Anti-inflammatory Effects Of Aqueous Extract Research Articles

Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory Effect of Aqueous Extract of Pistacia atlantica Gum in an Experimental Model of Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Immunosuppressive drugs and various salicylates improve the disease activity index in individuals with ulcerative colitis. Nonetheless, drug resistance and the side effects of these medications drive researchers toward designing studies to find complementary alternatives. Natural compounds, especially derivatives from medicinal plants, hold a special place as supplements. This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of Pistacia atlantica gum in an experimental model of ulcerative colitis. Materials and Methods: In this study, 20 male BALB/c mice were assigned to four equal groups. The first group served as the healthy control (negative control), the second group represented untreated colitis (positive control), the third group underwent treatment with the aqueous extract of Pistacia atlantica gum, and the fourth group was treated with mesalazine. Ulcerative colitis was induced in all treatment groups except the negative control by using 100 microliters of 4% acetic acid administered intrarectally. The treatment regimen was initiated on the 10th day of post-ulcerative colitis induction and the manifestation of disease symptoms. A week after the final treatment, the mice were euthanized, and various parameters, including levels of myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and genes, such as iNOS and COX-2, were evaluated. Results: The results indicated that treatment with the aqueous extract of Pistacia atlantica gum significantly decreased the activity of myeloperoxidase (P<0.01), nitric oxide (P<0.05), splenic cell proliferation (P<0.05), expression, and production of inflammatory cytokines, (P<0.05) for IL-1 ß, (P<0.01) for IL-6, and (P<0.01) for TNF-α compared to the positive control group (untreated colitis). Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of this study, it appears that the aqueous extract of Pistacia atlantica gum possesses desirable anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially reduce the disease activity index and inflammatory parameters in the experimental model of ulcerative colitis. Therefore, following further supplementary experiments, it could potentially serve as a complementary therapeutic agent alongside conventional medications for the treatment of patients suffering from ulcerative colitis.

Aqueous M. oleifera leaf extract alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice through suppression of inflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMoringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) is a perennial deciduous tree with considerable agricultural and pharmacological value. Nearly all parts of the tree are edible, and nearly all parts are used in traditional medicine. Leaves of M. oleifera have the functions of hypoglycemic (antidiabetic), anti-cancer and anti-oxidant stress, but less research pay attention to the anti-inflammatory effect of M. oleifera leaves. Aim of the studyInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory disorder of the gut with no ideal medication. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of M. oleifera leaves. Materials and methodsIntestinal organoids and mice as in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of M. oleifera leaves on inflammation induced by TNF-α and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) respectively. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and proliferation-related genes were evaluated by RT-qPCR, respectively. The compounds in the leaf extract were determined by LC/MS, and network pharmacology approach was employed to predict 54 anti-IBD potential targets of quercetin-3-galactoside (QG) and isoquercitrin (IS). ResultsWe found that the extract protected against damage to intestinal organoids caused by tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and significantly down-regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines. The extract also suppressed the TNF-α-induced expression of Pcna, c-Myc, and c-Jun. Additionally, oral administration of the extract also ameliorated DSS-induced colon damage (colonic shortening, loss of goblet cells and overall abnormal cellularity), and inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines and proliferation-related genes in colitis. By LC/MS we identified nearly 2000 of the compounds in the leaf extract, of the flavonoids identified, QG and IS made up the largest percentage; both have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, network pharmacology approach was employed to predict 54 anti-IBD potential targets of QG and IS. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that the overlapping targets participated in response to oxidative stress and PI3K−Akt signaling pathway respectively. ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory capability, in vitro and in vivo, of the aqueous extract of M. oleifera leaves and suggests its potential phytotherapeutic treatment for IBD.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of aqueous extract obtained from Serjania marginata Casar leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSerjania marginata Casar (Sapindaceae Family) Leaves are popularly used against abdominal pain.Antiulcer properties of S. marginata were scientifically described, however rare studies showed the antinociceptive effects of this plant. Aim of studyIn this study, we investigated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract obtained from Serjania marginata leaves (AESM) in nociception/inflammation models. Material and methodsAESM was analyzed in FIA-ESI-IT-MS and Mass spectrometer LTQ XL. AESM oral administration (p.o.) (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg), dexamethasone subcutaneous injection (1 mg/kg, s.c.) and morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) were tested against the acetic acid-induced nociception, carrageenan-induced acute inflammatory paw edema/hyperalgesia, formalin-induced nociception and carrageenan-induced pleurisy in Swiss mice. ResultsFlavonoids rutin was detected in the phytochemical analysis of this extract. Oral treatment of AESM 300 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing. AESM (100 and 300 mg/kg) significantly inhibited formalin-induced nociception, mechanical hyperalgesia and paw edema in carrageenan-model. Furthermore, AESM significantly inhibited leukocyte migration and protein exudation in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy test. ConclusionThis study confirms the antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activity of AESM, which may explain, in part, the popular use of this plant as a natural antinociceptive agent. This pharmacological action can be caused by flavonoids such as rutin and other compounds present in AESM.

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Aqueous Extracts of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi

Fructus Ligustri Lucidi has been used for its anti-inflammatory effects in traditional Chinese medicine. This study investigated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extracts of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (AFLL) in mice. AFLL significantly inhibited the production of radicals and lipid oxidation in various models. The reference compounds present in AFLL, including quercetin, myricetin, caffeic acid, gallic acid and ellagic acid, exhibited the pharmacological activities by scavenging radicals and decreasing LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages. Administration of AFLL showed a concentration dependent inhibition on the number of acetic acid-induced writhing responses and formalin-induced pain in the late phase, and paw edema development after Carr treatment in mice. The anti-inflammatory activities of AFLL could be via NO and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) suppression and associated with the increase in the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Western blotting revealed that AFLL decreased Carr-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions. These results suggest that anti-inflammatory mechanisms of AFLL might be correlated to the decrease in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), iNOS and COX-2 in the edema paw via increasing the activities of CAT, SOD and GPx in the liver. Overall, the results showed that AFLL could serve as a natural source of antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammation.

Effect of Tribulus Terrestris L. on Expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-Selectin and Proteome Profile of Human Endothelial Cells In-Vitro.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammation that interferes with blood arteries functions due to the accumulation of low density lipids and cholesterol. To investigate the effect of aqueous extract and saponin fraction of Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) on the proteome and expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin in the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and human bone marrow endothelial cell (HBMEC) lines. Two cell lines were cultured and induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The primed cells were then treated with aqueous extract and saponin fraction of TT. The protein profile of the endothelial cells was assessed under normal and LPS-induced conditions using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and 2D gel electrophoresis (2-DE). The levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin were estimated by use of western blotting. LPS-induced HUVECs and HBMECs were shown to significantly increase the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin in comparison to control groups. Our findings revealed that TT extract resulted in significantly more reduced levels of proteome (80 spots) as well as all the three mentioned proteins compared with the effect of saponin fraction alone. TT extract and its saponin fraction exerted anti-inflammatory effects on HUVEC and HBMEC lines and reduced the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract was greater than that of saponin fraction. Therefore, TT could be considered as a potential candidate for the treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis.

Investigation of Anti-inflammatory Effect of Aqueous Extract of Cuminum cyminum L. by Formalin Inflammatory Model in Male Rats

Investigation of Anti-inflammatory Effect of Aqueous Extract of Cuminum cyminum L. by Formalin Inflammatory Model in Male Rats

Anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract from Kawachi-bankan (Citrus maxima) peel in vitro and in vivo.

Kawachi-bankan (Citrus maxima) is one of the citruses produced in Ehime, Japan. Although health functions of flavonoids and carotenoids in citrus peel have been studied very well, those of water-soluble substances in the peel have not been focused. We herein indicated the anti-inflammatory effect of Kawachi-bankan peel aqueous extract (KPE) in vitro and in vivo. KPE significantly inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α by LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells without cytotoxicity. KPE also significantly inhibited the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the cells, suggesting that KPE inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines by suppressing the gene expression levels. Immunoblot analysis revealed that KPE shows an anti-inflammatory effect on macrophages through the suppression of the phosphorylation of p38 and the translocation of NF-κB into nucleus. The oral administration of KPE inhibited the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and improved the survival rate in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) model mice. Our experiments using a cell line suggested that KPE inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages in hyperinflammatory state. In addition, experiments in vivo showed that the oral administration of KPE inhibited the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and improved the survival rate in SIRS model mice. Our findings indicated that KPE contributes to alleviating of a hyperinflammatory response.

Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Cichorium intybus L. seed extract in ischemia/reperfusion injury model of rat spinal cord

Objectives: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of chicory seed (CSE, Cichorium intybus L. seed) following spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion (SCI/R) injury in rat model were evaluated. Methods: In this study 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided to six groups: control (Co), sham (Sh), CSE, SCI/R, CSE+SCI/R (7 days pretreatment with CSE group+inducing I/R injury), SCI/R +CSE (induced I/R injury group+3 days treatment with CSE). SCI/R injury was induced by creating a longitudinal incision on the midline of abdominal region and clamping the aorta just below renal artery for 30 minutes. After 3 days, SC was removed and used for evaluation of antioxidant enzymes (including Superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT]), oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA]), inflammatory factors (IL1β, IL18 & TNFα) and histopathological changes. Before sacrificing the animals, the motional score were assessed. Results: Our results demonstrated that, in the SCI/R group, the mean levels of SOD, and CAT were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the mean level of MDA was significantly increased (P<0.05) in comparison to Co and Sh groups. Also, the mean levels of SOD and CAT in the treatment group were higher than the SCI/R group (P<0.05), while, the mean MDA content in the treatment group was significantly less than the SCI/R group (P <0.05). In addition, comparison between SCI/R and treatment groups demonstrated a significant decrease in tissue damage in the treatment group. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that, the neuroprotective effects of aqueous extract of Cichorium intybus L. seed on SCI/R injury in rat by anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, comparing the treatment and pretreatment groups shows that the pretreatment usage of the extract is more effective than treatment group.

Asprenols A–H, phenolic constituents from the stems of Ilex asprella

Encouraged by the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract of Ilex asprella stems, a further phytochemical investigation on I. asprella stems oriented by the in vitro NO production inhibition in RAW264.7 cells was conducted, which led to the isolation of eight new phenolic constituents, namely asprenols A–H (1–8), together with 12 known ones (9–20). The structures of the new compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic data analyses of HR-ESI-MS, IR, UV, and 1D and 2D NMR, and the absolute configurations were determined by comparison of experimental and calculated ECD analyses. All isolated were evaluated for the inhibition against NO production in RAW 264.7 cells, and several compounds showed moderate inhibitory effect.

In Vivo and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Aqueous Extract of Anthriscus sylvestris Leaves.

Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm. is a common perennial herb that is widely distributed in Europe, Korea, and New Zealand. The root of A. sylvestris has been used in Korean traditional medicine as an antitussive and cough remedy. However, the physiologically active function of A. sylvestris leaves is not yet known. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms of an aqueous extract of A. sylvestris leaves (AE-ASL) in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicated that pretreatment with AE-ASL significantly inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 in RAW264.7 cells, without showing cytotoxicity. In addition, the LPS-induced mRNA and protein expression of inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 was attenuated by pretreatment with AE-ASL in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, we investigated the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, a transcription factor regulating the expression of inflammation-related genes. AE-ASL inhibited the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit by suppressing the phosphorylation and degradation of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα). Further, AE-ASL inhibited the LPS-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in RAW264.7 cells. Orally administered AE-ASL (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of body weight [BW]) suppressed the development of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema by 15%, 31%, and 40%, respectively, after 4 h. Altogether, our results suggest that AE-ASL possesses anti-inflammatory activity, based on the suppression of NF-κB and MAPK pathways in vitro and inhibition of the carrageenan-induced paw edema in vivo.

Aqueous extract of Codium fragile suppressed inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and carrageenan-induced rats

Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot has been used in Oriental medicine for the treatment of enterobiasis, dropsy, and dysuria and has been shown to have various biological effects. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of C. fragile (AECF) using in vitro and in vivo models. Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inflammatory-related mRNAs, and proteins were determined using the Griess assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blotting, respectively. Our results indicate that pretreatment of cells with AECF (50, 100 and 200μg/mL) significantly inhibited LPS-induced secretion of NO and PGE2 in RAW264.7 cells without cytotoxicity. We also found that AECF (100 and 200μg/mL) inhibited LPS-induced inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, pretreatment of cells with AECF (100 and 200μg/mL) inhibited LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. It also prevented the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB by suppressing the phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB)-α. Furthermore, AECF (100 and 200μg/mL) inhibited the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. In addition, orally administered 50, 100, and 200mg/kg body weight of AECF dose-dependently suppressed carrageenan-induced rat paw edema thickness by 6%, 31%, and 50% respectively, after 4h. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect was comparable to that observed in animals treated with the standard drug diclofenac sodium (56%) in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that AECF exerts potential anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing NF-κB activation and MAPKs pathways in vitro, as well as inhibiting carrageenan-induced rat paw edema thickness in vivo. These findings indicate that AECF could be further developed as an anti-inflammatory drug.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT OF ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ON SPRAGUE DAWLEY RATS

ABSTRACTObjective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale on carrageenan-induced inflammation on SpragueDawley (SD) rats.Methods: SD rats were divided into six of five groups and allowed to acclimatize for 1 week. Inflammation was induced on the animal by injecting theright hand paw with carrageenan (0.1 ml of 1%). Group 1 was given normal saline and served as a control. Group 2 was fed with food and water andserved as the carrageenan control. Group 3 was given 200 mg/kg aqueous extract of ginger, Group 4 with 400 mg/kg aqueous extract of ginger, andGroup 5 with 150 mg/kg diclofenac sodium (reference drug for inflammation).Results: The paw edema in carrageenan-induced SD rats was considerably reduced by treating with 400 mg/kg aqueous ginger extracts whencompared to the untreated SD rats (p<0.001).Conclusion: This study indicates that aqueous extract of Z. officinale possesses anti-inflammatory properties.Keywords: Anti-inflammatory, Sprague Dawley rats, Zingiber officinale, Carrageenan, Edema

소교세포에서 heme oxygenase-1 발현 유도를 통한 치자(Gardenia jasminoides)의 항염증 효과

Died Gardenia jasminoides fruit is used as a dye in the food and clothes industries in Asia. The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of G. jasminoides fruits (GJ) in BV-2 microglial cells. GJ inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide (NO) secretion, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and reactive oxygen species production, without affecting cell viability. Furthermore, GJ increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of GJ on iNOS expression was abrogated by small interfering RNA-mediated knock-down of HO-1. In addition, GJ induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that regulates HO-1 expression. GJ-mediated expression of HO-1 was suppressed by LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3K) inhibitor, and SB203580, a p38 kinase inhibitor, but not by the extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor PD98059 or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125. GJ also enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt and p38. These results suggest that GJ suppresses the production of NO, a pro-inflammatory mediator, by inducing HO-1 expression via PI-3K/Akt/p38 signaling. These findings illustrate a novel molecular mechanism by which extract from G. jasminoides fruits inhibits neuroinflammation.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract of Aloe vera in Albino rats

Background: The study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of the aqueous extract of Aloe vera [AEAV] leaves. AEAV was prepared by the Soxhlet apparatus and 500mg/kg body weight was used. Methods: To screen for acute inflammation by carrageenan induced rat paw edema method, eighteen healthy albino rats weighing 150-200 gm each were used. They were divided in three groups with six animals in each group. At the 1st hr, 2nd hour, 3rd hour and the 4th hour, the test drug i.e. AEAV [aqueous extract of Aloe vera] showed 26.92%, 41.6%, 44.44% and 48.21 % inhibition of edema formation, whereas the standard drug Indomethacin [10 mg/kg] showed 53.85%, 61.11%, 66.67% and 71.43% inhibition respectively. Reduction of paw edema formation was highly significant in both Aloe vera and Indomethacin. Results: In Granuloma pouch method for subacute inflammation, the chemical used was 1 ml of 20 % carrageenan suspension in sesame oil. On the 5th day pouch is opened, exudates measured. Both Aloe vera and Indomethacin showed highly significant inhibition of exudate formation. Conclusions: In Adjuvant arthritis method for chronic inflammation, paw edema of the injected and the non-injected were measured on the 5th day and the 21st day respectively. Arthritic index was measured on the 21st day. These results were highly significant for AEAV and Indomethacin in comparison with the control. The results for the arthritic index were highly significant for both Aloe vera and Indomethacin. It is easily illustrated that the herbal plant Aloe vera at the dose of 500mg/kg demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effect against all the experimental methods on inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extracts of spent Pleurotus ostreatus substrates in mouse ears treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate.

Aims:To evaluate the application of spent Pleurotus ostreatus substrates, enriched or not with medicinal herbs, as a source of anti-inflammatory compounds.Subjects and Methods:P. ostreatus was cultivated on five different substrates: Barley straw (BS) and BS combined 80:20 with medicinal herbs (Chenopodium ambrosioides L. [BS/CA], Rosmarinus officinalis L. [BS/RO], Litsea glaucescens Kunth [BS/LG], and Tagetes lucida Cav. [BS/TL]). The anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extracts of spent mushroom substrates (SMSs) (4 mg/ear) was studied using an acute inflammation model in the mouse ear induced with 2.5 μg/ear 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol13-acetate (TPA).Results:Groups treated with BS/CA, BS/RO, and BS/LG aqueous extracts exhibited the best anti-inflammatory activity (94.0% ± 5.5%, 92.9% ± 0.6%, and 90.4% ± 5.0% inhibition of auricular edema [IAO], respectively), and these effects were significantly different (P < 0.05) from that of the positive control indomethacin (0.5 mg/ear). BS/TL and BS were also able to reduce TPA-induced inflammation but to a lesser extent (70.0% ± 6.7% and 43.5% ± 6.6% IAO, respectively).Conclusions:Spent P. ostreatus substrate of BS possesses a slight anti-inflammatory effect. The addition of CA L. to mushroom substrate showed a slightly synergistic effect while RO L. had an additive effect. In addition, LG Kunth and TL Cav. enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of SMS. However, to determine whether there is a synergistic or additive effect, it is necessary to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of each medicinal herb.

Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of Pogostemon cablin.

Allergic disease is caused by exposure to normally innocuous substances that activate mast cells. Mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation is closely related to a number of allergic disorders, such as anaphylaxis, allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis. The discovery of drugs for treating allergic disease is an interesting subject and important to human health. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti‑allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth (AEPC) (a member of the Labiatae family) using mast cells, and also to determine its possible mechanisms of action. An intraperitoneal injection of compound 48/80 or a serial injection of immunoglobulin E and antigen was used to induce anaphylaxis in mice. We found that AEPC inhibited compound 48/80‑induced systemic and immunoglobulin E-mediated cutaneous anaphylaxis in a dose-dependent manner. The release of histamine from mast cells was reduced by AEPC, and this suppressive effect was associated with the regulation of calcium influx. In addition, AEPC attenuated the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mast cells. The inhibitory effects of AEPC on pro-inflammatory cytokines were dependent on the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). AEPC blocked the PMACI-induced translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus by hindering the degradation of IκBα and the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Our results thus indicate that AEPC inhibits mast cell‑mediated allergic inflammation by suppressing mast cell degranulation and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines caused by reduced intracellular calcium levels and the activation of NF-κB and p38 MAPK.

Anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of Mangifera indica in Wistar rats.

Recent studies in standard laboratories have indicated that a typical mango stem bark aqueous extract (Magnifera indica Linn) possess anti-malaria and anti-fever properties. Recent information also exists in the literature, suggesting its potency as a very effective anti-inflammatory plant extract. This study will therefore contribute immensely to the systemic search for a useful, less toxic and natural bioactive medicinal compound. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of Mangifera indica (MI) in a carrageenin-induced rat paw oedema model of acute inflammation. Rats (n=5) were treated orally with MI (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg), acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg) or distilled water (3 mL). Thirty minutes later, acute inflammation was induced with a sub-plantar injection of 0.1 mL of 1% carrageenin solution into the right hind paw of the rats. The paw oedema sizes were measured with the aid of a Vernier calliper over a period of 3 hours. The aqueous extract of MI (50-200 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a dose-dependent and significant inhibition of the acute inflammation induced by the carrageenin in rats when compared with controls. The percentage inhibition of oedema formation produced by MI (200 mg/kg, p.o.) was similar to that elicited by acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.). The results of this preliminary investigation suggest that MI contains active compounds with an anti-inflammatory activity. However, more detailed studies using additional models are necessary to further characterise the effects of MI in inflammatory disorders.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of leaves of Pentatropis capensis Linn. f. (Bullock).

Background:Herbal analgesic and anti-inflammatory remedies are preferred much because of lesser side effects and also a lower tendency for habit formation. Pentatropis capensis is such an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug which is popular among folklore remedies for various injuries and inflammatory problems. It is called by the name of Kākanāsikā in Ayurvedic works. This study was designed to investigate the analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of P. capensis leaves (AEPC) in rats.Materials and Methods:AEPC was assessed for Analgesic effect through radiant heat tail-flick model and anti-inflammatory effect through carrageenan-induced paw edema model on Wistar strain of albino rats.Results:Pentatropis capensis leaves aqueous extract showed significant (P < 0.001) increase in the duration of latency of tail flick response at the dose levels of 450 mg/kg, p.o. as compared to the control group. Similarly, the similar dose level produced significant (P < 0.01) anti-inflammatory effect against acute paw edema after 3 h of carrageenan induction when compared to the control group.Conclusion:The observed effects were comparable with the standard drug-treated group thus demonstrating effective central analgesic and acute anti-inflammatory potentials of the P. capensis leaves aqueous extract and the observations substantiate its folklore use as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

Neutralizing effects of Mimosa tenuiflora extracts against inflammation caused by Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom.

Scorpion bite represents a significant and serious public health problem in certain regions of Brazil, as well as in other parts of the world. Inflammatory mediators are thought to be involved in the systemic and local immune response induced by Tityus serrulatus scorpion envenomation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracts of Mimosa tenuiflora on model envenomation. In mice, the envenomation model is induced by Tityus serrulatus venom. Previous treatment of mice with fractions from M. tenuiflora was able to suppress the cell migration to the peritoneal cavity. The treatment of mice with M. tenuiflora extracts also decreased the levels of IL-6, IL-12, and IL-1β. We concluded that the administration of the extract and fractions resulted in a reduction in cell migration and showed a reduction in the level of proinflammatory cytokines. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract from the Mimosa tenuiflora plant on T. serrulatus venom.

In-vitro Evaluation of Aqueous Extracts of Citurs sinensis, Aloe vera and Their 1:1 Extracts Blend on Protein Denaturation during Acute Inflammation

Citrus sinensisand Aloe veraare well known and widely used herbs, which contains several interesting bioactive constituents and possesses health promoting properties. Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of many diseases. The use of natural antioxidant, as a therapeutic option, is desirable and increasingly being practised. The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare the antiinflammatory effects of aqueous extracts of Citrus sinensisand Aloe veraand a 1:1 blend of the two extracts against the denaturation of protein in vitro. The test extracts of varying concentrations were incubated with egg albumin under controlled experimental conditions and subjected to determination of absorbance to assess the anti-inflammatory property. A standard anti-inflammatory drug, Ibuprofen, was used as reference drug. The results obtained exhibited a concentration- dependent inhibition of protein (albumin) denaturation by both extracts, including the 1:1 blend of the extracts. From the present findings, it can be concluded that both Citrus sinensisand Aloe verapossessed a marked anti-inflammatory effect against the denaturation of protein, in vitro. Aloe verawas found to be slightly more active than Citrus sinensis, possibly due to the higher flavonoids contents of Aloe vera.