Planta Med 2010; 76 - P601
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1264899

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr. root extract inhibits prostaglandin production in IL-1b stimulated SK-N-SH neuronal cells

O Olajide 1, A Pinheiro de Oliveira 2, J Unekwe 2, C Wright 3, B Fiebich 2
  • 1London Metropolitan University, School of Human Sciences, Holloway Road London, United Kingdom
  • 2University of Freiburg Medical School, Neurochemistry Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hauptstrasse 5, 79104 Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
  • 3University of Bradford, School of Pharmacy, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP Bradford, United Kingdom

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr. is a shrub used in West Africa for the treatment of fevers and inflammatory conditions. In the present study the effect of the root extract of C. sanguinolenta on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release from IL-1β-stimulated SK-N-SH neurons was investigated. The effects of the extract on COX-2 and p38 MAP Kinase proteins were also investigated. C. sanguinolenta (2.5–10µg/ml) produced a dose-dependent inhibition of IL-1β-induced PGE2 release from SK-N-SH cells. Western blot experiments revealed that the extract (5–20µg/ml) inhibited IL-1β-induced COX -2 and p38 expressions in these cells. The present work provides evidence that C. sanguinolenta root extract inhibits the production of PGE2 in IL-1β-stimulated neuroblastoma cells through inhibition of COX-2 protein. It is suggested that the observed effects may be dependent on the inhibition of p38 MAP Kinase activation.

Acknowledgements: The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation funded this study through a research fellowship to Dr Olajide