Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ellagic Acid

Ellagic acid improves the symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer's disease: Behavioral and physiological correlates

Oryza sativa is a globally recognized staple food, rich in essential phyto-phenolic compounds such as γ-Oryzanol (OZ), Ferulic acid (FA), and Ellagic acid (EA). These phytochemicals are known for their potential to beneficially modulate molecular biochemistry. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement effects of Oryza sativa phyto-phenolics in a model of early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) induced by Aβ (1-42) in animals. In-silico studies suggested that FA, OZ, and EA have target specificity for Aβ, with EA being further selected based on its potent in-vitro Aβ anti-aggregatory effects for exploring neurodegenerative conditions. The in-vivo experiments demonstrated that EA exerts therapeutic effects in Aβ-induced EOAD, modulating both biochemical and behavioral outcomes. EA treatment at two dose levels, EA70 and EA140 (70 μM and 140 μM, respectively, administered i.c.v.), significantly counteracted Aβ aggregation and modulated the Ca2⁺/Calpain/GSK-3β/CDK5 signaling pathways, exhibiting anti-tauopathy effects. Additionally, EA was shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects by preventing astroglial activation, modulating FAIM-L expression, and protecting against TNF-α-induced apoptotic signals. Moreover, the neuromodulatory effects of EA were attributed to the regulation of CREB levels, Dnm-1 expression, and synaptophysin levels, thereby enhancing LTP and synaptic plasticity. EA also induced beneficial cytological and behavioral changes, improving both long-term and short-term spatial memory as well as associative learning behavior in the animal model, which underscores its cognitive enhancement properties.

Exploring the underlying pharmacological, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of phytochemicals against wounds: a molecular insight

BACKGROUND

Numerous cellular, humoral, and molecular processes are involved in the intricate process of wound healing.

PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Numerous bioactive substances, such as ß-sitosterol, tannic acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, ellagic acid, and pyrogallol, along with their pharmacokinetics and bioavailability, have been reviewed. These phytochemicals work together to promote angiogenesis, granulation, collagen synthesis, oxidative balance, extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and re-epithelialization during wound healing.

FINDINGS AND NOVELTY

To improve wound contraction, this review delves into how the application of each bioactive molecule mediates with the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of wound healing to speed up the process. This review also reveals the underlying mechanisms of the phytochemicals against different stages of wound healing along with the differentiation of the in vitro evidence from the in vivo evidence There is growing interest in phytochemicals, or plant-derived compounds, due their potential health benefits. This calls for more scientific analysis and mechanistic research. The various pathways that these phytochemicals control/modulate to improve skin regeneration and wound healing are also briefly reviewed. The current review also elaborates the immunomodulatory modes of action of different phytochemicals during wound repair.

Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin as Natural Antimicrobial Agents for the Treatment of Wound Infections

The rising prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria underscores the need to search for innovative and nature-based solutions. One of the approaches may be the use of plants that constitute a rich source of miscellaneous compounds with a wide range of biological properties. This review explores the antimicrobial activity of seven bioactives and their possible molecular mechanisms of action. Special attention was focused on the antibacterial properties of berberine, catechin, chelerythrine, cinnamaldehyde, ellagic acid, proanthocyanidin, and sanguinarine against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The growing interest in novel therapeutic strategies based on new plant-derived formulations was confirmed by the growing number of articles. Natural products are one of the most promising and intensively examined agents to combat the consequences of the overuse and misuse of classical antibiotics.

Screening immune-related blood biomarkers for DKD-related HCC using machine learning

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a significant health problem worldwide, often leading to diabetic kidney disease (DKD), which may also influence the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the relationship and diagnostic biomarkers between DKD and HCC are unclear.

Methods

Using public database data, we screened DKD secretory RNAs and HCC essential genes by limma and WGCNA. Potential mechanisms, drugs, and biomarkers for DKD-associated HCC were identified using PPI, functional enrichment, cMAP, and machine learning algorithms, and a diagnostic nomogram was constructed. Then, ROC, calibration, and decision curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the nomograms. In addition, immune cell infiltration in HCC was explored using CIBERSORT. Finally, the detectability of critical genes in blood was verified by qPCR.

Results

104 DEGs associated with HCC using WGCNA were identified. 101 DEGs from DKD were predicated on secreting into the bloodstream with Exorbase datasets. PPI analysis identified three critical modules considered causative genes for DKD-associated HCC, primarily involved in inflammation and immune regulation. Using lasso and RM, four hub genes associated with DKD-associated HCC were identified, and a diagnostic nomogram confirmed by DCA curves was established. The results of immune cell infiltration showed immune dysregulation in HCC, which was associated with the expression of four essential genes. PLVAP was validated by qPCR as a possible blood-based diagnostic marker for DKD-related HCC.

Conclusion

We revealed the inflammatory immune pathways of DKD-related HCC and developed a diagnostic nomogram for HCC based on PLVAP, C7, COL15A1, and MS4A6A. We confirmed with qPCR that PLVAP can be used as a blood marker to assess the risk of HCC in DKD patients.

Margaritaria nobilis L.f. (Phyllanthaceae) Ethanolic Extract: Low Acute Oral Toxicity and Antinociceptive Activity

Margaritaria nobilis L.f. (Phyllanthaceae), a native Brazilian tree occurring mainly in the Amazon, is used in folk medicine for the treatment of abscesses (bark) and cancer-like symptoms (leaves). The present study evaluates the safety of its acute oral administration and its effects on nociception and plasma leakage. The chemical constitution of the leaf's ethanolic extract is determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS. Its acute oral toxicity is evaluated in female rats at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, evaluating the occurrence of deaths and Hippocratic, behavioral, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes, as well as food and water consumption and weight gain. Antinociceptive activity is evaluated in male mice with acetic-acid-induced peritonitis (APT) and formalin (FT) tests. An open field (OF) test is performed to verify possible interferences in the animals' consciousness or locomotion. LC-MS analysis shows the presence of 44 compounds classified as phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoids and O-glycosylated derivatives, and hydrolyzable tannins. No deaths or significant behavioral, histological, or biochemical changes are observed in the toxicity assessment. In nociception tests, M. nobilis extract significantly reduces abdominal contortions in APT, demonstrating selectivity for inflammatory components (FT second phase), not interfering in neuropathic components (FT first phase) or consciousness and locomotion levels in OF. Additionally, M. nobilis extract inhibits plasma acetic-acid-induced leakage. These data demonstrate the low toxicity of M. nobilis ethanolic extract, as well as its effectiveness in modulating inflammatory nociception and plasma leakage, possibly related to the flavonoids and tannins present in its composition.

Protective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its main components against natural and chemical toxic agents: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Different chemical toxicants or natural toxins can damage human health through various routes such as air, water, fruits, foods, and vegetables.

PURPOSE

Herbal medicines may be safe and selective for the prevention of toxic agents due to their active ingredients and various pharmacological properties. According to the beneficial properties of pomegranate, this paper summarized the protective effects of this plant against toxic substances.

STUDY DESIGN

In this review, we focused on the findings of in vivo and in vitro studies of the protective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its active components including ellagic acid and punicalagin, against natural and chemical toxic agents.

METHODS

We collected articles from the following databases or search engines such as Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus without a time limit until the end of September 2022.

RESULTS

P. granatum and its constituents have shown protective effects against natural toxins such as aflatoxins, and endotoxins as well as chemical toxicants for instance arsenic, diazinon, and carbon tetrachloride. The protective effects of these compounds are related to different mechanisms such as the prevention of oxidative stress, and reduction of inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and nuclear factor ĸB (NF-ĸB) as well as the modulation of apoptosis, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and improvement of liver or cardiac function via regulation of enzymes.

CONCLUSION

In this review, different in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that P. granatum and its active constituents have protective effects against natural and chemical toxic agents via different mechanisms. There are no clinical trials on the protective effects of P. granatum against toxic agents.

Active Compounds in Fruits and Inflammation in the Body

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes, asthma, and cancer. An appropriate diet and the active compounds contained in it can affect various stages of the inflammatory process and significantly affect the course of inflammatory diseases. Recent reports indicate that polyphenolic acids, vitamins, minerals, and other components of fruits may exhibit activity stimulating an anti-inflammatory response, which may be of importance in maintaining health and reducing the risk of disease. The article presents the latest data on the chemical composition of fruits and the health benefits arising from their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The chemical composition of fruits determines their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but the mechanisms of action are not fully understood.

The Genus Alternanthera: Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Perspectives

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The genus Alternanthera (Amaranthaceae) comprises 139 species including 14 species used traditionally for the treatment of various ailments such as hypertension, pain, inflammation, diabetes, cancer, microbial and mental disorders.

Aim of the review: To search research gaps through critical assessment of pharmacological activities not performed to validate traditional claims of various species of Alternanthera. This review will aid natural product researchers in identifying Alternanthera species with therapeutic potential for future investigation.

Materials and methods: Scattered raw data on ethnopharmacological, morphological, phytochemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies of various species of the genus Alternanthera have been compiled utilizing search engines like SciFinder, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Open J-Gate for 100 years up to April 2021.

Results: Few species of Alternanthera genus have been exhaustively investigated phytochemically, and about 129 chemical constituents related to different classes such as flavonoids, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds have been isolated from 9 species. Anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, CNS depressive, antidiabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulator effects have been explored in the twelve species of the genus. A toxicity study has been conducted on 3 species and a clinical study on 2 species.

Conclusions: The available literature on pharmacological studies of Alternanthera species reveals that few species have been selected based on ethnobotanical surveys for scientific validation of their traditional claims. But most of these studies have been conducted on uncharacterized and non-standardized crude extracts. A roadmap of research needs to be developed for the isolation of new bioactive compounds from Alternanthera species, which can emerge out as clinically potential medicines.

Ellagic acid regulates hyperglycemic state through modulation of pancreatic IL-6 and TNF- α immunoexpression

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Chyawanprash, An Ancient Indian Ayurvedic Medicinal Food, Regulates Immune Response in Zebrafish Model of Inflammation by Moderating Inflammatory Biomarkers

The time-tested Ayurvedic medicinal food, Chyawanprash, has been a part of the Indian diet since ancient times. It is an extremely concentrated mixture of extracts from medicinal herbs and processed minerals, known for its immunity boosting, rejuvenating, and anti-oxidative effects. In this study, we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of Patanjali Special Chyawanprash (PSCP) using the zebrafish model of inflammation. Zebrafish were fed on PSCP-infused pellets at stipulated doses for 13 days before inducing inflammation through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. The test subjects were monitored for inflammatory pathologies like behavioral fever, hyperventilation, skin hemorrhage, locomotory agility, and morphological anomaly. PSCP exerted a strong prophylactic effect on the zebrafish that efficiently protected them from inflammatory manifestations at a human equivalent dose. Expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), were also reduced in the LPS-stimulated zebrafish fed on PSCP-infused pellets. Skin hemorrhage, hyperventilation, and loss of caudal fins are characteristics of LPS-induced inflammation in zebrafish. PSCP prophylactically ameliorated skin hemorrhage, restored normal respiration, and prevented loss of caudal fin in inflamed zebrafish. Under in vitro conditions, PSCP reduced IL-6 and TNF-α secretion by THP-1 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner by targeting NF-κB signaling, as evident from the secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter assay. These medicinal benefits of PSCP can be attributed to its constitutional bioactive components. Taken together, these observations provide in vivo validation of the anti-inflammatory property and in vitro insight into the mode-of-action of Chyawanprash, a traditionally described medicinal food.

In vitro Antileishmanial, Antitrypanosomal, and Anti-inflammatory-like Activity of Terminalia mollis Root Bark

This study aims at determining the in vitro antitrypanosomal, antileishmanial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory-like activities of Terminalia mollis root crude extracts. The antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activities on Trypanosoma brucei brucei (strain 427) and promastigotes of Leishmania mexicana mexicana (MHOM/BZ/84/BEL46) were evaluated in vitro. The methanolic root bark extract and standards were profiled by HPLC-PDA, and the majority of compounds identified using literature data. The in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory-like activities were determined by evaluating the effect of crude extracts on reactive oxygen species produced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated equine neutrophils using lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence and on purified equine myeloperoxidase activity measured by specific immunological extraction followed by enzymatic detection. The methanolic, aqueous crude extract, and aqueous crude extract free of tannins exhibited good growth inhibition on Trypanosoma brucei brucei (IC₅₀ 3.72, 6.05, and 4.45 µg/mL respectively) but were inactive against Leishmania mexicana mexicana (IC₅₀ > 100 µg/mL). Suramin (IC₅₀ 0.11 µg/mL) and amphotericin (IC₅₀ 0.11 µg/mL) were used as standard respectively for the antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity. Very interesting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory-like activities were observed with 50% hydroethanolic, aqueous crude extracts, and aqueous crude extract free of tannins as well as with pure punicalagin, gallic, and ellagic acid (IC₅₀ 0.38 - 10.51 µg/mL for 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), chemiluminescence, and specific immunological extraction followed by enzymatic detection assays. The study results support traditional medicinal use of the plant for the treatment of parasitical disorders and revealed for the first time the antitrypanosomal potential, anti-inflammatory-like, and antioxidant activity of Terminalia mollis root.

Natural Phytochemicals as Novel Therapeutic Strategies to Prevent and Treat Parkinson's Disease: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative chronic disease affecting both cognitive performance and motor functions in aged people. Yet despite the prevalence of this disease, the current therapeutic options for the management of PD can only alleviate motor symptoms. Research has explored novel substances for naturally derived antioxidant phytochemicals with potential therapeutic benefits for PD patients through their neuroprotective mechanism, targeting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, abnormal protein accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, neurotrophic factor deficit, and apoptosis. The aim of the present study is to perform a comprehensive evaluation of naturally derived antioxidant phytochemicals with neuroprotective or therapeutic activities in PD, focusing on their neuropharmacological mechanisms, including modulation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, growth factor induction, neurotransmitter activity, direct regulation of mitochondrial apoptotic machinery, prevention of protein aggregation via modulation of protein folding, modification of cell signaling pathways, enhanced systemic immunity, autophagy, and proteasome activity. In addition, we provide data showing the relationship between nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and PD is supported by studies demonstrating that antiparkinsonian phytochemicals can activate the Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway and Nrf2-dependent protein expression, preventing cellular oxidative damage and PD. Furthermore, we explore several experimental models that evaluated the potential neuroprotective efficacy of antioxidant phytochemical derivatives for their inhibitory effects on oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain. Finally, we highlight recent developments in the nanodelivery of antioxidant phytochemicals and its neuroprotective application against pathological conditions associated with oxidative stress. In conclusion, naturally derived antioxidant phytochemicals can be considered as future pharmaceutical drug candidates to potentially alleviate symptoms or slow the progression of PD. However, further well-designed clinical studies are required to evaluate the protective and therapeutic benefits of phytochemicals as promising drugs in the management of PD.

Validation of an HPLC method for quantification of anti-inflammatory markers in an ethanolic extract of Sahastara and its anti-inflammatory activity in vitro

Background and purpose:

Sahastara (SHT) is a traditional Thai medicine for the treatment of musculoskeletal and joint pain. It consists of 21 plant components. A previous study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of SHT on inhibition of nitric oxide production and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production, however, inhibitory effects on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has not been reported. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of SHT on inhibitory effects on TNF-α and PGE₂ production and presented an analytical method for validation of SHT.

Experimental approach:

Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by inhibitory activity on TNF-α and PGE₂ production in RAW264.7 cells. The validated procedure was conducted according to ICH guidelines. The validated parameters were specificity/selectivity, linearity, range, the limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ).

Findings/Results:

Ethanolic extract of SHT exerted inhibitory activity on PGE₂ production in RAW264.7 cells with IC₅₀ 16.97 ± 1.16 μg/mL. Myristica frangrans seed extract showed the highest inhibitory activity on PGE₂ production. Piper retrofractum extract showed the highest inhibitory activity on TNF-α production. For the HPLC method, all validated parameters complied with standard requirements. Each analyzed peak showed good selectivity with a baseline resolution greater than 1.51. The linearity of all compounds was > 0.999. The % recovery of all compounds was within 98.0-102.0%. The precision of all compounds was less than 2.0% CV.

Conclusion and implications:

Ethanolic extracts of SHT possess anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of TNF-α and PGE₂ production in vitro. This study provides support for the traditional use of SHT. The validated results showed good specificity/selectivity, linearity, precision, and accuracy with appropriate LOD and LOQ. This study is the first report on the validation of the HPLC method of SHT for use as quality control of the SHT extract.

Efficacy and Safety of Sahastara Remedy Extract Capsule in Primary Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blinded Active-Controlled Trial

Sahastara (SHT) remedy is a Thai traditional medicine described in the Thai National List of Essential Medicine (NLEM) for the relief of muscle pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of SHT remedy extract capsule for treating primary OA. A phase 2, double-blind, randomized, and controlled trial study was used to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of SHT in comparison with diclofenac for the treatment of knee OA. The outcome of reduce pain was measured from VAS, 100 meter time walk, and the WOMAC score of day 14 and day 28 which should reduce significantly when compared with day 0 and should be equal with or better than diclofenac. Blood pressure and blood chemistry values at day 14 and day 28 did not change when compared with day 0. The results found that SHT remedy ethanolic extract capsule can reduce all OA knee scores at day 14 and day 28 significantly when compared with day 0 and also no significant difference with diclofenac (P > 0.05). The SHT also showed safety values on blood pressure and blood chemistry. The SHT was observed that it had no serious side effect. The results of this study are the first report of using the SHT ethanolic extract capsule in the treatment of primary osteoarthritis of the knee. It can be recommended as an anti-inflammatory herbal drug for reducing pain in knee osteoarthritis patients.

Role of ellagic acid for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases

Globally, one of the alarming problems is the prevalence and burden of liver diseases, which accounts for 2 million cases per year. Chronic liver aetiologies such as hepatitis infections, alcoholic or non-alcoholic liver disease, environmental agents, and drug-induced toxicity are invariably responsible for liver fibrosis progression to finally hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatment options are unable to overwhelm and cure liver diseases. Emerging findings suggest researchers' interest in using evidence-based complementary medicine such as ellagic acid with extensive pharmacological properties. They include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidaemic, anti-viral, anti-angiogenic, and anticancer activity. The molecular functions elicited by ellagic acid include scavenging of free radicals, regulation of lipid metabolism, the prohibition of fibrogenesis response-mediating proteins, inhibits hepatic stellate cells and myofibroblasts, restrains hepatic viral replication, facilitates suppression of growth factors, regulates transcription factors, proinflammatory cytokines, augments the liver immune response, fosters apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation in tumorigenic cells. This review will most notably focus on preclinical and clinical information based on currently available evidence to warrant ellagic acid's prospective role in preventing liver diseases.

Development and Characterization of Biointeractive Gelatin Wound Dressing Based on Extract of Punica granatum Linn

Punica granatum Linn (pomegranate) extracts have been proposed for wound healing due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this work, we designed biointeractive membranes that contain standard extracts of P. granatum for the purpose of wound healing. The used standard extract contained 32.24 mg/g of gallic acid and 41.67 mg/g of ellagic acid, and it showed high antioxidant activity (the concentration of the extract that produces 50% scavenging (IC50) 1.715 µg/mL). Compared to the gelatin-based membranes (GEL), membranes containing P. granatum extracts (GELPG) presented a higher maximal tension (p = 0.021) and swelling index (p = 0.033) and lower water vapor permeability (p = 0.003). However, no difference was observed in the elongation and elastic modulus of the two types of membranes (p > 0.05). Our wound-healing assay showed that a GELPG-treated group experienced a significant increase compared to that of the control group in their wound contraction rates on days 3 (p < 0.01), 7 (p < 0.001), and on day 14 (p < 0.001). The GELPG membranes promoted major histological changes in the dynamics of wound healing, such as improvements in the formation of granular tissue, better collagen deposition and arrangement, and earlier development of cutaneous appendages. Our results suggest that a biointeractive gelatin-based membrane containing P. granatum extracts has a promising potential application for dressings that are used to treat wounds.

Phenolic Compounds in Trees and Shrubs of Central Europe

Plants produce specific structures constituting barriers, hindering the penetration of pathogens, while they also produce substances inhibiting pathogen growth. These compounds are secondary metabolites, such as phenolics, terpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, resins, tannins and alkaloids. Bioactive compounds are secondary metabolites from trees and shrubs and are used in medicine, herbal medicine and cosmetology. To date, fruits and flowers of exotic trees and shrubs have been primarily used as sources of bioactive compounds. In turn, the search for new sources of bioactive compounds is currently focused on native plant species due to their availability. The application of such raw materials needs to be based on knowledge of their chemical composition, particularly health-promoting or therapeutic compounds. Research conducted to date on European trees and shrubs has been scarce. This paper presents the results of literature studies conducted to systematise the knowledge on phenolic compounds found in trees and shrubs native to central Europe. The aim of this review is to provide available information on the subject and to indicate gaps in the present knowledge.

Antihypernociceptive, Anxiolytic, and Antidepressant Properties of Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of Dissotis thollonii Cogn. (Melastomataceae) in Mice

Diabetic neuropathy, which affects 7 to 9% of the world's population and that is usually accompanied by anxiety and depression, is chronic pain that results from impaired function of the central or peripheral nervous system. This study aimed at evaluating the antihypernociceptive, antiallodynic, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects of Dissotis thollonii extracts. Diabetic neuropathy was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (200 mg/kg) in mice. The aqueous and ethanol extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg) were administered orally. Hyperalgesia (thermal and chemical), allodynia (mechanical and thermal), anxiety (high plus labyrinth, light-dark box, and social interaction), and depression (open field test, suspension test tail, and forced swimming test) were evaluated, and then the levels of some cytokines and growth factors were determined. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of Dissotis thollonii demonstrated significant antihypernociceptive (inhibition of hyperalgesia and allodynia), anxiolytic, and antidepressant activities in mice made diabetic by STZ. The extracts also significantly inhibited (p < 0.001) the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the blood as well as the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IGF, and NGF in the sciatic nerve. This study shows that the extracts of Dissotis thollonii have antihypernociceptive and neuroprotective effects which could be linked to the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors in the blood and the sciatic nerve.

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of ethanolic extract of stem bark of Anogeissus latifolia Roxb

Background

Stem bark of Anogeissus latifolia Roxb (family: Combretaceae) is used traditionally and ethnomedicinally to alleviate pain, inflammation and fever conditions. The current study investigates the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of ethanolic extract of stem bark of Anogeissus latifolia Roxb.

Method

The HPLC studies were carried out to standardize the stem bark ethanolic extract of Anogeissus latifolia (ALEE) using ellagic acid as a marker. ALEE was screened for analgesic (formalin-induced pain and acetic acid induced writhing) and anti-inflammatory (formalin and carrageenan-induced paw oedema) activities in Wistar rats. Before 1 h of acetic acid or formalin or carrageenan injection, rats were orally fed with ALEE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), Aspirin (100 mg/kg) or Indomethacin (10 mg/kg). Antipyretic effect was studied in brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia model in rats using Paracetamol (100 mg/kg) as a standard drug.

Results

HPLC analysis of ALEE revealed the presence of ellagic acid. ALEE treatment (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly inhibited pain response in both models. ALEE treatments prevented the raise of paw volume in both in-vivo models with percent inhibition of 44.40 and 46.21, respectively at 5 h. ALEE also showed a significant reduction of yeast-induced pyrexia till 4 h of treatment.

Conclusion

ALEE exhibited analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic property in experimental models and validates traditional use of ALEE in pain, inflammation and fever.

Ellagic acid prolongs the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster

Wild-type Canton-S flies of Drosophila melanogaster were treated with ellagic acid at 100 μM and 200 μM concentrations. Longevity assay showed male flies fed with 200 μM ellagic acid displayed longer mean lifespan and maximum lifespan than control flies. Female flies fed with 200 μM ellagic acid laid less number of eggs than control. The eclosion time was less in female flies fed with 200 μM ellagic acid. Ellagic acid fed female flies performed better than male flies and control flies for heat shock tolerance and starvation stress. Male flies treated with 100 μM ellagic acid recovered faster from cold shock compared with control flies. Male and female flies treated with ellagic acid displayed increased survival following exposure to 5% hydrogen peroxide. Gene expression studies displayed upregulated expressions of CAT, dFOXO, ATG1, and SOD2 in ellagic acid-treated male flies, and upregulated expressions of dFOXO, CAT, and SOD2 in ellagic acid-treated female flies. Results from these studies show the pro-longevity effect of ellagic acid on Drosophila melanogaster.

Both the mono- and di-anions of ellagic acid are effective inhibitors of the serine β-lactamase CTX-M-15

Ellagic acid, a δ-lactone with ionisable phenolic residues, is an efficient time-dependent inhibitor of the serine β-lactamase enzyme CTX-M-15. The pH-dependence of the rate of inhibition shows that both the mono- and di-anionic species of ellagic acid are effective inhibitors, both with second order rate constants of ∼1.5 × 104 M-1 s-1. The structurally similar δ-lactone urolithin A, which lacks the geometrically appropriate phenolic residue, shows only modest inhibitory activity against CTX-M-15. It is proposed that this inhibition by ellagic acid anions involves acylation of the active site serine and that the negative charge on the inhibitor is required for binding to the active site.

Ellagic acid microspheres restrict the growth of Babesia and Theileria in vitro and Babesia microti in vivo

Background

There are no effective vaccines against Babesia and Theileria parasites; therefore, therapy depends heavily on antiprotozoal drugs. Treatment options for piroplasmosis are limited; thus, the need for new antiprotozoal agents is becoming increasingly urgent. Ellagic acid (EA) is a polyphenol found in various plant products and has antioxidant, antibacterial and effective antimalarial activity in vitro and in vivo without toxicity. The present study documents the efficacy of EA and EA-loaded nanoparticles (EA-NPs) on the growth of Babesia and Theileria.

Methods

In this study, the inhibitory effect of EA, β-cyclodextrin ellagic acid (β-CD EA) and antisolvent precipitation with a syringe pump prepared ellagic acid (APSP EA) was evaluated on four Babesia species and Theileria equi in vitro, and on the multiplication of B. microti in mice. The cytotoxicity assay was tested on Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK), mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH/3T3) and human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cell lines.

Results

The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of EA and β-CD EA on B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, B. caballi and T. equi were 9.58 ± 1.47, 7.87 ± 5.8, 5.41 ± 2.8, 3.29 ± 0.42 and 7.46 ± 0.6 µM and 8.8 ± 0.53, 18.9 ± 0.025, 11 ± 0.37, 4.4 ± 0.6 and 9.1 ± 1.72 µM, respectively. The IC₅₀ values of APSP EA on B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, B. caballi and T. equi were 4.2 ± 0.42, 9.6 ± 0.6, 2.6 ± 1.47, 0.92 ± 5.8 and 7.3 ± 0.54 µM, respectively. A toxicity assay showed that EA, β-CD EA and APSP EA affected the viability of cells with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) higher than 800 µM. In the experiments on mice, APSP EA at a concentration of 70 mg/kg reduced the peak parasitemia of B. microti by 68.1%. Furthermore, the APSP EA-atovaquone (AQ) combination showed a higher chemotherapeutic effect than that of APSP EA monotherapy.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the in vitro and in vivo antibabesial action of EA-NPs and thus supports the use of nanoparticles as an alternative antiparasitic agent.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3520-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nanostructured cellulose membranes loaded with phenolic-based ionic liquids for cutaneous application

The utilization of natural compounds, such as phenolic acids and biopolymers, in the healthcare domain is gaining increasing attention. In this study, bacterial nanocellulose (BC) membranes were loaded with ionic liquids (ILs) based on phenolic acids. These ionic compounds, with improved solubility and bioavailability, were prepared by combining the cholinium cation with anions derived from caffeic, ellagic and gallic acids. The obtained BC-ILs membranes were homogeneous, conformable and their swelling ability agreed with the solubility of each IL. These membranes revealed a controlled ILs dissolution rate in the wet state and high antioxidant activity. In vitro assays performed with Raw 264.7 macrophages and HaCaT keratinocytes revealed that these novel BC-ILs membranes are non-cytotoxic and present relevant anti-inflammatory properties. Diffusion studies with Hanson vertical diffusion cells showed a prolonged release profile of the ILs from the BC membranes. Thus, this work, successfully demonstrates the potential of BC-ILs membranes for skin treatment.

Preparation of Herbal Formulation for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Based on In Vitro Screening and In Vivo Evaluation in a Mouse Model of Experimental Colitis

Many medicinal plants have been used traditionally in East Asia for the treatment of gastrointestinal disease and inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of 350 extracts (175 water extracts and 175 ethanol extracts) from 71 single plants, 97 mixtures of two plants, and seven formulations based on traditional medicine, to find herbal formulations to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the in vitro screening, nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were determined in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells and the TNF-α induced monocyte-epithelial cell adhesion assay was used for the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of the compounds. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect against IBD of the samples selected from the in vitro screening. KM1608, composed of Zingiber officinale, Terminalia chebula and Aucklandia lappa, was prepared based on the screening experiments. The oral administration of KM1608 significantly attenuated the severity of colitis symptoms, such as weight loss, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, in TNBS-induced colitis. In addition, inflammatory mediators, such as myeloperoxidase, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels decreased in the lysate of colon tissues treated with KM1608. Collectively, KM1608 ameliorated colitis through the regulation of inflammatory responses within the colon, which indicated that KM1608 had potential for the treatment of IBD.

Bioactivity of dietary polyphenols: The role of metabolites

A polyphenol-rich diet protects against chronic pathologies by modulating numerous physiological processes, such as cellular redox potential, enzymatic activity, cell proliferation and signaling transduction pathways. However, polyphenols have a low oral bioavailability mainly due to an extensive biotransformation mediated by phase I and phase II reactions in enterocytes and liver but also by gut microbiota. Despite low oral bioavailability, most polyphenols proved significant biological effects which brought into attention the low bioavailability/high bioactivity paradox. In recent years, polyphenol metabolites have attracted great interest as many of them showed similar or higher intrinsic biological effects in comparison to the parent compounds. There is a huge body of literature reporting on the biological functions of polyphenol metabolites generated by phase I and phase II metabolic reactions and gut microbiota-mediated biotransformation. In this respect, the review highlights the pharmacokinetic fate of the major dietary polyphenols (resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, rutin, genistein, daidzein, ellagitannins, proanthocyanidins) in order to further address the efficacy of biometabolites as compared to parent molecules. The present work strongly supports the contribution of metabolites to the health benefits of polyphenols, thus offering a better perspective in understanding the role played by dietary polyphenols in human health.

Metal Chelating, Inhibitory DNA Damage, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Phenolics from Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) Peel and the Quantifications of Geraniin and Corilagin

Whereas the preparation and biological properties of rambutan peel phenolics (RPP) were explored in our previous studies, the metal chelating, inhibitory DNA damage, and anti-inflammatory activities of RPP were evaluated and the important phenolics of RPP quantified in this study. Results showed that RPP had high Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺-chelating activities with EC₅₀ of 0.80 mg/mL and 0.13 mg/mL, respectively. RPP effectively decreased the production of hydroxyl radical with IC₅₀ of 62.4 μg/mL. The protective effects of RPP against AAPH-induced DNA damage were also explored. RPP efficiently inhibited peroxyl radical-induced plasmid DNA strand breakage. The anti-inflammatory effects of RPP were determined using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cell model. RPP significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and controlled the levels of inducible NO synthase mRNA in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The inhibitory activity increased in a dose-dependent manner. The above bioactivity of RPP was associated with its phenolic content and phenolic profiles. Furthermore, the contents of geraniin and corilagin in RPP were determined by an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadruple mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS), showing 140.02 and 7.87 mg/g extract dry weight. Thus, RPP has potential applications as a novel nutraceutical and functional food in health promotion.

Molecular and biochemical evidence on the protective role of ellagic acid and silybin against oxidative stress-induced cellular aging

Aging is a natural process in living organisms that is defined by some molecular and cellular changes with time. Various causes such as mitochondrial DNA aberrations, aggregation of proteins, telomere shortening, and oxidative stress have an influential role in aging of the cells. Natural antioxidants are compounds that are potent to protect the body from detrimental effects of molecules such as free radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-aging properties of ellagic acid (EA) and silybin (SIL), as natural antioxidant compounds on rat embryonic fibroblast (REF) cells. These cells were pre-incubated with EA and SIL, thereafter were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Then, the cell viability, SA-β-GAL activity, distribution of cell cycle, NF-κB, and mitochondrial complex I, II/IV enzyme activity were measured. The results of this study revealed the protective effects of EA and SIL in H2O2-treated REF cells, which confirm the previous achieved data on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics of EA and SIL against H2O2 in the treated REF cells. However, more new in vivo experiments are required to discover the anti-aging effects and mechanism of action of such compounds.

Analysis of NO-suppressing activity of Strawberry Wine supplemented with ball-milled achenes

Inflammation is generally thought to be involved in the development of several chronical diseases, therefore, phytochemicals to modulate immune responses has attracted great interests. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory effects of wine supplemented using ball-milled achene on modulating NO production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Ball-milled achenes were added in strawberry must prior to fermentation, and the wine samples were then concentrated and extracted with water and/or ethanol prior to analysis. Bioactivities of wine extracts were evaluated using the cell viability assay, cell cycle measurements, NO production and iNOS expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Treatments of achenes supplemented strawberry wine extract up to 100 μg/mL inhibited the proliferation of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell via affecting the progression of cell cycle. Moreover, no detectable cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 cells was observed. The supplemented wine extract suppressed the action of LPS and led to a decreased NO production in stimulated cells. The inhibitory effect of the wine extract on NO production was determined to be a 25-40% decrease in the level of 25-100 μg/mL, in contrast to a 10% decrease for conventional wine samples. Additionally, an alcoholic wine extract (100 μg/mL) led to a 40.31% decrease in iNOS expression in LPS-stimulated cells, which was more effective than the same dose of tocopherol. The results show that strawberry wine supplemented with ball-milled achenes causes a substantial inhibition of NO production, and this biofunction is exerted via the down-regulation of iNOS expression.

Assessment of the antioxidant, thrombolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of leaf extracts and fractions of Tetracera sarmentosa (L.) Vahl

BACKGROUND

The plant under investigation (Tetracera sarmentosa) is a dicotyledonous flowering plant and belongs to the family Dilleniaceae. The goal of our investigation was to determine whether the leaf extracts of this plant held any significant medicinal properties.

METHODS

Leaves of T. sarmentosa were extracted with pure ethanol (EETS) and methanol (METS), and then methanol extract fractioned with n-hexane (NHFMETS) and chloroform (CHFMETS). The extracts and fractions were tested for antioxidant activity, which was measured by using qualitative and quantitative procedures. Thrombolytic activity was evaluated by the clot lysis test. Analgesic activity was evaluated employing the acidic acid-induced writhing test, the formalin-induced paw licking test and tail immersion on Swiss albino mice. The anti-inflammatory activity test was studied using the paw edema test. Forced swimming, tail suspension, elevated plus maze and hole board model tests were used to evaluate neuropharmacological activity.

RESULTS

All the extracts and fractions possessed antioxidant effects. All the extracts, fractions and streptokinase exhibited significant (p<0.0001) clot lysis. The extracts and fractions produced significant analgesic effects as evaluated by the acetic acid writhing test, the formalin-induced paw licking test and the tail immersion method. Similarly, carrageenan-induced inflammation was significantly antagonized by the treatments. The extracts and fractions also significantly showed neuropharmacological (antidepressant and anxiolytic) effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall results suggested that this plant deserves further investigation to isolate the active compounds which are responsible for these activities and to establish the mechanism of action.

Reversal of Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity by Using Phytotherapy: A Review

Doxorubicin as a chemotherapeutic drug is widely used for the treatment of patients with cancer. However, clinical use of this drug is hampered by its cardiotoxicity, which is manifested as electrocardiographic abnormalities, arrhythmias, irreversible degenerative cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. The precise mechanisms underlying the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin are not clear, but impairment of calcium homeostasis, generation of iron complexes, production of oxygen radicals, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell membrane damage have been suggested as potential etiologic factors. Compounds that can neutralize the toxic effect of doxorubicin on cardiac cells without reducing the drug's antitumor activity are needed. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that herbal medicines and bioactive phytochemicals can serve as effective add-on therapies to reduce the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin. This review describes different phytochemicals and herbal products that have been shown to counterbalance doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) inhibits lipopolysaccharide-stimulated nitric oxide production in macrophages by suppressing NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Flower, seed, and fruit of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) have been used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) serving as a common herb in relief of swelling which can be applied in cases of inflammatory diseases. However, the scientific evidence related to their effects on inflammation especially the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of longan need to be clarified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the various parts of longan including flower, seed, and pulp. The mechanisms and molecular targets involved in their effects were also investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Different longan extracts were analyzed for their bioactive compounds and evaluated for anti-inflammation. Corilagin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid were detected using HPLC-DAD. In vitro anti-inflammatory effect of longan extracts and their polysaccharides were examined by analyzing nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Expression of the proteins that involved in NO production was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Flower extract contained the highest amounts of total phenolics, total flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, corilagin and ellagic acid when compared to seed and pulp extracts. The extracts of different longan parts inhibited LPS-induced NO production with different potency. The highest potency for the inhibition of NO production was shown with flower extract follow by seed and pulp (IC50=128.2, 1127.4, and 1260.2μgmL(-1), respectively). The mechanisms of this anti-NO production were associated with their NO scavenging effect and their decreasing the expression and catalytic activity of an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Moreover, these longan extracts suppressed LPS-induced degradation of IκBα and activation of NF-κB, activator protein-1 (AP-1), Akt, and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the longan extracts possess anti-inflammatory property. Therefore, longan could provide potential dietary supplement for the treatment of inflammatory-related diseases.

The comparison of the effects of ellagic acid and diclofenac sodium on intra-abdominal adhesion: an in vivo study in the rat model

Peritoneal adhesions are seen frequently after abdominal surgery and can cause serious complications. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the oral use of diclofenac sodium and ellagic acid on formation of postoperative adhesions in rats Studies have shown that agents with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant substances can prevent adhesion by decreasing oxidative stress. We compared and evaluated the effects of ellagic acid that has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory diclofenac sodium on peritoneal adhesion development in our experimental study. Laparotomy was performed with a midline incision under general anesthesia and an adhesion model was created on the antimesenteric side of the cecum in Groups I, II, and III. Group I received 85 mg/kg ellagic acid and Group II, 50 mg/kg diclofenac sodium through the nasogastric catheter while Group III received no medication. Only laparotomy was performed in Group IV. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the 14th day. Following macroscopic scoring, tissue samples were removed and subjected to biochemical and histopathologic evaluation. The degree of adhesion and the malondialdehyde level were decreased (P < 0.05), and glutathione level increased (P < 0.05) in Group I compared to Group II and Group III. The effects of ellagic acid on the prevention of peritoneal adhesion were found to be stronger than diclofenac sodium. This can be explained by the fact that ellagic acid is a strong antioxidant and decreases oxidative stress with anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects.

Ellagic acid inhibits non-enzymatic glycation and prevents proteinuria in diabetic rats

The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is a characteristic feature of diabetic tissues and accumulation of AGEs been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Ellagic acid prevented the accumulation of AGEs and in turn ameliorated proteinurea in diabetic rats.

Sildenafil enhances the peripheral antinociceptive effect of ellagic acid in the rat formalin test

Objective:

Ellagic acid (EA), a major polyphenolic compound of pomegranate juice, produces antinociceptive effects, which are mediated through opioidergic and nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) pathways. The present study was conducted to elucidate the peripheral antinociceptive effect of EA alone and in combination with sildenafil in the rat formalin test.

Materials and Methods:

Pain was produced by intraplantar injection of formalin (2.5%) in rats and nociceptive behavior was measured as the number of flinches every 5 min in 60 min after injection.

Results:

Local administration of EA and sildenafil dose-dependently increased the nociception threshold in both phases of the test. Moreover, sub-effective doses of sildenafil (25 or 50 mcg/paw, i.p.) significantly and dose-dependently enhanced the antinociception induced by a sub-effective dose of EA (60 mcg/paw, i.pl.) in both phases of the test. The antinociception produced by these drugs alone, or in combination, was due to a peripheral site of action, since the administration in the contralateral paw was ineffective.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that EA has local peripheral antinociceptive activity, and enhancement of this effect with sildenafil probably occurs through the inhibition of cGMP metabolism.

Effects of ellagic acid-rich extract of pomegranates peel on regulation of cholesterol metabolism and its molecular mechanism in hamsters

PEA promoted cholesterol removal by enhancement of fecal bile acid and up-regulation of the two pathways, LXR/PPAR-ABCA1.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Bridelia retusa methanolic fruit extract in experimental animals

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials of methanolic extract of Bridelia retusa fruit (BRME) were evaluated against different animal models in rodents. Antinociceptive effects of BRME were assessed in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin test. Anti-inflammatory effects of BRME in three different doses, namely, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, were evaluated by utilizing different animal models representing various changes associated with inflammation, namely, carrageenan-induced paw oedema, histamine and serotonin-induced paw oedema, arachidonic acid-induced paw oedema, formalin-induced paw oedema, TPA-induced ear oedema, acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, total WBC count in paw fluid, and myeloperoxidase assay. Also BRME was phytochemically evaluated using chromatographic method. The BRME did not exhibit any signs of toxicity up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg. The extract showed statistical significant inhibition of induced nociception and inflammation in dose dependent manner. The higher dose of extract significantly inhibited pain and inflammation against control (P < 0.001). HPLC results revealed the presence of gallic acid and ellagic acid as phytoconstituents in BRME and it was proven as anti-inflammatory agents. The present study scientifically demonstrated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential of fruit of B. retusa methanolic extract. These effects may be attributed to the presence of polyphenolic phytoconstituents in the extract.

Anti-inflammatory potential of native Australian herbs polyphenols

The anti-inflammatory potential of hydrophilic polyphenolic-rich extracts obtained from native Australian herbs: anise myrtle, lemon myrtle and Tasmannia pepper leaf, and a reference sample bay leaf, was evaluated using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 model. Pretreatment with all herbal extracts at non-cytotoxic concentrations reduced the LPS-induced protein levels of pro-inflammatory enzymes, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Concomitant decrease in accumulation of their products, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and nitric oxide (NO), respectively, was observed. A suppression of LPS-induced expression of COX-2 and iNOS and decrease of NO and PGE₂ levels suggests potential anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts.

Anise myrtle, lemon myrtle and bay leaf selectively inhibited COX-2 and iNOS enzymes, while Tasmannia pepper leaf extract exhibited a pronounced inhibitory activity toward COX-1 and was the least effective inhibitor of iNOS. Anise myrtle and lemon myrtle are potentially more efficient anti-inflammatory agents than Tasmannia pepper leaf.

Topical anti-inflammatory potential of standardized pomegranate rind extract and ellagic acid in contact dermatitis

The present study evaluated the topical anti-inflammatory potential of a standardized pomegranate rind extracts (SPRE) in parallel with its marker compound ellagic acid (EA, 13% w/w) against a mouse model of contact dermatitis. In the phenol-induced mouse ear edema, topical application of SPRE (5, 2.5, and 1 mg/ear) and EA (0.65, 0.325, and 0.13 mg/ear, equivalent to its content in SPRE) dose-dependently reduced the ear edema with the maximal inhibition of 79.12% and 73.63%, respectively. Triamcinolone (0.1 mg/ear) and diclofenac (1 mg/ear) as reference drugs inhibited the edema by 73.63% and 37.91%. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the mouse ear was also decreased by SPRE and EA up to 69.68% and 68.79%, respectively. Triamcinolone and diclofenac decreased the MPO activity by 76.66% and 80.14% similarly. The results indicated that topical application of SPRE and EA is promising for use in the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.