Effect of triterpenoids on the inflammation induced by protein kinase C activators, neuronally acting irritants and other agents.

In order to establish the mode of the anti-inflammatory activity of triterpenoids, 11 naturally occurring compounds were assayed on mouse ear oedema induced by the protein kinase C activators, mezerein, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), two 12-deoxyphorbol-13-monoesters (13-tetradecanoate (DPT) and 13-phenylacetate (DPP)) and bryostatin 1, and by resiniferatoxin, xylene and arachidonic acid. The effects on bradykinin-induced paw oedema and on the rat skin inflammation caused by hydrogen peroxide were also examined. The oedema induced by mezerein and DPT was reduced to different extents by the triterpenoids administered epicutaneously (0.5 mg per ear). Against DPT-induced oedema, l…

An Update Review of Saffron and its Active Constituents

This paper reviews the literature on recent research on the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of saffron (Crocus sativus) and its active constituents, mainly as antitumoral, hypolipidemic and tissue oxygenation enhancement agents.

Bcl-2 is a negative regulator of interleukin-1β secretion in murine macrophages in pharmacological-induced apoptosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cucurbitacin R, a natural anti-inflammatory product, has been shown to exhibit activity against both adjuvant-induced arthritis and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions induced by various agents. Previous studies have demonstrated that the effects of cucurbitacin R stem from its inhibition of both cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES Effects of cucurbitacin R were investigated on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Cell cycle evolution was analysed by flow cytometry, detection of apoptosis by DNA ladder, Bcl-2, p21, p53, Bax, cleaved caspase-1 (p10), caspase-9, and caspase-3, cleaved caspase (p17) and interleukin-1β d…

Dual inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase by aerial part of Bupleurum fruticescens methanol extract

The effect of the methanol extract from aerial parts of Bupleurum fruticescens on the release of eicosanoids and hydrolytic enzymes was determined on in vitro cell systems. The extract had a significant effect on 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) activity, inhibiting both LTB4 and 5(S)-HETE production with IC50 values of 112 microg/ml and 95 microg/ml, respectively. At concentrations of 200 microg/ml, the extract also inhibited cyclooxygenase-1 (90%) and elastase activities (54%). The 12-LOX activity in intact platelets was not affected; a fact, which suggests that phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, is not modified by the extract.

In vitro and in vivo effects of Ranunculus peltatus subsp. baudotii methanol extract on models of eicosanoid production and contact dermatitis

Ranunculus (Crowfoot) species are numerous and they are all reputed to be counter-irritants and are used in several topical conditions. In order to study the pharmacological mechanisms of action underlying this popular use, a methanol extract of Ranunculus peltatus was tested in vitro in various assays involving eicosanoid and human elastase release by intact cells as well as in vivo, with models of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) contact dermatitis. The extract proved to be a selective inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase-1 pathway, producing the total inhibition of 12-(S)-HHTrE release at 200 microg/mL, while leaving both 5-lipoxygenase and 12-lipoxygenase activities unaffected at the same…

Oleuropein protects against dextran sodium sulfate-induced chronic colitis in mice.

The anti-inflammatory effect of oleuropein (1), the major phenolic secoiridoid in Olea europaea, was evaluated in an experimental model of chronic colitis in mice. Animals were exposed to four repeated cycles of dextran sodium sulfate in drinking water followed by a 7-day rest period. Animals receiving a standard diet supplemented with 0.25% of 1 (equivalent to 500 mg/kg/day) for 56 days exhibited a decrease of inflammatory symptoms, as reflected by improvement of disease activity index and histopathological changes. It was found that 1 decreased inflammatory cell recruitment and the release of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 with increased IL-10 levels in colon tissue. …

CNS depressant effects, anti-inflammatory activity and anti-cholinergic actions ofSantolina chamaecyparissus extracts

The pharmacological activity of several extracts together with the lyophilized infusion of S. chamaecyparissus ssp. squarrosa were investigated. The lethal dose 50% (LD50), effect on animal metabolism, mechanical and thermic analgesia and spontaneous, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer activity have been determined. Studies on isolated organs (rat duodenum and rat uterus) were also carried out. The hexanic and chloroformic extracts were potent antagonists of the thermic analgesia test; the former extract was also active in the mechanical analgesia test. The chloroformic extract and, to a lesser extent, the ethyl acetate extract and lyophilized infusion demonstrated noteworthy activity as ant…

Topical anti-inflammatory activity of some Asian medicinal plants used in dermatological disorders.

The topical anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from Cassia angustifolia, Rheum palmatum, Coptis chinensis, Phellodendron amurense and Scutellaria baicalensis, plants used in traditional East Asian medicine against different skin disorders, was studied. Though in different degree, all the extracts significantly inhibited the edema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), in both single or multiple application, oxazolone, and arachidonic acid (AA). None of the extracts inhibited in vitro the activity of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) from Naja naja.

Demethylnobiletin inhibits delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions, human lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production

Background and purpose: Our aim was to examine the effect of demethylnobiletin on various experimental models of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions and to determine its influence on the mediators and enzymes involved in these reactions. Experimental approach: DTH was induced in mice by oxazolone, dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and sheep red blood cells (SRBC). The effect of demethylnobiletin on the ensuing DTH was studied, especially in relation to oedema formation, cell infiltration and tissue damage. Its activity on different mediators implicated in DTH reactions was also determined and its effect on nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-2 analysed. Finally, its influence on T lymphocyte pr…

New prenylhydroquinone glycosides from Phagnalon rupestre.

Three new hydroquinone glycosides were isolated from the MeOH extract of the aerial parts of Phagnalon rupestre. Their structures were elucidated as 1-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-1,4-dihydroxy-2-(3',3'-dimethylallyl)benzene (1), 1-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-1,4-dihydroxy-2-(3'-hydroxymethyl-3'-methylallyl)benzene (2), and 1-O-(4' '-O-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-1,4-dihydroxy-2-(3',3'-dimethylallyl)benzene (3) by spectroscopic methods.

Shikonin reduces the tumour formation and IL-17 in a model of colorectal cancer associated to chronic colitis in C57BL/6 mice

Anti-inflammatory glycoterpenoids from Scrophularia auriculata.

The activity of the four glycoterpenoids: two saponins, verbascosaponin A and verbascosaponin, and two iridoids, scropolioside A and scrovalentinoside, isolated from Scrophularia auriculata ssp. pseudoauriculata, were studied in different models of acute and chronic inflammation. Both saponins significantly inhibited the mouse paw edema induced by carrageenan and ear edema induced by single and multiple doses of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). Verbascosaponin A showed a potency twice as high as that of indomethacin in the acute TPA model. Verbascosaponin A and scropolioside A were active after a long latency period against ethyl phenylpropiolate edema, as are glucocorticoids. Wh…

Natural Triterpenoids as Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Abstract This chapter reviews the natural triterpenes with anti-inflammatory activity, including the traditional ones and the new compounds isolated over the last six years. Triterpenes are widely distributed in plants, and in many cases are the principles responsible for their anti-inflammatory effects. Many of these compounds are active in different in vivo experimental models such as hind paw edema induced by carrageenan, serotonin and phospholipase A2; ear edema induced by phorbol and daphnane esters, ethylphenylpropiolate, arachidonic acid and capsaicin; adjuvant arthritis and experimental models of allergy. Other effects have been studied in vitro, and some triterpenes are active agai…

Cocoa polyphenols and their potential benefits for human health.

This paper compiles the beneficial effects of cocoa polyphenols on human health, especially with regard to cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancer prevention. Their antioxidant properties may be responsible for many of their pharmacological effects, including the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the protection of LDL-cholesterol against oxidation, and increase resistance to oxidative stress. The phenolics from cocoa also modify the glycemic response and the lipid profile, decreasing platelet function and inflammation along with diastolic and systolic arterial pressures, which, taken together, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality. Cocoa polyph…

Effects of plant alkylphenols on cytokine production, tyrosine nitration and inflammatory damage in the efferent phase of contact hypersensitivity

Background and purpose: The phenolic compounds isoprenylhydroquinone glucoside (IHG), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (DCA), and its methyl ester (DCE) have previously been shown to inhibit both contact hypersensitivity (CHS) and peroxynitrite reactivity. The present work seeks to establish a relationship between the anti-inflammatory effect and the release of cytokines and tyrosine nitration in skin. Experimental approach: Murine CHS was developed by means of sensitization and challenge with dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) or oxazolone. Ear swelling was measured 24 and 96 h after challenge. Interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-4, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-a were measured by ELISA; and the expression of in…

Immunmodulatory and Antiproliferative Properties of Rhodiola Species.

The traditional medicines of Asia and Europe have long used various Rhodiola species, which are endemic to the subarctic areas of the northern hemisphere, as tonic, adaptogen, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory drugs. In order to establish the therapeutic uses of these plants in modern medicine, the pharmacological effects of Rhodiola sp. have been widely studied. Indeed, the most amply researched species, Rhodiola rosea, has been shown to possess antioxidant, adaptogenic, antistress, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, angiomodulatory, and antitumoral effects. Salidroside (p-hydroxyphenethyl-β-D-glucoside), a major compound in Rhodiola, seems to be responsible for many of the effects obser…

Isolation and identification of an antiinflammatory principle from santolina chamaecyparissus

The chloroform extract from Santolina chamaecyparissus squarrosa exhibited a potent anti-inflammatory effect on carrageenan-induced oedema in the rat hind paw. β-Sytosteryl 3-β-D-glucoside, isolated by fractionating this extract, was anti-inflammatory in the above test, with intraperitoneal and oral ED50 values of 70 and 146 mg/kg, respectively.

Zanhasaponins A and B, Antiphospholipase A2 Saponins from an Antiinflammatory Extract of Zanha africana Root Bark

A MeOH extract from Z. africana was examined for topical antiinflammatory activity and proved to be active against arachidonic acid (AA) acute edema, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced chronic inflammation, and oxazolone delayed-type hypersensitivity in mice. The extract also showed significant inhibitory activity of Naja naja phospholipase A2 when a polarographic method was used. Two oleanane-type triterpene saponins, zanhasaponins A (1) and B (2), and the cyclitol pinitol (4), isolated from the extract, were active as inhibitors of PLA2. A further saponin, zanhasaponin C (3) was inactive in this assay.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of South American Tanacetum vulgare

Abstract In recent years the role of phenolic compounds and sesquiterpene lactones, particularly parthenolide, in the anti-migraine and anti-inflammatory effects of Tanacetum parthenium (Asteraceae) has attracted much attention. However, the closely-related cosmopolitan species T. vulgare has remained outside the mainstream of research in this field. After treating the aerial parts of T. vulgare with dichloromethane and methanol, and applying conventional column and thin-layer chromatographic techniques, it was possible to isolate from the moderately lipophilic fractions the principles responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of this plant against the mouse-ear oedema induced by 12-O-…

Screening of tropical medicinal plants for antiinflammatory activity

The antiinflammatory activity of different extracts from 16 tropical plant species belonging to 15 different families has been determined. They were administered topically on TPA-induced mouse ear oedema and orally on carrageenan-induced mouse paw oedema. In the latter, extracts from Diospyros leucomelas, Erythrospermum monticolumn, Ficus polita, Heteromorpha trifoliata, Hypericum lalandii, Kirkia acuminata, Pterocarpus angolensis and Zanha africana significantly reduced the oedema 3 h after carrageenan injection. All the extracts were considerably active when assayed topically with only three exceptions.

