Studies on the anti-inflammatory and related pharmacological properties of the aqueous extract of Bridelia ferruginea stem bark

A Review of Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Microbial Infections in Angola

The use of medicinal plants in the management of microbial infections is significant to the health of the indigenous people in many Angolan communities. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of medicinal plants used for the management of microbial infections in Angola. Relevant information was extracted from research articles published and associated with the use of medicinal plants in the management of microbial infections in Angola (from January 1976 to November 2023). Data or information were gathered from the literature sourced from Wiley Online, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, BMC, Elsevier, SpringerLink, PubMed, books, journals and published M.Sc. and Ph.D. thesis. A total of 27 plant species, representing 19 families, were recorded in this study. Hypericaceae (11%), Lamiaceae (11%), Malvaceae (11%), Phyllanthaceae (11%), Fabaceae (16%) and Rubiaceae (16%) were the most predominant families. The leaves are the most used parts (96%), followed by bark (74%) and root (70%). The data revealed that medicinal plants continue to play significant roles in the management of microbial infections in Angola. In order to explore the benefits of the therapeutic potential of indigenous medicinal plants for diseases related to infections; further scientific research studies are important to produce data on their effectiveness using appropriate test models. This approach might assist with the continuing drive regarding the integration of Angolan traditional medicine within mainstream healthcare systems.

Antidiarrheal activity of Bridelia ferruginea bark methanolic extract involves modulation ATPases in mice and inhibition of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3) and prostaglandin E2 receptor 3 (EP3) in silico

OBJECTIVES

Diarrhea, an abnormal state in which the individual has about three or more daily bowel movements, is now considered one of the most challenging global public health problems. Using plant products, such as Bridelia ferruginea is an alternative treatment option. The objective of this study was to investigate the antidiarrheal activity of B. ferruginea bark methanolic extract (BfME) and the mechanisms involved.

METHODS

BfME antidiarrheal activity was evaluated in mice model of castor oil-induced diarrhea and enteropooling. To evaluate motility, gastrointestinal transit time was carried out using phenol red meal, while intestinal activities of selected ATPases were also evaluated. Furthermore, the active components in BfME were detected by GC-MS analysis, while molecular docking of the most abundant compounds with muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3) and prostaglandin E2 receptor 3 (EP3) were conducted.

RESULTS

BfME at 400 and 800 mg/kg showed antidiarrheal activity by delaying onset of diarrhea, reduced gastrointestinal transit and increased intestinal activities of Na+ K+-ATPase, Ca2+ Mg2+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase. Molecular docking revealed that γ-sitosterol, α-amyrin, and stigmasterol have outstanding binding affinity for M3 and EP3.

CONCLUSIONS

In view of these results, the observed antidiarrheal activity possibly occurs via the activation of ATPases activities and inhibition of M3 and EP3.

Bridelia ferruginea Benth.; An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological review

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bridelia ferruginea belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, identified as an important commonly growing shrub, is used in traditional medicine for managing arthritis, dysentery, constipation, chronic diabetes, skin diseases, bladder and intestinal disorders, oral infections, thrush, bites and as an arrow poison antidote. This review aims at providing information on the traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological activities, phytochemistry and toxicity studies of Bridelia ferruginea to bridge the gap between traditional medicinal uses and preclinical studies on B. ferruginea and subsequently lead to the development of valued added medicines from B. ferruginea.

Materials and methods

Data in this review were compiled using databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Springer link, Elsevier and Taylor and Francis, articles from peer reviewed journals and other grey literature (short notes, book chapters, short communications) to access all the relevant information available on B. ferruginea.

Results

B. ferruginea contains different phytochemicals including flavonoids, phenolics, phytosterols, triterpenes, saponins, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. Gallocatechin-(4′-O-7)-epigallocatechin, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 1,3,4,5-tetracaffeoylquinic acid and some derivatives of 3-methoxyflavone, such as quercetin-3-methyl ether, quercetin 3-,7,3′,4′-tetramethyl ether, myricetin 3′,4′,5′-trimethyl ether, myricetin 3,3′,4′,5′-tetramethyl ether, myricetin and quercetin 3-O-glucoside specific flavonoids and biflavonoids like apigenin, kaempferol and glycosides of both have been isolated and further characterized from B. ferruginea. B. ferruginea has several pharmacologically beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-infective, antipyretic, analgesic, diuretic and natriuretic activities.

Conclusion

The wide distribution, traditional medicinal uses and wealth of phytochemicals present in B. ferruginea suggests that the plant can be useful in lead compound discovery. Although B. ferruginea has been widely studied, further studies on the mechanism of action, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and side effects in humans need to be investigated.

From Traditional Ethnopharmacology to Modern Natural Drug Discovery: A Methodology Discussion and Specific Examples

Ethnopharmacology, through the description of the beneficial effects of plants, has provided an early framework for the therapeutic use of natural compounds. Natural products, either in their native form or after crude extraction of their active ingredients, have long been used by different populations and explored as invaluable sources for drug design. The transition from traditional ethnopharmacology to drug discovery has followed a straightforward path, assisted by the evolution of isolation and characterization methods, the increase in computational power, and the development of specific chemoinformatic methods. The deriving extensive exploitation of the natural product chemical space has led to the discovery of novel compounds with pharmaceutical properties, although this was not followed by an analogous increase in novel drugs. In this work, we discuss the evolution of ideas and methods, from traditional ethnopharmacology to in silico drug discovery, applied to natural products. We point out that, in the past, the starting point was the plant itself, identified by sustained ethnopharmacological research, with the active compound deriving after extensive analysis and testing. In contrast, in recent years, the active substance has been pinpointed by computational methods (in silico docking and molecular dynamics, network pharmacology), followed by the identification of the plant(s) containing the active ingredient, identified by existing or putative ethnopharmacological information. We further stress the potential pitfalls of recent in silico methods and discuss the absolute need for in vitro and in vivo validation as an absolute requirement. Finally, we present our contribution to natural products' drug discovery by discussing specific examples, applying the whole continuum of this rapidly evolving field. In detail, we report the isolation of novel antiviral compounds, based on natural products active against influenza and SARS-CoV-2 and novel substances active on a specific GPCR, OXER1.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of methanol extract of red cultivar Allium cepa bulbs in rats and mice

OBJECTIVES

Several cultivars of Allium cepa L. have been studied for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities but there is inadequate information on such biological activities of the concentrated extracts of the Nigerian grown red cultivar A. cepa bulb.

METHODS

The anti-inflammatory models used in this study were Carrageenan-induced paw oedema and formalin-induced paw lick in rats, while acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, hot plate reaction, hot water tail flick tests in mice were the analgesic models.

RESULTS

At 30 min post-induction (pi), the inhibition of paw oedema (62.50%) by 200 mg/kg of methanol extract of red cultivar A. cepa bulb (MERCACB) was significantly (p<0.001) higher than that of indomethacin (15.63%) at 10 mg/kg. The paw oedema inhibition at 60 min pi by MERCACB (76.92%) was significantly higher than that of indomethacin (41.03%). At the early phase of formalin paw-lick test, the pain reaction time (PRT) of rat treated with MERCACB (400 mg/kg) was significantly lower than that of indomethacin and the control groups. The hotplate test revealed that PRT of mice treated with 800 mg/kg of MERCACB were significantly (p<0.01) longer in comparism to indomethacin and control groups. The PRT of mice subjected to thermal pain due to hot water and treated with 800 mg/kg of MERCACB was significantly (p<0.05) longer than that of the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that MERCACB possesses potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which confirm the traditional use of the plant for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and may be useful as a future therapeutic agent.

Alterations in histological, biochemical and hematological parameters in Plasmodium berghei NK-65 infected balb/c mice treated with Bridelia ferruginea stem bark extract

BACKGROUND

Recent ethnomedicinal studies on Bridelia ferruginea Benth (family Phyllanthaceae) as an antiplasmodial remedy have established its potency as a strong prophylactic and chemosuppressive agent. Human consumption of medicinal herbs without adequate evaluation of its efficacy and safety can result in grave physiological and pathological consequences. Therefore, this study assessed the antiplasmodial bioactivity, biochemical, hematological, histopathological and toxicity profile of the ethanolic stem bark extract of B. ferruginea in mice.

METHODS

Ethanolic stem bark extract of B. ferruginea (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) were orally administered to Plasmodium berghei-infected mice in models and were subsequently observed for mortality, behavioral changes and signs of toxicity. Acute evaluation was experimented at 1,000 mg/kg for 28 days. Occult blood obtained from the euthanized mice were subjected to biochemical and hematological assays. A comprehensive assessment of the histology of the liver and kidney was also ascertained. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) was determined and extrapolated using the regression equation obtained from the plot of the probits of mortalities (y) and the log of doses (log₁₀C).

RESULTS

Different concentrations of the phytochemical secondary metabolites were revealed. Antiplasmodial bioactivity was established at the 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of the herbal extract with a dearth in parasitemia at different days post-treatment. The 800 mg/kg group responded by exhibiting a dose-dependent decrease in parasitemia comparable with the chloroquine bi-phosphate group. Significant alterations in the histology of the liver and kidney of the 1,000 mg/kg group was documented. There was a reduction in the titers of LDH, ALT, AST, and urea in the treated group when compared with the control (p < 0.05). Antioxidant profiles were also highly significant with elevation in SOD, GPx, and CAT, but a reduction in MDA. LD₅₀ was established at 424 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

B. ferruginea Benth (family Phyllanthaceae) is a potent antiplasmodial, antioxidant, regenerative and ameliorative herbal remedy if administered in controlled dosage.

Bridelia speciosa Müll.Arg. Stem bark Extracts as a Potential Biomedicine: From Tropical Western Africa to the Pharmacy Shelf

Bridelia species have been used in traditional African medicine for the management of diverse human ailments. In the current work, the detailed phytochemical profiles of the extracts of the stem bark of B. speciosa were evaluated and the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of the extracts were assessed. The anti-bacterial and anti-mycotic effects of the extracts were evaluated against selected pathogen strains. Additionally, the anti-proliferative effects were studied on the liver cancer HepG2 cell line. Finally, the putative protective effects were assessed on isolated rat liver that was challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results revealed the presence of 36 compounds in the ethyl acetate extract, 44 in the methanol extract, and 38 in the water extract. Overall, the methanol extract showed the highest antioxidant activity, particularly in LPS-stimulated rat liver. Additionally, this extract exerted the highest antimycotic effect on C. albicans, whereas the water extract showed a promising anti-proliferative effect on liver cancer HepG2 cells. The methanol extract was also the most active as enzyme inhibitor, against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. The current study appraises the antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties of B. speciosa methanol extract and showed that this specie could be a promising source of biologically active phytochemicals, with potential health uses.

African Herbal Remedies with Antioxidant Activity: A Potential Resource Base for Wound Treatment

The use of traditional herbal remedies as alternative medicine plays an important role in Africa since it forms part of primary health care for treatment of various medical conditions, including wounds. Although physiological levels of free radicals are essential to the healing process, they are known to partly contribute to wound chronicity when in excess. Consequently, antioxidant therapy has been shown to facilitate healing of such wounds. Also, a growing body of evidence suggests that, at least, part of the therapeutic value of herbals may be explained by their antioxidant activity. This paper reviews African herbal remedies with antioxidant activity with the aim of indicating potential resources for wound treatment. Firstly, herbals with identified antioxidant compounds and, secondly, herbals with proven antioxidant activity, but where the compound(s) responsible for the activity has not yet been identified, are listed. In the latter case it has been attempted to ascribe the activity to a compound known to be present in the plant family and/or species, where related activity has previously been documented for another genus of the species. Also, the tests employed to assess antioxidant activity and the potential caveats thereof during assessment are briefly commented on.

Toxicological evaluation of the aqueous stem bark extract of Bridelia ferruginea (Euphorbiaceae) in rodents

Bridelia ferruginea is a woody shrub that grows in the Savannah or rain forests of Africa and has traditionally been used to treat diabetes, arthritis and boils. Despite all these uses, extensive toxicological evaluation has not been carried out. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the sub-chronic toxicological effects of the stem bark aqueous extract of Bridelia ferruginea in rats. The lethal dose (LD₅₀) was determined using probit analysis and graded doses of the extract (250–4000 mg/kg) were administered to the animals via oral and intraperitoneal routes and observed for mortality, behavioral changes and signs of toxicity. Sub-chronic toxicity study was carried out at doses of 1 000, 2 000 and 4 000 mg/kg administered daily for 60 days. The animals were sacrificed after 60 days. Blood was collected for biochemical (renal and hepatic), hematological, oxidative stress, sperm and histopathological examinations, using standard methods. LD₅₀ of the extract was estimated as >4 000 mg/kg orally; neither significant visible signs of toxicity nor mortality were observed. There were no significant differences in the animals and organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters in the treated groups compared to the control group. However, a significant increase (p<0.05) in the level of lipid peroxidation and a significant (p<0.05) decrease in sperm count were observed in the treated animals compared with the control group. The stem-bark aqueous extract of Bridelia ferruginea was found to be relatively safe, though it has the potential to cause lipid peroxidation and damage sperm quality and should thus be used with caution.

Anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and antioxidant effects of methanolic extracts of Drypetes sepiaria (Euphorbiaceae)

The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of the petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts obtained from leaves of Drypetes sepiaria (Euphorbiaceae). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of these crude extracts were determined as gallic acid and quercetin equivalents, respectively. In in vitro antioxidant method, methanol extract exhibited higher free radical scavenging activity compared to standard compound, ascorbic acid with IC₅₀ of 95.43 µg/ml (DPPH) and 67.05 µg/ml (ABTS). Methanol extract was able to inhibit inflammation by in vitro about 85-90% (HRBC stabilization method) and in vivo about 40-45% (Paw oedema method) anti-inflammatory assays compared to standard produced 50.04% at 6 h period. In cytotoxicity assay (MTT assay) methanolic extract exhibited IC₅₀ of 10 µg/ml. In apoptosis (flow cytometric assay), the control group showed normal caspase 3 activity in the SiHa cells which was 0.24%, and increased up to 40% after treatment.

A newly synthesized sinapic acid derivative inhibits endothelial activation in vitro and in vivo

Inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) may represent a new therapeutic strategy against endothelial activation. Sinapic acid (SA), a phenylpropanoid compound, is found in natural herbs and high-bran cereals and has moderate antioxidant activity. We aimed to develop new SA agents with the properties of antioxidation and blocking EC activation for possible therapy of cardiovascular disease. We designed and synthesized 10 SA derivatives according to their chemical structures. Preliminary screening of the compounds involved scavenging hydroxyl radicals and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(⋅)), croton oil-induced ear edema in mice, and analysis of the mRNA expression of adhesion molecules in ECs. 1-Acetyl-sinapic acyl-4-(3'-chlorine-)benzylpiperazine (SA9) had the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the effect of SA9 was further studied. SA9 inhibited tumor necrosis factor α-induced upregulation of adhesion molecules in ECs at both mRNA and protein levels, as well as the consequent monocyte adhesion to ECs. In vivo, result of face-to-face immunostaining showed that SA9 reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in mouse aortic intima. To study the molecular mechanism, results from luciferase assay, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, and Western blot indicated that the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects of SA9 might be suppression of intracellular generation of ROS and inhibition of NF-κB activation in ECs. SA9 is a prototype of a novel class of antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects in ECs. It may represent a new therapeutic approach for preventing endothelial activation in cardiovascular disorders.

Bridelia ferruginea Produces Antineuroinflammatory Activity through Inhibition of Nuclear Factor-kappa B and p38 MAPK Signalling

Bridelia ferruginea is commonly used in traditional African medicine (TAM) for treating various inflammatory conditions. Extracts from the plant have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory property in a number of in vivo models. In this study the influence of B. ferruginea (BFE) on the production of PGE₂, nitrite, and proinflammatory cytokines from LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia was investigated. The effects of BFE on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expressions were evaluated in LPS-activated rat primary microglia. The roles of NF-κB and MAPK signalling in the actions of BFE were also investigated. BFE (25–200 μg) inhibited the production of PGE₂, nitrite, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as COX-2 and iNOS protein expressions in LPS-activated microglial cells. Further studies to elucidate the mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of BFE revealed interference with nuclear translocation of NF-κBp65 through mechanisms involving inhibition of IκB degradation. BFE prevented phosphorylation of p38, but not p42/44 or JNK MAPK. It is suggested that Bridelia ferruginea produces anti-inflammatory action through mechanisms involving p38 MAPK and NF-κB signalling.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity Is a Possible Mechanism by Which the Polyherbal Formulation Comprised of Nigella sativa (Seeds), Hemidesmus indicus (Root), and Smilax glabra (Rhizome) Mediates Its Antihepatocarcinogenic Effects

The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a polyherbal decoction comprised of Nigella sativa, Hemidesmus indicus, and Smilax glabra in order to justify its claimed antihepatocarcinogenic activity. Activation of hepatic nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), IκB kinase (IKK α/β) proteins, and TNFα and IL-6 expression was investigated in diethylnitrosamine- (DEN-) induced C3H mice-bearing early hepatocarcinogenic changes. Acute phase inflammatory response was evaluated by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema formation. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms were also assessed by determining effect on (a) membrane stabilization, (b) nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity, and (c) inhibition of leukocyte migration. A significant inhibition of the paw edema formation was observed in healthy rats as well as in rats bearing early hepatocarcinogenic changes with oral administration of the decoction. As with the positive control, indomethacin (10 mg/kg b.w.) the inhibitory effect was pronounced at 3rd and 4th h after carrageenan injection. A notable IKK α/β mediated hepatic NF-κB inactivation was associated with a significant hepatic TNFα downregulation among mice-bearing hepatocarcinogenic changes subjected to decoction treatment. Inhibition of NO production, leukocyte migration, and membrane stabilization are possible mechanisms by which anti-inflammatory effect is mediated by the decoction. Overall findings imply that anti-inflammatory activity could be one of the mechanisms by which the decoction mediates its antihepatocarcinogenic effects.

Evaluation of the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of extracts from Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd

Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd., as a pharmaceutical supplement, is widely used in northern China to treat respiratory diseases. Our previous studies showed the ethanol extract of P. bretschneideri had significant anti-inflammatory activity. To isolate and identify the active ingredients, the ethanol extract was separated into petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous fractions. The bioactivity of each fraction was investigated using an in vivo model. Results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the strongest anti-inflammatory effect. Subsequently, this fraction was subjected to separation and purification using silica gel column chromatography, C18-ODS, and recrystallization, leading to two sterols and two triterpenes, which were identified as β-sitosterol, daucosterol, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid. Moreover, all of the isolated compounds could significantly inhibit the ear edema induced by xylene. These results indicated that P. bretschneideri had good anti-inflammatory effects and the constituents β-sitosterol, daucosterol, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid might well account for it.

The genus Bridelia: a phytochemical and ethnopharmacological review

Approximately 60 species of Bridelia, (Phyllanthaceae) are found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, mainly in Africa and Asia. Several Bridelia species are used in popular medicines as antiamebic, antianemic, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, anti-diabetic, antidiarrhoeal, antihelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antinociceptive, antiviral, hypoglycemic and for abdominal pain, cardiovascular, gynecological and sexual diseases. The present paper reviews the traditional usage, the biological activities and the correlated chemical compounds of Bridelia species with emphasis on the validation of the ethnopharmacological uses. The findings in some Bridelia species of, for example, gallocatechin-(4'-O-7)-epigallocatechin (1), quercetin (2), myricetin glycosides (5-6), bridelone (11), bridelonine (12), isoflavone may justify the uses of these species against pains in African and Asian traditional medicines.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic potency of carboxyamidotriazole, a tumorostatic agent

Carboxyamidotriazole (CAI) is a calcium influx inhibitor that is undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of various human cancers following the identification of its antiproliferative and antimetastatic activities. The exact mechanism of its action is not clearly understood, and whether it has other functions besides the established antitumor activity has not been reported either. In the present study, we demonstrate for the first time that CAI possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities using a variety of animal models, including croton oil-induced ear edema, cotton-induced granuloma, rat adjuvant-induced arthritis, acetic acid-induced writhing, and the formalin test. We also show that CAI significantly inhibits local vascular permeability stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor or histamine and decreases tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta levels at the site of inflammation and in serums, which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effect. These data suggest that CAI is a promising anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, and they provide new insight into the biological activity of the drug.

