Effect of Sophora flavescens Aiton extract on degranulation of mast cells and contact dermatitis induced by dinitrofluorobenzene in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The dried root of Sophora flavescens Aiton (Sophorae radix, SR) has long been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of fever and swelling in eastern countries.

Materials and methods

The present study investigated the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of SR using 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact dermatitis mouse model and in vitro using RBL-2H3 cells.

Results

In mice, the topical application of 10 mg/mL of SR effectively inhibited enlargement of ear thickness and weight induced by repeated painting with DNFB. Topical application of SR also inhibited hyperplasia, edema, spongiosis and infiltration of mononuclear cells in ear tissue. In addition, production levels of interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were decreased by SR in vivo. Finally, the release of histamine and β-hexosaminidase, and migration were inhibited by treatment with SR.

Conclusions

These data indicate the potential of SR in treating patients with allergic skin diseases and also suggest that related mechanisms are involved in anti-inflammatory action on the Th 1 skewing reaction and inhibition against recruitment and degranulation of mast cells.     

Topical application of Rehmannia glutinosa extract inhibits mite allergen-induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

Aim of the study

Rehmannia glutinosa is known in Asia as a traditional herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory properties. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease associated with enhanced T-helper 2 (Th2) lymphocyte responses to allergens that results in elevated serum IgE levels and leukocyte infiltration. Although some studies have shown that Rehmannia glutinosa extract (RGE) has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities, these properties have not been demonstrated in AD. This study investigated the effectiveness of RGE as a therapeutic candidate in an AD model as well as its underlying mechanism of action.

Materials and methods

The effects of RGE on mite allergen (Dermatophagoides farinae)-treated NC/Nga mice were evaluated by skin symptom severity, ear thickness, production of serum IgE and histamine, and expression of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules in the ear lesions. In addition, the levels of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) produced in both TNF-α- and IFN-γ-stimulated human keratinocytes were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

RGE treatment of NC/Nga mice significantly reduced dermatitis scores, ear thicknesses, and serum histamine levels. Histological analyses demonstrated decreased thickening of the epidermis/dermis as well as dermal infiltration by inflammatory cells. In the ear lesions, mRNA expression levels of IL-4, TNF-α, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 were inhibited by RGE treatment. RGE also suppressed the production of TARC, MDC, and RANTES in both the ear lesions and keratinocytes.

Conclusions

RGE inhibits the development of AD in NC/Nga mice by suppressing the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules.     

Effects of Catalpa ovata stem bark on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The stem bark of Catalpa ovata has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases such as itching and scabies.

Aim of the study

In the present study, we investigated the anti-AD effects of Catalpa ovata stem bark on Dermatophagoides farinae-induced AD in a NC/Nga mouse AD model. We determined dermatitis score, histology, IgE, cytokines, and chemokines related to hypersensitive immune responses in AD. The mechanism of action was also investigated using HaCaT cells.

Materials and methods

We investigated the topical effects of Catalpa ovata stem bark on AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. Five category-experiments were performed, including assessment of dermatitis score; histological analysis of dorsal skin lesions; quantitative measurement of serum total IgE; quantitative measurement of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-α) from dorsal tissue; and RT-PCR analysis of for TSLP and TARC mRNA expression in HaCaT cells.

Results

The clinical dermatitis score was significantly lower in Catalpa ovata extract (COE) groups than in the control group. Histological analysis showed that COE inhibited hypertrophy and hyperkeratosis of the epidermis, intracellular edema, and reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells. COE significantly inhibited serum total IgE; Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13; pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL6 and TNF-α; the Th2 chemokine TARC and the pro-Th2 cytokine TSLP.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that Catalpa ovata stem bark may be a useful external medicine for treatment of AD. Further investigation is necessary to determine appropriate COE dosage and to evaluate the safety of this medicinal herb.     

