Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthesis by the herbal preparation Padma 28 in macrophage cell line

Abstract

Padma 28 is a mixture of herbs used in traditional Tibetan medicine with anti-inflammatory activities. We investigated the effects of Padma 28 on nitric oxide (NO) production by the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lipopolysaccharide stimulated mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7). Padma 28 (0-900 microg/mL) induced a concentration dependent inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthesis. iNOS protein expression showed a concentration dependent reduction as revealed by immunoblotting when cells were incubated with increasing amounts of Padma 28. Padma 28 decreased iNOS mRNA levels as shown by RT-PCR. Aqueous extracts from costi amari radix (costus root, the dried root of Saussurea lappa) and the outer cover of myrobalani fructus (the dried fruit of Terminalia chebula), constituents of the complex herb preparation Padma 28, were found to inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthesis by decreasing iNOS protein and iNOS mRNA levels. The inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthesis might contribute to the anti-inflammatory activities of Padma 28.

Pro-apoptotic and anticancer properties of Thapring – A Tibetan herbal formulation

“…It is believed that when several herbs or herbal extracts are formulated together, it results in highly effective recipe against some disease and such formulations are considered integral to the therapy. In terms of modern medical research, one such formulation best known as Padma 28 -a multicomponent Tibetan herbal formulation -with wound healing property (Aslam et al, 2010), anti-inflammatory activity (Moeslinger et al, 2000) and used in the treatment of some circulatory disorders (Melzer et al, 2006) and chronic hepatitis B infection (Gładysz et al, 1993). Padma Lax is a related formulation that is reported to have anti-proliferative/anti-cancer property (Hofbauer et al, 2006).…”

Saussurea costus: Botanical, chemical and pharmacological review of an ayurvedic medicinal plant

“…It is one of the constituents of the complex herb preparation Padma 28 and the inhibition of iNOS might contribute to the antiinflammatory activities of Padma 28 (Moeslinger et al, 2000).…”

Antiinflammatory evaluation of alcoholic extract of galls of Quercus infectoria

“…iNOS activity was assayed in macrophage cytosol by the method of Moeslinger et al (2000). Macrophages cultured in the presence of 10 g/ml LPS for 24 h were disrupted by 3-4 freeze-thaw cycles in 50 mM Tris-HCl containing 0.1 mM EDTA, 0.1 mM EGTA, 1 mM phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride, 1 M pepstatin A and 0.1% 2-mercaptoethanol.…”