Systemic Anti-inflammatory Activity Research Articles

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Modulates Inflammation in Treatment-Resistant Depression Patients: A Pilot Study.

Vagal neurostimulation (VNS) is used for the treatment of epilepsy and major medical-refractory depression. VNS has neuropsychiatric functions and systemic anti-inflammatory activity. The objective of this study is to measure the clinical efficacy and impact of VNS modulation in depressive patients. Six patients with refractory depression were enrolled. Depression symptoms were assessed with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating, and anxiety symptoms with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. Plasmas were harvested prospectively before the implantation of VNS (baseline) and up to 4 years or more after continuous therapy. Forty soluble molecules were measured in the plasma by multiplex assays. Following VNS, the reduction in the mean depression severity score was 59.9% and the response rate was 87%. Anxiety levels were also greatly reduced. IL-7, CXCL8, CCL2, CCL13, CCL17, CCL22, Flt-1 and VEGFc levels were significantly lowered, whereas bFGF levels were increased (p values ranging from 0.004 to 0.02). This exploratory study is the first to focus on the long-term efficacy of VNS and its consequences on inflammatory biomarkers. VNS may modulate inflammation via an increase in blood-brain barrier integrity and a reduction in inflammatory cell recruitment. This opens the door to new pathways involved in the treatment of refractory depression.

Metabolomic changes related to airway inflammation, asthma pathogenesis and systemic activity following inhaled fluticasone furoate/vilanterol: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFluticasone furoate/vilanterol trifenatate (FF/VI) is an inhaled therapy for the treatment of asthma, with a prolonged duration of anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory action. This study investigated the global metabolomic and lipidomic profile following treatment with FF/VI or placebo and assessed whether changes correlated with exhaled nitric oxide levels as a measure of airway inflammation.MethodsThis was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period, crossover, repeat-dose study. Adults with asthma (forced expiratory volume in 1 s ≥ 60% predicted; fraction of exhaled nitric oxide [FeNO] > 40 parts per billion) received once-daily FF/VI 100 µg/25 µg or placebo for 14 days, followed by a 21-day washout period. Serum samples were taken at pre-dose (T1), and 15 and 21 days (T2 and T3, respectively) post dose in each period. The metabolomic and lipidomic profiles were analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and polar liquid chromatography platforms, and ions were matched to a library of standards for metabolite identification and quantification. FeNO values at each timepoint were evaluated for correlations with the biochemical data.ResultsOf 27 randomized participants (mean age 24.5 years, 63% male), 26 provided serum samples for metabolomic analysis. A total of 1969 metabolites were identified, 1634 of which corresponded to a named structure in a reference library. Treatment-related changes in the metabolome were generally subtle, with a modest increase in metabolite perturbations across timepoints. The percentage of metabolites with significant changes (p < 0.05 for all) (increases↑/decreases↓) versus placebo were: 2.1% (1.1%↑/1.0%↓), 6.7% (0.46%↑/6.2%↓) and 11.8% (0.86%↑/10.9%↓) at T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Treatment with FF/VI reduced FeNO levels by 60%, whereas the systemic intermediates involved in NO biosynthesis remained unaffected. Evidence of systemic anti-inflammatory activity was seen in complex lipid pathways, suggesting reduced phospholipase-A2 activity, but without downstream impact on free fatty acids or inflammatory mediators. Consistent with the pathogenesis of asthma, there was evidence of higher fatty acid β-oxidation and lower glycolysis in the placebo arm; this pattern was reversed in the treatment arm.ConclusionsDespite the prolonged airway anti-inflammatory action of FF/VI, this was accompanied by only subtle systemic metabolomic and lipidomic changes.Trial registration Prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov registry number NCT02712047

Biological activities of the essential oil from the leaves of Lantana montevidensis (Spreng) Briq. in mice

This work aimed to analyze the chemical composition and evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of Lantana montevidensis (OEFLM) in mice. The chemical composition of the OEFLM was analyzed by GC–MS, and its effects on the central nervous system were determined by the open field and rotarod tests. The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory screenings were conducted using the formalin test, as well as the acetic acid-induced abdominal contortion assay. The antinociceptive activity was assessed by the tail-flick and hot plate tests. The systemic anti-inflammatory activity was determined using models of paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran, histamine, or arachidonic acid. The effects of the essential oil on vascular permeability and granuloma formation were also investigated. The chemical composition of the OEFLM revealed the presence of valencene (17.93%), bicyclogermacrene (16.35%), trans-caryophyllene (12.84%) and germacrene D (12.18%). The administration of OEFLM at the dose of 2000 mg/Kg caused no evident toxicity. While OEFLM (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) did not present significant anxiolytic-loke or sedative effects, it showed promising antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. The results of this study indicate that the OEFLM has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in animal models by inhibiting acute and chronic inflammation.

Amelioration of systemic inflammation in advanced chronic liver disease upon beta-blocker therapy translates into improved clinical outcomes

ObjectiveSystemic inflammation promotes the development of clinical events in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). We assessed whether (1) non-selective beta blocker (NSBB) treatment initiation impacts biomarkers of systemic...

Anti-inflammatory activity of herb products from Licania rigida Benth.

PurposeThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the systemic anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of Licania rigida Benth (EHFLR) on models of systemic inflammation in mice. MethodsThe quantitative chemical profiles of phenolic acids and flavonoids were performed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Systemic anti-inflammatory activity was determined from carrageenan and dextran-induced paw edema models and the animals were orally treated (p.o.) with EHFLR at doses of 25, 50, 100 mg/kg, indomethacin (10 mg/kg) for carrageenan-induced paw edema and promethazine (6 mg/kg) for dextran-induced paw edema. The possible mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory action of the extract were evaluated by the paw edema models induced by histamine and arachidonic acid, and by the model of carrageenan-induced peritonitis, where vascular permeability and leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity were evaluated. ResultsThe results of the HPLC identified the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids, with chlorogenic acid (1.16%) and Caempferol (0.81%) as the main constituents. From the results, it was concluded that the extract has an LD50 ≥5000 mg/kg when administered orally in mice as this dose did not trigger deaths in any of the observed groups. EHFLR (25 mg/kg) showed a significant antiderematogenic effect on histamine and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema at the third hour of the tests, with a percentage of inhibition of 46.64% and 18.33%, respectively. The extract (25 mg/kg, p.o.) also significantly reduced vascular permeability and leukocyte migration in the peritoneal cavity. ConclusionsIt is concluded that EHFLR exerts a systemic anti-inflammatory action, which seems to depend, at least in part, on the inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism and the action of vasoactive amines. In addition, the extract reduced the leukocyte migration in the peritoneal cavity, indicating that its action may be linked to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Abstract 2866: Anticancer effect of a new cyclic peptide ALOS4 is associated with its systemic anti-inflammatory activity

Abstract The association of chronic inflammation with cancer development and progression has been well recognized. Here, we report a synthetic cyclic peptide, ALOS4, capable of suppressing tumor growth following systemic administration and possessing anti-inflammatory properties. Although ALOS4 was initially isolated by phage display for its ability to bind avb3 integrin and demonstrated tumor-suppressor activity in preclinical xenograft and syngeneic models of melanoma, it surprisingly showed no functional activity resembling RGD peptides in functional in vitro assays. Remarkably, ALOS4 displayed no signs of toxicity in treated animals, even at doses exceeding &amp;gt;100-fold beyond the efficacious dose. To identify the mechanisms underlying profound antitumor activity of this safe peptide, we used a large panel of cell-based repeater assays designed to detect modulators of a variety of signaling pathways including p53, NF-kB, and different types of stress responses including heat shock and hypoxia. We also tested the effects of ALOS4 on tumor cell growth, adhesion, clonogenicity, morphology and other in vitro properties. ALOS4 showed no detectable activity in any of these numerous assays with one exception: it suppressed the ability of treated cells to induce interferon type I signaling in response to mimics of double-stranded RNA (Poly I:C). Based on this observation, we hypothesized that the antitumor effect of ALOS4 is driven by a systemic anti-inflammatory effect rather than by a direct effect on tumor cells. Consistently, ALOS4 treatment dramatically altered both the abundance and content of the immunocyte population infiltrating subcutaneous melanomas in mice. These results suggest that ALOS4 may be an anticancer agent with a new mechanism of action that targets the tumor-supporting interferon-driven mechanism of tumor-host interaction. Citation Format: Elimelech Nesher, Albert Pinhasov, Maria Becker, Michael Kirby, Raichel Cohen Harazi, Shiri Yakobovich, Oryan Agranyoni, Bar Shoval, Shany I. Elbaz, Olga Udartseva, Ilya Gitlin, Katerina Leonova, Katerina Gurova, Andrei Gudkov, Igor Koman. Anticancer effect of a new cyclic peptide ALOS4 is associated with its systemic anti-inflammatory activity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2866.

Ustekinumab in the management of Crohn’s disease: Expert opinion

This expert-opinion paper reviews available evidence for the use of ustekinumab, a human interleukin 12/23 monoclonal antibody, in the treatment of Crohn’s disease and discusses its potential role in the current treatment scenario for the condition. Ustekinumab appears to be associated with rapid and sustained clinical effect, as reported from the clinical research program, with additional support for potential mucosal healing. These characteristics are paralleled by a favorable safety profile, lack of immunogenicity and the presence of systemic anti-inflammatory activity. Importantly, ustekinumab requires only one single intravenous administration, while subsequent dosing is administered subcutaneously, with potential advantages for home-based therapy. Lastly, the dosage of ustekinumab is flexible. On the basis of the evidence, ustekinumab has a role in patients with primary failure or secondary loss of response to anti-tumor necrosis factor agents, as well as in those who have adverse events on front-line biologics or are reinitiating therapy after a treatment holiday. Current evidence suggests that ustekinumab may be particularly suitable in patients who present extra-intestinal manifestations of the disease or are at risk of infections. Ustekinumab may also be considered in the first-line setting, especially in frail patients, in young subjects or in those who have concomitant immune-mediated diseases.

Hepatoprotective and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities of the Cnidoscolus chayamansa (Mc Vaugh) Leaf Extract in Chronic Models

Previous report described that CHCl3:MeOH extract of C. chayamansa leaves and pure compounds (moretenol, moretenyl acetate, kaempferol-3,7-dimethyl ether, and 5-hydroxy-7-3′,4′-trimethoxyflavanone) showed important topical and systemic anti-inflammatory activity in acute model, as well as in vitro antimycobacterial and antiprotozoal activities. In this paper, we describe the in vivo hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of the CHCl3:MeOH extract in chronic model and the isolation of additional compounds (moretenone and lupeol acetate). The hepatoprotective activity was determined at 39 days using Balb/c mice with liver damage induced with an antitubercular drug (RIF/INH/PZA). The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in a chronic model induced with CFA and in two acute models (TPA and carrageenan). In addition, moretenone and lupeol acetate were isolated and identified by spectroscopic data. Lupeol acetate is a main compound present in fractions 14-42, and this fraction was the majority fraction from the extract; from this moretenone was obtained. In animals with liver damage, the extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg induced better body weight gain with respect to positive control (Silymarin); in addition, the mice that received the extract at 200 mg/kg and Silymarin exhibited slight steatosis; however, the animals' livers at 400 mg/kg did not show steatosis. The extract and fractions 14-42 showed a good anti-inflammatory activity by TPA model (DE50 = 1.58 and 1.48 mg/ear) and by carrageenan model (DE50 = 351.53 and 50.11 mg/kg). In the chronic inflammatory test, the extract at three doses revealed a similar effect to that of phenylbutazone, although the body weight gain was better in animals that received the extract at 900 mg/kg. Conclusion. The CHCl3:MeOH extract showed significant anti-inflammatory and good hepatoprotective effect on chronic models. The fraction containing moretenone and lupeol acetate as main compounds was more active than extract in both acute models of inflammation.

Paracrine-Mediated Systemic Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Intravenously Administered Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Transformative Strategy for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapeutics.

Stem cell therapy as a treatment option for acute myocardial infarction or heart failure caused by ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy has focused on direct cardiac delivery of stem cells to facilitate cardiac engraftment. Once engrafted, it was believed that these cells would either transdifferentiate into new functioning myocytes or stimulate the expansion of resident myocardial stem cells. However, a sea change in thinking about cell therapy in cardiovascular disease has occurred as mounting evidence indicates that (1) inflammation is a major mechanism contributing to the progressive myocardial dysfunction seen in patients post-acute myocardial infarction and in patients with cardiomyopathy, and (2) systemic paracrine-mediated anti-inflammatory effects of stem cells can drive beneficial cardiac effects in these diseases. These concepts lead to a potentially transformative strategy that intravenous delivery of stem cells, through systemic anti-inflammatory mechanisms, improves myocardial function and thereby obviates the need for invasive methods of stem cell delivery. Until recently, the prevailing view of the mechanism responsible for any potential benefit of stem cells in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or with heart failure (HF) caused by ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM/NICM) was that benefit derived from local effects—once engrafted in damaged myocardium, the stem cells either transdifferentiate into functional myocardium, stimulate resident myocardial stem cells to expand, and repopulate the heart with functioning myocytes or secrete substances leading to myocardial healing. This mechanistic perspective implied that the greater the number of engrafted cells in the myocardium, the greater the cardiac benefit. Because few intravenously administered stem cells engraft in injured myocardium, invasive strategies providing direct delivery of stem cells to the heart were uniformly adopted. This necessarily involved either catheter-based delivery (intracoronary or transendocardial injection) or surgical delivery (direct intramyocardial injection). A transformative concept relating to stem cell treatment of patients with AMI or ICM/NICM has recently …

