44G-11 |
In vivo model to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of herbal constituents |
A. T. SMOLINSKI, Food Science & Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, 234 G.M. Trout Food Science Bldg., East Lansing, MI 48824 and J. J. Pestka. Herbal supplements are being widely used as alternatives to conventional drugs. Their uses are numerous and range from enhancing the immune system to improving memory. The current trend toward self-medication with "natural" supplements and the consumption of herbs through foods seems certain to accelerate. Increased use requires that appropriate methods to evaluate both the safety and efficacy of these products be put into place. Research evaluating the in vitro effect of the herbal constituents parthenolide (Feverfew), apigenin (Chamomile) and ginsenoside Rb1 (Ginseng) on secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a and interleukin (IL)-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated murine macrophage cells indicate their potential as anti-inflammatory agents. The objective of this research was to (1) develop an animal model to evaluate potential anti-inflammatory effects of herbal constituents using bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) as an inflammatory stimulus and (2) determine if in vivo effects on proinflammatory cytokine secretion parallel those of our in vitro studies. Briefly, parthenolide was administered (50 mg/kg, i.p.) to B6C3F1 female mice 60 minutes prior to administration of LPS (Salmonella typhimurium; 1mg/kg, i.p.). Blood was collected after 90 minutes and serum was analyzed for TNF-a and IL-6 using capture ELISA's. The results indicated that LPS induced TNF-a and IL-6. In vivo pretreatment with parthenolide significantly decreased both the level of TNF-a and IL-6 in the serum of LPS exposed mice. These results suggest that parthenolide may be potentially capable of reducing the inflammatory response by down-regulating cytokine expression. The approaches described here provide a route for efficacy evaluation and mechanistic elucidation of other active constituents including apigenin and ginsenoside Rb1. Further studies may provide further evidence for the merit of herbal supplements use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
Session 44G, Toxicology & Safety Evaluation
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