Isoprenylhydroquinone glucoside: a new non-antioxidant inhibitor of peroxynitrite-mediated tyrosine nitration

Abstract Three hydroquinone glucosides and four caffeoylquinic esters were examined for their effect on tyrosine nitration, as well as on the oxidation of dihydrorhodamine (DHR) 123 and cytochrome c 2+ induced by peroxynitrite. All these phenolics, which had previously been characterized as the active principles of the plant Phagnalon rupestre , were fairly active in preventing the oxidation of DHR 123, though inefficient in the cytochrome c test. While their antioxidant potency is associated with the presence of a caffeoyl moiety, not so an obvious chemical character was correlated to a greater activity against nitration of tyrosine. Here, the highest potency corresponded to 2-isoprenylhyd…

Pharmacological approach to the pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of Ranunculus sceleratus L.

Ranunculus sceleratus is a widespread species with unique toxicological and pharmacological activities. The present study seeks to assess this species' ability, both in vitro and in vivo, to modulate processes involved in inflammations. To this end, different extracts from the aerial parts of the plant were tested in several models of acute inflammation induced by tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA), arachidonic acid (AA), and carrageenan, as well as in two models of delayed hypersensitivity induced by oxazolone and dinitrofluorobencene (DNFB). The extracts were also assayed in models of eicosanoid and elastase release by intact cells. When tested in vivo, all of the extracts showed anti-inf…

Two fungal lanostane derivatives as phospholipase A2 inhibitors.

The hydroalcoholic extract of Poria cocos and two lanostane derivatives isolated from it, pachymic acid (1) and dehydrotumulosic acid (2), were active as inhibitors of phospholipase A2 from snake venom when a polarographic method was used. Dehydrotumulosic acid exhibited an IC50 of 0.845 mM. These two compounds are structurally related to certain triterpenoids from Ganoderma and Schinus that have previously been described as competitive inhibitors of phospholipase A2. These comprise a new group of natural potential antiinflammatory agents due to their interaction with that enzyme.

In vivo activity of pseudoguaianolide sesquiterpene lactones in acute and chronic inflammation.

The pseudoguaianolide sesquiterpene lactones 4-alpha-O-acetyl-pseudoguaian-6beta-olide (1), hymenin (2), ambrosanolide (3), tetraneurin A (4), parthenin (5), hysterin (6) and confertdiolide (7) were evaluated for their ability to affect the inflammation responses induced by different agents. All the compounds showed activity against the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema. The ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP)-induced mouse ear edema was inhibited by compounds 3, 5 and 7. However, when sesquiterpene-lactones were assayed on the arachidonic acid (AA)-induced mouse ear edema, none of them were active. The only sesquiterpene lactone orally active against the paw mouse…

In Vivo Studies on the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Pachymic and Dehydrotumulosic Acids

Pachymic and dehydrotumulosic acids were studied in different models of acute and chronic inflammation. They proved to be active in most of the methods applied. None of them were active against arachidonic acid-induced ear edema. Dehydrotumulosic acid significantly diminished the mouse ear edema induced by ethyl phenylpropiolate, while pachymic acid was ineffective. When the putative corticoid-like mechanism of both compounds was explored, pachymic acid activity was partially abolished by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist progesterone, but dehydrotumulosic acid activity was not affected. In vivo experiments demonstrated the inhibition by both principles of the phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-i…

Shikonin promotes intestinal wound healing in vitro via induction of TGF-β release in IEC-18 cells

The intestinal barrier is a complex system with a dynamic structure that is designed for the maintenance of homeostasis in healthy individuals. Ulcerative colitis, one of the main manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease, is characterized by an inadequate and delayed wound healing. Shikonin, the active principle in the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has demonstrated its ability to attenuate dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice. Moreover, the root of L. erythrorhizon has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of burns, anal ulcers, hemorrhoids and skin wounds. However, the effect of shikonin on intestinal wound healing is unknown. Using an in vi…

On the Occurrence of Caffeoyltartronic Acid and Other Phenolics in Chondrilla juncea

Abstract Caffeoyltartronic acid and other eleven phenolic com pounds were identified in the MeOH extract of Chondrilla juncea: the flavonoids luteolin, luteolin-7-glucoside, luteolin-7-galactosylglucuronide and quercetin-3-galactoside; the phenolic acids protocatechuic, caffeic, chlorogenic, isochlorogenic and isoferulic and the coumarins cichoriin and aesculetin. The taxonomic im plications of these com pounds have been discussed.