Anti-inflammatory and antiedematogenic activity of the Ocimum basilicum essential oil and its main compound estragole: In vivo mouse models

The genus Ocimum are used in cooking, however, their essential oils are utilized in traditional medicine as aromatherapy. The present study was carried out to investigate the chemical composition and systemic anti-inflammatory activity of the Ocimum basilicum essential oil (EOOB) and its major component estragole, as well as its possible mechanisms of action. The Ocimum basilicum essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. The anti-inflammatory action was verified using acute and chronic in vivo tests as paw edema, peritonitis, and vascular permeability and granulomatous inflammation model. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of action was analyzed by the participation of histamine and arachidonic acid pathways. The chemical profile analysis identified fourteen components present in the essential oil, within them: estragole (60.96%). The in vivo test results show that treatment with EOOB (100 and 50 mg/kg) and estragole (60 and 30 mg/kg) significantly reduced paw edema induced by carrageenan and dextran. The smallest doses of EOOB (50 mg/kg) and estragole (30 mg/kg) showed efficacy in the reduction of paw edema induced by histamine and arachidonic acid, vascular permeability inhibition and leukocyte emigration in the peritoneal fluid. Theses doses were capable of reducing the chronic inflammatory process. The results observed between the EOOB and estragole demonstrate efficacy in anti-inflammatory activity, however, the essential oil is more efficacious in the acute and chronic anti-inflammatory action. This study confirms the therapeutic potential of this plant and reinforces the validity of its use in popular medicine.

Anti-inflammatory and toxicological evaluation of Moussonia deppeana (Schldl. & Cham) Hanst and Verbascoside as a main active metabolite

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMoussonia deppeana, known as Tlachichinole, is a Mexican medicinal plant used for treatment of inflammatory diseases, influenza, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders and arthritis. Aim of the studyIn this paper the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as well as the acute and sub-acute toxicological effects were evaluated for the ethanolic extract from aerial parts of M. deppeana, also its phytochemical analysis is described. Materials and methodsPhytochemical analysis and compound isolation were performed with thin layer chromatography. The chemical identification of the main compound was performed by 1H NMR (COSY, NOESY, HSQC and HMBC) spectra. In vitro antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content for the ethanolic extract and its primary fractions was determined by DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Acute and subacute toxicity tests were evaluated on Balb/C mice. Finally acute anti-inflammatory evaluation was tested for a local (TPA) and systemic (carrageenan) murine model. ResultsThe main compound isolated from the ethanolic extract of M. deppeana was Verbascoside, which was isolated from F3 and was identified by 1H NMR and COSY data. Furthermore oleanolic and ursolic acids were isolated from primary fractions F1 and F2. Ethanolic extract showed IC50 = 6.71mg/mL for DPPH test and 664.12µg QE/mL for the total phenolic content. The LD50 value was >2g/kg by i.g. route in male and female mice. Sub-acute administration (28 days) of the ethanolic extract (1g/kg) did not cause lethality or alter any hematological and biochemical parameters, in addition, histological analysis of the major organs exhibited no structural changes. Anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract showed an ED50 = 1.5mg/ear and 450mg/kg for TPA and carrageenan test, respectively. Primary fractions generated moderate local and systemic anti-inflammatory activity. ConclusionThe ethanolic extract from the aerial parts of M. deppeana did not cause any lethality or adverse effect in either of the acute and sub-acute toxicity tests. This exhibited an important local and systemic anti-inflammatory activity and also moderate antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the primary fraction F2 was more active for the TPA model while the primary fraction F3 was most active in the carrageenan model in vivo. The main compound isolated from F3 was verbascoside; on the other hand also ursolic and oleanolic acids were isolated from F1 and F2.

Effect of Carnosine in Experimental Arthritis and on Primary Culture Chondrocytes.

Carnosine's (CARN) anti-inflammatory potential in autoimmune diseases has been but scarcely investigated as yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CARN in rat adjuvant arthritis, in the model of carrageenan induced hind paw edema (CARA), and also in primary culture of chondrocytes under H2O2 injury. The experiments were done on healthy animals, arthritic animals, and arthritic animals with oral administration of CARN in a daily dose of 150 mg/kg b.w. during 28 days as well as animals with CARA treated by a single administration of CARN in the same dose. CARN beneficially affected hind paw volume and changes in body weight on day 14 and reduced hind paw swelling in CARA. Markers of oxidative stress in plasma and brain (malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal, protein carbonyls, and lag time of lipid peroxidation) and also activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase were significantly corrected by CARN. CARN also reduced IL-1alpha in plasma. Suppression of intracellular oxidant levels was also observed in chondrocytes pretreated with CARN. Our results obtained on two animal models showed that CARN has systemic anti-inflammatory activity and protected rat brain and chondrocytes from oxidative stress. This finding suggests that CARN might be beneficial for treatment of arthritic diseases.

Anti-inflammatory potential of zootherapeutics derived from animals used in Brazilian traditional medicine

Context: Animals are used for the treatment of diseases caused by inflammatory processes, although few studies evaluate their potential for these purposes.Objectives: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of zootherapeutic products derived from vertebrates used in Brazilian traditional medicine.Material and methods: The species analyzed were Tupinambis merianae, Iguana iguana, Crotalus durissus, Boa constrictor, and Euphractus sexcinctus. The methods used in anti-inflammatory assays were ear edema (topical) and paw (systemic).Results: With regard to topical anti-inflammatory activity, the fat from T. merianae, C. durissus, I. iguana, B. constrictor, and E. sexcinctus reduced inflammation, while for systemic anti-inflammatory activity, only the fat and the skin of C. durissus, the skin of I. iguana and the fat from B. constrictor reduced inflammation.Conclusions: Studies should be conducted to evaluate the mechanisms of action for each product that demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity as well as against other inflammatory processes.

In Vitro Anti‐Inflammatory Activity of Selected Oxalate‐Degrading Probiotic Bacteria: Potential Applications in the Prevention and Treatment of Hyperoxaluria

Oxalate (Ox) is a very common component of the human diet, capable to collect in the renal tissue and bind calcium to form calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals. A supersaturation of CaOx crystal may cause nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis. The inflammation derived from the CaOx crystal accumulation, together with innate or secondary renal alterations, could strongly affect the renal function. In this case a consumption of probiotics with either oxalate-degrading activity at intestinal level and systemic anti-inflammatory activity could be an alternative approach to treat the subjects with excess of urinary oxalate excretion. 11 strains of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria), already included in the list of bacteria safe for the human use, were investigated for their capability to degrade oxalate by mean of RP-HPLC-UV method and modulate inflammation in an in vitro model system based on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Four promising bacterial strains (Lactobacillus plantarum PBS067, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14, Bifidobacterium breve PBS077, Bifidobacterium longum PBS078) were identified as innovative biological tools for the prevention and the therapeutic treatment of hyperoxaluria and the inflammatory events associated to the Ox accumulation. The oxalate-degrading activity of some probiotics and their capability to modulate the release of inflammation mediators could be exploited as a new nutraceutical and therapeutic approach for the treatment of oxalate accumulation and the related inflammatory state.

Study of anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory properties and phytochemical profiles of Osbeckia parvifolia Arn. (Melastomataceae)

Osbeckia parvifolia Arn. belongs to the family Melastomataceae and whole plant is used for the treatment of swellings in folk medicine. The present study was designed to elucidate the pharmacological properties of the whole plant methanolic extract against pain, inflammation and to determine their chemical composition.The anti-nociceptive activity was assessed by central and peripheral analgesia models in mice and anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using acute and chronic inflammation models in rats. Phytochemical analyses were done by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS).The whole plant methanolic extract produced a significant (p<0.05, 0.001) dose dependent inhibition in the thermal, acetic acid and formalin induced analgesia. In addition, the methanolic extract (200mg/kg) exhibited significant (p<0.05) systemic anti-inflammatory activity in egg albumin, carrageenan induced acute inflammation, carrageenan induced peritonitis and cotton pellet implanted granuloma models.Phytochemical screening of whole plant showed that carbohydrates, proteins, phenolics and flavonoids were found to be major amount. Phytochemical analyses through FTIR, GC/MS and HPLC showed that O. parvifolia is a rich source of bioactive compounds. The results suggest that O. parvifolia possesses anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities and this confirms the use of this plant in the traditional treatment of ailments associated with oxidative stress, pain and inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of cis-mulberroside A from Ramulus mori

