Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of aqueous extract of Flos populi

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Flos populi is an important traditional Chinese medicine prepared from the male inflorescence of Populus tomentosa Carr. or Populus canadensis Moench (Salicaceae family). Flos populi is mainly used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases and anti diarrhea in East Asian countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the aqueous extract of Flos populi (FPAE).

Materials and methods

Cotton pellets-induced granuloma, carrageenan-induced paw oedema, arachidonic acid-induced right ear oedema and xylene-induced ear oedema were used to assess anti-inflammatory activity of FPAE and analgesic activity was evaluated by hot plate test, acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test and formalin test.

Results

FPAE produced significant dose–response anti-inflammatory activity against cotton pellets-induced granuloma. FPAE at dosages of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b w. significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema by 48.84% (P<0.05), 54.95% (P<0.05), and 62.05% (P<0.05) at 5 h after carrageenan injection, respectively. FPAE significantly (P<0.05) reduced the ear oedema induced by arachidonic acid and peaked at the dose of 200 mg/kg b w. (40.78%). A significant (P<0.05) dose dependent inhibition of xylene-induced oedema was produced by FPAE and peaked at the highest dose of 200 mg/kg b w. (23.95%). FPAE (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b w.) produced significant dose–response analgesic activity in the hot-plate test. However, the low percentage inhibition (<50%) suggests that it is not a centrally acting analgesic. Extract at dosages of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b w., p.o. significantly reduced acetic acid-induced writhing by 39.6% (P<0.05), 45.4% (P<0.05), and 51.8% (P<0.05), respectively. The extract also caused marked dose-dependent inhibition of formalin-induced pain in the second phase (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The findings in this study suggest that the aqueous extract of Flos populi possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. These results may support the fact that this plant is used traditionally to cure inflammatory diseases.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Smith

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Smith (Polypodiaceae), has been widely used by ethnic groups of India to treat inflammation, rheumatism, headache, bone fracture, jaundice, etc.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the ethanolic extract of rhizome of Drynaria quercifolia (DQ) and its phytochemical profile.

Materials and methods

DQ was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects using carrageenan-induced paw oedema/cotton pellet-induced granuloma in Wistar rats and acetic acid-induced writhing/formalin-induced paw licking test in Swiss albino mice respectively.

Results

Oral administration of DQ produced significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw oedema and granuloma formation in rats, almost comparable to that caused by indomethacin. DQ significantly attenuated acute and delayed phases of formalin-induced pain and acetic acid-induced writhing episodes in mice. The analgesia was comparable to that produced by sodium salicylate and aspirin respectively. Phytochemical analysis gave positive tests for catechin, coumarins, flavonoids, phenolics, saponin, steroids, tannins, and triterpenes. The total phenolics in DQ was 244 mg/g and naringin content was 0.048%.

Conclusion

The results suggest the presence of potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic principles in DQ that justifies its use for alleviating painful inflammatory conditions.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata DC flower

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Kigelia pinnata DC is extensively used in Indian traditional medicine for several diseases including inflammatory and painful disorders.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata flower (MKFL) to support the medicinal uses claimed by folklore practitioners.

Materials and methods

MKFL is evaluated for its anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats and analgesic activity in acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate and formalin-induced paw licking models in mice.

Results

MKFL exhibited a significant (P < 0.01) anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. in rats and mice respectively.

Conclusions

The results of the experimental study thus strongly support the traditional use of this plant for inflammatory and pain disorders.     

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties of Thespesia populnea Soland ex. Correa seed extracts and its fractions in animal models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Thespesia populnea Sol. ex Correa (Malvaceae) is commonly known as “Indian tulip tree”. The plant has been used as an astringent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and hepatoprotective in Indian system of traditional medicine.

Materials and methods

Thespesia populnea seeds were successively extracted by soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether (40-60 °C) (TPO) and ethanol (TPE). Unsaponifiable matter (TPOUM) and fatty acids were separated from seed oil. A GC-MS analysis of fatty acid methyl esters was carried out. Ethanolic extract was fractionated using CHCl₃, EtOAc, n-BuOH and H₂O. Acute arthritis was induced by sub-plantar injection of carrageenan into the left hind paw of rats. The paw volume was measured using plethysmometer. Analgesic activity was assessed by heat induced pains (tail immersion model) and antipyretic activity assessed using brewers yeast-induced pyrexia model.

