Effects of apocynin, a drug isolated from the roots of Picrorhiza kurroa, on arachidonic acid metabolism

Abstract

Apocynin is a constituent of root extracts of the medicinal herb Picror/ti:o kttrroa and has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the etIxts of apocynin on the production of arachidonic acid-derived inflammatory mediators by guinea pig pulmonary macrophages. Apocynin concentration-dependently inhibited the formation of thromboxane A_ ,, whereas the release of prostaglandins Ez and Fz, was stimulutLz. Apocynin potently inhibited arachidonic acid-induced aggregation of bovine platelets. possibly through inhibition of thromboxane formation. The present results suggest thot apocynin might, beside its therapeutic effects in inflammatory conditions when given in a root extract of P. kurroa, also be a valuable tool in the development of new anti-inflammatory or anti-thrombic drugs,

Angiotensin II Inhibits the ROMK-like Small Conductance K Channel in Renal Cortical Collecting Duct during Dietary Potassium Restriction

“…7). To confirm the role of NADPH oxidase in the AngII-mediated effect, we pretreated CCDs with apocynin (100 M), which prevents the transfer of the soluble cytosolic subunits p47 phox and p67 phox of NADPH oxidase to the cell membrane and blocks the function of the enzyme (33). We found that apocynin also blocked the effect of AngII on the ROMK channel (Fig.…”

Bioconversion of ferulic acid and 4-vinylguaiacol by a white-rot fungus isolated from decaying wood

“…Most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (Lafeber et al, 1999). Undesirable side-effects can occur in the gastro intestinal tract (Lafeber et al, 1999), but acetovanillone treatment is reported to not show any side-effects (Dodd-o and Pearse, 2000;Engels et al, 1992;Lafeber et al, 1999;Pearse and Dodd-o, 1999;Peters et al, 2001). Acetovanillone has been found to be effective in the experimental treatment of several other inflammatory diseases, such as colitis and atherosclerosis (Dodd-o and Pearse, 2000;Engels et al, 1992;Lafeber et al, 1999;Muijsers et al, 2000;Pearse and Dodd-o, 1999;Peters et al, 2001; van den Worm et al., 2001).…”

“…Undesirable side-effects can occur in the gastro intestinal tract (Lafeber et al, 1999), but acetovanillone treatment is reported to not show any side-effects (Dodd-o and Pearse, 2000;Engels et al, 1992;Lafeber et al, 1999;Pearse and Dodd-o, 1999;Peters et al, 2001). Acetovanillone has been found to be effective in the experimental treatment of several other inflammatory diseases, such as colitis and atherosclerosis (Dodd-o and Pearse, 2000;Engels et al, 1992;Lafeber et al, 1999;Muijsers et al, 2000;Pearse and Dodd-o, 1999;Peters et al, 2001; van den Worm et al., 2001). Acetovanillone affords the possibility of being one of a novel series of NSAIDs, creating a new therapeutic approach to the clinical problem of a wide range of inflammatory disorders (Muijsers et al, 2000;Pearse and Dodd-o, 1999;van den Worm et al, 2001).…”

“…Several microorganisms are able to convert ferulic acid to a wide range of aromatic compounds (Figure1). These include the following species: Aspergillus, Bacillus, Candida, Corynespora, Fusarium, Pseudomonas and many more (Dodd-o and Pearse, 2000;Engels et al, 1992;Lafeber et al, 1999;Pearse and Dodd-o, 1999;Peters et al, 2001;van den Worm et al, 2001;Walton et al, 2000). The major pathways of metabolism can be summarized as: i) Nonoxidative decarboxylation to give 4-vinylguaiacol (4-hydroxy-3-methoxystyrene) (Rosazza et al, 1995;Lee et al, 1998;Donaghy et al, 1999).…”

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“…Anti-atherosclerotic, reduces serum hyper lipidemia, useful in coronary heart disease [50] Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) Prevents platelet adhesion, prolongs bleeding time by altering platelet adhesion and coagulation [51] Musta (Cyperus rotundus) Antiplatelet aggregating activity [52] Katukarohini (Picrorhiza kurroa) Antithrombic, anti-inflammatory [53] Devadaru (Cedrus deodara) Antihyperglycemic [54] Samangaa (Rubia cordifolia) Antithrombic, antioxidant, blood purifier, regulates blood pressure and vaso constriction [55] Shalmali (Salmalia malabarica) Hypoglycemic, antihyperglycemic, analgesic [56] Udeechya (Pavonia odorata) Antidiabetic, hypoglycemic [57] Chandana (Santalum album) Antioxidant, NO scavenging activity, reduces angina pain, anti-inflammatory [58] Anti-hyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, cardio protective [59] Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) Anti hyperglycemic, antioxidant [60] Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive [61] Talisa (Abies webbiana) Inhibits platelet aggregation, useful in thrombo-embolic conditions [62] Kakamachi (Solanum nigrum) Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic [63] Antidiabetic [64] Antioxidant, hypolipidemic [65] Lodhra (Symplocos recemosa) Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic [66] Padmaka (Prunus puddum) Analgesic, antioxidant, diuretic [67] Gunja (Abrus precatorius) Antidiabetic [68] Antithrombic [69] Antiplatelet, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory [65] Madanaphala (Randia dumetorum) Analgesic, anti-inflammatory [70] Antidiabetic, antihyperlipidaemic, anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant [71] Danti (Baliospermum montanum) Antidiabetic, decreases blood sugar levels and serum cholesterol levels [72] Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) Antidiabetic, decreases serum cholesterol, triglycerides and increases liver glycogen [73] Chavya (Piper retrofractum) Antihypertensive [59] Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima) Antiobesity [74] Patha (Cissampelos pareira) Antidiabetic [75] Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) Antihyperglycemic [76] Nya...…”