Linseed oil: an investigation of its antiarthritic activity in experimental models

Food sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids have been valued for their beneficial effect in the management of inflammatory disorders. The present study evaluates the antiarthritic and immunomodulatory activity of Linum usitatissimum fixed oil (LUFO) in experimental models. The LUFO produced a dose-dependent reduction in joint swelling and circulating TNF-α levels in both preventive and curative protocols of arthritis induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Expression of TNF-R1 and Interleukin (IL) 6 proteins in the arthritic paw was also significantly reduced in the LUFO-treated animals. In the cotton pellet induced granuloma model, LUFO treatment significantly reduced the dry granuloma weight as compared with the control group. Results of our present study thus demonstrate the antiarthritic and disease modifying activity of LUFO. We believe that dietary incorporation of LUFO may be beneficial in the prevention and management of rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory disorders.     

Patented antiinflammatory plant drug development from traditional medicine

Patents secured on antiinflammatory plant drugs derived from 38 plants are reviewed. An attempt has been made to compare the modern and traditional use of plant drugs and to establish the relevance of folk claims in developing modern drugs. The role of plant botanicals such as polysaccharides, terpenes, curcuminoids, alkaloids, etc. in alleviating inflammatory diseases including arthritis, rheumatism, acne skin allergy and ulcers is highlighted. Chemicals that alleviate swelling are derived from plants including grape, boswellia, turmeric, devil's claw and some essential oils such as clove, eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, mint, myrrh, millefolia and pine have been patented and used as mixed formulations. Plants containing polysaccharides are the most potent in curing inflammatory diseases.     

Potential Role of Curcumin Against Biofilm‐Producing Organisms on the Skin: A Review

Turmeric root (Curcuma longa) is predominantly used as a spice, but has also long been known to possess antimicrobial, analgesic, antiinflammatory, and anticancer properties. One predominant group of active compounds in turmeric are curcuminoids, namely bright yellow‐pigmented curcumin. While modern science has yet to fully investigate the therapeutic claims of turmeric and its derivatives, results have proven promising in decreasing pain and inflammation in arthritis, improving insulin sensitivity in diabetes, and even curing a variety of infections. The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential for curcumin as an agent against microbial infections, with a special focus on the skin and in the development of bacterial biofilms. Curcumin has demonstrated bactericidal efficacy against a variety of infections when administered with antibiotics in several clinical studies, with consistent antimicrobial activity demonstrated in vitro, as well as in urinary tract infections, gingival infections, and chronic wound infections. Hypothesized mechanisms of action include curcumin's ability to perturb bacterial membranes, disturb protofillament assembly, and even impair bacterial virulence factors. Further investigation is needed to fully understand which organisms are most susceptible to the effects of curcumin and how curcumin can be implemented in dermatology to treat skin conditions such as chronic wounds and acne vulgaris. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Studies on the antiinflammatory and related pharmacological activities of Psidium guajava: A preliminary report

The methanolic fraction of Psidium guajava fruit extract was found to possess significant inhibitory activity against carragenin, kaolin and turpentine-induced oedema formation. The fraction significantly inhibited protein exudation. The proliferative form of inflammation was significantly counteracted following cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation in rats. Acetic acid-induced algesia (writhing) in mice was significantly inhibited by the fraction. Significant antipyretic activity of the fraction was observed following yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. Potent antiarthritic activity was observed with the fraction against formaldehyde-induced chronic arthritis in rats.     

Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a commonly used spice throughout the world, has been shown to exhibit antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti‐neoplastic properties. Growing evidence shows that an active component of turmeric, curcumin, may be used medically to treat a variety of dermatologic diseases. This systematic review was conducted to examine the evidence for the use of both topical and ingested turmeric/curcumin to modulate skin health and function. The PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched for clinical studies involving humans that examined the relationship between products containing turmeric, curcumin, and skin health. A total of 234 articles were uncovered, and a total of 18 studies met inclusion criteria. Nine studies evaluated the effects of ingestion, eight studies evaluated the effects of topical, and one study evaluated the effects of both ingested and topical application of turmeric/curcumin. Skin conditions examined include acne, alopecia, atopic dermatitis, facial photoaging, oral lichen planus, pruritus, psoriasis, radiodermatitis, and vitiligo. Ten studies noted statistically significant improvement in skin disease severity in the turmeric/curcumin treatment groups compared with control groups. Overall, there is early evidence that turmeric/curcumin products and supplements, both oral and topical, may provide therapeutic benefits for skin health. However, currently published studies are limited and further studies will be essential to better evaluate efficacy and the mechanisms involved. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synergistic enhancement and hepatoprotective effect of combination of total phenolic extracts of Citrus aurantium L. and methotrexate for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder characterized by joint destruction and bone damage. Methotrexate (MTX) is recommended as the first‐line disease‐modifying agent for the treatment of RA. However, the clinical efficacy of MTX is limited due to its low response and side effects, especially hepatotoxicity. Total phenolic extracts of Citrus aurantium L. (TPE‐CA) are rich in dietary bioactive flavonoids, which show beneficial effects on liver health and are regarded as therapeutic tools against inflammatory diseases. In this study, the efficacy of MTX, alone or in combination with TPE‐CA, for the treatment of collagen‐induced arthritis and protection against hepatic injury in rats was investigated. TPE‐CA and MTX combination effectively reduced the inflammatory symptoms and joint damage by inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway. Moreover, TPE‐CA significantly ameliorated MTX‐induced chronic hepatic injury by enhancing antioxidant enzymes activities, suppressing hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 expression, and modulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2/heme oxygenase‐1 pathway. This combination regimen not only provided synergistic enhancement but also exhibited hepatoprotective effect against chemically induced chronic hepatotoxicity. This could be an alternative strategy to improve the low response of MTX in RA treatment.     

苦杏仁水煎剂对佐剂性关节炎大鼠抗炎作用研究

目的研究苦杏仁水煎剂对佐剂性关节炎(AA)大鼠的抗炎作用。方法建立AA大鼠模型,观察苦杏仁水煎剂对AA大鼠足肿胀、踝关节组织病理变化的影响。结果苦杏仁水煎剂能有效抑制AA大鼠关节肿胀及减缓组织炎症的发展。结论苦杏仁水煎剂对AA大鼠具有良好的抗类风湿关节炎作用,机制还需进一步探讨。     

Protective Effect of Proteins Derived from the Latex of Calotropis procera against Inflammatory Hyperalgesia in Monoarthritic Rats

Calotropis procera (family: Apocynaceae) is a plant growing in the wild and has been used in the traditional medicinal system for the treatment of various diseases. The plant produces milky latex that possesses potent antiinflammatory and analgesic properties. In present study the non‐dialysable protein fraction isolated from the latex (LP) of this plant was evaluated for its efficacy against inflammation in rats where paw edema was induced by sub‐plantar injection of carrageenin or monoarthritis was induced by intra‐articular injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). The effect of LP was evaluated on edema volume in the paw model and on joint diameter, stair climbing ability, motility, dorsal flexion pain, levels of oxidative stress markers and joint histology in arthritis model. The protection afforded by LP was compared with that of standard antiinflammatory drug, diclofenac (5 mg/kg). LP exhibited a dose‐dependent antiinflammatory effect and produced 32% and 60% inhibition of paw edema at 10 and 25 mg/kg doses and 12% and 36% inhibition of joint inflammation at 50 and 150 mg/kg doses. The protective effect of LP was associated with normalization of joint functions, histology and levels of oxidative stress markers in joint tissue. The findings of this study suggest that the protein fraction of latex of Calotropis procera has the potential to relieve inflammation and pain associated with various arthritic conditions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Metabolomics study of biochemical changes in the serum and articular synovium tissue of moxibustion in rats with collagen-induced arthritis: 艾灸对胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠血清和关节滑膜组织生化改变的代谢组学研究

ObjectiveTo demonstrate the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mechanisms by determining the biochemical changes. To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of moxibustion in RA-model rats using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) metabolomics approach.MethodsA total of 24 rats were divided into three groups as follows: normal control group, model group and moxibustion group. Rats in model group and moxibustion group were set up collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Rats in moxibustion group were treated by moxibustion. After 3 weeks of intervention, right ankle joint, serum and articular synovium samples were collected. Right ankle joint samples were used for histopathological evaluation between 3 groups to get the pathological changes of tissues and cells. Serum and articular synovium samples were used to analyze the changed metabolites of moxibustion on RA rats by the GC–MS based metabolomics.ResultsTreatment of moxibustion not only significantly increased the weight of CIA rats, reduced the swelling of hind paw, arthritic scores, IL-1β, TNF-α but also improved histopathological evaluation in right ankle joint samples. Sixteen significantly altered metabolites were found in RA rats as potential biomarkers of arthritis. Thirteen metabolites, significantly adjusted by moxibustion to help relieve arthritis, were selected out as biomarkers of antiarthritic mechanism of moxibustion, which were mainly involved in phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis.ConclusionsWe have indicated moxibustion treatment is able to resist inflammation in CIA rats effectively. Using GC–MS metabolomics technique, we detect novel metabolites in the moxibustion antiarthritic process, which may aid in advanced understanding of arthritis and therapeutic mechanism of moxibustion.     

