ANTIINFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT FROM RHIZOMA-SMILACIS-GLABRAE

Our previous paper has reported that the aqueous extract from Rhizoma smilacis glabrae (RSG) (RSG err) selectively inhibited the effector ph ase of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) without suppressing humoral immune response. In the present study, a remarkable inhibitory activi ty was exhibited by the extract against both primary and secondary hin d paw swelling of adjuvant arthritis in rats. RSG err also significant ly reduced the inflammatory edema induced by carrageenan in either nai ve or bilaterally adrenalectomized rats, suggesting the independence o f the anti-inflammatory action on the function of pituitary-adrenal ax is. The PGE(2) content in the carrageenan-induced inflammatory tissue was also decreased remarkably by the extract. Furthermore, RSG ext sho wed a distinct inhibition on the formation of cotton-induced granuloma formation. However, as compared with a steroidal agent, prednisolone, the extract did not affect the vitamin C content in adrenal gland as well as the weights of some organs. These results suggest that RSG ext may act as a therapeutic agent of immunoinflammatory diseases through a selective suppression on the cellular immune response involved in i nflammations as well as through a direct antiinflammatory mechanism in cluding inhibiting PGE(2). (C) 1997 The Italian Pharmacological Societ y.