The hydroethanolic extract from Arnicae flos demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory properties in vitro

Traditionally Arnica montana L. is indicated for treatment of blunt injuries like strains and bruises that are physiologically accompanied by local inflammation, including activation of the NF-κB pathway and release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins.

Here we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory efficacy of a hydroethanolic extract from Arnicae flos (A. flos).

The dry extract from A. flos was prepared using liquid extracts from fresh flowers. NF-κB activation was analysed in a reporter assay with the human Jurkat cell line. Stimulated human PMNLs or monocytes were used for analysis of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) product formation and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated PGE₂ release. 5-LO and COX-2 gene expression was analysed in the human THP-1 cell line, stimulated with LPS.

A. flos concentration-dependently inhibited NF-κB activation (IC₅₀: 52.5 µg/mL), and PGE₂ release from monocytes (IC₅₀: 105.4 µg/mL). In contrast, 5-lipoxygenase product formation in PMNLs was not inhibited by

A. flos (IC₅₀:>300 µg/mL). In a cell-free enzyme inhibition assay, A. flos concentration-dependently inhibited both, 5-LO and COX-2 enzyme activity (IC₅₀: 47.8 µg/mL and 33.1 µg/mL). In addition, A. flos significantly inhibited 5-LO gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner.

In this experimental in vitro approach the complex mixture of active compounds contained in the Weleda A. flos extract demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory and pain-related activity ([Fig. 1]). Additional studies are performed to further characterise therapeutic advantages of A. flos preparations.

Fig. 1 Summary of anti-inflammatory properties of the hydroethanolic A. flos extract.

 

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
16. November 2023