Planta Med 2004; 70(5): 471-474
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-818980
Letter
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Inhibitory Activity of Juniperus communis on 12(S)-HETE Production in Human Platelets

Isabella Schneider1 , Simon Gibbons2 , Franz Bucar1
  • 1Institute of Pharmacognosy, Karl-Franzens-University, Graz, Austria
  • 2Centre for Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, The School of Pharmacy, University of London, U.K.
Further Information

Publication History

Received: August 14, 2003

Accepted: March 3, 2004

Publication Date:
04 May 2004 (online)

Abstract

Extracts of Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae) have been evaluated for their inhibitory activity on human platelet-type 12(S)-lipoxygenase [12(S)-LOX]. The methylene chloride extracts of Juniperi lignum, Juniperi pseudo-fructus and the ethyl acetate extract of Juniperi pseudo-fructus showed a significant inhibition on the production of 12(S)-HETE [12(S)-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid] at 100 μg/mL (54.0 ± 6.73, 66.2 ± 4.03 and 76.2 ± 3.36 %, respectively). From the methylene chloride extract of the wood, cryptojaponol and β-sitosterol were isolated as compounds with inhibitory activity (inhibition at 100 μg/mL = 55.4 ± 2.80 % [IC50 = 257.5 μM] and 25.0 ± 2.15 %, respectively). In addition, a lipid fraction containing unsaturated fatty acids contributed to the in vitro activity of the crude extract.

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Dr. Ao. Univ.-Prof. Franz Bucar

Institute of Pharmacognosy

Karl-Franzens-University of Graz

Universitätsplatz 4/1

8010 Graz

Austria

Fax: +43-316-380-9860

Email: franz.bucar@uni-graz.at

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