Immunomodulatory activity and chemical characterisation of sangre de drago (dragon's blood) from Croton lechleri.
The immunomodulatory activity of the latex from Croton lechleri (sangre de drago) was determined by in vitro assays. Classical (CP) and alternative (AP) complement pathways activities were determined in human serum. Intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and monocytes, and phagocytosis of opsonised fluorescent microspheres were measured by flow cytometry. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Activity on proliferation of murine lymphocytes was also investigated. In addition, anti-inflammatory activity was assayed in vivo by carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema test. Some of the activities were compared with those of the isolated alkaloid taspine. Sangre de drago from Croton lechleri showed immunomodulatory activity. It exhibited a potent inhibitory activity on CP and AP of complement system and inhibited the proliferation of activated T-cells. The latex showed free radical scavenging capacity. Depending on the concentration, it showed antioxidant or prooxidant properties, and stimulated or inhibited the phagocytosis. Moreover, the latex has strong anti-inflammatory activity when administered i. p. Taspine cannot be considered the main responsible for these activities, and other constituents, probably proanthocyanidins, should be also involved.
Unitat de Farmacologia i Farmacognòsia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Ester
E
Risco
Felipe
F
Ghia
Roser
R
Vila
José
J
Iglesias
Elida
E
Alvarez
Salvador
S
Cañigueral
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds; D002351:Carrageenan; D003170:Complement Pathway, Alternative / Q000187:drug effects; D003171:Complement Pathway, Classical / Q000187:drug effects; D029802:Croton; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010851:Picrates; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D010851:Picrates; D010938:Plant Oils; D002351:Carrageenan; C004931:1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl