Exploration of bioactivity in traditionally used medicinal plants

Arachidonic acid (AA) is metabolized in the body through two main metabolic pathways with the enzymes: cyclooxygenases (COX) and lipoxygenases (LOX). Elevated levels of prostanoids and leukotrienes, products of the two respective pathways, have been linked to inflammatory diseases as well as to early stages of carcinogenesis. Finding a dual inhibitor of COX and LOX is promising in preventing the inflammation and diseases that are linked to the overproduction of both pathways while minimizing the side effects associated with inhibition of individual pathways.

The purpose of this research project is to find a dual inhibitor of COX and LOX by examining plants used traditionally as anti-inflammatory medicines: Tussilago farfara, Grindelia squarrosa, Uritca dioica, and Trigonella foenum-graecum. G. squarrosa has been traditionally used in treatment of catarrhs, associated with the inflammation of the respiratory tract. T. farfara has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for treatment of asthmatic and bronchial infections as well as rheumatism. U. dioica has been used for treatment of rheumatism, bleeding, prostate hyperplasia, and urinary tract infections. Trigonella foenum-graecum has been used to treat gastric inflammation, menstrual pain, and respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis.

Tests have been performed on crude extracts of these plants for the following: total phenolics, free radical scavenging activity, LOX inhibition, and COX inhibition. The results of these bioactivity assays will be presented.