Croton Oil Research Articles

Ozonation Degree of Vegetable Oils as the Factor of Their Anti-Inflammatory and Wound-Healing Effectiveness

ABSTRACTThe aim of this article is to study the in vivo effect of the ozonation degree of vegetal oils on two related clinical tests, such as inflammation and wound-healing in healthy and diabetic mice, respectively. Ozonated grape seed (GS) and sunflower (SF) oils were used for this purpose. The ozonation degree (from 0 to 44%) of oils was determined by the total unsaturation method (TU). This technique served to quantify the oxidizable substrate of oils and tissue’s lipids. For inflammation studies, an ear edema was induced by croton oil. The latter was treated with GS and SF oils with different ozonation degree, ozonated physiological solution and indomethacin, as reference. To evaluate the wound-healing effect, a circular section was surgically removed from the dorsal side of mice. The wound was treated with ozonated oils, Furacin® ointment (nitrofurazone 2%) and their combination. The TU of lipids (TUL) extracted from inflamed tissues was proposed to identify the biochemical changes in those tissues. The results showed in this study confirmed the effectiveness of ozonated oils for both, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects. The better anti-inflammatory effect was correlated with the increasing of the TUL in treated tissues. Furthermore, the better inflammation inhibition (INI) was obtained with oils partially ozonated. The GS and SF oils ozonated up to 24% and 22% reached an INI of 25% and 29%, respectively. The complete wound-healing of diabetic mice treated with ozonated oils was obtained during the same time reported for wound-healing of non-diabetic mice. Infection signs were not observed during treatment. Overall, the application of ozonated GS and SF oils with a low ozonation degree showed promising results, compared with the application of commercial drugs.

Evidence of anti-inflammatory effect and percutaneous penetration of a topically applied fish oil preparation: a photoacoustic spectroscopy study.

This paper investigates the topical anti-inflammatory effect of a fish oil preparation (FOP) in a croton oil (CO) model of skin inflammation. The photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) was applied to estimate the percutaneous penetration of the FOP and as a model to evaluate the topical inflammatory response. After applying CO, the groups of mice received a topical application of a FOP on the left ear. The right ear received the vehicle that was used to dilute the CO. After 6 h, ear tissue was collected to determine the percent inhibition of edema, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and cytokine levels and to perform PAS measurements. Treatment with FOP reduced edema and MPO activity, which was at least partially attributed to a decrease in the levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin- 1 ? , interleukin-6, keratinocyte-derived chemokine, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. The topically applied FOP penetrated into the tissue and decreased the area of the bands that characterize inflamed tissue. The present results demonstrated the topical anti-inflammatory effect of the FOP. PAS suggests that FOP anti-inflammatory activity is linked with its ability to penetrate through the skin.

The role of IQGAP1 in transendothelial migration: from in vitro identification to in vivo validation

Although inflammation is the body's stereotyped response to tissue damage, the clinical outcomes of this complex process, whether beneficial or detrimental, are rooted in the recruitment and subsequent function of the leukocytes at site of insult. It therefore follows that the regulation of leukocyte recruitment represents an acutely tractable target for therapeutic intervention. In order to reach the target tissue, leukocytes must undergo a carefully choreographed series of sequential intercellular interactions with the endothelium which culminate in transendothelial migration (TEM). As the leukocyte prepares to traverse the endothelial cell layer requisite protein‐protein interactions between the two cells directs the recruitment of the endothelial cell sub‐junctional Lateral Border Recycling Compartment (LBRC). Several of the endothelial proteins crucial for this process reside in the LBRC and its function in TEM is required for efficient leukocyte efflux.To identify additional proteins that are involved in LBRC function in an unbiased approach, we adapted a biochemical purification method known as the diaminobenzidine‐induced density shift to specifically label and recover membrane fractions enriched the LBRC proteins. Through this process we identified IQ domain containing GTPase Activating Protein 1 (IQGAP1) as a previously unknown LBRC associated proteins. IQGAP1 is a cytoplasmic multidomain scaffolding protein that has been shown in other systems to integrate and propagate complex signaling pathways. Genetic ablation of IQGAP1 in endothelial cell cultures using shRNA transfection substantially reduced their ability to support efficient monocyte TEM. Re‐expression of full‐length IQGAP1 rescued this defect, confirming its essential function in this process. Interestingly, re‐expression of IQGAP1 constructs that lack the actin‐binding or IQ‐motif domains were not able to rescue the TEM defect shRNA mediated reduction of IQGAP1 expression did not affect the physical amount of LBRC membrane that could be isolated from endothelial cells suggesting instead that IQGAP1 plays a role in some signaling aspect or other function of the LBRC. To extend these studies in vivo we created bone marrow chimeras (i.e. wild type leukocytes in IQGAP1 knockout animals) and investigated the requirement of endothelial cell IQGAP1 in inflammation. We used two separate mouse models; croton oil dermatitis visualized with conventional confocal microscopy and IL‐1β induced inflammation in the cremaster muscle visualized by 4D intravital microscopy. In both models the ability of neutrophils to extravasate across the endothelium into inflamed tissues was significantly inhibited in animals that lacked IQGAP1. Together with our in vitro studies, these findings provide important insight into the critical role of endothelial cell IQGAP1 in leukocyte diapedesis.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by F32 AI084454 to DPS and R21 HL102519, R01 HL046849, and R37 HL064774 to WAM.

Photodynamic therapeutic efficacy of symmetrical diiodinated squaraine in in vivo skin cancer models

BackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) has clinical approval for use as a minimally invasive therapeutic procedure that is able to exert selective cytotoxic activity toward malignant cells. The dye selected for our study, symmetrical diiodinated squaraine, is one of the newly developed photosensitizers. The study is designed to determine the efficacy of PDT mediated by symmetrical diiodinated squaraine in skin tumor induced Swiss albino mice. MethodsSkin tumor was induced in mice with dimethyl benzanthracene (DMBA) and croton oil. After squaraine administration to the tumor mice, photodynamic treatment of tumors was performed using a 1000W halogen lamp corresponding to the light dose of 100J/cm2. The mice were euthanized and skin flaps and tumor tissues from the back of mice were excised for biochemical studies. The biochemical parameters analyzed include some relevant tumor markers for epithelial tissues, inflammatory markers and markers of apoptosis. The gene expression studies were done by RT-PCR. ResultsAfter two weeks of the treatment, there was significant inflammation. However at 90days after PDT, the parameters reverted to near-normal values. All marker parameters of tumor progression brought back to normal levels by PDT. Increased caspase-3 activity in PDT treated group shows that cell death might have occurred by apoptosis. The gene expression profile confirms the results. ConclusionsThe results of the whole study show the therapeutic efficacy and apoptosis mediated tumor destruction by squaraine PDT.

A fucan of a brown seaweed and its antitumoral property on HT-29 and immunomodulatory activity in murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line

Polysaccharides from algae are also proper candidates with therapeutic properties and immunomodulatory and antitumor effects. The brown seaweed Lobophora variegata synthesizes different groups of anionic polysaccharides with several biological properties. Sulfated polysaccharides were obtained by delipidation of seaweed, proteolysis, and fractionation with different volumes of acetone. A fraction of sulfated polysaccharides, fucans or fucoidans, was extracted with 0.8 v acetone and named L. variegata (LV). This fucan was assessed in the inflammatory process in rats, antitumor action on human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29 cells), apoptosis, and its effect on the cell cycle. LV fraction, a galactofucan, exhibited a high ratio of total sugar/sulfate (1.5) and a very low level of proteins. This polysaccharide showed an antiinflammatory effect on two models of inflammation induced by croton oil and oxazolone in rats. LV was analyzed in cellular proliferation of HT-29. We also demonstrated the cytotoxic action against this cell line and induction in the apoptosis and decreased the cell cycle in phases S and G 2/M and the accumulation of cells in the G 1 phase. Our studies with LV showed a marked immunomodulatory action without and with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on RAW 264.7 cells. Comparative studies of two fucans, LV and FV (Fucus vesiculosus), with different structures were assessed on viability in macrophages, RAW 264.7 cells. Both showed cytotoxicity in these cells. We observed high levels of nitric oxide (NO) production, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) when treated at 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg mL−1 of LV. Data also suggest that LV has potential antitumor effects on HT-29 and antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory effects on RAW 264.7 cells.

Safer topical treatment for inflammation using 5α-tetrahydrocorticosterone in mouse models

Use of topical glucocorticoid for inflammatory skin conditions is limited by systemic and local side-effects. This investigation addressed the hypothesis that topical 5α-tetrahydrocorticosterone (5αTHB, a corticosterone metabolite) inhibits dermal inflammation without affecting processes responsible for skin thinning and impaired wound healing. The topical anti-inflammatory properties of 5αTHB were compared with those of corticosterone in C57Bl/6 male mice with irritant dermatitis induced by croton oil, whereas its effects on angiogenesis, inflammation, and collagen deposition were investigated by subcutaneous sponge implantation. 5αTHB decreased dermal swelling and total cell infiltration associated with dermatitis similarly to corticosterone after 24h, although at a five fold higher dose, but in contrast did not have any effects after 6h. Pre-treatment with the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486 attenuated the effect of corticosterone on swelling at 24h, but not that of 5αTHB. After 24h 5αTHB reduced myeloperoxidase activity (representative of neutrophil infiltration) to a greater extent than corticosterone. At equipotent anti-inflammatory doses 5αTHB suppressed angiogenesis to a limited extent, unlike corticosterone which substantially decreased angiogenesis compared to vehicle. Furthermore, 5αTHB reduced only endothelial cell recruitment in sponges whereas corticosterone also inhibited smooth muscle cell recruitment and decreased transcripts of angiogenic and inflammatory genes. Strikingly, corticosterone, but not 5αTHB, reduced collagen deposition. However, both 5αTHB and corticosterone attenuated macrophage infiltration into sponges. In conclusion, 5αTHB displays the profile of a safer topical anti-inflammatory compound. With limited effects on angiogenesis and extracellular matrix, it is less likely to impair wound healing or cause skin thinning.

Kyungheechunggan-Tang-01, a New Herbal Medication, Suppresses LPS-Induced Inflammatory Responses through JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in RAW 264.7 Macrophages.

Medicinal plants have been used as alternative therapeutic tools to alleviate inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory properties of Kyungheechunggan-tang- (KCT-) 01, KCT-02, and Injinchunggan-tang (IJCGT) as newly developed decoctions containing 3–11 herbs in LPS-induced macrophages. KCT-01 showed the most potent inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO, PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-6 production among those three herbal formulas. In addition, KCT-01 significantly inhibited LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 at protein levels and expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 at mRNA levels. Molecular data revealed that KCT-01 attenuated the activation of JAK/STAT signaling cascade without affecting NF-κB or AP-1 activation. In ear inflammation induced by croton oil, KCT-01 significantly reduced edema, MPO activity, expression levels of iNOS and COX-2, and STAT3 phosphorylation in ear tissues. Taken together, our findings suggest that KCT-01 can downregulate the expression of proinflammatory genes by inhibiting JAK/STAT signaling pathway under inflammatory conditions. This study provides useful data for further exploration and application of KCT-01 as a potential anti-inflammatory medicine.

Chemopreventive and antiproliferative effect of ANDOGRAPHIS PANICULATA EXTRACT

An Andrographis paniculata leaf and stem extract was studied in Hela cells lines by In Vitro methods and anti promoting effect by skin tumour model. The dose dependent cytotoxicity was observed in HeLa cell lines by stem and leaves extracts of Andrographis paniculata extract. The prevention of bone marrow micronucleus formation by Andrographis paniculata leaves and stem extract was also observed. The reductions in tumour numbers were observed. The glutathione level was increased in the liver of animals which received the treatment of Andrographis extract along with DMBA + Croton Oil. The revealing information about the anticancer, antiproliferative and antimutagenic effect of an Andrographis paniculata extract was observed.

Modulation of carcinogenicity and mutagenicity by herbal medicinal plant Bacopa monnieri extract in swiss albino mice

In the present investigation the topical application of single dose of DMBA followed by croton oil induced the skin papillomas in all the animals by the 15th week. Cumulative number of Papillomas and tumor yields were recorded as 28, and 4.6 respectively. Whereas the animals which received Bacopa monnieri extract additionally at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight, the cumulative number of Papillomas, tumor yields were recorded as 18 and 3.0 respectively and these were observed to be significantly lower than DMBA+Croton oil group. In another experiment, B16F10 melanoma propagated by subcutaneous injection of 106 melanoma cells on the dorsal skin of C57BL mice. The tumour growth and tumor volume of cyclophosphamide treated by subcutaneous route at single dose of 300 mg/kg body weight, 30 min. after tumor cell inoculation the tumors size was significantly reduced and inhibited the tumors growth by 46.74 %. Whereas when cyclophosphamide was given at single dose and Bacopa monniere extract was given for 21 days by oral route, the tumor size was further reduced and tumor growth was inhibited by 50.71%. However Bacopa monniera ext. alone treatment (200 mg/kg oral 21 days) the tumour volume was also reduced and tumor growth was inhibited by 27.27 %. It seems that Bacopa monnieri extract in combination with cyclophosphamide has significantly prevented the tumour volume as compared to control. In antimutagenicity studies Bacopa monnieri administered i.p. at the dose dependent manner have inhibited micronucleus formation and chromosomal aberrations induced by known mutagen in Bone marrow cells of Swiss albino mice. It is therefore concluded that Bacopa monnieri extract has anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic activity in the above test systems.

Topical antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effect of Scutia buxifolia Reissek gel and stability study

Scutia buxifolia Reissek (Rhamnaceae), popularly known in Brazil as “coronilha”, is a plant species used in folk medicine for several disorders, including inflammation. However, no studies have been done with this species to confirm its topical anti-inflammatory action. In this study we evaluate the topical antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of the gel containing crude extract (CE) and the gel containing ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of S. buxifolia on croton oil or UVB radiation-induced ear edema in mice, and perform gel stability study. Antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated through ear edema induced by irritant agent croton oil, UVB irradiation-induced skin injury model and neutrophil infiltration. The gel stability study was performed by analyzing organoleptical aspects, pH, viscosity, and quantification of quercetin and rutin by HPLC. The topical treatment with S. buxifolia gel reduced the ear edema and myeloperoxidase activity. Antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of S. buxifolia were obtained with concentrations of 0.3, 1 and 3%, with maximal inhibition in the concentration of 1% for gel containing CE (inhibitions of 100, 73±0.05 and 97±0.08% for croton oil- or UVB irradiation-induced ear edema and myeloperoxidase activity, respectively) and EtOAc fraction (inhibitions of 79±0.05, 73±0.05 and 89±0.04% for croton oil- or UVB irradiation-induced ear edema and myeloperoxidase activity, respectively). Such effects may be attributed, at least in part, to rutin and quercetin, as well as other compounds found in this species. No important changes were detected in the stability study, in all aspects analyzed in temperature below 25°C. Our results demonstrate that topically applied S. buxifolia gel presented anti-inflammatory effects, provided that it was maintained at a temperature below 25°C.

21 Analysis of the characteristics of hemorrhoids models

Objectives Based on the characteristics of the clinical symptoms of hemorrhoids and analysis of the corresponding animal model, treatment methods are proposed. Methods The clinical diagnosis of hemorrhoids and the therapeutic effects of Chinese medicine and Western medicine were analyzed and the establishment and characteristics of the current animal model were summarize d. The current animal model and clinical symptoms of anastomosis were analyzed and discussed in relation to clinical symptoms and standards. Results In Western medicine, hemorrhoids are divided into external, internal and mixed hemorrhoids. There are three research models of inflamed external hemorrhoids: the croton oil and carrageenan anal edema model, the acetic acid bacteria and ulcer model, and the anal skin trauma model. The blood stasis type model is used for thrombotic external hemorrhoids. The esophageal varices model is mainly used for internal hemorrhoids. Mixed hemorrhoid models include the inferior rectal vein occlusion model and the ligation of hemorrhoids model. The above models are only approximate models of hemorrhoids as there are large differences in clinical incidence and the degree of anastomosis. More effective models of hemorrhoids must be produced, combining clinical pharmacology and related research. In addition, our laboratory has long been engaged in the study of Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids. Research on hemorrhoid models must be strengthened in the future, and clinical close contact maintained. Conclusions Existing animal models, in addition to the soybean oil model, are based on low quality and inadequate modeling, and are biased towards Western medicine, ignoring the combination of symptoms used in traditional Chinese medicine. The soybean oil model has good development prospects and should be improved. Acknowledgments This research was financially supported by the National ‘Eleventh Five-Year’ Support Project (Grant No. 2008BAI53B09), Henan Province Outstanding Scientific and Technological Innovation Team (Grant No. TCJ2014-391) and Zhengzhou Science and Technology Innovation Team Project (Grant No. 131PCXTD612).

Evidence of Bioactive Compounds from Vernonia polyanthes Leaves with Topical Anti-Inflammatory Potential.

Vernonia polyanthes Less. (Asteraceae), popularly known as “assa-peixe”, is a plant species used in Brazilian traditional medicine for the treatment of cutaneous damage, cicatrization, inflammation, and rheumatism. Based on these ethnopharmacological findings, the current study evaluated the topical anti-inflammatory effects of the hexane (HEVP) and ethyl acetate (EAEVP) extracts from V. polyanthes leaves in experimental models of skin inflammation. Chemical characterization was carried out by HPLC–UV/DAD analysis. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using Croton oil-, arachidonic acid (AA)-, phenol-, ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP)-, and capsaicin-induced ear edema models in mice. Histopathological evaluation and measurements of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) enzymes were also performed. Rutin, luteolin, and apigenin were identified in EAEVP. Topically applied HEVP and EAEVP significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) reduced edema induced by five different irritants at the doses tested (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ear). Histopathological analysis revealed a reduction of edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and vasodilation. In addition, the enzymes activity (MPO and NAG) in the ear tissues was reduced by the topical treatment of HEVP and EAEVP (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 or p < 0.001). The results suggest that V. polyanthes leaves are effective against cutaneous damage, which support its traditional use and open up new possibilities for the treatment of skin disorders.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous extract of &lt;i&gt;Albizia zygia&lt;/i&gt; stem bark

Albizia zygia is used in folk medicine for treatment of a wide variety of ailments including wounds, toothache and inflammation. Its acclaimed local use in the treatment of inflammation prompted the investigation into its antiinflammatory activity. The effect of the aqueous stem bark extract of Albizia zygia on inflammation was investigated using acute (carrageenan induced-, dextran induced-, histamine induced-paw oedema, carrageenan-induced exudate formation and croton oil induced ear oedema) and chronic (formalin induced arthritis) models of inflammation in rats and mice. The extract caused significant (p<0.05), inhibitions of croton oil-induced ear oedema, carrageenanand dextran-induced paw oedema without any appreciable effect on histamine induced oedema. The extract also significantly inhibited leucocyte migration without affecting the volume of exudate formation. The antiinflammatory effects of the extract on these acute models of inflammation were not dose-dependent as greatest activity was seen at the dose of 200mg/kg. This same dose also caused a significant reduction in ankle, but not paw, oedema in the formaldehyde-induced arthritis model. The aqueous stem bark extract of Albizia zygia possesses antiinflammatory activity on acute and chronic inflammatory models in rats and mice. Keywords: Albizia zygia ; Arthritis; Carrageenan; Formaldehyde; Oedema

An Orally Active Cannabis Extract with High Content in Cannabidiol attenuates Chemically-induced Intestinal Inflammation and Hypermotility in the Mouse.

Anecdotal and scientific evidence suggests that Cannabis use may be beneficial in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Here, we have investigated the effect of a standardized Cannabis sativa extract with high content of cannabidiol (CBD), here named CBD BDS for “CBD botanical drug substance,” on mucosal inflammation and hypermotility in mouse models of intestinal inflammation. Colitis was induced in mice by intracolonic administration of dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS). Motility was evaluated in the experimental model of intestinal hypermotility induced by irritant croton oil. CBD BDS or pure CBD were given - either intraperitoneally or by oral gavage – after the inflammatory insult (curative protocol). The amounts of CBD in the colon, brain, and liver after the oral treatments were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to ion trap-time of flight mass spectrometry. CBD BDS, both when given intraperitoneally and by oral gavage, decreased the extent of the damage (as revealed by the decrease in the colon weight/length ratio and myeloperoxidase activity) in the DNBS model of colitis. It also reduced intestinal hypermotility (at doses lower than those required to affect transit in healthy mice) in the croton oil model of intestinal hypermotility. Under the same experimental conditions, pure CBD did not ameliorate colitis while it normalized croton oil-induced hypermotility when given intraperitoneally (in a dose-related fashion) or orally (only at one dose). In conclusion, CBD BDS, given after the inflammatory insult, attenuates injury and motility in intestinal models of inflammation. These findings sustain the rationale of combining CBD with other minor Cannabis constituents and support the clinical development of CBD BDS for IBD treatment.

Investigation of in vivo potential of scorpion venom against skin tumorigenesis in mice via targeting markers associated with cancer development.

Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world in spite of the advances made in its management. In this study, we investigated the in vivo anti-tumorigenic potential of the venom obtained from a medically important scorpion species Leiurus quinquestriatus on chemically induced skin cancer in mice. Animals were divided into five groups, with 13 animals in each group. All the treatments were given topically on the shaved dorsal surface of the skin. Animals in Group 1 received vehicle only (0.2 mL acetone). Moreover, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA, 400 nmol per mouse) was applied to all the animals in the remaining four groups. After 1 week, different concentrations of venom (17.5 μg, 35 μg, and 52.5 μg per animal) were applied to each animal in the Groups III–V. Thirty minutes after the application of venom, croton oil was applied on the same position where venom was administered to the animals of Groups III–V. Animals in Group II were treated as the positive control (without venom) and received croton oil as in Groups III–V. The findings of this study revealed that venom extract of L. quinquestriatus inhibits DMBA + croton oil-induced mouse skin tumor incidence and tumor multiplicity. Venom treatment also decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Immunohistochemistry results showed a downregulation of the expression of molecular markers such as Ki-67, nuclear factor kappa-B, cyclooxygenase-2, B-cell lymphoma-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor, in venom-treated animals. Our findings suggest that the venom of L. quinquestriatus possesses in vivo anticancer potential and may be used in the development of anticancer molecules.

Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Hecogenin in Experimental Animals: Possible Involvement of Inflammatory Cytokines and Myeloperoxidase.

Hecogenin is a steroidal sapogenin plays important role in treatment of variety of inflammatory diseases. We have investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Hecogenin (50 µg/animal) (HG), Fluticasone (50 µg/animal) (FC) and Hecogenin+Fluticasone (HG+FC) combination (25 µg/animal, each) on various inflammatory models. The anti-inflammatory effect of HG, FC and HG+FC combination was studied on % inhibition of dry weight of granuloma tissue, Δ ear weight, myeloperoxidase assay, serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, colon weight to length ratio, macroscopic lesions, adhesion score, diarrhoea score and histopathological analysis of ear and colon tissue on Cotton pellets induced granuloma in rats, Croton oil induced ear edema in mice and TNBS induced granuloma in rats. Topical administration of HG and its combination with FC showed significant decrease (p<0.001) in the % inhibition of dry weight of granuloma tissue, Δ ear weight, myeloperoxidase level, serum pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, colon weigh to length ratio as compared with Cotton pellets treated with acetone groups and Croton oil treated animals. Further histopathological analysis of ear tissue showed significant decrease in dermal thickness and epidermal hyperplasia and colon tissue showed reduction of edema, infiltration of inflammatory cells and normalization of crypt structure compared to DC animals. Thus, the findings of present study suggest the possible role of HG in the treatment of inflammation by reducing the dose of FC in combination with HG.

Chemopeventive Effects of Andographis Panniculata Extract in Vivo and in Vitro Models

An Andrographis panniculata leaf extract was used against 7, 12 - dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA) induced papillomagenesis in Swiss albino mice was studied. Andrographis panniculata methanolic extracts were analyzed for Chemopreventive activity. Chemopreventive activity was evaluated using a two stage protocol consisting of initiation with a single topical application of a carcinogen (7, 12 - dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA) followed by a promoter (croton oil) twice a week. Tumor incidence, tumor burden and papillomas numbers reduction were observed, along with an increase in the average latent period for in mice treated topically with Andrographis panniculata extract compared to the control group treated with DMBA and croton oil alone. Andrographis panniculata antibacterial and antioxidant activities were also observed in the in vitro model revealing information about the anticancer, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of an Andrographis panniculata extract.

Ethnopharmacological study and topical anti-inflammatory activity of crude extract from Poikilacanthus glandulosus (Nees) Ariza leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEthnopharmacological studies are important tools as records and documentation of the empirical uses of medicinal plants in traditional communities with the purpose of generating useful knowledge to lead to the development of new medicines, biodiversity conservation and enhancement of knowledge and local culture. Poikilacanthus glandulosus is widely used by the population of City of Santiago, in Brazil, nevertheless, it does not have any validation regarding its use and its medicinal effects. AimThe objective of this study was to perform one ethnopharmacological survey about P. glandulosus in the City of Santiago and determine the anti-inflammatory activity in order to prove its uses in popular medicine. MethodsPersonal and ethnopharmacological data were collected through a prepared questionnaire. The phytochemical analysis was performed observing the individual methodology for each reaction and by HPLC-UV. The antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory (cell infiltration and histological procedure) activities of the P. glandulosus (0.01–1000μg/ear) were evaluated in the ear edema model induced by topical application of croton oil. ResultsP. glandulosus is known in City of Santiago as “Gaiana” and its macerated leaves and branches are prepared with alcohol or sugarcane liquor especially for insect bites, cicatrization and inflammation. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of maslinic acid (2.024±0.10mg/g), uvaol (0.124±0.02mg/g) and sitosterol (0.502±0.05mg/g). The topical application of crude extract of P. glandulosus reduced in a dose-dependent manner the croton oil-induced ear edema and myeloperoxidase activity (neutrophils infiltration marker) with maximum inhibition of 87±2% and 64±12%, respectively at 1000µg/ear. Dexamethasone (100µg/ear), used as a positive control, inhibited croton oil-induced ear edema in 89±3% and decreased myeloperoxidase activity in 50±3%. Both P. glandulosus as dexamethasone reduced cell infiltration when evaluated by histological procedure ConclusionThis work allowed us to understand the specie P. glandulosus through ethnopharmacological study and it showed that the crude extract presented antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory actions, proving their traditional use as anti-inflammatory.

Chemomodulatory Potential of Flaxseed Oil Against DMBA/Croton Oil-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis in Mice.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of flaxseed oil to prevent chemically induced skin cancer in mice. Cancer was induced on 2-stage skin carcinogenesis model by single topical application of 7,12 dimethylbenz [a]anthracene (DMBA), as, initiator, and two weeks later it was promoted by croton oil treatment thrice a week on the dorsal surface of mice for 16 weeks. Flaxseed oil (FSO; 100µL/animal/d) was orally administered 1 week before and 1 week after DMBA application (Peri-initiation stage). The animals of the FSO-administered group showed a significant reduction in tumor incidence (76.67%), cumulative number of tumors (37), tumor yield (3.7), and tumor burden (4.81) when compared with the carcinogen-treated control animals. Biochemical parameters in skin and liver tissue such as LPO and phase I enzymes were significantly (P < .01) reduced in the FSO-treated experimental group, whereas the phase II enzymes (GST, DT-diaphorase) and antioxidant parameters (GSH, GPx, SOD, catalase, and vitamin C) exhibited a significant (P < .01) elevation when compared with the animals of the carcinogen-treated control group. Histopathological alterations in the carcinogen-treated control animals were also observed in the form of epidermal hyperplasia, keratinized pearl formation, and acanthosis in skin and tumors, whereas these were found to be reduced after FSO administration. The results of the present study demonstrate that the oral administration of FSO has the potential to modulate the levels of LPO, antioxidants, and detoxification enzymes in the DMBA-croton oil–induced skin carcinogenesis in mice.

Curative effect of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber on experimental hemorrhoids in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAmorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson (Family- Araceae) is a crop of south East Asian origin. In India, its tuber is widely used in ethnomedicinal practices by different tribes for the treatment of piles (hemorrhoids). AimThe present study evaluated the effect of methanolic and aqueous extract of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber on croton oil induced hemorrhoids in rats. Materials and methodsThe methanolic extract was standardized with the major phenolic compound, betulinic acid, by HPLC. The hemorrhoids were induced by applying 6% croton oil preparation in the ano-rectal region. Rats were orally administered methanolic and aqueous extract at doses of 250 and 500mg/kg, each for 7 days. Pilex (200mg/kg) was used as reference anti-hemorrhoidal drug. Hemorrhoids were assessed on eighth day by measuring hemorrhoidal and biochemical parameters along with histology of ano-rectal tissue. ResultsCroton oil application caused induction of hemorrhoids as indicated by significant (p<0.001) increase in plasma exudation of Evans blue in ano-rectal tissue, macroscopic severity score and ano-rectal coefficient as compared to normal rats. It significantly (p<0.001) elevated lactate dehydrogenase and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) levels in serum and increased myeloperoxidase activity and lipid peroxidation in ano-rectal tissue along with marked histological damage as compared to normal rats. Treatment with tuber extracts and pilex significantly (p<0.05–p<0.001) ameliorated Evans blue exudation, hemorrhoidal parameters and other biochemical parameters with attenuation of tissue damage compared to hemorrhoid control rats. The results indicate that tuber extracts exhibited curative action on hemorrhoids. The aqueous extract showed more pronounced effect than methanolic extract. The effects may be attributed to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. ConclusionResults indicate that tuber of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius exhibited curative action on hemorrhoids through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The study validates the ethnomedicinal use of tuber in hemorrhoids and implicates its therapeutic potential as an anti-hemorrhoidal agent.