This study examined the analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions of cis-mulberroside A isolated from Ramulus mori in several models of inflammatory pain in mice. Cis-mulberroside A (25 and 50 mg/kg) given by p.o. route 30 min before challenge produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the acetic acid-induced pain and Evans blue leakage in mice. In addition, this compound exhibited significant systemic anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema in a concentration-related manner (33.1–68.5% inhibition), and similar results were achieved in formalin test. Suppressive effects of cis-mulberroside A on the production of NO and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages were also assessed. Collectively, cis-mulberroside A showed high analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The above results will be the supporting evidence for the potential anti-rheumatoid activity of R. mori in Chinese traditional medicine.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Seed Extracts of Aframomum melegueta

ABSTRACT A methanol extract and fractions (pet ether and methanol) of Aframomum melegueta K. Schum (Zingiberacea) seeds were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity. An acute toxicity test in mice was used to establish an i.p. LD50 of 2154 mg/kg for the methanol extract. The methanol extract and the pet ether fraction (oil) significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited xylene-induced topical edema in the mouse ear. In contrast, the methanol soluble fraction exhibited no topical anti-inflammatory activity. The methanol extract and the pet ether and methanol fractions had systemic anti-inflammatory activity, significantly (P < 0.05) inhibiting rat paw edema induced by egg albumin. An ulcerogenic assay in rats revealed zero ulcer incidence for the methanol extract and the pet ether and methanol fractions, suggesting a possible non-inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, sterols, triterpenes, and oils, while the methanol fraction contained alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, sterols, and resins. The study results indicate that seeds of Aframomum melegueta possess potent anti-inflammatory activity with a favorable gastric tolerability profile.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Dalbergia lanceolaria bark ethanol extract in mice and rats

Topical anti-inflammatory activity of Dalbergia lanceolaria Linn. bark ethanol extract was demonstrated in albino mice using TPA-, EPP- and AA-induced ear edema models. The systemic activity of extract was confirmed using acute and sub-acute anti-inflammatory models in albino rats. The ethanol extract exhibited significant systemic anti-inflammatory activity in Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, by inhibition of histamine and prostaglandin phases of acute inflammation. The extract also showed significant activity against turpentine-induced exudative changes and no activity against granular tissue formation in cotton pellet-induced granuloma in albino rats. Thus, resultant anti-inflammatory activity might be due to effects on several mediators involving cyclo-oxygenase pathway resulting in prostaglandin formation and leukocyte migration from the vessels.

Anti-inflammatory potential of a malleable matrix composed of fermented whey proteins and lactic acid bacteria in an atopic dermatitis model

BackgroundOver the last 10 years, whey proteins have received considerable attention in the area of functional foods and nutraceuticals. In this paper, a novel fermented whey protein-based product described as a gel-like Malleable Protein Matrix (MPM) has been tested for its anti-inflammatory activity. Preliminary in vitro results have already indicated that MPM could exert such an anti-inflammatory activity.MethodsThe systemic anti-inflammatory activity of the MPM was explored using the oxazolone-induced atopic contact dermatitis mouse model (ACD). Parameters including ear thickness, side effects as well as neutrophil extravasation were monitored.ResultsIn the ACD model, the MPM exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect comparable to that of hydrocortisone (positive control). Mice fed with MPM showed strong reduction of the ear inflammation while no side effects, as compared to hydrocortisone, were observed. The MPM seemed to reduce neutrophil extravasation in tissue as evidenced by blood polymorphonuclear cells and ear myeloperoxidase content.ConclusionThe anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated in the ACD model suggests that the mechanism of action of the MPM is different than that of hydrocortisone and could become a relevant product for people suffering from dermatological manifestations associated with immune dysfunctions such as allergies, eczema, dermatitis, and autoimmune diseases.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Jatropha curcas roots in mice and rats

Anti-inflammatory activity of topical application of Jatropha curcas L. root powder in paste form in TPA-induced ear inflammation was confirmed in albino mice and the successive solvent extraction of these roots was carried out by ether and methanol. The methanol extract exhibited systemic and significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. It also showed activity against formalin-induced rat paw edema, as well as, turpentine-induced exudative changes and cotton pellet-induced granular tissue formation after oral treatment for 7 days in albino rats. Thus, resultant anti-inflammatory activity might be due to effects on several mediators and arachidonic acid metabolism involving cyclo-oxygenase pathway resulting in prostaglandin formation, anti-proliferative activity leading to reduction in granular tissue formation and leukocyte migration from the vessels.