PHYTOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL STUDY OF RADAL LOMATIA-HIRSUTA (PROTEACEAE)

The anti-inflammatory property of Lomatia hirsuta (Lam.) Diels ex Macb r. (Proteaceae), leaves (radal), a plant used in Chilean traditional m edicine for bronchial troubles and asthma, was evaluated. The biologic al assays showed infusion of L. hirsuta leaves inhibits the inflammati on induced by lambda-carrageenan corresponding to a 29.2% anti-inflamm atory effect, and to 53.5% of the maximum effect observed with sodium naproxen (4 mg/kg) in the same experimental conditions. The coumarins, umbelliferone and scopoletin, were the major compounds isolated, alon g with quercetine, rhamnetin and iso-rhamnetin, with minor quantities or quercitrine and no presence of toxic naphthoquinone derivates. Thes e results supported the folk use of L. hirsuta. (C) 1997 Elsevier Scie nce Ireland Ltd.