Antagonism of croton oil inflammation by topical emu oil in CD‐1 mice

Abstract

Emu oil is derived from the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), which originated in Australia, and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation was induced in anesthetized CD-1 mice by applying 50 microL of 2% croton oil to the inner surface of the left ear. After 2 h, the area was treated with 5 microL of emu, fish, flaxseed, olive, or liquified chicken fat, or left untreated. Animals were euthanized at 6 h postapplication of different oils, and earplugs (EP) and plasma samples were collected. Inflammation was evaluated by change in earlobe thickness, increase in weight of EP tissue (compared to the untreated ear), and induction in cytokines interleukin (IL)-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in EP homogenates. Although reductions relative to control (croton oil) were noted for all treatments, auricular thickness and EP weights were significantly reduced (-72 and -71%, respectively) only in the emu oil-treated group. IL-1alpha levels in homogenates of auricular tissue were significantly reduced in the fish oil (-57%) and emu oil (-70%) groups relative to the control group. The cytokine TNF-alpha from auricular homogenates was significantly reduced in the olive oil (-52%) and emu oil (-60%) treatment groups relative to the control group. Plasma cytokine levels were not changed by croton oil treatment. Although auricular thickness and weight were significantly correlated with each other (r = 0.780, P < 0.003), auricular thickness but not weight was significantly correlated with cytokine IL-alpha (r = 0.750, P < 0.006) and TNF-alpha (r = 0.690, P < 0.02). These studies indicate that topical emu oil has anti-inflammatory properties in the CD-1 mouse that are associated with decreased auricular thickness and weight, and with the cytokines IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha.

Rapid separation and characterisation of triacylglycerols in ostrich oil by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

“…Found throughout the world, the oils derived from other ratites, especially emu oils (Dromaeus novaehollandiae) are the most valuable products in many branches of industry, cosmetics, and nutrition. Emu oils have been claimed to have anti-inflammatory properties (Snowden & Whitehouse, 1997;Yoganathan et al, 2003), which are associated with causing a decrease in the production of proinflammatory cytokines (Whitehouse & Butters, 2003). It has also been reported that emu oil possesses the antioxidant and radical scavenging properties (Bennett, Code, Godin, & Cheng, 2008).…”

Dietary emu oil supplementation suppresses 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy-induced inflammation, osteoclast formation, and bone loss

“…EO is composed predominately of fatty acids, with a lipid content of 98.8% for the subcutaneous adipose tissue and 98% for the retroperitoneal adipose tissue. EO is a natural source of 18:1 (n-9) fatty acid (oleic acid), which constitutes ϳ43-46% of the fatty acid composition, with 18:3 (n-3) linolenic acid (9.6%), palmitic acid (23.5%), and 18:2 (n-6) linoleic acid (0.6%) (53). The remaining 1-2% is yet to be identified; however, natural antioxidants such as carotenoids and flavones are present in the EO (24).…”

“…EO has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent by Australian aboriginals to treat arthritis and joint pains for hundreds of years (43). Recent studies have focused on the effects of EO on arthritis and dermal inflammation in animal models (47,53). Topical application of EO to animals has been shown to reduce the levels of TNF␣ and other proinflammatory cytokines in a model of adjuvant-induced inflammation (53).…”

“…Recent studies have focused on the effects of EO on arthritis and dermal inflammation in animal models (47,53). Topical application of EO to animals has been shown to reduce the levels of TNF␣ and other proinflammatory cytokines in a model of adjuvant-induced inflammation (53). Previous studies comparing different oils showed that EO was most potent in reducing adjuvant-induced dermal inflammation (53).…”

Antimicrobial effects of topical skin cream containing natural oil mixtures against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Malassezia pachydermatis

“…Emu oil mainly consists of several types of fatty acids, carotenoids, flavones, polyphenols, tocopherol, and phospholipids (Brown et al 1995). Several studies have indicated that emu oil reduces the inflammatory response by suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in reduced oxidative injury and rapid wound healing and recovery (Politis and Dmytrowich 1998;Yoqanathan et al 2003;Bennett et al 2008). The anti-inflammatory effect of emu oil in canine skin infection requires further investigation.…”