Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Neolignans Newly Isolated from the Crude Drug “Shin-i” (Flos Magnoliae)

Abstract

The anti-inflammatory effects of the major components of the dried flower buds of Magnolia salicifolia were determined using the pouch granuloma method in mice. Though alkaloids, fatty acids, essential oils, and lignans had no anti-inflammatory effects, neolignans (magnoshinin and magnosalin) significantly inhibited the granuloma tissue formation. The inhibitory effect of magnoshinin was particularly strong, being nearly half of that of hydrocortisone acetate when administered orally. Some differences were noted in the mode of action between the neolignans and the steroidal drugs as the neolignans selectively inhibited the granuloma tissue formation but did not affect the exudation of pouch fluid. The structural specificity of neolignans was also found on their anti-inflammatory effect.