Abstract:
OBJECTIVE : To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of different fractions and glutinol
(isolated compound), using nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition
as an indication of anti-inflammatory activity.
METHODS : Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using an in vitro assay determining
the inhibition of the activity of pro-inflammatory enzyme model. Cyclooxygenases and
inducible nitric oxide synthase are crucial enzymes involved in the pathogenesis of many
chronic inflammatory conditions.
RESULTS : Sub-fraction F3.3 that was derived from n-hexane fraction of PA leaves
significantly inhibited (P = 0.01) the catalytic activity of COX-2 (IC50 = 0.67 mg/mL)
better than isolated compound, glutinol (IC50 = 1.22 mg/mL), compound 2 (CP2)
(IC50 = 1.71 mg/mL) and sub-fraction F3.3.0 (IC50 = 1.30 mg/mL). A similar trend was
observed in investigation of the inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis in RAW 264.7 cells by
F3.3, glutinol, CP2 and F3.3.0. Inducible COX-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase are
among potent signalling enzymes that exacerbate inflammation.
CONCLUSIONS : Bioactive sub-fractions (F3.3 and F3.3.0) derived from the n-hexane
fraction of PA had good anti-inflammatory activity, and the isolated compound, and
glutinol may be useful as a template for the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs.
