title: Anti-inflammatory effect of Lithrea molleoides extracts and isolated active compounds.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study the anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous, dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) and methanolic (MeOH) extracts and two major compounds isolated from Lithrea molleoides (Vell.) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) were evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two classical experimental models were used, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13 acetate (TPA) induced mouse ear edema.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MeOH extracts exhibited a significant systemical anti-inflammatory effect in the carrageenan (inhibition of 46% at 3 h) and in the TPA-ear edema test (inhibition of 21%). The presence of methyl gallate (inhibition of 63% in TPA ear edema), as one of the main compounds in the active fraction from MeOH extract may be explained the effect observed. Also, 1,3-dihydroxy-(Z,Z)-5-(tridec-4',7́dienyl) benzene obtained from CH₂Cl₂ extract showed a significant topical anti-inflammatory activity (inhibition of 68%). Furthermore, no signs of toxicity were observed with doses up to 3g/kg in an acute toxicity assay.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study present evidence that Lithrea molleoides given either systemically or topically has anti-inflammatory properties.
authors.affiliation: Cátedra de Farmacología, Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, UBA, Junín 956 (C1113AAD), Buenos Aires, Argentina. sgorza@ffyb.uba.ar
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gorzalczany
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: López
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Acevedo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ferraro
mesh_terms: D027926:Anacardiaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate