Anti-inflammatory evaluation of Coronopus didymus in the pleurisy and paw oedema models in mice

Assessment of natural low molecular weight organic acids in facilitating cadmium phytoextraction by Lepidium didymus (Brassicaceae)

The present study examined the ability of three naturally occurring low molecular weight organic acids (tartaric, TA; citric, CA; and oxalic, OA) to improve the efficiency of cadmium (Cd) phytoextraction in Lepidium didymus L. (Brassicaceae). The plants were grown in soil containing three different concentrations, i.e., 35, 105, and 175 mg kg-1, of total Cd and 10 mM of TA, CA, and OA. After 6 weeks, plant height, dry biomass, photosynthetic traits, and metal accumulation were determined. All three organic chelants significantly increased the Cd accumulation in L. didymus plants; however, the greatest accumulation was seen with TA (TA > OA > CA). In general, Cd accumulation was the highest in the roots, followed by the stems, and the leaves. Highest BCFStem was observed upon the addition of TA (7.02) and CA (5.90) at Cd35, compared to Cd-alone (3.52) treatment. The BCF was the highest in the stem (7.02) and leaves (3.97) under Cd35 treatment supplemented with TA. The BCFRoot in the plants under different chelant treatments were in the following order: Cd35 + TA (~ 100) > Cd35 + OA (~ 84) > Cd35 + TA (~ 83). The stress tolerance index and translocation factor (root-stem) were maximal at Cd175 with TA and OA supplementation, respectively. The study concludes that L. didymus could be a viable option for Cd-remediation projects, and the addition of TA improved its phytoextraction efficiency.

Appraisal of anti-arthritic potential of Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm. aqueous extract and its safety study in Wistar rats

The current study aimed to find out the anti-arthritic activity and safety study of Coronopus didymus aqueous extract (CDAE) as well as its chemical characterization by HPLC-DAD. Safety study including acute and subacute toxicity studies of the plant aqueous extract was also performed. In complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic model (CFA), 0.15 ml CFA was injected in the left hind paw at day 1 in all rats except normal rats. Treatment with CDAE at 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg and methotrexate (1 mg/kg) was administered at day 8 and continued till 28th day using oral gavage. The CDAE considerably (p < 0.05) reduced the paw swelling and arthritic score, and reinstated the body weight and blood parameters. The CDAE considerably modulated superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde level in liver homogenate in contrast to disease control. The CDAE at 400 mg/kg considerably reduced IL-6, IL -1β, COX-2, and NF-ĸβ, whereas elevated IL-10, IL-4, and I-kappa β as equated to disease and standard groups. The LD50 of CDAE > 2000 mg/kg. In subacute toxicity study, CDAE at 200-800 mg/kg did not exhibit clinical signs of toxicity, mortality, hematological, biochemical, and histological alteration in the liver heart, kidney, and lungs in contrast to the normal group. It was concluded that the presence of delphinidine-3-glucoside, diosmetin, 3-feruloyl-4,5-dicaffeoyl quinic acid, and gallic acid in CDAE might be accountable for its anti-arthritic activity and safe use for a long period.

Polyphenolic Composition, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative and Antidiabetic Activities of Coronopus didymus Leaf Extracts

Coronopus didymus (Brassicaceae) commonly known as lesser swine cress has been reported to be used for its pharmacological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the medicinal potential of C. didymus extracts against cancer, diabetes, infectious bacteria and oxidative stress and the identification of bioactive compounds present in these extracts. The effects of using different solvents for the extraction of C. didymus on the contents of major polyphenols and biological activities were investigated. Plant sample was shade dried, ground to a fine powder, and then soaked in pure acetone, ethanol and methanol. The highest contents of major polyphenols were found in methanol-based extract, i.e., chlorogenic acid, HB acid, kaempferol, ferulic acid, quercetin and benzoic acid with 305.02, 12.42, 11.5, 23.33, 975.7 and 428 mg/g of dry weight, respectively, followed by ethanol- and acetone-based extracts. The methanol-based extract also resulted in the highest antioxidant activities (56.76%), whereas the highest antiproliferative (76.36) and alpha glucosidase inhabitation (96.65) were demonstrated in ethanol-based extracts. No antibacterial property of C. didymus was observed against all the tested strains of bacteria. Further studies should be focused on the identification of specific bioactive compounds responsible for pharmacological activities.

HPLC -DAD analysis, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potentials of Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm. extracts: effects on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, COX-2, I-κβ, NF-κβ and oxidative stress biomarkers

Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm. (CD) has been traditionally used to treat pain, rheumatism, and inflammation. This study was planned to appraise the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potentials of CD (whole plant) aqueous ethanolic (CDAEE) and aqueous extracts (CDAE) and chemical characterization by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector. In vivo anti-inflammatory (Carrageenan induced paw edema, and Xylene induced ear edema assays) and anti-arthritic potentials were evaluated in Wistar rats. Both extracts showed significant (p < 0.0001) in vitro free radical scavenging and in vitro anti-arthritic potentials by inhibition of protein denaturation and stabilization of the HRBC membrane and anti-oedematogenic potential, whereas more activity was expressed by CDAEE. In complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic model, the CDAEE at 200, 400, and 800 mg kg^-1 and methotrexate (1 mg kg^-1) profoundly (p < 0.05) reduced the arthritic score and paw edema, restored body and immune organ weight, and altered blood parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that CDAEE at 400 mg kg^-1 significantly (p < 0.0001) downregulated TNF-α (2.22 ± 0.16 fold), IL-6 (2.29 ± 0.05 fold), IL-1β (2.10 ± 0.01 fold), COX-2 (2.45 ± 0.02 fold), and NF-ĸβ (2.72 ± 0.06 fold) and considerably upregulated IL-10 (58.84 ± 0.67%), IL-4 (76.16 ± 2.79%) and I-kβ (75.45 ± 0.17%) in arthritic rats in contrast to disease control and methotrexate as evidenced from the joint histology. These findings suggested the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of C. didymus, which might be due to the presence of quercetin, ferulic acid, dihydromyricetin, apigenin, vitexin, and kaempferol in CDAEE.

Cannabis roots: Pharmacological and toxicological studies in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

There are many studies and therapeutic properties attributed to the flowers and leaves of the Cannabis species, but even with few pharmacological studies, Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae) roots presents several therapeutic indications in folk medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic effects as well as the toxicological profile of the aqueous extract of Cannabis sativa roots (CsAqEx) in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We assessed the anti-inflammatory effect with carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration assay, and carrageenan and histamine-induced paw edema methods; The spasmolytic effect was assessed through in vitro assays with isolated mice trachea. To assess motor coordination and mobility, mice went through the rotarod and open field tests, respectively. For the single-dose toxicity study, we administered CsAqEx at the dose of 1000 mg/kg by gavage. In a repeated dose toxicity study, animals received CsAqEx at doses of 25 mg or 100 mg/kg for 28 days.

RESULTS

The CsAqEx inhibited the migration of leukocytes at the doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. The CsAqEx showed anti-inflammatory activity after the intraplantar injection of carrageenan, presenting a reduction in edema formation at all tested doses (12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg). The dose of 12.5 mg/kg of CsAqEx prevented edema formation after intraplantar injection of histamine. In an organ bath, 729 μg/mL of CsAqEx did not promote spasmolytic effect on isolated mice tracheal rings contracted by carbachol (CCh) or potassium chloride (KCl). We did not observe clinical signs of toxicity in the animals after acute treatment with CsAqEx, which suggested that the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) is greater than 1000 mg/kg. Repeated dose exposure to the CsAqEx did not produce significant changes in hematological, biochemical, or organ histology parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of CsAqEx is related to the reduction of vascular extravasation and migration of inflammatory cells, without effects on the central nervous system. Moreover, there was no spasmolytic effect on airway smooth muscle and no toxicity was observed on mice.

Investigating the Impact of Various Parameters On the Activity of Acid Phosphatases from Seedlings of Coronopus didymus

