Oral and Topical Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Jatropha integerrima Leaves Extract in Relation to Its Metabolite Profile

Jatropha integerrima Jacq., family: Euphorbiaceae, is used in India and subtropical Africa to treat different skin conditions. In this study we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of J. integerrima leaves extract (JILE) using rat paw edema model. The extract was administered orally (200 and 400 mg/kg) or applied topically as creams at 2.5, 5, and 10% strength. Four hours post-treatment, maximum reduction of edema volume by 63.09% was observed after oral administration of JILE (400 mg/kg) as compared to indomethacin with 60.43%. The extract anti-inflammatory effect was accompanied by a decrease in NO, prostaglandin PGE2, TNF-a and PKC levels by 19, 29.35, 16.9, and 47.83%, respectively. Additionally, topical applications of JILE showed dose dependent reduction in paw edema and resulted in normalized levels of PGE2, TNF-a, and PKC when used as 10% cream. Signs of inflammations were reduced or absent from paw tissue of animals receiving JILE either orally or topically. Finally, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of JILE resulted in the annotation of 133 metabolites including 24 diterpenoids, 19 flavonoids, 10 phenolic acid conjugates, 8 cyclic peptides, 6 phytosterols, 4 sesquiterpenes, and 4 coumarins. Several of the annotated metabolites have known anti-inflammatory activity including vitexin, isovitexin, fraxitin, scopeltin, stigmasterol, and many diterpenoidal derivatives.

Citral inhibits the nociception in the rat formalin test: Effect of metformin and blockers of opioid receptor and the NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathway

The objective of the present study was to scrutinize the effect of nitric oxide (NO), cGMP, potassium channel blockers and metformin on the citral-produced peripheral antinociception. The rat paw 1% formalin test was used to assess nociception and antinociception. Rats were treated with local peripheral administration of citral (10-100 µg/paw). The antinociception of citral (100 µg/paw) was evaluated with and without the local pretreatment of naloxone, NG-L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a NO synthesis inhibitor), 1H-(1,2,4)-oxadiazolo(4,2-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, a soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), metformin, opioid receptors antagonists, and K+ channel blockers. Injection of citral in the rat paw significantly decreased the nociceptive effect of formalin administration during the two phases of the test. Local pretreatment of the paws with L-NAME and ODQ did not reduced the citral-induced antinociception. Glipizide or glibenclamide (Kir6.1-2; ATP-sensitive K+ channel blockers), tetraethylammonium or 4-aminopyridine (KV; voltage-gated K+ channel blockers) or charybdotoxin (KCa1.1; big conductance calcium-activated K+ channel blocker) or apamin (KCa2.1-3; small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel antagonist), or metformin, but not the opioid antagonists, reduced the antinociception of citral. Citral produced peripheral antinociception during both phases of the formalin test. These effects were due to the activation of K+ channels and a biguanide-dependent mechanism.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory Activity of some Thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridines

The 18 new thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-one derivatives have been synthesized using alkylation, cyanethylation, hydrolysis, and acylation reactions. The structures of the obtained compounds have been confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The study of the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized substances was assessed by using the functional model of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. The present results of anti-inflammatory activity have shown that the synthesized compounds demonstrated considerable anti-inflammatory effects. Some of them approach or exceed the comparative drug Ibuprofen in terms of activity.

Isolation, Chemical Characterization, Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Triterpenoids from the Tubers of Raphionacme vignei E. A. Bruce (Apocynaceae)

Raphionacme vignei E. A. Bruce (Apocynaceae) is a plant of the traditional African pharmacopoeia, whose parts are used in the treatment of various pathologies. Water-soaked R. vignei tubers are edible. The objective of this study was to isolate triterpenoids from the acetonic extract of R. vignei tubers, evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of each molecule. The isolated compounds, characterized by NMR and mass spectrometry, is composed of six triterpenoids: beta-amyrin dodecanoate 1(DDQ1), lupeol dodecanoate 2(DDQ2), beta-amyrin acetate 3(DDQ3), lupeol acetate 4(DDQ4), luepol 5(DDQ5) and β-sitosterol 6(DDQ6). These molecules (DDQ2, DDQ3, DDQ4, DDQ5, DDQ6) are anti-inflammatory in carrageenan induced rat paw edema, with better anti-inflammatory power for DDQ2 and DDQ4, which would be related to the presence of acetate function and cycle E. DDQ2 and DDQ4 are also analgesic in acetic acid induced contortions and the removal test of rat tail on the heating plate. The analgesic action of DDQ2 and DDQ4, superior to that salicylic acetyl acid, identical to that morphine, suggests a central action of these two molecules. The potent analgesic effect of DDQ2 and DDQ4, could be attributed to the presence of cyclopentane and isoprene substitution in position 19 of the lupane family. DDQ2 and DDQ4 represent a potential for the synthesis of structural analogues with analgesic and/or anti-inflammatory properties.

IMMUNOMODULATORY Β-GLUCANS ENHANCE THE WOUND HEALING ABILITY OF CHLOROFORM FRACTION OF ACHYRANTHES ASPERA L

Introduction: Wound healing is a multifaceted biological process, and diabetic wounds add more complexity to it. In diabetic wounds, the combination of chloroform fractions of Achyranthes aspera L. (A.aspera) leaves with β-Glucans has not been investigated. The additive effect of these two (A.aspera + β-Glucans) would benefit the inflammatory phase of diabetic wounds, as improper treatment will lead to chronic injuries. Therefore, the goal of this research work was to assess the in-vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of a combination of chloroform fractions of A.aspera leaves and β-Glucans in a variety of wound models in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical analyses of A.aspera were conducted to identify various phytoconstituents in the test extract. Acute and sub-acute dermal toxicity tests of A.aspera were carried out on mice and rats, respectively, to see whether there were any abnormalities. Excision and incision wound models, cotton pellet-induced granuloma models, rat paw edema and burn wounds were used to test wound healing and anti-inflammatory actions. To induce diabetes, streptozotocin (STZ) was administered intraperitoneally at a dosage of 65 mg/kg (i.p.). A.aspera (10% w/w) and β-Glucans (2% w/w) ointments were tested separately and in combination for wound healing activities. Silver sulfadiazine (1 % w/w) ointment was used to treat the positive control groups. Excision wound model rats that had been treated with basic ointment were used as negative controls, as were incision wound model rats that had not been treated. A.aspera (400 mg/kg, po) and β-Glucans (30 mg/kg, po) were tested separately and in combination for anti-inflammatory efficacy. Positive control groups were given indomethacin (10 mg/kg, po) for cotton pellet-induced granuloma and rat paw oedema models. Negative controls for both anti-inflammatory activity models were provided 2% Tween 80. The groups were made up of six rats, and the treatments were given topically and orally to assess wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. The levels of hydroxyproline and hexosamine and the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) in the granulation tissue were measured in excision wound model. Healed excision wound skin was examined histopathologically. Results: The A.aspera and β-Glucans combination resulted in a significant percentage of wound contraction and a shorter epithelialization time (P<0.01). The combination was found to be the most effective, with the highest percentage of edema reduction (55 %; p<0.01). The combination also exhibited favourable hydroxylamine, hexosamine and anti-oxidant profiles supported by histopathology data. Conclusion: This research showed that the immunomodulatory effect of β-Glucans had significantly enhanced the wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant potential of A.aspera in diabetic wounds.

Comparison of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of Ocimum Sanctum, Azadirachta Indica and their Combination with Aspirin in Chemically Induced Acute Inflammation.

Scope and Objective:Ocimum sanctum and Azadirachta indicaare known to be safe and effective anti-inflammatory agents in ayurveda. So, this study was planned to evaluate and compare anti-inflammatory activity of Ocimum sanctum, Azadirachta indica and combination of Ocimum sanctum + Azadirachta indica (COA) with Aspirin on acute inflammation in rats and also to assess mechanism behind their anti-inflammatory action. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino rats of either sex (150-250 g) were divided into 5 groups with six rats in each group. To induce inflammation, formalin (2.5%, 0.1 ml) was injected into sub-plantar region of left hind paw of rats. The study groups were administered orally with distilled water (3 ml), Aspirin (200 mg/kg), Ocimum sanctum (400 mg/kg), Azadirachta indica (500 mg/kg) and COA (400 mg/kgOcimum sanctum+500 mg/kgAzadirachta indica) half an hour before the formalin challenge. Effect of test drugs on acute inflammation was assessed by rat paw oedema test&mechanism behind their action was assessed using histopathological examination. Results:In rat paw oedema test, Ocimum sanctum, Azadirachta indica and COA groups showed significant reductionin oedema as compared to control; Azadirachta indica and COA groupsalso showed comparable effect to Aspirin group. In histopathological examination, Aspirin, Azadirachta indica and COA groups caused significant reduction in vasodilation, oedema, infiltration and margination of neutrophils while Ocimum sanctum group only caused significant reduction in oedema. Conclusion: This study revealedthat all test groups have significant anti-inflammatory efficacy;Azadirachta indica and COA also have comparable efficacy to Aspirin.

Evaluation of in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Ariflex tablet in comparison with diclofenac and aceclofenac tablet in carrageenan induced rat paw edema model

Background: Osteoarthritis is a major cause of pain and locomotor disability worldwide. Though various pharmacological, mechanical and surgical interventions are used, there is no known cure for OA. The present study was conducted to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of Ariflex tablet (conceptualized and developed by Ari Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.) in comparison with diclofenac and aceclofenac tablet in carrageenan induced rat paw edema model.Methods: Wistar rats of either sex weighing 150-180 g were taken and divided into 4 groups with 6 animals in each group i.e. group 1 (control group), group 2 (diclofenac tablet), group 3 (aceclofenac tablet) and group 4 (ariflex tablet). The study drugs were orally administered with feeding needle, 30 minutes prior to carrageenan injection. After 30 min 1% w/v of 0.05 ml carrageenan was injected subcutaneously in the rat paw. The paw was marked with ink at the level of lateral malleolus and immersed in mercury up to lateral malleolus mark. The paw volume was measured plethysmographically after injection at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, 4 hour and eventually at 5 hour.Results: All the test formulations possess statistically significant (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory activity as compared to control group. The maximum percentage inhibition for Ariflex tablet was 96.97% at the end of 5 hours. When compared to control group, statistically significant reduction of paw edema was observed. The anti-inflammatory activity of Ariflex tablet from 2 hours onwards is comparable to that of diclofenac tablet and aceclofenac tablet.Conclusions: Ariflex tablet possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity.

Inhibition of iNOS by Benzimidazole Derivatives: Synthesis, Docking, and Biological Evaluations

Background: Inducible nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) plays a key role in the progression of inflammatory diseases by accelerating the production of NO, which makes it an intriguing target to treat inflammation in complex diseases. Therefore, the search is on to develop molecules as selective iNOS inhibitors. Objective: The present work was aimed to design, synthesize and evaluate benzimidazole-coumarin coupled molecules as anti-iNOS agents through in silico and pharmacological studies. Methods: A critical study of literature reports on iNOS inhibitors led to the selection of a (un)substituted coumarin nucleus, 2-aminobenzimidazole, and a 4-atom linker as important structural components for iNOS inhibition. Two series of compounds (7-16 and 17-26) were designed and synthesized by coupling these components. The compounds were subjected to docking using iNOS (1QW4) and nNOS (1QW6) as targets. All compounds were evaluated for NO and iNOS inhibitory activities in vitro. The selected compound was finally evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity in vivo using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. Results : All compounds showed moderate to good inhibition of NO and iNOS in vitro. Compound 12 was the most potent inhibitor of NO and iNOS. Hence, it was evaluated in vivo for toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity. It was found to be safe in acute toxicity studies, and effective in reducing the rat paw edema significantly. Its anti-inflammatory behaviour was similar to that of aminoguanidine, which is a selective iNOS inhibitor. Conclusion: The newly synthesized benzimidazole-coumarin hybrids may serve as potential leads for the development of novel anti-iNOS agents.