Shikonin reduces oedema induced by phorbol ester by interfering with IκBα degradation thus inhibiting translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus

Background and purpose In the present paper we studied the effect of shikonin on ear oedema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), and determined the mechanisms through which shikonin might exert its topical anti-inflammatory action. Experimental approach Acute ear oedema was induced in mice by topical application of TPA. The in vitro assays used macrophages RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, protein kinase Calpha, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), phosphorylated ERK (pERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), pJNK, p38, p-p38, p65, p-p65, inhibitor protein of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) …

Inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes by inuviscolide, a sesquiterpene lactone from Inula viscosa

Abstract This work concerns the pharmacological activity of inuviscolide, a sesquiterpenoid from Inula viscosa. It exerts inhibitory effects on elastase, cyclooxygenase 1 and secretory phospholipase A2. Furthermore, it reduces the skin leukocyte infiltration in a murine model of dermatitis induced by repeated application of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate.

Dihydrocucurbitacin B, isolated from Cayaponia tayuya, reduces damage in adjuvant-induced arthritis

23,24-Dihydrocucurbitacin B, from the anti-rheumatic plant Cayaponia tayuya, was tested on arthritis induced by adjuvant to corroborate the anti-inflammatory properties of this plant. Arthritis was induced in Lewis rats; the resulting arthritic rats were then treated with dihydrocucurbitacin B (1 mg/kg orally, daily, 1 week). The effect of dihydrocucurbitacin B on the synthesis, release, and activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes (elastase, cyclooxygenase-2, and nitric oxide synthase-2) as well as its effect on different mediators (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta) were determined. Dihydrocucurbitacin B modified the evolution of the clinical symptoms, reducing the swelling an…

Influence of traditional Chinese anti-inflammatory medicinal plants on leukocyte and platelet functions.

Abstract The enzymes 5-lipoxygenase and elastase are therapeutic targets in dermatological disorders such as psoriasis. Fifteen extracts from traditional Chinese medicinal plants used to treat topical inflammations were screened for their inhibitory effect on lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase and elastase activity in intact leukocytes and platelets. Astragalus membranaceus, Forsythia suspensa and Poria cocos inhibited 5-lipoxygenase, with IC50 values of 141, 80 and 141 μg mL−1, respectively. The latter two species, along with Angelica dahurica and Angelica pubescens, also inhibited elastase (IC50 values of 80, 123, 68 and 93 μg mL−1, respectively), while A. pubescens, Atractylodes macrocephala, …

Modulation of protein tyrosine nitration and inflammatory mediators by isoprenylhydroquinone glucoside.

The nitration of tyrosine caused by peroxynitrite and other reactive nitrogen species is clearly detrimental for some physiological processes; however, its signalling role is still open to controversy. Among the natural phenolics known for their ability to oppose free tyrosine nitration, isoprenylhydroquinone glucoside is investigated due to its unusual structure, which contains a simple hydroxybenzene alkylated by a hemiterpenoid moiety. This hydroquinone was shown to be an effective inhibitor of peroxynitrite-induced protein tyrosine nitration in 3T3 fibroblasts. When tested on bovine seroalbumin nitration, however, the potency was reduced by half and the effect was almost abolished in th…

Lanostanoids from fungi: a group of potential anticancer compounds.

