Anti-rheumatoid activity of ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum seed extract in Freund's complete adjuvant induced arthritis in Wistar albino rats

Synthesized pyrrole ester ameliorates adjuvant‑induced arthritis in Wistar rats by alleviating inflammation and downregulating the pro‑inflammatory cytokines

Piperine is an amide alkaloid responsible for producing the pungent smell that comes from black pepper. Piperine has been explained to exhibit significant properties such as anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive effects. The aim of the study was to synthesize pyrrole ester from piperine and evaluate its anti-arthritis effects in adjuvant-induced arthritis female Wistar rats. In this study, pyrrole ester (AU-5) was designed, synthesized and evaluated for ant-arthritic activity in adjuvant-induced arthritis Wistar rats. The synthesized pyrrole ester (AU-5) was administered in three selected doses (20, 10 and 5 mg/kg) to the arthritic-induced model. The administered ester significantly inhibited the increase in arthritis index, paw and ankle joint swelling compared to the arthritic control group. Similarly, the treated rats exhibited a remarkable increase in body weight increase, improved haematological, biochemical, histopathological and radiological parameters. Moreover, the excess production of rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was noticeably attenuated in all AU-5-treated rats. However, the spleen index, tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were distinctly lowered compared to arthritic control rats. Moreover, AU-5 showed promising liver protection by lowering the level of liver function markers Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum. Henceforth, it might be concluded that AU-5 has an anti-arthritic effect which can be credited to the down regulation of inflammatory markers and the pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Anti-Arthritis Effect of Ethanol Extract of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) Leaves Against Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Model in Mice

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is a well-known oleaginous plant used as food source and traditional medicine by indigenous people for a long time. This study was conducted to evaluate anti-arthritis effect of ethanol extract of Sacha inchi leaves and provide scientific evidence to develop the new anti-arthritis remedy from Sacha inchi. Rheumatoid arthritis model was established by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant into right hind footpads of mice and three doses of ethanol extract of Sacha inchi leaves (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight) were used for treatment. The severity of arthritis was evaluated by measuring the ankle diameter and arthritic score, hematological and biochemical parameters (erythrocytes, leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor). The pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10) and the histology change of joint were also examined. All three doses of extracts significantly alleviated ankle diameter and arthritic score. Furthermore, the extracts could ameliorate the alternation of inflammatory cytokines as well histological features of CFA-induced mice. The efficacy of extract dose of 300 mg/kg body weight is comparable with reference drug (Mobic, 0.2 mg/kg body weight). This study indicates Sacha inchi leaf extract as the promising remedy for treatment of arthritis.

Effects of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and bioactive compounds (sesamin and sesamolin) on inflammation and atherosclerosis: A review

Inflammation, oxidative stress, obesity, infection, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes are the main causes of atherosclerosis, which in the long term lead to hardening of the arteries. In the current study, we reviewed recent findings of the mechanism of sesame and its active compounds of sesamin and sesamolin regulates on atherosclerosis. Sesame can decrease the lipid peroxidation and affect the enzymes, which control the balance of oxidative status in the body. Besides modulating the inflammatory cytokines, sesame regulates the main mediators of the signaling pathways in the process of inflammation, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). Sesame decreases the growth of different pathogens. It fights against obesity and helps to reduce weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and lipid count of serum and liver. In addition to lowering fasting blood sugar (FBS), it decreases the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and glucose levels and improves insulin function. With high content of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), sesame efficiently controls the blood plasma lipids and changes the lipid profile. In the case of hypertension, it maintains the health of endothelium through multiple mechanisms and conserves the response of the arteries to vasodilation. PUFA in sesame suppresses blood clotting and fibrinogen activity. All the mentioned properties combat atherosclerosis and hardening of blood vessels, which are detailed in the present review for sesame.

Forecasting of potential anti-inflammatory targets of some immunomodulatory plants and their constituents using in vitro, molecular docking and network pharmacology-based analysis

Most synthetic immunomodulatory medications are extremely expensive, have many disadvantages and suffer from a lot of side effects. So that, introducing immunomodulatory reagents from natural sources will have great impact on drug discovery. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehend the mechanism of the immunomodulatory activity of some natural plants via network pharmacology together with molecular docking and in vitro testing. Apigenin, luteolin, diallyl trisulfide, silibinin and allicin had the highest percentage of C-T interactions while, AKT1, CASP3, PTGS2, NOS3, TP53 and MMP9 were found to be the most enriched genes. Moreover, the most enriched pathways were pathways in cancer, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, relaxin signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway. Additionally, Curcuma longa, Allium sativum, Oleu europea, Salvia officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Silybum marianum had the highest number of P-C-T-P interactions. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis of the top hit compounds against the most enriched genes revealed that silibinin had the most stabilized interactions with AKT1, CASP3 and TP53, whereas luteolin and apigenin exhibited the most stabilized interactions with AKT1, PTGS2 and TP53. In vitro anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity testing of the highest scoring plants exhibited equivalent outcomes to those of piroxicam.

Anti-Arthritic Effect of Edaravone Against Complete Freund Adjuvant Induced Arthritis via Osteoclast Differentiation and HIF-1α-VEGF-ANG-1 Axis

Background

Bone dysfunction is a crucial problem that occurs during rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease. Osteoclast plays a significant role in bone resorption and osteoclast differentiation and its enhancement of bone destruction. Edaravone remarkably exhibited free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of the current investigation is to comfort the inhibitory effect of Edaravone (ED) against complete Freund adjuvant (CFA) rat model via inhibition of angiogenesis and inflammation.

Methods

Subcutaneous injection of CFA (1%) was used to induce arthritis; the rats were divided into different groups and received the oral administration of ED. Paw edema, body weight, and arthritis score were regularly estimated. Biochemical parameters were estimated, respectively. We also estimate the level of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), angiopoietin 1 (ANG-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We also checked into how ED affected the differentiation of osteoclasts utilising a co-culture system with monocytes and synovial fibroblasts in arthritis rats.

Results

ED treatment significantly (P<0.001) suppressed the arthritis score and paw edema and improved the body weight. ED treatment significantly (P<0.001) altered the antioxidant parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokines: inflammatory mediator nuclear kappa B factor (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), respectively. Furthermore, ED treatment significantly (P<0.001) suppressed the level of ANG-1, HIF-1α, and VEGF, respectively. The results suggest that ED suppressed osteoclast differentiation and also decreased the level of cytokines and osteopontin (OPN), receptor activator for nuclear factor-κ B Ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) in the co-culture supernatant of monocytes and synovial fibroblasts.

Conclusion

Edaravone could mitigate CFA via inhibiting angiogenesis and inflammatory reactions, which may be linked with the HIF-1α-VEGF-ANG-1 axis and also enhance the bone destruction of murine arthritis via suppression of osteoclast differentiation and inflammatory reaction.

In vivo anti-inflammatory activities of Plantago major extract and fractions and analysis of their phytochemical components using a high-resolution mass spectrometry

Background and purpose

Plantago major has been applied as a herbal remedy for centuries. However, studies on anti-inflammatory activities and their chemical ingredients are limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of P. major in three animal models and its phytochemical contents.

Experimental approach

Dichloromethane extract (DCM) of P. major was fractionated with n-hexane to yield the soluble (SHF) and insoluble (IHF) fractions. The anti-inflammatory activities of DCM, SHF, and IHF were evaluated using rat's paw edema induced by carrageenan, thioglycolate-induced leukocyte emigration in the mice, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) induced by complete Freund's adjuvants in rats. The chemical constituents were analyzed using a high-resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS).

Findings / Results

The DCM, SHF, and IHF inhibited paw edema in the rats and reduced the leukocyte migration in the mice. At dose 560 mg/kg, the percentage of inhibitory was 47.33%, 55.51%, and 46.61% for the DCM, IHF, and SHF, respectively. In the RA animal model, IHF at 280 and 560 mg/kg reduced osteoclast formation and COX-2 expression compared to diclofenac. Some compounds namely oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and oleamide identified in the DCM, IHF, and SHF may be responsible for these activities.

Conclusion and implications

This study showed that P. major has several in-vivo anti-inflammatory activities.

Physical, functional and sensory properties of bitter chocolates with incorporation of high nutritional value flours

Due to the growing demand for healthy food products, the industry is seeking to incorporate inputs with high nutritional potential to traditional products. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of incorporating Lepidium meyenii, Chenopodium pallidicaule, Amaranthus caudatus, Sesamum indicum and Salvia hispanica flours on the physical, chemical, rheological, textural and thermal characteristics, and the degree of sensory acceptance of dark chocolate bars (65% cocoa). To this end, chocolate bars were made with the incorporation of five flours in four doses (1, 2, 3 and 4%), obtaining 20 different formulations compared with a control treatment (without flour addition). It was found that as flour incorporation levels increased, viscosity, antioxidants and particle size of the chocolates increased, but hardness and pH decreased. The addition of the flours also affected the acceptability and microstructure of the chocolate bars. The incorporation of up to 4% of the flours studied improved the degree of acceptance of the chocolates. Consequently, the incorporation of grain flours with high nutritional value can enhance the characteristics of dark chocolates, becoming a technological alternative for the chocolate industry.

Diosmin and Trolox Have Anti-Arthritic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potencies in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-Induced Arthritic Male Wistar Rats: Roles of NF-κB, iNOS, Nrf2 and MMPs

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, autoimmune disease caused by a malfunction of the immune system. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-arthritic effects and suggest the mechanisms of actions of diosmin and trolox in male Wistar rats. Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) was used to establish RA in the animals by subcutaneous injection of 100 µL CFA/rat into plantar region of right hind leg in two consecutive days. Diosmin and/or trolox were administered orally at a dosage of 20 mg/kg/day to CFA-induced arthritic rats for 2 weeks. The normal and arthritic control groups were orally given the same equivalent volume of a vehicle (1% carboxymethyl cellulose) in which treatment agents were dissolved. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein for the detection of the total leukocyte count (TLC) and differential leukocyte count (DLC) in blood and the detection of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-13 (IL-13), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as well as markers of oxidative stress and the antioxidant defense system in serum. The right hind ankle regions of three rats from each group were dissected out and fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin for histological examination and the other three were kept at −30 °C for Western blot analysis of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) protein 50 (NF-κB p50), NF-κB p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 (MMP-1), MMP-3, and MMP-9. The CFA injection was deleterious to the ankle joint’s histological architecture, manifesting as infiltration of inflammatory cells into the articular cartilage, hyperplasia of the synovium, and erosion of the cartilage. All these effects were ameliorated by diosmin and/or trolox, with the combined dose being the most effective. The two compounds significantly lowered the elevated serum levels of RF, ACPA, TNF-α, and IL-17, as well as other pro-inflammatory mediators, such as NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, iNOS, MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9. They also increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-13, and the cytoprotective transcription factor Nrf2. The compounds stimulated higher activities of antioxidants, such as glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, and reduced lipid peroxidation in the serum of arthritic rats. In conclusion, diosmin, trolox, and their combination, which was the most potent, exerted anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by suppressing NF-κB signaling, inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases, and activating Nrf2.

Evaluating the anti-arthritic potential of walnut (Juglans regia L.) in FCA induced Sprague Dawley rats

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune progressive disease, associated with many pathophysiological consequences. Owing to the adverse effects and higher costs of pharmaceuticals, people are now looking for complementary and alternative remedies. In this milieu, the present study was designed to explore the therapeutic potential of walnuts against FCA-induced arthritis in rat models. Purposely, 50 Sprague Dawley rats were housed in a well-ventilated animal room and separated into 5 groups of 10 rats each. The rats were categorized as G₀ (negative control), G₁ (positive control, i.e., FCA induced untreated arthritic rats), G₂ (arthritic rats treated with MTX), G₃ (arthritic rats treated with walnut feed), and G₄ (arthritic rats treated with walnut extract), with an efficacy trial lasting for 42 days. The physical analysis explicated that paw swelling was significantly improved by 10%-12.8% in treatment groups after the intervention when compared with positive control. Moreover, biochemical analyses revealed significantly lower levels of ESR, CRP, and RF in rats treated with walnut-based interventions when compared to positive control. ESR values were decreased by 62.4% and 69.92% in G₃ and G₄ , whereas CRP levels were improved by 56.20% and 77.78% in G₃ and G₄ when compared with G₁ . Likewise, RF values decreased in G₂ , G₃ , and G₄ by 64.71%, 55.88%, and 69.24%, respectively when compared to G₁ . The histological examination demonstrated the potential role of walnut-based interventions in reducing the severity of disease by decreasing cell infiltration, bone erosion, and paw inflammation. Meanwhile, the gene expression analysis revealed that walnut-based interventions protected the paw joints from damage by downregulating the RANKL-OPG pathway. Conclusively, walnut feed and extract may serve as potent anti-arthritic interventions with no side effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Plant-based therapeutics are effective in the prevention and management of various chronic diseases. The current research explored the anti-arthritic potential of walnuts. Walnut feed and extract effectively reduced the serum arthritic biomarkers as well as downregulated the genes involved in bone destruction. Thus, the inclusion of dietary ingredients having therapeutic potential such as walnuts may be synchronized in clinical practices to ameliorate arthritis.

Investigation of the effects of safranal on the experimentally created rheumatoid arthritis model in rats

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic disease characterized by inflammation and synovitis. More effective treatment methods with less side effects need to be developed. In this context, current study investigated the therapeutic effects of safranal in a model of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced RA. The control group was given 1 ml of saline orally starting from the 8th day, and 0.2 ml of CFA was given to the RA, RA + Safranal and RA + Methotrexate (MTX) groups on the 0th day of the experiment. Starting from the 8th day of the experiment, 1 ml of saline was given to the RA group, safranal was given at 200 mg/kg of body weight to the RA + MTX group, and 3 mg/kg of MTX to the RA + MTX group twice a week. The results showed that weight gain decreased in the RA group compared to the control group while arthritis index score, thymus index, and planter temperature were found to be increased. Additionally, a deterioration in blood parameters, an increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, C-reactive protein, and malondialdehyde levels, and a decrease in reduced glutathione levels and glutathione peroxidase and catalase (CAT) activities were seen while tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2, nuclear factor kappa B levels were found to be increased. However, the safranal had a regulatory effect on all the values, except IL-6 and CAT, and blood parameters. Moreover, histopathological examination revealed that safranal reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and edema.

Bioactive Constituents and Toxicological Evaluation of Selected Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants of Saudi Arabia

The purpose of this review is to summarize the available antidiabetic medicinal plants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its phytoconstituents and toxicological findings supporting by the latest literature. Required data about medicinal plants having antidiabetic activities and growing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were searched/collected from the online databases including Wiley, Google, PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Keywords used in search are in vivo antidiabetic activities, flora of Saudi Arabia, active ingredients, toxicological evaluations, and medicinal plants. A total of 50 plant species belonging to 27 families were found in the flora of Saudi Arabia. Dominant family was found Lamiaceae with 5 species (highest) followed by Moraceae with 4 species. β-Amyrin, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rutin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol are the very common bioactive constituents of these selected plant species. This paper has presented a list of antidiabetic plants used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Bioactive antidiabetic phytoconstituents which showed that these plants have hypoglycemic effects and highly recommended for further pharmacological purposes and to isolate/identify antidiabetes mellitus (anti-DM) active agents also need to investigate the side effects of active ingredients.

A comprehensive review on Sesamum indicum L.: Botanical, ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacological aspects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sesamum indicum L. (Pedaliaceae) is an annual plant, which has been domesticated for well over 5000 years. It is widely cultivated for its seeds and is one of the oldest known oilseed crops. Traditionally, its seeds, seed oil, and different organs of the plant have been used to treat various diseases or conditions like ulcers, asthma, wound healing, amenorrhea, hemorrhoids, inflammations, etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The main aim of this review is to provide an outline and to assess the reported ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies of Sesamum indicum L.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive literature survey was done on various search engines like PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Science direct, etc. Other literature sources like Wikipedia, Ethnobotanical books, Chapters were also studied to get maximum information possible on the Sesamum indicum L.

RESULTS

Over 160 different phytochemical compounds have been characterized and isolated from seeds, seed oil, and various plant organs, including lignans, polyphenols, phytosterols, phenols, anthraquinones, naphthoquinones, triterpenes, cerebroside, fatty acids, vitamins, proteins, essential amino acids, and sugars using suitable analytical techniques (e.g., LC-MS, GC-MS, HPTLC, HPLC). All the reported pharmacological activities like antioxidant, anticancer, antipyretic, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory are due to the virtue of these phytochemical compounds.

CONCLUSION

This review mainly highlights the botanical aspect of Sesamum indicum and its phytochemical constituents, ethnomedicinal uses, different pharmacological activities followed by ongoing clinical trials and future prospects. Sesamum indicum has great importance in traditional Indian medicine, which is further supported by modern pharmacological studies, especially in hepatoprotection, inflammation, and cancer. Several researchers have suggested that Sesamum indicum extracts and isolated compounds could have a wide therapeutic potency range. More research is needed to uncover key features of Sesamum indicum in medical practice, such as structure-activity relationships, toxicity, and therapeutic potential. In order to fully explore the plant's potential, safety assessments and implementation of an integrated cultivation method are also areas that need to investigate.

