Effects of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives and C-flavonoid from Lychnophora ericoides on in vitro inflammatory mediator production.

In this study we aimed at evaluating the effect of the major polar constituents of the medicinal plant Lychnophora ericoides on the production of inflammatory mediators produced by LPS-stimulated U-937 cells. The 6,8-di-C-beta-glucosylapigenin (vicenin-2) presented no effect on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production, but inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the production of prostaglandin (PG) E2 without altering the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein. 3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, at lower concentrations, had small but significant effects on reducing PGE2 levels; at higher doses these compounds stimulated PGE2 and also TNF-alpha production by the cells.

A new high-performance liquid chromatography assay for the determination of sesquiterpene lactone 15-deoxygoyazensolide in rat plasma.

A simple, rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the analysis of the sesquiterpene lactone 15-deoxygoyazensolide (LAC15-D) in rat plasma samples. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a LiChrospher RP18 column using methanol:water (50:50, v/v) containing 0.6% acetic acid as mobile phase, at a flow rate of 0.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of the natural polyphenol chlorogenic acid.

Phenolic compounds are numerous and ubiquitous in the plant kingdom, being particularly present in health-promoting foods. Epidemiological evidences suggest that the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods reduces the incidence of cancer, coronary heart disease and inflammation. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is one of the most abundant polyphenol compounds in human diet.

Analgesic activity of di-caffeoylquinic acids from roots of Lychnophora ericoides (Arnica da serra).

The Brazilian medicinal plant Lychnophora ericoides Mart. (Asteraceae) has been used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, pain and inflammation. As part of our continuing investigation of this commercial phytomedicine, we focused on the polar fractions of the plant, since it is employed as alcoholic and hydroalcoholic preparations.