Topical application of an ethanol extract prepared from Illicium verum suppresses atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Illicium verum is a traditional herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory properties used in Asia. However, its usefulness in the treatment of allergic diseases remains unclear. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects of I. verum extract (IVE) in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis.

Materials and methods

We investigated the effects of IVE on compound 48/80-induced histamine release, and phorbol 12-myristate13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated cytokines secretion in MC/9 mast cells. Atopic dermatitis was induced in NC/Nga mice by exposure to extract of house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae). After a topical application of IVE on ear and skin lesions, we evaluated the severity of skin symptoms, ear thickness, inflammatory cell infiltration, and serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, interleukin (IL)-6, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. In addition, we determined the expression of IL-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), ICAM-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 in ear tissues.

Results

IVE inhibited secretion of histamine, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α from mast cells in a dose-dependent manner. Topical application of IVE significantly reduced dermatitis scores, ear thickness, and serum levels of IgE, histamine, IL-6, and ICAM-1. Histopathological analysis demonstrated decreased epidermal thickening and dermal infiltration by inflammatory cells. In the ear lesions, IVE treatment reduced expression of IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, TARC, RANTES, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1, but not IFN-γ.

Conclusions

These results indicate that IVE inhibits atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions by suppressing the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. These results suggest that IVE may be a potential therapeutic candidate for atopic dermatitis.     

Effects of Scutellariae radix and Aloe vera gel extracts on immunoglobulin E and cytokine levels in atopic dermatitis NC/Nga mice

Aim of the study

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Scutellariae radix (SR) and Aloe vera gel (AV), alone or in combination, on levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and inflammatory cytokines in spontaneous atopic dermatitis(AD)-like skin lesions.

Materials and methods

After spontaneous AD-like skin lesion was developed by adaptation to conventional conditions, mice were randomly assigned to control, SR (50 mg/kg, p.o.), AV (0.8 mg/kg, p.o.) and SRAV (50 mg of SR and 0.8 mg of AV/kg, p.o.) groups, and were treated for 6 weeks.

Results

SR and SRAV suppressed IL-5 levels compared with control, but had no effects on IgE levels (P < 0.05). AV increased IgE levels, but decreased both IL-5 and IL-10 compared with control (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggest that SR and AV modulate immunological responses in AD, mainly through influencing IL-5 or IL-10 levels.     

Effect of Alnus japonica extract on a model of atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

Aim of the study

The bark of Alnus species has long been used in traditional oriental medicine in the treatment of many pathological conditions, including fever, hemorrhage, diarrhea, alcoholism, various skin diseases (e.g. chronic herpes, eczema and prurigo), and inflammation. In order to assess the immunomodulatory efficacy of a novel herbal medicine in treating atopic dermatitis, we measured serum levels of several allergic and inflammatory biomarkers in NC/Nga mice before and after treatment with this experimental agent.

Materials and methods

Gene and protein expression analyses of iNOS and COX-2 were quantified by real time PCR and Western blot analysis and serum levels of IL-4, -5 and -13 were also measured by ELISA, all of which were reduced after treatment with the experimental agent. Additionally, serum concentrations of IgE and blood eosinophil counts were reduced in treated mice.

Results

The topical application of leaf and bark extract from Alnus japonica suppressed the development of AD-like skin lesions. The percent of blood eosinophils was decreased after treatment with leaf and bark extract from Alnus japonica. The serum IgE and Th2-related cytokine levels were decreased after treatment with leaf and bark extract from Alnus japonica compared with those treated with base cream (vehicle treated AD group). The IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 were lower than those of vehicle treated AD group.

Conclusions

We contend that leaf and bark extract from Alnus japonica may prove useful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and other allergic skin diseases, although more in-depth clinical studies are necessary before clinical implementation.     

