Effects of Compounds Extracted from Tanacetum microphyllum on Arachidonic Acid Metabolism in Cellular Systems

Abstract

In the present study, the effects of compounds extracted from Tanacetum microphyllum, four flavonoids and one sesquiterpene lactone, on arachidonic acid metabolism in cellular systems were examined. In the PGE₂- and LTC₄-release assay, most compounds did not exhibit any significant effect. Only hydroxyachillin, and the flavonoids centaureidin and 5,3′-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy-7-methoxycarbonylflavonol showed a significant effect, although with less potency than the reference drugs, indomethacin and NDGA. However, all compounds inhibited the release of TXB₂ from ionophore-stimulated human platelets. The action is more marked with the flavonoids santin and ermanin.

Key words

Tanacetum microphyllum - Compositae - flavonoids - sesquiterpene lactone - prostaglandins - leukotrienes - thromboxanes