Anti-inflammatory properties of a lipid fraction obtained from Sideritis javalambrensis

A lipid fraction obtained by activity-guided fractionation from the hexane extract of Sideritis javalambrensis was evaluated for anti-inflammatory act ivity: This fi action significantly inhibited paw oedema induced by carrage enan as well as ear oedema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) in mice after oral or topical administration, respectively: Quantitat ion of the specific marker myeloperoxidase (MPO) demonstrated that its topi cal anti-inflammatory activity was associated with reduction in cell infilt ration into inflamed tissues. The lipid fraction significantly decreased le ukocyte granular enzyme release (beta-glucuronidase), but failed to inhibit superoxide generation. Histamine release from mast cells nas also supresse d in a concentration-dependent manner, In addition, non-toxic concentration s of this fraction reduced nitric oxide (NO) generation in lipopolysacchari de (LPS)-treated J774 macrophages. Taken together, these results suggest th at the lipid fraction exerts in vivo anti-inflammatory activity with the pa rtial contribution of inhibitory actions on some inflammatory responses.