Comparative Anti-inflammatory Effects of Anti-arthritic Herbal Medicines and Ibuprofen

Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen, are widely used over-the-counter drugs to treat arthritis, but they are often associated with side effects. Herbal medicines have been used to treat various diseases such as arthritis, but the scientific profiles are not well understood. In this study, we examined, in comparison with ibuprofen, the inhibitory effects on various inflammatory markers of the most commonly used herbal medicines to treat arthritis, boswellia (Boswellia sapindales), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), guggul (Commiphora wightii), and neem (Azadirachta indica). To elicit inflammatory response, we exposed mouse myoblast C2C12 cells to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), which are cytokines activated during an inflammatory response, were determined. The optimal non-toxic concentration was determined by exposing different concentrations of drugs (from 0.01 to 10 mg/mL). Cell death measurement revealed that the drug concentrations lower than 0.05 mg/mL were non-toxic concentrations for each drug, and these doses were used for the main experiments. We found that neem and licorice showed robust anti-inflammatory responses compared with ibuprofen. However, boswellia and guggul did not demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory responses. We concluded that neem and licorice are more effective than ibuprofen in suppressing LPS-induced inflammation in C2C12 cells.

Functional Bioglass—Biopolymer Double Nanostructure for Natural Antimicrobial Drug Extracts Delivery

“…The methanolic extract of Neem proved robust antimicrobial activity against polymicrobial dentinal biofilms of common endodontic pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans [42]. In addition, Neem extract showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in vitro [43]. Neem used in our experiments is commercial in form of capsules which contain 480 mg Neem leaf powder.…”

Dermasence refining gel modulates pathogenetic factors of rosacea in vitro

“…The therapeutic cosmetic product under study, Dermasence Refining Gel, contains saponosides, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which possess anti‐inflammatory properties …”

“…Dermasence Refining Gel (DRG) is a widely used cosmetic skin care product employed to treat slight to moderate inflammations of the skin, especially of the face, in conditions such as rosacea. It contains a synergistic complex of five plant extracts (Escin, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, and Ammonium Glycyrrhizate (licorice), rich in saponosides, flavonoids and polyphenols, which possess anti‐inflammatory properties . We therefore decided to analyze the anti‐inflammatory effects of Dermasence Refining Gel, focusing on the modulation of the expression of factors involved in rosacea pathogenesis.…”

Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, and Antipyretic Potential of Azadirachta indica: A Review

“…A study conducted by Kang et al on A. indica showed an antiinflammatory effect on C2C12 cells. The anti-inflammatory effect at the cellular level is associated with an increase in dose resulting in an increase in TNF-α and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) 26 , as well as cytokines (IL-10 and 12), chemokines, lymphocyte mitogens, and Nitric Oxide (NO) 41, 42 .…”