Inhibitor(S) of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase and lipoxygenase activity in extracts of barley.
Aqueous extract of barley was found to inhibit PG endoperoxide synthase and lipoxygenase enzymes responsible for arachidonic acid metabolism. Only 6% (v/v) of aqueous extract produced 50% inhibition of PG endoperoxide synthase while five times more extract was required to produce 50% inhibition of lipoxygenase. Boiling barley extract did not destroy the ability of the extract to inhibit the enzymes. Fractionation of barley with organic solvents, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethylacetate and acetone exhibited selectivity in its action in that foamy layer formed during petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extraction inhibited PG endoperoxide synthase completely whereas lipoxygenase activity was only partially inhibited. These results suggest the presence of inhibitor(s) of arachidonic acid metabolism in extracts of barley.
Salam
S
S
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan.