Animal models for the study of atypical anti-inflammatory agents

Anti-Inflammatory Activity ofCleome gynandraL. on Hematological and Cellular Constituents in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritic Rats

Cleome gynandra L. (cat whiskers) has traditionally been used for the treatment of rheumatic and other inflammatory conditions. In this work, the methanolic extract of the leaves of C. gynandra exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. Phytochemical screening was carried out to ascertain the qualitative composition of the leaves. Arthritis was induced by Freund's complete adjuvant. A significant decrease in paw edema with a remarkable increase in body weight was observed following oral administration of the leaf extract (150 mg/kg of body weight). The alterations in hematological and other biochemical parameters were restored to near normal after a treatment period of 30 days. These results demonstrate that the plant extract has no harmful effect and exerts in vivo anti-inflammatory properties against adjuvant-induced arthritis.

Antidenaturant drugs for cataract and other condensation diseases

'Condensation diseases' are heterogeneous pathological conditions in which the primary pathogenetic step is the loss of solubility of specific substances, resulting in the formation of a condensed phase. Typical examples are cataract, nephrolithiasis, gallstone disease and certain rheumatic conditions in which protein denaturation, aggregation and precipitation may occur. Since the condensing molecules are often proteins, antidenaturant agents should be considered rational drugs for the treatment of these diseases. Surprisingly, however, only a few molecules with these properties are currently available for therapeutic use, including bendazac for cataract.

Anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activity of Teucrium buxifolium

Teucrium buxifolium Spanish endemic, have traditionally been used for the treatment of rheumatic and other inflammatory affections. In this work, phytochemical screening was carried out to ascertain the qualitative composition of this species and we have studied the anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activity of Teucrium buxifolium. This species has exhibited potent anti-inflammatory properties against experimentally-induced arthritis and carrageenin paw edema. Additionally, Teucrium buxifolium species have displayed significant antiulcer and cytoprotective activity.