The thermal stability of purified acid phosphatase from the germinating seedlings of Coronopus didymus (Jangli halon) was investigated by studying the impact of various thermodynamic parameters [t_1/2, E_d, ΔH° (enthalpy change), ΔG° (free energy change), and ΔS° (entropy change)] of heat treatment in the temperature range of 55-75 °C. The thermal denaturation of acid phosphatase, assessed by loss in activity, was evidently followed by first-order kinetics, which varies with time and yield during the process of denaturation. The half-life of the enzyme was 693 min at 55 °C. The E_d (activation energy of denaturation) was calculated by the Arrhenius plot (30 kcal mol^-1), and the Z-value was 17.3 °C. The various thermodynamic parameters studied were as follows: ΔH°, the change in enthalpy of inactivation, was 121.93 kJ mol^-1 at 55 °C; ΔG°, the change in free energy of inactivation, was 110.65 kJ mol^-1 at 55 °C; and ΔS°, the change in entropy of inactivation, was 34.39 J mol^-1 k^-1 at 55 °C. This suggests that acid phosphatase activity is thermostable to long heat treatment up to 60 °C.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity and molecular docking study of new aza-bicyclic isoxazoline acylhydrazone derivatives

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of two new isoxazoline-acylhydrazone derivatives: N'-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-6-(4-nitro-benzoyl)-3a,5,6,6a-tetrahydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]isoxazole-3-carbohydrazide (R-123) and N'-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-6-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-3a,5,6,6a-tetrahydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]isoxazole-3-carbohydrazide (R-99). An air pouch induced by carrageenan was used for screening the best dose of R-99 and R-123. Using this mouse model, leukocyte migration and cytokine levels (TNF-α and IL-1β) were determined. Paw edema induced by several phlogistic agents and vascular permeability induced by acetic acid were employed to investigate the mechanism of action of the isoxazoline-acylhydrazone derivatives. A docking study was performed with the human histamine H1 receptor to investigate potential antihistaminic activity. Treatment with the compounds reduced leukocyte migration in the air pouch at all doses tested. TNF-α and IL-1β levels were similarly reduced by the two compounds. Vasoactive amines were inhibited in models of paw edema induced by several agents and vascular permeability induced by acetic acid. The docking study suggests that R-99 and R-123 may be inhibitors of the histamine H1 receptor. In conclusion, the results indicate that R-99 and R-123 exhibit promising anti-inflammatory activity related to their ability to inhibit TNF-α, IL-1β, and vasoactive amine production, as well as reduce leukocyte migration and inhibit mast cell degranulation.

Anti-Edematogenic and Anti-Granuloma Activity of a Synthetic Curcuminoid Analog, 5-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)penta-2,4-dien-1-one, in Mouse Models of Inflammation

Curcumin, derived from the rhizome Curcuma longa, has been scientifically proven to possess anti-inflammatory activity but is of limited clinical and veterinary use owing to its low bioavailability and poor solubility. Hence, analogs of curcuminoids with improved biological properties have been synthesized to overcome these limitations. This study aims to provide the pharmacological basis for the use of 5-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)penta-2,4-dien-1-one (DHHPD), a synthetic curcuminoid analog, as an anti-edematogenic and anti-granuloma agent. The carrageenan-induced paw edema and the cotton pellet-induced granuloma assays were used to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of DHHPD in mice. The effects of DHHPD on the histaminergic, serotonergic, and bradykininergic systems were determined by the histamine-, serotonin-, and bradykinin-induced paw edema tests, respectively. DHHPD (0.1, 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) evoked significant reductions (p < 0.05) in carrageenan-induced paw edema at different time intervals and granuloma formation (p < 0.0001) by 22.08, 32.57, 37.20, and 49.25%, respectively. Furthermore, DHHPD significantly reduced paw edema (p < 0.05) induced by histamine, serotonin, and bradykinin. The present study suggests that DHHPD exerts anti-edematogenic activity, possibly by inhibiting the synthesis or release of autacoid mediators of inflammation through the histaminergic, serotonergic, and bradykininergic systems. The anti-granuloma effect may be attributed to the suppression of transudative, exudative, and proliferative activities associated with inflammation.

The Confrontation between Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacological Tests of Medicinal Plants Associated with Mental and Neurological Disorders

For neurological disorders, pharmacological tests have shown promising results in the reduction of side effects when using plants with known therapeutic effects in the treatment of some types of dementia. Therefore, the goals of this study are to gather data about the major medicinal plants used in the nervous system as described in ethnopharmacological surveys from South America and Brazil and to compare this data with the results from pharmacological tests on the active principles of those same plants found in the scientific literature. After collecting the data about each plant, their respective popular indication was compared with the results found through pharmacological tests. The discrepancy rate between the effects observed by ethnopharmacological and pharmacological methods in this study is greater than 50%. In conclusion, despite the importance of ethnopharmacological data, it is important to make comparisons with pharmacological tests for the same plants, since the pharmacological studies, although few, have shown a high rate of discrepancy in the results.

