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DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1282899
In vitro COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitory activity of plant family Ranunculaceae
The arachidonic acid metabolism is the main target for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Two cyclooxygenases (constitutive COX-1 and inducible COX-2) and lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzymes are responsible for transformation of arachidonic acid into the potent biologically active lipid mediators that are intimately involved in inflammation [1]. The newly developed COX-2 selective inhibitors seem to possess lower risk of unwanted side-effects than traditional NSAIDs. In our previous study, we identified potential COX-2 inhibiting plant material in Ranunculaceae family [2]. It is now being perceived, that dual blocking of both COXs and 5-LOX is promising approach to treatment of inflammatory diseases [3]. Thus we decided to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory activity against both COXs and 5-LOX of ethanolic extracts prepared mainly from roots of more than 30 plant species belonging to plant family Ranunculaceae using method previously described by Reininger and Bauer [4] and Adams et al. [5], respectively. The amounts of prostaglandin E2 (for COX) and leukotriene B4 (for 5-LOX) were determined by commercial EIA kits (Assay Designs).
The highest prevention against production of COXs and 5-LOX derived eicosanoids possessed extract form roots of Helleborus purpurascens Waldst. & Kit., where COX-1/COX-2/5-LOX scavenging rate 1,5/1/1,2 was recorded. The consequent bioactivity guided fractionation showed, that isomers of linoleic acid seem to be responsible for blocking of even COXs or 5-LOX. Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt. and Trollius altissimus Crantz had been determined as other promising plant materials, suggesting these species potential for further research for new anti-inflammatory substances.
Keywords: cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenase, anti-inflammatory, Ranunculaceae, in vitro
Acknowledgement: This research was supported by Czech Science Foundation (Project No. 525/08/1179).
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