inflammation of the arterial wall, the mechanism underlying the effect of DG may be related to its anti-inflammatory activities.

Aim of study

The present study aims to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of DG and elucidate its underlying mechanisms with regards to its molecular basis of action.

Materials and method

The anti-inflammatory effect of DG was studied by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated activation of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathway and subsequent production of inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and macrophage chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), in mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Results

The present study demonstrated that DG could suppress the production of NO and PGE₂ through the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 genes. DG could also inhibit the production of IL-1β, IL-6 and MCP-1, but not TNF-α, through the inhibition of respective mRNA expressions. Further investigations showed the inhibitory effect of DG on activation of IKKα/β and degradation of IκBα, thus preventing nuclear translocation of NFκB. All these results suggested the inhibitory effects of DG on the production of inflammatory mediators through the inhibition of the NFκB pathway.

Conclusions

The inhibitory effects of DG on the production of inflammatory mediators by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, are accomplished by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NFκB through inactivating IKKα/β and preventing degradation of IκBα.     

Protective effect of a Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. flowers extract against skin inflammation: Antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and matrix metalloproteinases inhibitory activities

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taubert (Syn. Butea frondosa; family Fabaceae) is a common plant of the Indian continent ( 13 and 44). The brightly orange flowers of this plant are widely used in traditional medicine and more particularly for inflammatory disease.

Aim of the study

In vitro anti-inflammatory mechanism of a hydroethanolic extract of B. monosperma flowers (BME) and more specifically of an enriched fraction in butrin and isobutrin (BI) was studied using cell culture of Normal Human Keratinocyte, cells involved in the skin inflammatory.

Materials and methods

Dried and crushed B. monosperma flowers were extracted with Ethanol/H₂O (70/30 v/v). The butrin/isobutrin fraction was obtained by centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC). Experiments were conducted on UV-B treated normal human epidermis keratinocytes, cells involved in the skin inflammatory response. To evaluate extract anti-inflammatory activity, cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, prostaglandin E₂ and metalloproteinases MMP-1, -2, -9 and -10 were measured in the cells supernatant.

Results

Our data clearly showed that hydroalcoholic B. monosperma flower extract was able to decrease the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 pro-inflammatory cytokines of -32, −33 and -18% respectively. Interestingly, Prostaglandin E₂ production and the secretion of MMP-1, -2, -9 and -10 were also inhibited. Same results were observed in presence of enriched fraction in butrin and isobutrin and confirmed the participation of these molecules in the anti-inflammatory activity.

Conclusion

These results explain the anti-inflammatory activity of B. monosperma and confirm the interest to use it in traditional Indian medicine. Moreover, its metalloproteinases inhibitory activities coupled with its anti-inflammatory action also give anti-aging property to this plant.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of Scutellaria baicalensis water extract on LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Aim of the study

The root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Labiatae), also known as Scutellariae Radix, possesses anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. And it is one of the most widespread herbal remedies used in Oriental medicine. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Scutellariae Radix water extract (SR) on proinflammatory mediators secreted from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Material and methods

Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and nitric oxide (NO) concentration in the cultured medium was determined by the Griess reaction. Various Cytokines released from LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cells were measured in the cell culture supernatants using a multiplex bead array assay based on xMAP technology.

Results

We found that SR significantly inhibited the production of NO, interleukin (IL)-3, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-17, interferon-inducible protein (IP)-10, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells at the concentrations of 25, 50, 100, 200 μg/ml (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that SR has anti-inflammatory activity related with its inhibition of NO, cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor production in macrophages.     

Characterisation of the anti-inflammatory potential of Vitex trifolia L. (Labiatae), a multipurpose plant of the Pacific traditional medicine

Aim of the study

Vitex trifolia L. (Labiatae) is a plant commonly employed against Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) in the Pacific region. Here, the anti-inflammatory potential of an aqueous extract of Vitex trifolia leaves was evaluated by monitoring its effects on the modulation of cytokines, the mediators of inflammation, as well as on the expression profiles of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) which produces the free radical nitric oxide (NO).

Materials and methods

We prepared an aqueous extract from Vitex trifolia leaves and evaluated its anti-inflammatory potency by monitoring its effect on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokines and iNOS mRNA over-production in RAW 264.7 macrophages using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) methods.

Results

Aqueous extract of Vitex trifolia leaves showed significant dose- and time-dependent inhibitory activity on interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and iNOS mRNA synthesis, but slight effect on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, all of which are involved in the inflammatory response. Moreover, the plant extract seemed to induce the LPS-dependant IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine. These results were further confirmed by ELISA using specific antibodies to mouse IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α.

Conclusion

The anti-inflammatory effects of Vitex trifolia could validate its utilization as a traditional remedy against CFP and emphasises its potential therapeutic value against other inflammatory diseases. Therefore, this plant is a promising candidate for further screening of its active compounds through activity-guided fractionation.     

Topical anti-inflammatory activity of body fat from the lizard Tupinambis merianae

Aim of the study

Tupinambis merianae is one of the most frequently used animals in traditional medicine in Brazil as its body fat has many different therapeutic indications as a folk remedy. The present study evaluated the topical anti-inflammatory activity of Tupinambis merianae fat in treating ear edema in an animal model.

Materials and methods

Oil (OTM) was extracted from body fat located in the ventral region of Tupinambis merianae using hexane as a solvent. Ear edema provoked by the application of croton oil (single and multiple application), arachidonic acid, phenol and capsaicin to Swiss mice was used to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory value of the topical use of OTM. Topical applications of these irritants were made to the right ears of animals that were pre-treated with a acetone (control), dexamethasone, or OTM.

Results

Our results indicate that Tupinambis merianae fat demonstrates significant topical anti-inflammatory activity that reduces inflammation related to ear edema caused by croton oil (single and multiple application), arachidonic acid, phenol. While the inflammation caused by capsaicin, OTM did not significantly reduce the edema.

Conclusion

This represents the first evidence of anti-inflammatory activity of Tupinambis merianae fat in in vivo models, confirming its usefulness in traditional medicine as a remedy for skin diseases (dermatitis). The fatty acids present in OTM most likely inhibit the response pathway of arachidonic acid and its metabolites, thus reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.