Results

Oral administration of TPO and TPE at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. and tested fractions at 200 mg/kg significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema and brewers yeast-induced pyrexia. In tail immersion method also extracts and fractions showed significant analgesic activity. Amongst all fractions EtOAc showed most significant results. TPOUM showed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. GC-MS analyses showed the presence of fourteen fatty acids, predominant fatty acids were palmitic and stearic acid.

Conclusion

These results highlighted anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of Thespesia populnea seeds.     

In vivo analgesic activity,toxicity and phytochemical screening of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Psidium cattleianum Sabine

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Psidium cattleianum Sabine is extensively used in Brazilian traditional medicine to treat several diseases including painful disorders. Aim of the study to investigate the toxicity and the possible analgesic activities of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Psidium cattleianum Sabine (ELPCS), to support its use in folk medicine. To screen the major phytochemical constituents of this extract and evaluate their antioxidant activity.

Materials and methods

ELPCS was assessed for its antioxidant activity using the DPPH model. Its analgesic activity was examined using mouse models of acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate paw licking models. The major phytochemical constituents of the extract were screened; their toxicity on LLC-MK2 mammalian cells was evaluated.

Results

ELPCS exhibited significant peripheral analgesic activity at doses of 60, 80, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg in mice, but it did not display central analgesic activity and not was toxic to LLC-MK2 cell (LD₅₀>400 µg/mL). The extract exhibited free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by IC₅₀ values (15.9 µg/mL) obtained by the DPPH method. Phytochemical screening detected flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, and tannins.

Conclusions

The results of the experimental studies proved the analgesic activity of ELPCS and supported the traditional use of this plant.     

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic crude extract from Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Casearia sylvestris Sw. is widely used in popular medicine to treat inflammatory conditions.

Aim of the study

To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic crude extract (HCE) taken from Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae).

Methods and results

The effect of the HCE from this plant (3–300 mg/kg) on the reduction of inflammatory response to carrageenan was investigated in pleurisy in rats (intrapleural, 2% in 0.2 mL) or paw edema in mice (intraplantar, 300 μg/20 μL, right hind paw). The plant anti-inflammatory action was assessed by its capability in inhibiting cell migration, enzymatic activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and production of nitrite/nitrate or edema. The in vitro antioxidant activity of this extract against lipid peroxidation and damage to proteins was assessed as possible pathways to contribute as anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema (739.3±11.9 μm) was reduced by HCE (30 mg/kg: 462.8±28.38 μm) to similar extents as dexametasone (365.1±16.7). In pleurisy, treatment of the animals with HCE (100 mg/kg: 0.010±0.001 mU/mg of protein) also reduced MPO activity augmented by carrageenan (0.020±0.001 mU/mg of protein) as well as leukocytes migration (carrageenan: 17.8890±2.3900 leukocytes/mL, HCE 100 mg/kg: 7.0880±9631 leukocytes/mL). Significant effects were also observed in animals treated with different doses of HCE in biochemical tests for oxidative stress analysis.

Conclusion

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of HCE from Casearia sylvestris Sw. suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of this plant in treatment of inflammatory conditions.     

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties of Prunus padus

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Prunus padus Linne has been widely used as a traditional medicine, with beneficial effects in numerous diseases, including stroke, neuralgia and hepatitis. In this study, we demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of the methylene chloride fraction of P. padus (MPP).

Materials and methods

In vitro studies, the anti-inflammatory effects of MPP were examined using IFN-γ/LPS-activated murine peritoneal macrophage model. To confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of MPP in vivo, trypsin-induced paw edema test was also conducted. The anti-nociceptive activities of MPP were measured using various experimental pain models including thermal nociception methods such as the tail immersion test and the hot plate test as well as chemical nociception methods like acetic acid-induced writhing test and formalin test. To determine whether analgesic activity of MPP is connected with the opioid receptor, we carried out combination test with naloxone, a nonselective opioid receptor antagonist.

