Effects of apocynin, a drug isolated from the roots of Picrorhiza kurroa, on arachidonic acid metabolism. |
| |
| Authors: | F Engels B F Renirie B A Hart R P Labadie F P Nijkamp |
| |
| Institution: | Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands. |
| |
| Abstract: | Apocynin is a constituent of root extracts of the medicinal herb Picrorhiza kurroa and has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the effects of apocynin on the production of arachidonic acid-derived inflammatory mediators by guinea pig pulmonary macrophages. Apocynin concentration-dependently inhibited the formation of thromboxane A2, whereas the release of prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha was stimulated. Apocynin potently inhibited arachidonic acid-induced aggregation of bovine platelets, possibly through inhibition of thromboxane formation. The present results suggest that apocynin might, beside its therapeutic effects in inflammatory conditions when given in a root extract of P. kurroa, also be a valuable tool in the development of new anti-inflammatory or anti-thrombic drugs. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
