Characterisation of the anti-inflammatory potential of Vitex trifolia L. (Labiatae), a multipurpose plant of the Pacific traditional medicine.
OBJECTIVE
Vitex trifolia L. (Labiatae) is a plant commonly employed against Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) in the Pacific region. Here, the anti-inflammatory potential of an aqueous extract of Vitex trifolia leaves was evaluated by monitoring its effects on the modulation of cytokines, the mediators of inflammation, as well as on the expression profiles of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) which produces the free radical nitric oxide (NO).


METHODS
We prepared an aqueous extract from Vitex trifolia leaves and evaluated its anti-inflammatory potency by monitoring its effect on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokines and iNOS mRNA over-production in RAW 264.7 macrophages using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) methods.


RESULTS
Aqueous extract of Vitex trifolia leaves showed significant dose- and time-dependent inhibitory activity on interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6 and iNOS mRNA synthesis, but slight effect on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, all of which are involved in the inflammatory response. Moreover, the plant extract seemed to induce the LPS-dependent IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine. These results were further confirmed by ELISA using specific antibodies to mouse IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-alpha.


CONCLUSIONS
The anti-inflammatory effects of Vitex trifolia could validate its utilization as a traditional remedy against CFP and emphasises its potential therapeutic value against other inflammatory diseases. Therefore, this plant is a promising candidate for further screening of its active compounds through activity-guided fractionation.
Laboratoire des Biotoxines, Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Calédonie, BP61, 98845 Noumea, New Caledonia.
Mariko
M
Matsui
Shilpa
S
Kumar-Roine
H Taiana
HT
Darius
Mireille
M
Chinain
Dominique
D
Laurent
Serge
S
Pauillac
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001483:Base Sequence; D002460:Cell Line; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D017931:DNA Primers; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D051379:Mice; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / Q000096:biosynthesis; D010139:Pacific Islands; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D020950:Vitex / Q000737:chemistry*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016207:Cytokines; D017931:DNA Primers; D010936:Plant Extracts; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II