Results

In the current study, MPP showed potent inhibitory effect on IFN-γ/LPS-induced NO production. MPP also suppressed not only iNOS enzyme activity but also iNOS expression. Moreover, MPP inhibited COX-2 expression dose dependently. IFN-γ/LPS stimulation induced the translocation of NF-κB to nucleus but it was attenuated in the presence of MPP. In vivo study revealed that MPP could reduce paw volume after subplantar injection of trypsin. In addition, MPP showed potent analgesic activities both thermal and chemical nociception compared to tramadol and indomethacin. Furthermore, pre-treatment of naloxone slightly suppress the analgesic activity of MPP indicating that MPP acts as a partial opioid receptor agonist.

Conclusions

In the present study, MPP showed potent anti-inflammatory properties through not only by suppressing various inflammatory mediators in vitro, but reducing the inflammatory edema in vivo. MPP also exhibited strong anti-nociceptive activities via both central and peripheral mechanism by acting as a partial opioid agonist. Based on these results we suggest that P. padus has the potential to provide a therapeutic approach to inflammation-mediated chronic diseases as an effective anti-inflammatory agent and painkiller.     

Pharmacological evaluation of Alstonia scholaris: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae) has been historically used in “dai” ethnopharmacy to treat chronic respiratory diseases. The leaf extract, developed as a commercially available traditional Chinese medicine, used to release tracheitis and cold symptom, has also been prescribed in hospitals and sold over the counter in drug stores.

Aim of the study

The investigation evaluated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the ethanolic extract, fractions and main alkaloids of Alstonia scholaris leaf to provide experimental evidence for its traditional and modern clinical use. Besides, to discover the active fraction and components for further better use in Chinese medicine is hopeful.

Materials and methods

The leaf of Alstonia scholaris was extracted with ethanol and then separated into different fractions. Furthermore, alkaloids were isolated by phytochemical method. The analgesic activities were investigated using acetic acid-induced writhing, hot-plate and formalin tests in mice. The anti-inflammatory activities were carried out in vivo and in vitro, including xylene-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced air pouch formation in mice, and COX-1, -2 and 5-LOX inhibition.

Results

It has been exhibited that the EtOAc and alkaloid fractions reduced acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice, significantly. The ethanolic extract, EtOAc and alkaloid fractions remarkably inhibited xylene-induced ear edema. Further investigation was focused on the alkaloids fraction and three main alkaloids isolated from the alkaloids fraction, in different animal models. Alkaloids reduced acetic acid-induced writhing response, and xylene-induced ear edema in mice. In the hot-plate test, alkaloids did not increase the latency period of mice obviously. In the formalin test, alkaloids did not inhibit the licking time in first phase, but significantly inhibited the licking time in second phase of mice. Alkaloids increased significantly SOD activity and decreased levels of NO, PGE2 and MDA significantly, in air pouch mice model. Moreover, some alkaloids isolated from the leaf of Alstonia scholaris exhibited inhibition of COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX in vitro anti-inflammatory assay, which supported alkaloids as the bioactive fraction.

Conclusions

The alkaloids fraction of Alstonia scholaris leaf, three main alkaloids, picrinine, vallesamine and scholaricine, may produce the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect peripherally based on several in vivo assays. In in vitro tests, alkaloids exhibited inhibition of inflammatory mediators (COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX), which is accordant with results on animal models. Besides, COX-2/5-LOX dual inhibitors found in the experiment, such as 16-formyl-5α-methoxystrictamine, picralinal, and tubotaiwine might be valuable for further attention.     

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.     

Analgesic effects and anti-inflammatory properties of the crude methanolic extract of Schwenckia americana Linn (Solanaceae)

Aim of the study

To evaluate analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory properties of Schwenckia americana (Solanaceae), a medicinal plant used for treating rheumatic pains and swelling in North-western Nigeria.

Materials and methods

Three doses (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) of the crude methanolic extract of Schwenkia americana were evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities using acetic acid induced writhing test, formalin induced nociception, and formalin induced hind paw oedema in rats.

Results

All doses (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) of the extract tested were effective. The extract at the tested doses produced a percentage inhibition of the acetic acid induced abdominal constriction of (53.3, 58.0 and 86.7%), respectively. A percentage inhibition of the formalin induced nociception of 44.00, 56.04, and 56.04% (early phase) and 33.00, 36.63 and 59.71% (late phase) was also produced. The inhibition of oedema formation increased with increasing dosage from 25 to 100 mg/kg. The crude extract produced a statistically significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity comparable to the effect of standard drug (10 mg/kg Piroxicam).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of crude methanolic extract of Schwenkia americana thus justifying its traditional usage.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract and fractions from Couroupita guianensis Aublet leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Couroupita guianensis Aublet, ‘macacarecuia’, ‘abricó-de-macaco’, ‘castanha-de-macaco’ and ‘amêndoa-dos-andes’, is found in tropical regions and is widely used in the treatment of tumors, pain, and inflammatory processes.

Aim of the study

Ethanol extract and hexane and ethyl acetate fractions were evaluated in models of inflammatory pain (formalin-induced licking) and acute inflammation (carrageenan-induced peritonitis).

Materials and methods

Ethanol extract, hexane and ethyl acetate fractions (10, 30 or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and the reference drugs dexamethasone (5 mg/kg), morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.), and acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) were tested in formalin-induced licking response and carrageenan-induced peritonitis.

Results

All three doses from Couroupita guianensis fractions significantly reduced the time that the animal spent licking the formalin-injected paw in first and second phases. However, only higher doses (30 and 100 mg/kg) were able to inhibit the leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity after carrageenan injection. In this model, the 100 mg/kg dose almost abolished the cell migration. It was also observed that protein concentration resulted from extravasation to the peritoneum and nitric oxide (NO) productions were significantly reduced. Cytokines production was differently affected by the treatment. TNF-α production was reduced after ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction pre-treatment whereas hexane fraction had effect only with 100 mg/kg dose. IL-1β production was inhibited only after hexane fraction pre-treatment. The inhibitory effect observed was not due to a direct cytotoxic effect on cells nor to a NO-scavenger activity. The effect was due to a direct inhibition on NO production by the cells.

Conclusions

The results show that Couroupita guianensis fractions have anti-inflammatory effect, partly due to a reduction on cell migration and a inhibition on cytokines and inflammatory mediators production.     

Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of the ethanol extract from Cynoglossum lanceolatum

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cynoglossum lanceolatum Forsk. (Boraginaceae) has been used in folk medicine in china to treat acute nephritis, periodontitis, acute submandibular lymphadenitis, snake bite, etc. However, there have been no scientific reports in the modern literature on the diuretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of this plant. The objective of this study is to evaluate the above activities of the Cynoglossum lanceolatum extract (CLE) in animals.

Materials and methods

The diuretic effect of CLE was assessed in rats and rabbits. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using fresh egg white-induced paw edema in rats, carrageenan-elicited paw edema in adrenalectomized rats, and dimethylbenzene-induced inflammation in mice. The analgesic action was estimated in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the hot-plate test. In addition, the acute oral toxicity of CLE was studied in mice.

Results

CLE strikingly and dose-dependently increased urine output of rats and rabbits, suppressed fresh egg white-induced paw edema in rats and carrageenan-elicited paw edema in adrenalectomized rats, reduced dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema in mice, inhibited the writhing response in mice, but did not increased reaction time of mice in the hot-plate test. No death of mice was observed when orally administered CLE up to 12 g/kg.

Conclusions

These findings propose that CLE has evident diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and non-central analgesic activities. Furthermore the anti-inflammatory action does not rely on endogenetic glucocorticoids regulated by hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. On the other hand, CLE also shows a favorable safety.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of a methanolic extract of leaves of Dregea volubilis

Aim of study

The aim of this study was to establish the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of Dregea volubilis leaves (MEDV) with its fractions and to delineate the possible mechanism of action for MEDV.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activities of MEDV along with its petroleum ether and chloroform fractions were evaluated in a carrageenan induced model of acute inflammation. The effect of MEDV on lipopolysaccharide induced production of nitric oxide (NO) in macrophages was also studied.

Results

MEDV (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema; chloroform fraction was most potent (66%, p < 0.001). MEDV was non-toxic up to 125 μg/ml in mouse peritoneal macrophages wherein it (0-100 μg/ml) reduced lipopolysaccharide induced NO production.

Conclusion

MEDV possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity. Chloroform fraction of MEDV showed best anti-inflammatory activity.     

Anti-inflammatory,wound healing and in-vivo antioxidant properties of the leaves of Ficus amplissima Smith

Ethno pharmacological relevance

Ficus amplissima, commonly known as kal-itchchi, being used in folklore medicine, leaves juice is applied externally on old chronic wounds and the latex is applied on the wound.

Aim

There was no scientific evidence justifying the medicinal use of Ficus amplissima, therefore the present study was aimed at evaluation of anti-inflammatory, wound healing and in-vivo antioxidant activity of the plant.

Materials and methods

In the present study the acetone extract of Ficus amplissima leaves were studied for enzymatic antioxidant activity through different assays, anti-inflammatory by using carrageenan and histamine induced rat paw edema models (50 mg, 100 mg acetone extract) and wound healing activity by incorporating the two doses (1% (w/w) and 2% (w/w)) of acetone extract and simple ointment base B.P. in concentration of 0.5% (w/w) using excision and incision wound models in rats. In case of the excision wound model wound contraction and period of epithelization was studied while incision wound model was evaluated by determining tensile strength.

Results

Ficus amplissima leaves expressed the potent anti-inflammatory and in-vivo antioxidant activity where 100 mg acetone extract showed high activity. Treatment of wound with ointment containing 2% (w/w) acetone extract exhibited significant (P<0.001) wound healing activity.

Conclusion

The acetone extract of Ficus amplissima leaves exhibited better anti-inflammatory, wound healing and in-vivo antioxidant activity probably due to phenols constituents.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. in rats

Aim of the study

Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) is one of the medicinal plants that is often used in Sri Lankan traditional systems of medicine. One of its uses is the treatment of inflammatory conditions. However, validity of the anti-inflammatory activity has not been scientifically investigated so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of Trichosanthes cucumerina hot water extract (HWE) and its fractions.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activity of Trichosanthes cucumerina was evaluated by use of the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in Wistar rats. In addition, the mechanism/s by which Trichosanthes cucumerina is mediated the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by determining its effects on (a) membrane stabilizing activity and (b) nitric oxide inhibitory activity.

Results

Apart from the lowest dose of the HWE, other tested doses (500, 750, 1000 mg/kg) produced a significant (P ≤ 0.05) inhibition of the inflammation, most pronounced at 5 h after the injection of carrageenan. The anti-inflammatory effect induced by 750 mg/kg, was comparable to that of the reference drug, indomethacin at 4 and 5 h. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production and membrane stabilization activities are probable mechanisms by which Trichosanthes cucumerina mediates its anti-inflammatory actions. Among the tested fractions, methanol fraction (MEF) and aqueous fraction (AQF) at a dose of 75 mg/kg exhibited marked inhibition against carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema. The anti-inflammatory effect induced by MEF, was comparable to that of the reference drug, indomethacin and as well as to the 750 mg/kg of HWE at 4 and 5 h.

Conclusions

(a) These findings rationalize the traditional usage of this plant as an anti-inflammatory agent and (b) membrane stabilizing properties and NO inhibitory activity are possible mechanisms through which Trichosanthes cucumerina mediates its anti-inflammatory action.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of Chrysanthemum indicum extract in acute and chronic cutaneous inflammation

Aim of the study

Although Chrysanthemum indicum Linné (Compositae) has long been used in traditional Korean, Chinese, Japanese medicine to treat various immune-related diseases the underlying mechanism(s) by which these effects are induced remains to be defined in vivo model system. We investigated the effects of 70% ethanolic extract from Chrysanthemum indicum Linné (CIE) on skin inflammation in mice.

Materials and methods

Production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), activation of myeloperoxidase, and histological assessment were examined in acute and chronic skin inflammation using 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema.

Results

CIE inhibited topical edema in the mouse ear, following administration at 200 mg/kg (i.p.), leading to substantial reductions in skin thickness and tissue weight, inflammatory cytokine production, neutrophil-mediated myeloperoxidase activity, and various histopathological indicators. Furthermore, CIE was effective at reducing inflammatory damage induced by chronic TPA exposure.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that CIE is an effective anti-inflammatory agent in murine phorbol ester-induced dermatitis, and suggest that the extract may have therapeutic potential in a variety of immune-related cutaneous diseases.     

Anti-inflammatory evaluation of Coronopus didymus in the pleurisy and paw oedema models in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Mastrunço (Coronopus didymus – CD) is currently considered as a medicinal specie often used in Brazil, especially in southeast region, for the treatment of several diseases in which pain and inflammation are common. Treatment with the plant can be done by infusion, decoction, or through food. The aim of this study was: to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the leaves of CD following the traditional procedure.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activity was determined using mouse of pleurisy and paw oedema models, both process being induced by different flogistic agents such as: carrageenan (Cg), bradykinin (BK), histamine (HIS), substance P (SP), dextran (DEX) or prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂). We evaluated the effect of CD (200–600 mg/kg) administered by oral route (p.o.) upon leukocytes migration, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and adenosine-deaminase (ADA) activities and nitric oxide (NO) levels.

Results

CD (200–600 mg/kg) inhibited the leukocytes by 60.0 ± 1.42%, neutrophils by 82.75 ± 1.29%, MPO by 42.30 ± 4.23%, and ADA activities by 57.89 ± 1.94%, as well as NO levels by 64.28 ± 2.15% in Cg induced pleurisy. CD also inhibited total and differential leukocytes in the pleurisy induced by BK (1.30 ± 0.11/0.29 ± 0.02), HIS (1.20 ± 0.09/0.42 ± 0.05) and SP (0.74 ± 0.06/0.14 ± 0.01). In addition, CD was effective in reducing paw oedema induced by Cg by 72.79 ± 1.13%, SP by 68.26. ± 0.78%, BK by 66.66. ± 0.77%, PGE₂ by 53.346. ± 1.18 and DEX by 65.14 ± 2.35%.

Conclusion

Several mechanisms, including the inhibition of enzymes (MPO and ADA) and mediators (BK, HIS, SP, NO and PGE₂) release and/or action, appear to account for the anti-inflammatory effect of Coronopus didymus.     

Anticonvulsant activity of the essential oil and methanolic extract of Bunium persicum (Boiss). B. Fedtsch

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bunium persicum is an endemic plant to Iran which its seeds have a long history of medicinal uses.

Aim of the study

This work aimed to study the anticonvulsant effect of the essential oil and methanolic extract of the plant.

Materials and methods

The essential oil and methanolic extract of the plant were studied against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions in mice in different doses. The neurotoxicity of the essential oil and methanolic extract was investigated using rotarod method.

Results

The essential oil and methanolic extract prolonged the onset of clonic and tonic seizures in PTZ. The tonic seizures were prevented by essential oil in both methods at dose of 1 mL/kg and higher doses. The methanolic extract inhibited PTZ-convulsions at dose 3 g/kg and was ineffective against MES induced convulsion.

Conclusions

The essential oil of the plant might be useful to control absence and grand mal seizures at dose 1 mL/kg. This activity might be due to its content of monoterpenes.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of Inonotus obliquus, Polygala senega L., and Viburnum trilobum in a cell screening assay

Aim of the study

The purpose of the study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the mushroom Inonotus obliquus (Chaga), Polygala senega (Senega) and Viburnum trilobum (Cranberry) bark extract fractions from locally produced materials in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced murine macrophage RAW 164.7 cells.

Materials and methods

Four fractions from each of the three extracts were obtained: (80% ethanol extracted; Fa), (water-soluble polysaccharide fraction; Fb), (Polyphenolic fraction; Fc) and (ETOAc/H₂O extracted fraction; Fd). These extract fractions were tested in the cell screening system at 50,100 and 500 μg/ml for their ability to inhibit LPS induced inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNFα and IL-6. Supernatants from LPS alone treated cells were used as control. The cytokines in the cell culture supernatants following treatments with extract fractions were quantified by ELISA method, using 96 well ELISA plates.

Results

All fractions of the extracts significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα except the polyphenolic Fc fraction of Senega which showed an increased production of IL-6. Furthermore, each fraction showed a dose-dependant anti-inflammatory effect. Nitric oxide production was not affected by cranberry and senega, while Chaga significantly reduced NO production in murine macrophage cell assay.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that the extracts obtained from the root of Polygala senega L., bark of Viburnum trilobum, and the mushroom Inonotus obliquus possess anti-inflammatory properties when tested in a RAW 264.7 macrophage cell system.