地肤的各药用部位药用价值研究进展

地肤的各部位均具有药用价值。通过对地肤子、地肤苗、地肤根的化学成分、药理活性及临床应用等方面的文献进行检索,系统地梳理了地肤各部位的药用价值。地肤子、地肤苗中三萜皂苷等活性成分具有抗炎、抗过敏和抗搔痒等作用,这与其传统临床上的清热利湿、祛风止痒等功效相一致;地肤子、地肤苗、地肤根都具有降血糖作用,其降血糖作用与地肤所含皂苷相关。为更加有效地利用地肤这一植物资源,研制低毒、高效、不良反应小的抗炎、抗真菌、抗过敏及降血糖天然药物提供了理论依据和应用基础。     

Taraxacum officinale protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice

Aim of the study

Taraxacum officinale has been frequently used as a remedy for inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we investigated the in vivo protective effect of Taraxacum officinale on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice.

Materials and methods

Taraxacum officinale at 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg was orally administered once per day for 5 days consecutively, followed by 500 μg/kg LPS was instilled intranasally. The lung wet/dry weight (W/D) ratio, protein concentration and the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. Superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, and histological change in the lungs were examined. The levels of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the BALF were measured using ELISA.

Results

We found that Taraxacum officinale decreased the lung W/D ratio, protein concentration and the number of neutrophils in the BALF at 24 h after LPS challenge. Taraxacum officinale decreased LPS-induced MPO activity and increased SOD activity in the lungs. In addition, histopathological examination indicated that Taraxacum officinale attenuated tissue injury of the lungs in LPS-induced ALI. Furthermore, Taraxacum officinale also inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in the BALF at 6 h after LPS challenge in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Taraxacum officinale protects against LPS-induced ALI in mice.     

Evidence of the anti-Helicobacter pylori, gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of Cuphea aequipetala infusion

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cuphea aequipetala (Lythraceae) is a medicinal plant highly appreciated in Mexico to treat stomach ailments such as pain and burning sensation, stomach infections, ulcers, diarrhea, dysentery, and different types of tumors and bruises. In this work, the infusion of aerial parts of this plant (CAI) was investigated for its polypharmacological potential.

Materials and methods

In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was assessed by broth dilution method. Pharmacological studies included acute toxicity in mice using Lorke´s model, anti-inflammatory activity by xylene and TPA induced ear edema assay, as well as gastroprotection with ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. DPPH and ABTS assays were used to determine antioxidant capacity. Polyphenols and flavonoid contents were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method and AlCl₃ reaction, respectively.

Results

CAI showed good anti-Helicobacter pylori activity with a MIC of 125 μg/mL. The infusion was not toxic according to Lorke's model with a LD₅₀ greater than 5 g/kg. CAI exhibited low anti-edematogenic action in the models assayed. Oral administration of 300 mg/kg CAI significantly reduced gastric lesions by 87.9%. The effect was reversed only by indomethacin and N-ethylmaleimide demonstrating the role of endogenous prostaglandins and sulfhydryl compounds in gastroprotection. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of CAI were 109.9 mg GAE/g DW and 28.1 mg QE/g DW, respectively, and the infusion exhibited a good antioxidant activity that is thought to play a role in its biological activity. The analysis of a preliminary fractionation of the infusion indicates that the complete extract conserves all its pharmacological activities in contrast to fractionated extracts.

Conclusions

Cuphea aequipetala is a promising native herb in an integral therapy for the treatment of bacterial or non-bacterial gastric ulcer because it possesses some anti-inflammatory properties, as well as exhibits good gastroprotective and antibacterial effects. It represents an important source for the isolation of anti-Helicobacter pylori compounds. This work provides ethnopharmacological evidence that supports the traditional use of this species.     

Substantiation of the ethnopharmacological use of Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E.H.Walker in the treatment of malaria through in-vivo evaluation in Plasmodium berghei infected mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Scientific validation of ethnopharmacologically used plants and their utilization for therapeutic interventions can be a source of affordable treatment especially for neglected diseases in endemic areas. Conyza sumatrensis is a plant which finds its use in treating malaria like fevers but lacks proper scientific validation. Our study has tried to address this gap by authenticating its traditional use for the treatment of malaria.