Traditional Knowledge of Medicinal Plants Used in the Northeastern Part of Morocco

The knowledge of the plants that are used may provide insight on their properties for further exploration. This study aimed to identify and collect data about medicinal plants used in traditional medicine by the population of the provincial region of Taza, Morocco. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among 200 informants, competent villagers, herbalists, and traditional healers from the provincial region of Taza city through direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. The survey reported 55 plant species belonging to 28 families used in the folk medicine. Informants' results showed that the most frequently used plants were Origanum compactum, Mentha pulegium, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Aloysia citrodora, Calamintha officinalis Moench, and Artemisia herba-alba Asso., with a relative frequency of citation of 76%, 72%, 60%, 42%, 40%, and 30%, respectively. Moreover, in this study, the Lamiaceae family was the most commonly reported plant family, and the leaves were the most frequently used parts of the plants; otherwise, decoction and infusion were the most used modes in the preparation of remedies from medicinal plants in the traditional medicine. The sociodemographic characteristics showed that women use medicinal plants slightly more than men, the illiterate people use the medicinal plant the most, and old people have more information about the medicinal plants than the new generations. The region of Taza of Morocco has an important floristic biodiversity of medicinal plants which are used in traditional medicine practice. This result provides a good database for pharmacological screening in the search for new plants that can contain new bioactive molecules that can be used as a bioactive ingredient of medicament or as a biological alternative in pharmacology.

Transdermal delivery of fluvastatin sodium via tailored spanlastic nanovesicles: mitigated Freund's adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats through suppressing p38 MAPK signaling pathway

The current study aimed to encapsulate fluvastatin sodium (FVS), a member of the statins family possessing pleiotropic effects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), into spanlastic nanovesicles (SNVs) for transdermal delivery. This novel delivery could surmount FVS associated oral encumbrances such as apparent first-pass effect, poor bioavailability and short elimination half-life, hence, accomplishing platform for management of RA. To consummate this objective, FVS-loaded SNVs were elaborated by thin film hydration method, utilizing either Span 60 or Span 80, together with Tween 80 or Brij 35 as an edge activator according to full factorial design (2⁴). Applying Design-Expert^® software, the influence of formulation variables on SNVs physicochemical properties and the optimized formulation selection were explored. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic studies were scrutinized in rats. Furthermore, in Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis, rheumatoid markers, TNF-α, IL-10, p38 MAPK, and antioxidant parameters were measured. The optimum SNVs were nano-scaled spherical vesicles (201.54 ± 9.16 nm), having reasonable entrapment efficiency (71.28 ± 2.05%), appropriate release over 8 h (89.45 ± 3.64%) and adequate permeation characteristics across the skin (402.55 ± 27.48 µg/cm²). The pharmacokinetic study disclosed ameliorated bioavailability of the optimum SNVs gel by 2.79- and 4.59-fold as compared to the oral solution as well as the traditional gel, respectively. Moreover, it elicited a significant suppression of p38 MAPK expression and also significant improvement of all other measured biomarkers. Concisely, the foregoing findings proposed that SNVs can be auspicious for augmenting FVS transdermal delivery for management of RA.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Sesamum indicum L.-A Review

The use of foodstuff as natural medicines has already been established through studies demonstrating the pharmacological activities that they exhibit. Knowing the nutritional and pharmacological significance of foods enables the understanding of their role against several diseases. Among the foods that can potentially be considered as medicine, is sesame or Sesamum indicum L., which is part of the Pedaliaceae family and is composed of its lignans such as sesamin, sesamol, sesaminol and sesamolin. Its lignans have been widely studied and are known to possess antiaging, anticancer, antidiabetes, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Modern chronic diseases, which can transform into clinical diseases, are potential targets of these lignans. The prime example of chronic diseases is rheumatic inflammatory diseases, which affect the support structures and the organs of the body and can also develop into malignancies. In line with this, studies emphasizing the anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of sesame have been discussed in this review.

Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott ethanolic leaf extract and fractions exhibited profound anti-inflammatory activity

OBJECTIVE

Dryopteris filix-mas (D. filix-mas) (L.) Schott, (Dryopteridaceae) is used in traditional medicine, particularly in the Southern parts of Nigeria for the treatment of inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, wounds and ulcers. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of its ethanolic leaf extract and fractions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethanolic leaf extract and fractions were screened for anti-inflammatory properties using egg-albumin-induced paw edema, xylene-induced topical ear edema, formaldehyde-induced arthritis and ulcerogenic models. The ethyl acetate most promising vacuum liquid chromatography fraction (VLC-E7) was purified using size exclusion chromatography technique (Sephadex LH-20) and its structure was elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined.

RESULTS

From the study, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions elicited better anti-inflammatory activities in egg-albumin-induced paw edema, formaldehyde-induced arthritis and xylene-induced topical ear edema. The ethanol extract, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions were non-ulcerogenic at 200 and 400 mg/kg. The compound isolated from Sephadex fraction (SPH-E6) was quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study justify the ethnomedicinal use of D. filix-mas leaf for treatment of inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. We suggest that D. filix-mas could be a prospective anti-inflammatory agent with no gastric irritation side effect, due to its bioactive component, quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside.