Abstract
The chemical composition of Pinus roxburghii bark essential oil (PRO) was qualitatively and quantitatively determined using GC/FID and GC/MS. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in vitro by evaluating the binding percentages on the cannabinoids and opioids receptors. Bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary inflammation in albino mice was adopted to assess PRO anti-inflammatory efficacy in vivo. In silico molecular modelling of its major components was performed on human glucocorticoids receptor (GR). Seventy-five components were identified in which longifolene (33.13%) and palmitic acid (9.34%) constituted the predominant components. No binding was observed on cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), whereas mild binding was observed on cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2), delta, kappa, and mu receptors accounting for 2.9%, 6.9%, 10.9% and 22% binding. A significant in vivo activity was evidenced by reduction of the elevated malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels by 55.56%, 55.66%, 64.64%, 58.85% and 77.78% with concomitant elevation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities comparable to BLM-treated group at 100 mg/kg body weight. In silico studies showed that palmitic acid exerted the fittest binding. PRO could serve as a potent anti-inflammatory natural candidate that should be supported by further clinical trials.
Highlights
Inflammation is the natural body response to injury of cells caused by numerous factors comprising infections, mechanical, and thermal injuries in addition to chemicals [1] that cause severe tissue damage and localized edema [2]
A detailed investigation of the essential oil obtained from P. roxburghii bark cultivated in Egypt applying GC-FID and GC/MS techniques resulted in the identification of 75 components representing
The essential oil was predominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons accounting for 37.13% whereas monoterpenes, oxygenated monoterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and other compounds represent
Summary
Inflammation is the natural body response to injury of cells caused by numerous factors comprising infections, mechanical, and thermal injuries in addition to chemicals [1] that cause severe tissue damage and localized edema [2]. Essential oils represent volatile secondary metabolites that are normally produced within special cells or glands by medicinal plants They are highly popular of possessing various biological activities comprising anti-inflammatory activity offering a relatively safe, effective, and low-cost medication [3]. Pinus roxburghii Sarg, belonging to family Pinaceae, is commonly named by “Chir pine” and is native to the Himalaya It exists as a large ornamental tree nearly 30–50 m high possessing a trunk of about 2 m in diameter. The oil of the plant was greatly utilized in various herbal preparation for relieving inflammatory disorders [5] Nowadays, it shows various prominent biological and pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antidyslipidemic, in addition to alleviation of bronchitis, ear, eye, blood, throat, and skin diseases. An in silico molecular docking study of the major essential oil components was performed on human glucocorticoids receptor (GR) in an effort to verify its potential mode of action
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
