STUDIES ON THE ANTIINFLAMMATORY PRINCIPLE OF MENTZELIA-CHILENSIS

A crude aqueous extract of Mentzelia chilensis GAY (Loasaceae), the et hyl acetate extraction thereof as well as the molecular weight fractio n <1000 Dalton obtained by ultrafiltration showed antiinflammatory act ivity on carrageenin induced rat paw oedema. Bioassay guided isolation led to the iridoid glycoside mentzeloside (syn. deutzioside) as an ac tive principle. Mentzeloside showed a marked and significant dose depe ndent inhibitory activity on carrageenin induced rat paw oedema with a n ED50 Of 40.4 mu g/kg. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.