Lanostanes are a group of tetracyclic triterpenoids derived from lanosterol. They have relevant biological and pharmacological properties, such as their cytotoxic effects via induction of apoptosis. This review compiles the most relevant lanostanoids studied from 2000 to 2011, principally those isolated from Ganoderma lucidum and other related fungi, such as Poria cocos, Laetiporus sulphureus, Inonotus obliquus, Antrodia camphorata, Daedalea dickinsii, and Elfvingia applanata, which have great potential as anticancer agents because of their cytotoxic or apoptotic effects. The compounds were selected on the basis of their proapoptotic mechanisms, through their ability to modify transcription…

Screening of antiinflammatory medicinal plants used in traditional medicine against skin diseases

The antiinflammatory activity of twelve medicinal plants used against skin disorders were tested in different experimental models of topical inflammation and one in vitro inhibitory test against phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from Naja naja venom. Forsythia suspensa was the most active species on the arachidonic acid (AA) topical test. This last species together with Astragalus membranaceus and Ranunculus sceleratus were the most active on the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) acute ear oedema test. Scrophularia auriculata was the most active on multiple topical applications of TPA and on the oxazolone-induced delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH). Santolina chamaecyparissus was the only sp…

Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedy to Jury: The Pharmacological Basis for the Use of Shikonin as an Anticancer Therapy

Shikonin is the major constituent of the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat external wounds, burns, or dermatitis for centuries. Nowadays, this root is commonly used as an herbal medicine against cancer. Studies carried out over the past 30 years have demonstrated that many of the effects historically associated with the use of this root have a scientific basis, with shikonin and its derivatives being responsible for its pharmacological properties. These include both anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. While previous summaries have focused on the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of shikonin, the aim of this review is to report…

Cucurbitacins as inducers of cell death and a rich source of potential anticancer compounds.

Triterpenes have been reported to induce cell death. One relevant group of this family of compounds is cucurbitacins, which have been studied as inducers of apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. The most significant mechanisms with regard to the apoptotic effects of cucurbitacins are their ability to modify transcriptional activities via nuclear factors or genes and their capability to activate or inhibit pro- or anti-apoptotic proteins. Still, while the majority of studies on these compounds have dealt with their apoptotic effects on cancer cell lines, several research groups have also explored their anti-inflammatory activities. In general, cucurbitacins are considered to be selective i…

Anti-inflammatory profile of dehydrocostic acid, a novel sesquiterpene acid with a pharmacophoric conjugated diene

Sesquiterpene acids are natural products that, in contrast with the thoroughly studied sesquiterpene lactones, have received little pharmacological attention. A good source of this class of compounds is Inula viscosa (Asteraceae), a plant with documented anti-inflammatory effects. The present paper gives the results of our investigations on the biochemical mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory activity of one such compound, dehydrocostic acid. The most salient findings were that in vitro dehydrocostic acid inhibits leukotriene B(4) production (IC(50)=22 microM), elastase activity (IC(50)=43 microM) and bee venom phospholipase A(2) activity (IC(50)=17 microM). Furthermore, this sesqui…

Topical Anti-Inflammatory Lignans from Haplophyllum hispanicum Haplophyllum hispanicum

The present paper reports the results of the methanol extract of Haplophyllum hispanicum Spach on single or repeated local 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) administration and in the oxazolone-induced contact-delayed hypersensitivity mouse ear edemas. Two topical anti-inflammatory aryl naphthalide lignans were isolated from the active fractions of the methanol extract. They were identified by spectroscopic methods, including 13C NMR and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC), as diphyllin acetyl apioside and tuberculatin. The former was the most active on acute TPA edema with a ID50 of 0.27 μmol/ear

Effect of selected triterpenoids on chronic dermal inflammation.

The activity of four natural triterpenoids on a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate multiple-dose model of skin chronic inflammation was studied. Erythrodiol and ursolic acid were significantly effective. The most important features concerning structure-activity relationship and previous data on the effect of these triterpenoids on other inflammatory conditions are discussed.

Pharmacological Study of Santolina chamaecyparissus. I. Acute Toxicity, Antiinflammatory and Antiulcer Activity