Antinociceptive activity of Delonix elata leaf extract

Wound healing activity of Delonix elata stem bark extract and its isolated constituent quercetin-3-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-6) glucopyranoside in rats

Delonix elata L. is a Ceasalpinaceae species and is traditionally used in India for treatment of skin diseases, liver diseases and rheumatic problems. However, systematic evaluation of its wound healing activity is lacking. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to assess the wound healing activity of D. elata stem bark extract (DSE) and its isolated constituent quercetin-3-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-6) glucopyranoside (QRPG) in rats. The formulations effects on wound healing were assessed by the wound contraction rate, epithelialization period, tensile strength, content of the hydroxyproline, hexosamine and uronic acid in granulation tissue, histopathological studies and Col 1 α (I) expression level in wound tissue by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) study. The topical application of DSE ointment caused faster epithelialization, significant wound contraction (100%), and better tensile strength (710.5±10.5 g/cm²), while QRPG showed wound epithelialization with 98.2% contraction, better than that of the control group (78.18%). The biochemical analysis of granulation tissue revealed that DSE and QRPG significantly increased hydroxyproline, hexosamine and uronic acid content. A significant increase in the expression of Col 1 α (I) was observed in the wound tissue of DSE and QRPG treated rats. DSE and QRPG were shown to enhance wound healing by increasing collagen synthesis through up-regulation of Col 1 α (I), thus validating ethnomedicinal uses.

Bioassay guided fractionation and identification of active anti-inflammatory constituent from Delonix elata flowers using RAW 264.7 cells

CONTEXT

Delonix elata (L.) Gamble (Fabaceae) has been used in the Indian traditional medicine system to treat rheumatism and inflammation.

AIM

To assess the anti-inflammatory effect of Delonix elata flowers and to isolate the active principle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The prompt anti-inflammatory constituent was isolated from Delonix elata flower extracts using bioassay guided fractionation in liposaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. The anti-inflammatory activity of extracts/fractions/sub-fractions/compounds (10, 25, and 50 µg/ml) was evaluated by estimating the levels of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-1β after 24 h of LPS induction (1 μg/ml). The isolated active compound was subjected to NMR, IR, and UV analyses for structure determination.

RESULTS

In an attempt to search for anti-inflammatory constituents, the active pure principle was isolated and crystallized as a white compound from Delonix elata flowers methanol extract. This active compound (50 µg/ml) decreased the release of inflammatory mediators levels such as NO (0.263 ± 0.03 µM), TNFα (160.20 ± 17.57 pg/ml), and IL-1β (285.79 ± 15.16 pg/ml) significantly (p < 0.05); when compared to the levels of NO (0.774 ± 0.08 µM), TNFα (501.71 ± 25.14 pg/ml), and IL-1β (712.68 ± 52.25 pg/ml) from LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. The active compound was confirmed as hesperidin with NMR, IR, and UV spectroscopy data. This is the first report of this compound from Delonix elata flowers.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study support the traditional use of Delonix elata flowers to treat inflammation.

Antioxidant and prophylactic effects of Delonix elata L., stem bark extracts, and flavonoid isolated quercetin against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Delonix elata L. (Ceasalpinaceae), is widely used by the traditional medical practitioners of Karnataka, India, to cure jaundice, and bronchial and rheumatic problems. The objective of this study was to screen the in vitro antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of the stem bark extracts against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. Among different stem bark extracts tested, the ethanol extract (DSE) has shown significant in vitro antioxidant property in radicals scavenging, metal chelating, and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. HPLC analysis of the DSE revealed the presence of known antioxidant molecules, namely, gallic acid, ellagic acid, coumaric acid, quercetin, and rutin. Bioassay-guided fractionation of DSE has resulted in the isolation and characterization of quercetin. DSE and quercetin have shown significant prophylactic effects by restoring the liver function markers (AST, ALT, ALP, serum bilirubin, and total protein) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST). These results were proved to be hepatoprotective at par with silymarin and well supported by the histological observations of liver sections with distinct hepatic cells, and mild degree of fatty change and necrosis. The results indicated that the DSE and quercetin were significant for prophylactic activity against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. This activity could be attributed to the antioxidant constituents in the DSE and hence justified the ethnomedicinal claims.

Evaluation of an ethnomedicinal combination containing Semecarpus kurzii and Hernandia peltata used for the management of inflammation

CONTEXT

Scientific validation of an ethnomedicinal combination consisting of Semecarpus kurzii Engler (Anacardeaceae) leaves (SKL) and Hernandia peltata Meisn (Hernandeaceae) stem-bark (HPB), traditionally used in ailments related to inflammation, pain and fever.

OBJECTIVE

To validate in vivo and in vitro analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of methanol extract of SKL, HPB and their combination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analgesic activity was tested by acetic acid induced writhing reflex and tail flick in Swiss albino mice, while the anti-inflammatory activity was studied in acute, subacute and chronic model on Wistar rats. The vascular permeability, membrane stabilization and protein denaturation were examined to know the possible mode of action.

RESULTS

Significant (p < 0.01) analgesic (78.04% inhibition of writhing) and antiinflammatory (72.54% inhibition of paw edema) activity was observed in combination of SKL and HPB extracts at 250 mg/kg each. The SKL extract alone inhibits acetic acid-induced vascular permeability (64.4%) at 500 mg/kg, while in combination at 250 mg/kg each, the inhibition was 69.49% (p < 0.01). Furthermore, SKL in combination with HPB (0.25 mg/mL each) prevent RBC hemolysis (61.91%) and inhibition of protein denaturation (76.52%)-like indomethacin.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The SKL and HPB extract, alone (500 mg/kg) and in combination, (250 mg/kg each) had significant analgesic and antiinflammatory activity, probably by inhibiting the release of certain inflammatory mediators and membrane stabilization, due to the presence of triterpenes, tannins and related phytochemicals in the extracts. Thus, our results demonstrated that this combination provide the scientific rationale of its folk use.