Measurement of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of aerial parts of medicinal plant Coronopus didymus

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the total phenolic content and compare the antioxidant activity of various solvent extracts and fractions from the aerial parts of Coronopus didymus through various assays.

METHODS

Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the in vitro antioxidant activity of a number of different extracts was investigated in a dose-dependent manner with three different methods: the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. A flavone was isolated from the most active ethanolic extract with high antioxidant activity using size exclusion chromatography. IC₅₀ values were calculated for the DPPH and ABTS methods. The FRAP activity was assessed in terms of μM Fe (II) equivalent.

RESULTS

The phenolic content was found to be highest in the ethanol extract (CDA Et; 47.8 mM GAE) and the lowest in the dichloromethane extract (CDA DCM; 3.13 mM GAE). The ethanol extract showed high radical scavenging activity towards DPPH and ABTS radicals with IC₅₀ values of (7.80 × 10²) and (4.32 × 10²) μg/mL, respectively. The most active ethanol extract had a FRAP value of 1921.7 μM Fe (II) equivalent. The isolated flavone F10C (5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3'-methoxy flavone) was far more effective for scavenging free radicals in the DPPH and ABTS assays with IC₅₀ of 43.8 and 0.08 μg/mL, than the standard trolox, with IC₅₀ values of 97.5 and 21.1 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, the flavone F10C and the standard ascorbic acid had FRAP values of 1621.7 and 16 038.0 μM Fe (II) equivalents, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The total phenolic content of extracts in decreasing order is ethanol extract (CDA Et) > acetone extract (CDA ACE) > phenolic extract (CDA MW) > n-hexane extract (CDA nHX)> chloroform extract (CDA CHL) > dichloromethane extract (CDA DCM). The ordering of extracts in terms of antioxidant activity from highest to lowest is CDA Et > CDA MW > CDA DCM > CDA CHL > CDA ACE > CDA nHX in DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. A significant relationship is found between antioxidant potential and total phenolic content, suggesting that phenolic compounds are the major contributors to the antioxidant activity of C. didymus.

Ethnopharmacological appraisal of culturally important medicinal plants and polyherbal formulas used against communicable diseases in Rodrigues Island

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The tropical island of Rodrigues is one of three islands that constitute the Mascarene archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Currently considered as a biodiversity hotspot, the island has also a resilient history in the use of traditional medicine. However, there has been no ethnopharmacological study to document quantitatively such traditional practice against communicable diseases (CD), which currently accounts for 6.61% annual death and 30.7% attendances in public hospitals. The aim of the present study was to collect, analyse, and document traditionally used medicinal plants (MP) and polyherbal formulas from key informants and traditional medicine practitioners (TMP) in Rodrigues to treat and/or manage common CD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data was collected via face-to-face interviews with MP users (n=113) and TMP (n=9) from 17 key sites. Seven quantitative ethnopharmacological indices, namely family use value (FUV), use value (UV), informant agreement ratio (IAR), relative frequency of citation (RFC), fidelity level (FL), relative importance (RI), and ethnobotanicity index (EI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven plants belonging to 49 families were recorded to be in common use as monotherapy (80 plants) and/or as part of polyherbal preparation (23 plants) for the treatment and/or management of 16 different CD. Thirteen MPs were found to have a maximum FL of 100% for CD. The highest IAR (0.98) was observed for diseases of the eye and adnexa and skin and subcutaneous tissue. The highest FUV was for Arecaceae. Ayapana triplinervis (Vahl) R.M. king et H.Rob. scored the highest UV (UV=2.72). Seven endemic medicinal plants have been recorded to be employed in cultural rituals for the management of common CDs, whereas 14 polyherbal preparations were used to treat and/or manage 6 different types of CDs. Side effects were also reported following use of some these medicinal plants.

CONCLUSION

Given the dearth of updated information on traditional medicine from Rodrigues, this work has provided an opportunity to establish valuable primary information on the different MP used by the local people. Further research is needed to probe into the possible active constituents that could open new perspectives for further pharmacological research and hence be the basis of an evidence-based investigation to discover new drugs.

Bioassay-guided isolation of cytotoxic flavonoids from aerial parts of Coronopus didymus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Coronopus didymus Linn. (Brassicaceae) is a medicinal plant used traditionally as antipyretic, expectorant, to purify blood and for alleviating symptoms of pain, inflammations, malaria, wounds and cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was designed to isolate and identify the cytotoxic compounds responsible for anticancer activity from this traditionally useful medicinal plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanolic extract of aerial parts of C. didymus allowed the isolation of compounds responsible for anticancer activity. Their structures were elucidated by UV Spectroscopy (with shift reagents), ESI-MS and NMR spectral data. Preliminary anticancer activity of ethanolic extract, different fractions and isolated compounds was assessed through MTT in vitro cytotoxicity assay in a dose dependent manner against human cancer cell lines (HeLa and LN18) and normal 293T cells.

RESULTS

Three flavonoids namely 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3'-methoxyflavone-4'-O-β-D-glucoside (1), 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3'-methoxyflavone-4'-O-(6''-acetyl)-β-D-glucoside (2) and 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3'-methoxy flavone (3), were isolated from aerial parts. Compound 1 was identified for the first time from the genus Coronopus. All the compounds 1-3 showed promising activity against HeLa cells with IC50 values of 43.50, 0.63 and 3.67 µM, respectively. Significant result was also obtained with compound 3 against LN18 cells with IC50 value of 46.63 µM.

CONCLUSION

The cytotoxic activity of the crude extract and fractions which may largely be due to its major isolated constituents, flavonoids 1-3, against both HeLa and LN18 cells provides a scientific basis for the ethnopharmacological use of C. didymus as anticancer agent.

Effects of Astaxanthin from Litopenaeus Vannamei on Carrageenan-Induced Edema and Pain Behavior in Mice

Carrageenan produces both inflammation and pain when injected in mouse paws via enhancement of reactive oxygen species formation. We have investigated an effect of astaxanthin extracted from Litopenaeus vannamei in carrageenan-induced mice paw edema and pain. The current study demonstrates interesting effects from astaxanthin treatment in mice: an inhibition of paw edema induced in hind paw, an increase in mechanical paw withdrawal threshold and thermal paw withdrawal latency, and a reduction in the amount of myeloperoxidase enzyme and lipid peroxidation products in the paw. Furthermore the effect was comparable to indomethacin, a standard treatment for inflammation symptoms. Due to adverse effects of indomethacin on cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, our study suggests promising prospect of astaxanthin extract as an anti-inflammatory alternative against carrageenan-induced paw edema and pain behavior.

Antiinflammatory Activity of Hot Water Infusion of Nyctanthes arbo-tristis Flowers

In Sri Lankan ethnomedicate it is claimed the flowers of Nyctanthes arbo-tristis is effective in the treatment of inflammatory conditions but this has not been scientifically validated. This experiment was carried to investigate the antinflammatory potential of hot water infusion of Nyctanthes arbo-tristis flowers. Oral antiinflammatory activity of hot water infusion of Nyctanthes arbo-tristis flowers (concentrations: 3.75, 7.5, 12.5 and 18.75 mg/kg) was assessed in rats using both acute (carrageenan-induced paw oedema assay) and chronic (formaldehyde induced-paw oedema and cotton pellet-granuloma tests) inflammatory models. In an attempt to investigate its mode of action, antihistamine activity (by wheal test), inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis (by enteropooling test), inhibition of Tumor necrosis factor_α secretion (using human mononuclear cells), and suppression of vascular permeability (acetic acid-induced vascular permeability test) and cytotoxicity (Evans blue test) were assessed. In the carrageenan-induced paw oedema test, hot water infusion simultaneously suppressed both initial and late stages of inflammation in an inversely dose related manner. Hot water infusion also inhibited paw oedema in formalin and cotton pellet granuloma tests. In addition, this infusion exhibited marked anti histamine activity, prostaglandin synthesis inhibition and suppression of vascular permeability. These findings scientifically support the traditional use of Nyctanthes arbo-tristis flowers in treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Ethnopharmacological analysis of medicinal plants used against non-communicable diseases in Rodrigues Island, Indian Ocean

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rodrigues is an autonomous outer island that form part of the Republic of Mauritius and one of three islands that constitute the Mascarene archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Though herbal medicine is in common use in Rodrigues, there has been no ethnopharmacological study to document quantitatively such traditional practise particularly against non-communicable diseases (NCD) which is currently a growing major health issue on the island. The aim of the present study was to collect, analyse and document traditionally used medicinal plants (MP) from key informants and traditional medicine practitioners (TMP) in the tropical island of Rodrigues to treat and/or manage common NCD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data was collected via face-to-face interviews with MP users (n=113) and TMP (n=9). Seven quantitative ethnopharmacological indices, namely family use value (FUV), use value (UV), informant agreement ratio (IAR), relative frequency of citation (RFC), fidelity level (FL), relative importance (RI) and ethnobotanicity index (EI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Hundred and three plants belonging to 55 families were recorded for the treatment and/or management of 27 different NCD. Three of the MP (Terminalia bentzoë (L.) L.F, Sarcostemma cf. adontolepis Balf.f. and Clerodendrum laciniatum Balf.f.) recorded are endemic to Rodrigues and 2 (Carissa xylopicron Thouars., Phyllanthus casticum Willemet f.) endemic to the Mascarene Islands. The most solicited MP family was Asteraceae with a total of 8 species. Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle scored the highest RFC (RFC=1.02) value. Ten plants were found to score 100% FL and the highest IAR (0.98) was observed for the disease category of certain conditions originating in the perinatal period. Arecaceae scored the highest FUV value and Ayapana triplinervis (Vahl) R.M. King et H.Rob highest UV (UV= 2.72).

CONCLUSION

Given the dearth of updated information on traditional medicine of Rodrigues, this study can provide an opportunity to establish valuable primary information on the different MP used by the local people and hence can open new perspectives for further pharmacological research.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Trilinolein from Panax notoginseng Through the Suppression of NF-κB and MAPK Expression and Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression

In this study, we have investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of trilinolein (TL) using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophage (RAW264.7) and carrageenan (Carr)-induced mouse paw edema model. When RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with different concentrations of TL together with LPS, a significant concentration-dependent inhibition of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1β), and IL-6 production was detected. Western blotting revealed that TL blocked the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), IκBα, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In the anti-inflammatory test, TL decreased the paw edema at the 5th h after λ-Carr administration in paw edema. We also demonstrated TL significantly attenuated the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the edema paw at the 5th h after Carr injection. TL decreased the NO and TNF-α levels on the serum level at the 5th h after Carr injection. Western blotting revealed that TL decreased Carr-induced iNOS and COX-2 expressions at the 5th h in the edema paw. The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of TL might be related to the decrease in the level of iNOS, COX-2, IκBα, and MAPK pathway through the suppression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.

Evaluation of hemostatic and anti-inflammatory activities of extracts from different Lagochilus species in experimental animals: comparison of different extractives and sources

Different members of Lagochilus genus have been used in folkloric medicine to treat hemorrhages and inflammation. However, only a few species of them have received scientific attention supporting their efficacy. Here, the hemostatic and antiinflammatory activities of five Lagochilus species were determined and compared by using in vivo assays. The results showed that the extracts of Lagochilus lanatonodus and Lagochilus diacanthophyllus showed better hemostatic activities among five species. The high doses of L. lanatonodus extracts were able to shorten the values of thrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time in a rat model. Moreover, the extracts of L. lanatonodus and L. diacanthophyllus showed strong inhibitory effects on the acute phase of inflammation in both xylene-induced ear edema mouse model and carrageenan-induced paw edema rat model. In parallel, the treatment of these extracts modulated the expressions of those inflammatory parameters, that is, nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 , inducible nitric oxide synthase, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. L. lanatonodus and L. diacanthophyllus showed better hemostatic and antiinflammatory activities in several test models: these results therefore supported the folkloric utilization. L. lanatonodus was found to be the most active Lagochilus species.

Anethole and eugenol reduce in vitro and in vivo leukocyte migration induced by fMLP, LTB4, and carrageenan

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of anethole (AN) and eugenol (EUG) on leukocyte migration using in vitro chemotaxis and in situ microcirculation assays. BALB/c mice were used for the in vitro chemotaxis assay, and Wistar rats for the in situ microcirculation assay. We evaluated (a) the in vitro leukocyte migration in response to chemotactic factors (formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine [fMLP] and leukotriene B4 [LTB4]) and (b) the rolling, adhesion, and migration of leukocytes induced by an injection of carrageenan (100 µg/cavity) into the scrotum of the animal. In the in vitro chemotaxis assay, AN and EUG at doses of 1, 3, 9, and 27 µg/ml significantly inhibited leukocyte migration when stimulated by the chemotactic agents fMLP and LTB4. In the in situ microcirculation assay, AN at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg and EUG at a dose of 250 mg/kg significantly decreased the number of leukocytes that rolled, adhered, and migrated to perivascular tissue. The results indicate that AN and EUG exert inhibitory effects on leukocyte migration, highlighting their possible use to diminish excessive leukocyte migration in the inflammatory process.

From popular use to pharmacological validation: a study of the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and healing effects of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chenopodium ambrosioides (Amarantaceae) is an annual or perennial plant popularly known as 'erva de Santa Maria', 'mastruço' and 'erva-do-formigueiro'. This herb is used in folk medicine in the form of teas, poultices and infusions for inflammatory problems, contusions and lung infections, and as an anthelmintic and anti-fungal.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the present study was to further the understanding of the anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects of ethanol extract (EE) obtained from the leaves and stems of Chenopodium ambrosioides in animal models of acute pain, inflammation and wound healing, thus supporting its medicinal use for the treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-nociceptive activity of EE (150-500 mg/kg) was evaluated using the nociception induced by formalin (2.5%), prostaglandin-E(2) (PGE2; 3 nmol/paw), capsaicin (CAP, 1.6 μg/paw) and bradykinin (BK, 10 nmol/paw). The anti-inflammatory activity of EE (150-500 mg/kg) was evaluated in carrageenan- (Cg, 300 μg/paw), PGE(2)- (3 nmol/paw), substance P- (SP, 20 nmol/paw) and BK- (3 nmol/paw) induced paw oedema. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of EE (1%, 3% and 5%) was evaluated in arachidonic acid- (AA, 2mg/ear), oil croton- (1 μg/ear) and CAP- (250 μg/ear) induced ear oedema. The effect of this extract in the inhibition of the influx of neutrophil, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and adenosine-deaminase (ADA) activities and nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-á levels was also determined using the mouse of pleurisy induced by Cg. The excision wound model in rats was used to evaluate the wound healing efficacy of EE (1%, 3% and 5%). To exclude the possible non-specific muscle relaxant or sedative effects of EE, mice motor performance was also evaluated with the rota-rod test.

RESULTS

EE (5% per ear) was effective in reducing ear oedema induced by croton oil by 78.09%, CAP by 70.85% and AA by 77.02%. EE (500 mg/kg; p.o.) also significantly inhibited paw oedema induced by Cg by 40%, PGE(2) by 51%, SP by 56% and BK by 57%. EE (500 mg/kg; p.o.) inhibited the cell influx of leucocytes by 78% and neutrophils by 53%, MPO activity by 62.22% and ADA activity by 23.07%, as well as NO by 77.77% and TNF-á levels by 50% in the fluid leakage due to the carrageenan-induced pleurisy. EE also inhibited the formalin-induced nociceptive in both phases of pain (neurogenic and inflammatory) at a dose of 500 mg/kg, resulting in inhibitions of 77.39% and 95.60%, respectively. EE (500 mg/kg; p.o.) was also effective in inhibiting the nociception induced by PGE(2) (68%), CAP (53%) and BK (32%). Topical application of EE (5%) on excision wounds caused a significant reduction in wound area when compared with the untreated controls. Finally, treatment with EE (150-500 mg/kg) did not show any significant alterations in motor performance or body temperature compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results, including the inhibition of mediators (BK, NO, SP, PGE(2) and TNF-á) and enzyme (MPO and ADA) activity, validate the use of the plant under study for therapeutic treatment of anti-inflammatory, painful and wound healing processes.

Antihypernociceptive activity of anethole in experimental inflammatory pain

Anethole has been reported to have antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, and anesthetic properties. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of anethole in two pain models of inflammatory origin: acute inflammation induced by carrageenan and persistent inflammation induced by Complete Freund's adjuvant. We evaluated the effects of anethole (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) on the development of paw oedema and mechanical hypernociception. The liver was collected for histological analysis. Paw skin was collected to determine the levels of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and myeloperoxidase activity. Blood was collected to assess alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). The chemical composition of star anise oil was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), showing a presence of anethole of 98.1%. Oral pretreatment with anethole in mice inhibited paw oedema, mechanical pernociception, myelopewroxidase activity, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-17 levels in acute and persistent inflammation models. Additionally, anethole treatment did not alter prostaglandin E2-induced mechanical hypernociception. Possible side effects were also examined. Seven-day anethole treatment did not alter plasma AST and ALT levels, and the histological profile of liver tissue was normal. The present study provides evidence of the antiinflammatory and analgesic activities of anethole in acute and persistent inflammation models.

Geopropolis from Melipona scutellaris decreases the mechanical inflammatory hypernociception by inhibiting the production of IL-1β and TNF-α

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The pharmacological activity of geopropolis collected by stingless bees (important and threatened pollinators), a product widely used in folk medicine by several communities in Brazil, especially in the Northeast Region, needs to be studied.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of Melipona scutellaris geopropolis (stingless bee) using different models of nociception.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The antinociceptive activity of the ethanolic extract of geopropolis (EEGP) and fractions was evaluated using writhing induced by acetic acid, formalin test, carrageenan-induced hypernociception, and quantification of IL-1β and TNF-α. The chemical composition was assessed by quantification of total flavonoids and phenolic compounds.

RESULTS

EEGP and its hexane and aqueous fractions showed antinociceptive activity. Both EEGP and its aqueous fraction presented activity in the mechanical inflammatory hypernociception induced by the carrageenan model, an effect mediated by the inhibition of IL-1β and TNF-α. The chemical composition of EEGP and its hexane and aqueous fractions showed a significant presence of phenolic compounds and absence of flavonoids.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that geopropolis is a natural source of bioactive substances with promising antinociceptive activity.

Involvement of Heme Oxygenase-1 Participates in Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus taiwanensis

Anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus taiwanensis (AHT) were used in lipopolysaccharide (LPS-)stimulated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells and carrageenan (Carr-)induced mouse paw edema model. When RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with AHT together with LPS, a concentration-dependent inhibition of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) levels productions were detected. Western blotting revealed that AHT blocked protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and elevated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), significantly. In the animal test, AHT decreased the paw edema at the 4th and the 5th h after Carr administration, and it increased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the paw tissue. We also demonstrated AHT decreased the NO, TNF-α, and PGE2 levels on the serum level at the 5th h after the Carr injection. Western blotting revealed that AHT decreased Carr-induced iNOS, and COX-2, and increased HO-1 expressions at the 5th h in the edema paw. These findings demonstrated that AHT has excellent anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo and thus it has great potential to be used as a source for natural health products.

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Cinnamomum cassia Constituents In Vitro and In Vivo

We have investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Cinnamomum cassia constituents (cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic acid, and coumarin) using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophage (RAW264.7) and carrageenan (Carr)-induced mouse paw edema model. When RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with cinnamic aldehyde together with LPS, a significant concentration-dependent inhibition of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) levels productions were detected. Western blotting revealed that cinnamic aldehyde blocked protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB), and IκBα, significantly. In the anti-inflammatory test, cinnamic aldehyde decreased the paw edema after Carr administration, and increased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the paw tissue. We also demonstrated cinnamic aldehyde attenuated the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the edema paw after Carr injection. Cinnamic aldehyde decreased the NO, TNF-α, and PGE(2) levels on the serum level after Carr injection. Western blotting revealed that cinnamic aldehyde decreased Carr-induced iNOS, COX-2, and NF-κB expressions in the edema paw. These findings demonstrated that cinnamic aldehyde has excellent anti-inflammatory activities and thus has great potential to be used as a source for natural health products.

Phenolic enriched extract of Baccharis trimera presents anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities

Baccharis trimera is a plant popularly used as a tea and to treat gastrointestinal diseases and inflammatory processes as well. The total phenolic content was determined and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of six extracts (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol, aqueous, saponin and phenolic) from B. trimera were evaluated. Using carrageenan-induced pleurisy as a model of acute inflammation, the phenolic extract at 15 mg/kg decreased significantly the analyzed parameters when compared to the carrageenan group (p < 0.05), thus showing potential anti-inflammatory activity. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteau and DPPH methods, respectively. Phenolic and ethyl acetate extracts presented higher antioxidant activity (p < 0.05) than ascorbic acid. The phenolic extract also showed the highest antioxidant potential in relation to the other extracts, thus suggesting that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were due to the presence of phenolic compounds.