Anti‐Platelet Activity of Water Dispersible Curcuminoids in Rat Platelets

Curcuminoids are active principle of turmeric with plethora of health beneficial properties. In this study, we have evaluated for the first time the effect of water dispersible curcuminoids on rat platelet aggregation. Curcuminoids (10–30 µg/mL) significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by agonists viz., collagen, ADP and arachidonic acid. Curcuminoids were found to be two‐fold more potent than curcumin in inhibiting platelet aggregation. Intracellular curcuminoid concentration was relatively higher than curcumin in rat platelets. Curcuminoids significantly attenuated thromboxane A₂, serotonin levels in rat platelets which play an important role in platelet aggregation. Curcuminoid treatment increased nitric oxide (NO) levels in platelets treated with agonists. Curcuminoids inhibited free radicals such as superoxide anion released from activated platelets, which ultimately inhibits platelet aggregation. Further, curcuminoids inhibited 12‐lipoxygenase activity and formation of 12‐hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12‐HPETE) in activated rat platelets which regulates platelet aggregation. The results suggest that curcuminoids have remarkable anti‐platelet activity by modulating multiple mechanisms involved in platelet aggregation. Thus curcuminoids may have a therapeutic potential to prevent platelet activation related disorders. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of the disease modifying activity of Colchicum luteum Baker in experimental arthritis

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Colchicum luteum (CL) has been traditionally used in the Unani system of medicine as a chief ingredient of many polyherbal formulations for the treatment of joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Aim of the study

To evaluate the antiarthritic activity of CL hydroalcoholic extract (CLHE) in formaldehyde and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis.

Materials and methods

Arthritis was induced by administration of either formaldehyde (2% v/v) or CFA into the subplantar surface of the hind paw of the animal. Joint swelling was measured on days 8, 9 and 10 in formaldehyde induced arthritis and days 3, 7, 14 and 21 in CFA induced arthritis. In order to evaluate the effect of CLHE on disease progression, serum TNF-α level and synovial expression of proinflammatory mediators (TNF-R1, IL-6 and IL-1β) was determined in CFA induced arthritis.

Results

CLHE produced a significant and dose dependent inhibition of joint swelling during the entire duration of the study in both, formaldehyde and CFA induced arthritis. Serum TNF-α level was also reduced significantly in a dose dependent manner in all the CLHE treated groups. The expression of proinflammatory mediators (TNF-R1, IL-6 and IL-1β) was also found to be less in the CLHE treated group as compared to control.

Conclusion

We believe that the antiarthritic activity of CLHE was due to its modulatory effect on the expression of proinflammatory cytokine in the synovium. Our results contribute towards validation of the traditional use of CL in the treatment of RA and other inflammatory joint disorders.     

Curcuminoids: Implication for inflammation and oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases

It has been extensively verified that inflammation and oxidative stress play important roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Curcuminoids, from the plant Curcuma longa, have three major active ingredients, which include curcumin (curcumin I), demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Curcuminoids have been used in traditional medicine for CVDs' management and other comorbidities for centuries. Numerous studies had delineated their anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative, and other medicinally relevant properties. Animal experiments and clinical trials have also demonstrated that turmeric and curcuminoids can effectively reduce atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and diabetic cardiovascular complications. In this review, we introduce and summarize curcuminoids' molecular and biological significance, while focusing on their mechanistic anti‐inflammatory/antioxidative involvements in CVDs and preventive effects against CVDs, and, finally, discuss relevant clinical applications.     

清热化瘀通络方治疗急性痛风性关节炎24例

目的：观察清热化瘀通络方治疗急性痛风性关节炎的临床疗效。方法：对24例急性痛风性关节炎患者口服清热化瘀通络方治疗,观察临床疗效,关节疼痛评分、血尿酸水平变化情况及主要不良反应。结果：24例中显效5例（20.83%）,有效16例（66.66%）,无效3例（12.5%）,总有效率为87.5%。治疗后患者关节疼痛评分与治疗前比较降低（P〈0.05）,血尿酸水平与治疗前比较无明显差别（P〉0.05）,主要不良反应为轻度腹泻及咽痛。结论：清热化瘀通络方治疗急性痛风性关节炎关节疼痛具有较好疗效,且不良反应小。     

Lysosomal membrane stabilization and anti-inflammatory activity of Clerodendrum phlomidis L.f., a traditional medicinal plant

