Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of Inula cappa roots (Compositae).

Background The medicinal properties of Inula cappa, a perennial shrub, are ascribed to its roots. In this article, we study the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of I. cappa root extracts based on its utilization in traditional medicine-treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, menoxenia, fever, jaundice and many others. Methods Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of I. cappa extracts were studied. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granulation method while the immunomodulatory activity was estimated by phagocytic assay method, hemagglutinating antibody (HA) titer assay, delayed-type hypersensitivity assay method, plaque forming cell assay and determination of immunoprophylatic activity. Results The methanolic extract showed maximum reduction in the rat paw edema and showed significant inhibition of the cotton pellet-induced granulomas in rats. The methanolic extract also showed potential immunomodulatory activity in all the assays performed. Two sesquiterpenes, isoalantolactone and germacranolide were also isolated from the methanolic extract. Conclusions The present study supports the evidence that the roots of I. cappa can be used as a potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent.

Evaluation of antiulcer potential of Mimusops hexandra in experimental gastro duodenal ulcers.

The study was aimed to investigate antiulcer effects of acetone extract and its different fractions Mimusops hexandra against experimental gastro-duodenal ulcers. 80% acetone extract of stem bark of Mimusops hexandra (Extract A, p.o.) and its different fractions namely diethyl ether (Extract A1, p.o.), ethyl acetate (Extract A2, p.o.) and aqueous (Extract A3, p.o.) were tested for the presence of preliminary phytoconstituents and were screened for their antiulcer potential in experimental animals using ethanol-HCl and aspirin-induced gastric damage at the dose of 500 mg kg-1p.o. Extract A2 being the most active fraction amongst all the fractions tested was also studied at different doses to find its ED50. Further, to establish the mechanism of action, Extract A2 was also tested for its effects in acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer models and cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer. The effect was compared with cimetidine. Flavonoids (quercetin), procyanidins, saponins and triterpenoids were found to be present in bark. Oral administration of Extract A2 inhibited formation of gastric lesions induced by aspirin in a dose dependent manner. Elevated level of lipid peroxidation due to ethanol-HCl and aspirin induced gastric damage was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by the treatment with Extract A2. Further, Extract A2 at the dose of 100 mg kg-1 (p.o.) reduced extent of acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in experimental animals. Moreover, protection afforded by Extract A2 against cysteamine-induced duodenal lesions was evident from dose dependent decrease in ulcer index (p<0.05), score for intensity (p<0.05) and total lesion area (p<0.05), when compared with the control group. The antiulcer activity shown by Extract A2 in experimental gastro-duodenal ulcer could be attributed to decrease in gastric acid secretory activity along with strengthening of mucosal defensive mechanisms.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Premna integrifolia root.

Roots of Premna integrifolia Linn. Mant. (Verbanacea) are important rasayana (Adaptogenic) drugs and are considered to be useful in the treatment of variety of ailments. The present study was aimed at evaluating the for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Pretreatment with a single dose of methanolic extract of P. integrifolia (PIM) (300 mg/kg b.w.) produced significant inhibition on carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema, histamine induced wheal formation, and acetic acid-induced mouse vascular permeation. In a 7-day study, daily administration of PIM suppressed formalin induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced rat granuloma formation. The extract also showed significant inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase (COX-I) activity on rat uterus and plasma membrane stabilization. Apart from this, the antioxidant activity (in vitro) of the extracts was evaluated using the anti radical, superoxide scavenging, erythrocyte membrane stability, anti lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging and reducing power (ferric thiocynate method and ß-carotene bleaching test) assays. PIM showed significant anti-oxidant activity. In addition, PIM (300mg/kg b.w.) produced no observable sub acute toxicity in mice with in 15 days. The results scientifically demonstrated the antiinflammatory activity of P. integrifolia roots in various experimental models probably through their antihistaminic, antikinin, COX-inhibitory and antioxidant action. This therefore justifies the folkloric use of the plant.