Aim of the study

Evaluate the antimalarial activity of extracts derived from Conyza sumatrensis for its ethnopharmacological validation.

Materials and methods

Shade dried leaves were extracted with varying concentrations of ethanol and concentrated for bio-evaluation. Swiss albino mice infected with 1×10⁶ parasitized red blood cells, were orally administered with test extracts for 7 days in two sets of experiments. The first set was used to evaluate alcoholic, hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts while the second set was used to evaluate the dose response of alcoholic extract ranging from 500–1600 mg/kg. Mean survival time, parasitaemia and haemoglobin levels were considered to interpret the antimalarial potential. Phytochemical analysis for the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids tannins, total phenolics, riboflavin and thiamine was also carried out.

Results

Among the three extracts administered at 1000 mg/kg, chemo suppression was significantly (p<0.001) observed in the alcoholic extract (62.59±12.52%) followed by hydroalcoholic (41.81±19.04%, p<0.01) and aqueous (32.04±19.04%, P<0.05) indicating that the active constituents leach out in ethanol. The dose response study involving the ethanol extract concluded the optimum dose to be 1000 mg/kg, as also evidenced by the haemoglobin levels.

Conclusion

The plant exhibits moderate antimalarial activity which can be further prospected for active fractions or pure molecules for adjunctive therapy.     

Quantitative evaluation of therapeutic effect of Liriope platyphylla on phthalic anhydride-induced atopic dermatitis in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

A variety of previous pharmacological studies have suggested that Liriope platyphylla may exert beneficial biological effects on inflammation, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorder, obesity, and atopic dermatitis (AD).

Aim of the study

The therapeutic effect of aqueous extract of Liriope platyphylla (AEtLP) on AD was quantified using the luciferase report system in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic (Tg) mice.

Materials and methods

Alteration of the luciferase signal was quantified in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice co-treated with phthalic anhydride (PA) and AEtLP for 2 weeks using the IVIS imaging system. Phenotypes of AD were assessed by ear thickness analysis, measurement of immune-related organ weights, ELISA, and histological and pathological analysis in Tg mice.

Results

A strong luciferase signal was detected in the abdominal region of IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice treated with only PA. However, this signal was significantly reduced in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice co-treated with PA+AEtLP in an AEtLP concentration-dependent manner. Especially, three organs, the thymus, pancreas, and submandibular lymph node (SL), showed a high signal response to PA treatment. Furthermore, to verify whether or not alteration of the luciferase signal is associated with AD, these disease response phenotypes were measured in the same group of mice. Common allergenic responses including increases in ear thickness, lymph node weight, IgE concentration, and infiltrated mast cells were detected in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice treated with PA. However, these responses were dramatically decreased by AEtLP treatment for 2 weeks.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the luciferase signal may successfully reflect the therapeutic effects of AEtLP in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice. Further, we suggest additional evidence that Liriope platyphylla may be considered as an effective therapeutic drug for the treatment of AD.     

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.     

列当属、肉苁蓉属和草苁蓉属植物传统药物学调查

通过野外资源调查、整理各大标本馆标本原始记录和查阅文献记载等方法,系统整理、总结、归纳了列当属、肉苁蓉属和草苁蓉属民族药用植物种类、功效及民间使用情况,结果表明列当属6种药用植物在4个少数民族间作为7种民族药应用,草苁蓉属2种药用植物在8个少数民族间作为10种民族药应用,肉苁蓉属2种药用植物在3个少数民族间作为3种民族药应用,且同种药用植物常作不同民族药;发现3属植物的传统疗效主要集中在补肾壮阳、止血和止痛3个方面,并且该传统疗效与现代药理研究结果基本吻合。因此深入研究植物种类丰富的列当属植物资源对缓解肉苁蓉植物资源匮乏局面和扩大药源具有积极意义。     

卷柏提取物对去势大鼠股骨中羟脯氨酸含量的影响

目的:采用柱前衍生化法对去势大鼠股骨中羟脯氨酸(HyP)的含量进行测定,观察卷柏提取物对去势大鼠股骨中HyP含量的影响。方法:Wistar雌性大鼠摘除卵巢后1周开始ip卷柏总提物665 mg·kg-1,卷柏正丁醇部位85 mg·kg-1,卷柏水部位490 mg·kg-1,持续11周后处死,取其股骨,采用2,4-二硝基氯苯柱前衍生化反相高效液相色谱法,观察卷柏提取物对去势大鼠股骨中HyP含量的影响。结果:HyP 0.125～2.00 g.L-1线性关系良好(r=0.999 4),精密度试验RSD<1%,24 h内稳定性试验RSD<5%,加样回收率均在90%～110%;卷柏水部位和正丁醇部位均能增加去势大鼠股骨中HyP含量。结论:卷柏提取物能增加去势大鼠股骨中HyP含量,其中卷柏水部位和正丁醇部位,对去势大鼠骨质疏松具有一定的干预作用。     

金银花类药用植物IspE和IspH基因克隆和生物信息学分析

目的:克隆金银花类药用植物4-二磷酸胞苷-2-C-甲基赤藓糖激酶(4-diphosphocytidyl-2-C-methyl-D-erythritol kinase,IspE)和4-羟基-3-甲基-2-邻苯基二磷酸还原酶(4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl diphosphate reductase,IspH)基因,并对其基因序列、蛋白特性和转录活性进行分析、比较.方法:从忍冬Lonicera japonica转录组测序结果中分析获得了IspE,IspH基因.分别以忍冬、红白忍冬L.japonica var.chinensis、红腺忍冬L.hypoglauca和水忍冬L.dasystyla新鲜花蕾为材料,利用RT-PCR技术克隆获得了4种金银花类药用植物IspE和IspH基因的全长cDNA.运用生物信息学分析软件,预测编码蛋白的结构和功能,并通过RT-PCR检测IspE和IspH在忍冬、红白忍冬、红腺忍冬、水忍冬花蕾中的转录情况.结果:金银花类药用植物IspE基因含有1个完整的开放阅读框,长度为1 221 bp,编码406个氨基酸;IspH含有一个完整的开放阅读框,长度为1 380 bp,编码459个氨基酸.IspE和IspH均为非分泌蛋白,均定位于叶绿体中.RT-PCR分析结果表明在忍冬、红腺忍冬和水忍冬的花蕾中IspE,IspH基因的转录水平没有显著差异,但红白忍冬花蕾中IspE,IspH基因的转录水平均显著高于忍冬.结论:克隆获得忍冬、红白忍冬、红腺忍冬和水忍冬中IspE,IspH基因,并证实了其在不同金银花类药用植物中的表达,为进一步研究IspE,IspH基因对萜类化合物生物合成和花香气以及颜色的影响奠定了基础.     

社区接触性皮炎的治疗和干预

目的：探讨社区接触性皮炎的治疗和干预情况。方法：回顾性分析应人石社区健康服务中心对目标工厂工人进行的治疗和干预情况。结果：通过干预,参加岗前培训的工人增加了12％,对职业健康卫生知识及生产安全防护知识知晓率增加了10％,接触性皮炎的发病几率降低了0．8％。结论：良好的干预,不仅可以提高工人的自我防护意识,还可以提高工人对职业健康卫生知识及生产安全防护知识知晓率,降低接触性皮炎的发病几率。     

Screening of the topical anti-inflammatory activity of the bark of Acacia cornigera Willdenow, Byrsonima crassifolia Kunth, Sweetia panamensis Yakovlev and the leaves of Sphagneticola trilobata Hitchcock

Ethnopharmacological relevance

An investigation of topical anti-inflammatory activity was undertaken on plants used in Central America traditional medicine.

Aim of study

Four herbal drugs used in the folk medicine of Central America to treat inflammatory skin affections (Acacia cornigera bark, Byrsonima crassifolia bark, Sphagneticola trilobata leaves and Sweetia panamensis bark) were evaluated for their topical anti-inflammatory activity.

Materials and methods

Petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts were obtained for herbal medicines and then extracts were tested on Croton oil-induced ear dermatitis model in mice.

Results

Almost all the extracts reduced the Croton oil-induced ear dermatitis in mice and the chloroform ones showed the highest activity, with ID₅₀ (dose giving 50% oedema inhibition) values ranging from 112 μg/cm² (Byrsonima crassifolia) to 183 μg/cm² (Sphagneticola trilobata). As reference, ID₅₀ of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin was 93 μg/cm².

Conclusions

Lipophilic extracts from these species can be regarded as potential sources of anti-inflammatory principles.     

Drosera rotundifolia and Drosera tokaiensis suppress the activation of HMC-1 human mast cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Several Northern Hemisphere Drosera species have been used in the therapy of respiratory tract infections as the traditional medicine Droserae Herba.

Aim of the study

To determine the anti-inflammatory effects of Drosera species and to investigate a substitute material for Droserae Herba, we examined the effect of extracts of Drosera rotundifolia, Drosera tokaiensis and Drosera spatulata on activated T cell membrane (aTc-m)-induced inflammatory gene expression in HMC-1 human mast cells.

Materials and methods

Drosera rotundifolia, Drosera spatulata and Drosera tokaiensis were collected in Japan. Herbs were extracted with 80% EtOH, and subsequently applied to OASIS HLB column. HMC-1 cells were treated with each Drosera column-adsorbed fraction for 15 min, and subsequently added to aTc-m and incubated for 16 h. Inflammatory gene and protein expressions were determined by DNA microarray, RT-PCR and Western blotting.

Results

Drosera rotundifolia and Drosera tokaiensis fractions, but not the Drosera spatulata fraction, suppressed inflammatory gene expression induced by aTc-m in HMC-1 cells.

Conclusions

Drosera rotundifolia and Drosera tokaiensis suppressed activation of HMC-1 cells induced by aTc-m. Since the Drosera tokaiensis fraction was more effective than the traditionally used Drosera rotundifolia, Drosera tokaiensis is a likely substitute as a source of Droserae Herba.     

The effectiveness of jewelweed, Impatiens capensis, the related cultivar I. balsamina and the component, lawsone in preventing post poison ivy exposure contact dermatitis

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Impatiens capensis (jewelweed) is native to the Eastern and Midwestern US and Canada. Many Native American tribes used I. capensis and its close relatives to treat/prevent rash from plant sources particularly Toxicodendron radicans and Urtica dioica. I. balsamina (garden balsam) a native of China was used by the indigenous people of Asia for similar purposes.

Aim of study

This study aims to validate ethnopharmacological use of jewelweed in poison ivy (PI) dermatitis prevention and to refute scientific papers denying this efficacy. Additionally, the content of lawsone, the purported effective agent in jewelweed preparations, was measured to see if its concentration correlated with jewelweed preparation efficacy.

Material and methods

Poison ivy was brushed onto forearms of volunteers in 6 locations and exposed areas were treated with jewelweed extracts, fresh plant mashes, soaps made of plant extracts, water and Dawn® dish soap. Rash development was scored on a scale of 0–14.

Results

Jewelweed mash was effective in reducing poison ivy dermatitis, supporting ethnobotanical use. However, jewelweed extracts were not effective; and soaps made of these extracts were effective but no more so than jewelweed-free soaps. Lawsone content varied with harvest season and did not appear to affect rash development.

Conclusion

Jewelweed is an efficacious plant for preventing development of dermatitis following poison ivy contact, but soap is more effective. Lawsone content does not correlate with PI rash prevention. Perhaps saponins, the soapy component of jewelweed are the effective agents.