Ethnopharmacological relevance Clerodendrum phlomidis L.f., is used to treat several inflammatory diseases and arthritis in Indian traditional system and folk medicine.Aim of the study The aim of the present study was to evaluate the scientific basis of antiinflammatory activity of different organic solvent extracts of Clerodendrum phlomidis and to evaluate the active crude extract for its antiarthritic activity in FCA induced animal model.Materials and methods The antiinflammatory activity of Clerodendrum phlomidis was studied using the carrageenan and cotton pellet induced inflammatory models. The crude ethanol extract was standardized with the known standard using HPLC. The antiarthritic activity was studied using Freund's complete adjuvant induced rat model. For antiarthritic activity, the active crude extract was administered at the concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. The effect of the ethanol extract on serum SGOT, SGPT, ALP, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, plasma lysosomal enzymes and protein bound carbohydrates of FCA arthritic animals were studied.Results The ethanol extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, showed maximum inhibition of inflammation induced by carrageenan (100 mg/kg - 47.73%; 200 mg/kg - 54.00% and 400 mg/kg - 65.15%). In cotton pellet induced granuloma, the ethanol extract at different concentrations showed significant reduction in granuloma weight. In FCA induced arthritis, the ethanol extract showed a significant reduction in paw thickness (100 mg/kg - 51.71%; 200 mg/kg - 57.58% and 400 mg/kg - 62.48%). The levels of lysosomal enzymes and protein bound carbohydrates were significantly decreased in the ethanol extract treated groups compared with the arthritic control. The pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly decreased in a dose dependent manner in all the Clerodendrum phlomidis treated groups.Conclusion Clerodendrum phlomidis displays considerable potency in antiinflammatory action and has prominent antiarthritic effect on adjuvant induced arthritis. Future studies will provide new insights into the antiinflammatory activity of Clerodendrum phlomidis and isolation of compound from it may eventually lead to development of a new class of antiinflammatory agent.     

雷公藤、白芍总苷、苦杏仁水煎剂对佐剂型关节炎大鼠治疗效果及机制的比较

目的比较雷公藤、白芍总苷、苦杏仁水煎剂对佐剂性关节炎(AA)大鼠模型抗炎作用效果及机制差异,为类风湿关节炎的防治提供理论依据。方法建立AA大鼠模型,比较雷公藤、白芍总苷、苦杏仁水煎剂对AA大鼠足踝关节组织病理及血清中促炎因子肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、免疫细胞间黏附分子(sICAM-1)水平的影响。结果雷公藤、白芍总苷、苦杏仁水煎剂均能有效抑制关节肿胀,减轻炎症的发展,并降低AA大鼠血清中TNF-α、sICAM-1的水平。与雷公藤相比,白芍总苷、苦杏仁水煎剂更能降低血清中TNF-α的水平。结论雷公藤、白芍总苷、苦杏仁水煎剂均可起到抗类风湿关节炎作用,白芍总苷、苦杏仁水煎剂可有效降低血清中TNF-α的水平。     

针刀治疗类风湿关节炎临床研究进展

类风湿关节炎可发生于任何年龄，女性多见，早期以关节滑膜炎为主要临床表现。关节滑膜的慢性炎症使大量炎性细胞浸润，侵犯软骨及骨组织，形成侵袭性血管翳，破坏关节软骨，从而导致关节结构破坏、功能受损。针刀治疗类风湿关节炎主要表现在松解粘连结缔组织、解除局部高压状态、建立关节力学平衡等方面，其疗效机制有改善形态学病变、改善局部血液循环、抑制自由基、调节细胞因子。针刀疗法在治疗类风湿关节炎方面疗效确切，值得临床推广应用。     

Advances in Chemical Constituents and Quality Control of Turmeric

Turmeric, derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), is one of the most popular herbal medicines. Its main bioactive constituents include curcuminoids, sesquiterpenes, and terpecurcumins. It exhibits antitumor, anti?inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. With the rapid development of analytical technologies, remarkable progress has been made in studies of turmeric. This review article summarizes research advances in chemical analysis and quality control of turmeric from 2009 to 2018.     

Effect of turmeric volatile oil on the respiratory tract]

OBJECTIVE: Researching the effect of turmeric volatile oil on functions of the respiratory tract. METHOD: The action of turmeric volatile oil on sputum removing, cough and asthma relieving was observed by vapour inhaling. RESULT: The volatile oil is significantly active in removing sputum, relieving cough and preventing asthma. CONCLUSION: Turmeric volatile oil may be an efficacious drug for the treatment of respiratory diseases.     

姜黄挥发油对呼吸道作用的研究

目的：研究姜黄挥发油对呼吸道功能的影响。方法：采用气雾吸入的方法给药，观察姜黄挥发油的祛痰、止咳和平喘作用。结果：表明本品具有明显的祛痰、止咳及预防哮喘发作的作用。结论：提示本品对痰多咳嗽可能有良好的治疗作用。