Anti-inflammatory activity of arctigenin from Forsythiae Fructus

Oleaceae Forsythiae Fructus has been used for anti-inflammatory, diuretics, antidote, and antibacterials in traditional herbal medicine. Our previous screening of medicinal plants showed that methanol (MeOH) extract of Forsythiae Fructus had significant anti-inflammatory activity, but the active ingredients remain unclear. For isolation of active ingredient of MeOH extract of Forsythiae Fructus, it was partitioned with n-hexane and ethylacetate (EtOAc), and arctigenin was isolated from EtOAc fraction by column chromatography with anti-inflammatory activity-guided separation. Its activity was evaluated in the animal models of inflammation including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activities in the edematous tissues homogenate, and silica-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the RAW 264.7 cell line. It was shown that arctigenin (100 mg/kg) had significantly decreased not only carrageenan-induced paw edema 3 and 4h after injection of carrageenan, arachidonic acid (AA)-induced ear edema at a painting dose of 0.1-1.0mg/ear, and acetic acid-induced writhing response and acetic acid-induced capillary permeability accentuation at an oral dose of 25-100, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, but also MPO and EPO activities at a painting dose of 0.1-1.0mg/ear in the AA-induced edematous tissues homogenate as indicators of neutrophils and eosinophils recruitment into the inflamed tissue. Further, arctigenin (0.1-10 microM) also significantly inhibited the intracellular ROS production by silica. These results indicate that arctigenin is a bioactive agent of Forsythiae Fructus having significant anti-inflammatory action by inhibition of the exudation, and leukocytes recruitment into the inflamed tissues. The pharmacologic mechanism of action of arctigenin may be due to the inhibition of release/production of inflammatory mediators such as AA metabolites and free radicals.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of a fraction rich in gaultherin isolated from Gaultheria yunnanensis (FRANCH.) REHDER

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of a salicylate derivatives fraction (SDF) isolated from Gaultheria yunnanensis (FRANCH.) REHDER and the mechanisms of actions were investigated in the present study. The major constituent of SDF, which represented around 50% of this fraction, was a methyl salicylate diglycoside named gaultherin. SDF showed a significant inhibition on the hind paw edema in rats (200, 400 mg/kg body wt., p.o.) and ear swelling in mice (200, 400, 800 mg/kg body wt., p.o.) caused by carrageenin and croton oil, respectively. In addition, SDF (400, 800 mg/kg body wt., p.o.) inhibited only the second phase (inflammatory) in the formalin test, and showed no effect in the hot-plate test in mice. The antinociceptive activity of SDF was predominantly peripheral and independent of the opioid system. These findings demonstrate that SDF from Gaultheria yunnanensis (FRANCH.) REHDER possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, which may be mediated, at least partly, through the suppression of inflammatory mediators or their release suggested by the animal experiment. The observed effects of SDF are probably due to the presence of high content of salicylate derivatives (80%), including gaultherin, MSTG-A and MSTG-B.

Antiinflammatory effects of a combined herbal preparation (RAH13) of Phellodendron amurense and Coptis chinensis in animal models of inflammation

In an attempt to develop an antiinflammatory herbal remedy that is as potent as current synthetic medicines, the cortex of Phellodendron amurense Rupr (Rutaceae) and the rhizomes of Coptis chinensis Franch (Ranunculaceae) were combined in a 2:1 ratio. This ratio was chosen based on in vitro experiments and traditional Asian medicine prescriptions. The combined ethanol extract, named RAH13, was evaluated for antiinflammatory properties using animal models of acute inflammation such as the croton oil-induced ear edema test and an acetic acid-induced capillary permeability test. Models of chronic inflammation were also tested using the cotton pellet test and a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) test. Oral administration of RAH13 at a dose of 200 mg/kg showed in vivo antiinflammatory activity as potent as the effects associated with 100 mg/mL of celecoxib or 1 mg/kg of dexamethasone. These effects were seen in both acute and chronic inflammation models, suggesting that RAH13 may be effective in controlling some inflammation-related diseases.

Anti-inflammatory and related pharmacological activities of cultured mycelia and fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris

This study aimed to elucidate pharmacological activities of Cordyceps militaris. The 70% ethanolic extracts of cultured mycelia (CME) and fruiting bodies (FBE) of Cordyceps militaris were prepared. CME was able to directly scavenge the stable free radical diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), indicating its antioxidant activity. Both CME and FBE showed topical anti-inflammatory activity in the croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. CME was found to contain acute anti-inflammatory activity, which was evaluated using the carrageenin-induced edema, and also strong antinociceptive activity in writhing test. CME and FBE contain potent inhibitory activity on the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) angiogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. Cordycepin, a metabolite of Cordyceps militaris, appeared to be at least partly responsible for its anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activities. CME concentration-dependently inhibited the NO production and iNOS expression upon stimulation by lipoposaccharide in RAW 264.7, a murine macrophage cell line. In brief, we demontrate that Cordyceps militaris possesses anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activites, and related antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, and NO production-inhibitory activities.

Antiinflammatory effects of genipin, an active principle of gardenia

Genipin, the aglycone of geniposide, is metabolically produced from the geniposide in body tissues. The purpose of this study is to clarify some pharmacological actions of genipin. Genipin showed concentration-dependent inhibition on lipid peroxidation induced by Fe++/ascorbate in rat brain homogenate. Genipin exhibited significant topical antiinflammatory effect shown as an inhibition of croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is increased in inflammatory diseases and leads to cellular injury. Genipin concentration-dependently (50-300 microM) inhibited NO production and iNOS expression upon stimulation by lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in RAW 264.7, a murine macrophage cell line. Genipin markedly blocked lipopolysaccharide-evoked degradation of inhibitor-kappaB-beta (IkappaB-beta), indicating that it exhibits inhibitory effect on NO production through the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation. It was also shown to contain potent antiangiogenic activity in a dose-dependent manner, which was detected by chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay. In summary, we demonstrate that genipin possesses antiinflammatory and is a specific hydroxyl radical scavenger. Its antiangiogenic and NO production-inhibitory properties are also presented.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Mallotus spodocarpus Airy shaw

The chloroform extract from the roots of Mallotus spodocarpus was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in animal models. In acute inflammatory models, the extract significantly inhibited ethyl phenylpropiolate-induced ear edema and carrageenin- and arachidonic acid-induced hind paw edema in rats. In the chronic inflammatory model using the cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats, the extract exhibited inhibitory activity on the formation of granuloma. The extract also elicited pronounced inhibitory effect on acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice in the analgesic test. The results obtained suggest marked anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of the extract.

Anti-inflammatory properties of Bridelia ferruginea stem bark. Inhibition of lipopolysaccaride-induced septic shock and vascular permeability

The anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of Bridelia ferruginea stem bark was further evaluated in models which are mediated by tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha). The effect of the extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic shock was evaluated by measuring the number of deaths and the levels of serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases following intraperitoneal injection of LPS (1 microg/kg) into D-galactosamine-primed mice. LPS-induced vascular permeability on the back skin of mice was measured by the local accumulation of Evan's blue after subcutaneous injection of LPS. Pre-treatment with Bridelia ferruginea extract (10-80 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the septic shock syndrome in mice, with 80 mg/kg of the extract exhibiting comparable activity as pentoxifylline (100 mg/kg). LPS-induced dye leakage in the skin of mice was also suppressed by the extract (10-80 mg/kg). Our study suggests that one of the mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of Bridelia ferruginea possibly involve the suppression of TNFalpha up-regulation.