EFFECTS OF COMPOUNDS EXTRACTED FROM TONACETUM-MICROPHYLLUM ON ARACHIDONIC-ACID METABOLISM IN CELLULAR-SYSTEMS

In the present study, the effects of compounds extracted from Tanocetu m microphyllum, four flavonoids and one sesquiterpene lactone, on arac hidonic acid metabolism in cellular systems were examined. In the PGE( 2)- and LTC4-release assay, most compounds did not exhibit any signifi cant effect. Only hydroxyachillin, and the flavonoids centaureidin and ,3'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy-7-methoxycarbonylflavonol showed a significa nt effect, although with less potency than the reference drugs, indome thacin and NDGA. However, all compounds inhibited the release of TXB2 from ionophore-stimulated human platelets. The action is more marked w ith the flavonoids santin and ermanin.