Anti-Edematous Activity of Sesquiterpene Lactones from Different Taxa of theAchillea millefoliumGroup

Abstract

Among the numerous components of essential oils, especially the substituted phenols were found to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi (1) and inhibit energy metabolism catalyzed by isolated cell membranes (2). The effective final concentrations applied were in the range of 0.02 to 5mM.We have established chemical test systems in vitro which would allow us to evaluate essential oil components in regard to their capacity to scavange oxygen radicals. The latter were generated in the reaction vessel from hydrogen peroxide or p-cumene hydroperoxide as the 0H or p-cumene-0 moiety, respectively. Since linolenic acid served as the substrate, oxygen radicals derived from this component were also present (3). In addition, the isolated essential oll components were tested to determine whether they might influence a soybean lipoxygenase reaction rate (4).Among the numerous compounds tested, again the substituted phenolic essential oil components revealed the most potent capacity to scavange oxygen radicals. 1.4 to 6.5mM final concentrations of, e.g., thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, or isoeugenol caused rather strong oxygen scavanging activities.The similar substituted phenolic compounds likewise represent those components which preferentially decreased the soybean lipoxygenase turnover. Final concentrations in the range of 0.5 to 2.3mM were required to cause a 50% inhibition rate.It has been reported earlier (5) that simllar components decreased a cyclooxygenase reaction. As in the case of cyclooxygenase, it has been demonstrated for the soybean lipoxygenase (6) that on the addition of arachidonic acid, both the enzymes catalyzed the production of prostaglandin F2.

Achillea millefolium L. s.l. revisited: Recent findings confirm the traditional use

“…As mentioned above, the antiphlogistic activity of yarrow was shown to be mediated by the sesquiterpenes [3].…”

“…s.l.? Although the antiphlogistic activity has been attributed to the sesquiterpenes [3], further pharmacological effects of the plant (e. g. spasmolytic, choleretic activity) have not yet been scientifically proven nor attributed to any plant constituents. Considering the fact that yarrow also contains phenolic compounds which are known to possess various pharmacological effects encouraged us to study their contribution to the biological activity of Achillea millefolium L. s.l.…”

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“…Flower and herb yarrow, essential oil is the most important compounds include Prvkamazvln, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene Synyvlv. Studies conducted in 1993 by Kastner and his colleagues have shown that the plant extract has antiinflammatory and anti-edema, which are sesquiterpene lactones present in the plant are attributed (Kastner et al, 1993). The plant mainly as an anti-bleeding drug, stimulating regeneration, wound healing, analgesic and spasmolytic been consumed (Benedek et al, 2007), as well as anti-tumor properties reported for one of its derivatives (Tozyo et al, 1994).…”

Comparison of Different Techniques for Extraction of Biologically Active Compounds from Achillea Millefolium Proa

“…Yarrow (A. millefolium) is well known medicinal plant, widely used in folk medicine for treatment of gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and gynecological disorders, against inflammation and for wound healing [2]. Different studies reported that the anti-inflammatory effect is attributed to the presence of azulenogenic sesquiterpene lactones [3]. Moreover, phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolcarbonic acids) are present in the plant and also contribute to the pharmacological activity of yarrow.…”