Abstract
Scilla nervosa (Burch.) Jessop (Hyacinthaceae) (=Schizocarphus nervosus (Burch.) Van der Merwe) is a well-known plant in traditional medicine in South Africa, used for conditions associated with pain and inflammation, such as rheumatic fever. However, the topical anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of the plant have not been investigated. A bioassay-guided fractionation approach was implemented to determine the biological activities of different extracts. A crude methanol extract was prepared from the bulbs to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties in a mouse model of acute croton oil-induced auricular contact dermatitis. The non-polar and polar components present in the methanol extract were separated by extraction with dichloromethane and ethanol, respectively; and their antimicrobial activity against the invasive pathogenic microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiellla pneumoniae and Candida albicans was investigated using a microplate method. Oedema induced by application of croton oil was significantly reduced 3 h (~66 %) and 6 h (~40%) after treatment with the extracts. Anti-inflammatory activity was ~1.8-fold lower at 6 h, suggesting a potent, short-acting effect. The non-polar extract exhibited greater efficacy and potency against the microorganisms than the polar extract. The non-polar extract was equipotent against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae, but twice as potent against C. albicans as against the bacteria, suggesting little discrimination between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria but specificity for the fungal yeast. The polar extract was the least potent against K. pneumoniae, but 10-fold more potent against C. albicans, suggesting specificity for Gram- positive bacteria and the fungal yeast. S. nervosa contains compounds that are individually, or in combination, potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents. The anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated here may rationalise the use of the plant in traditional medicine.
Highlights
The skin is a major barrier that protects the body against trauma and invasion by microbial pathogens
The anti-inflammatory activity of S. nervosa extract in a mouse model of acute croton oil-induced oedema has not been previously studied
No mice died during the study, nor were any adverse effects observed with the different doses of extract
Summary
The skin is a major barrier that protects the body against trauma and invasion by microbial pathogens. To protect the body from the external environment, the skin has many defence mechanisms that are normally closely regulated to suppress inappropriate activity (e.g. psoriasis) and to destroy bacterial (e.g. impetigo and acne) and fungal (e.g. mucocutaneous candidiasis) infections.[1]. Skin disorders are commonly treated with a combination of antibiotics, corticosteroids, antihistamines and moisturisers to reduce itching, infection and inflammation. Chronic treatment with corticosteroids suppresses lymphocyte function and decreases collagen synthesis, causing skin atrophy and increasing the risk of opportunistic infections. Opportunistic infections may be difficult to treat as a result of acquired resistance against current antimicrobial therapies.[2] new therapeutic approaches are being sought, in which the inflammatory response is effectively suppressed, and the causative microorganisms
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