Anti-inflammatory effect of Lithrea molleoides extracts and isolated active compounds

Abstract

Aim of the study: In this study the anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous, dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and methanolic (MeOH) extracts and two major compounds isolated from Lithrea molleoides (Vell.) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) were evaluated. Materials and methods: Two classical experimental models were used, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13 acetate (TPA) induced mouse ear edema. Results: MeOH extracts exhibited a significant systemical anti-inflammatory effect in the carrageenan (inhibition of 46% at 3 h) and in the TPA-ear edema test (inhibition of 21%). The presence of methyl gallate (inhibition of 63% in TPA ear edema), as one of the main compounds in the active fraction from MeOH extract may be explained the effect observed. Also, 1,3-dihydroxy-(Z,Z)-5-(tridec-4,7ˇıdienyl) benzene obtained from CH2Cl2 extract showed a significant topical anti-inflammatory activity (inhibition of 68%). Furthermore, no signs of toxicity were observed with doses up to 3 g/kg in an acute toxicity assay. Conclusions: The results of this study present evidence that Lithrea molleoides given either systemically or topically has anti-inflammatory properties.