Proteins Derived from In Vitro Culture of the Callus and Roots of Calotropis procera Ameliorate Acute Inflammation in the Rat Paw

Abstract

The callus and roots developed from the hypocotyl and cotyledon explants of the germinating seeds of Calotropis procera were grown in culture, and the proteins isolated from them (CP and RP) were evaluated for their efficacy in inhibiting edema formation induced by sub-plantar injection of carrageenan in the hind paw of rat. Intravenous administration of both CP and RP 30 min before inducing inflammation produced a dose-dependent inhibition of edema formation at 1 and 5 mg/kg doses. The extents of inhibition with these proteins ranged between 40 and 70 % at the doses included while the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac produced 50 to 60 % inhibition at 5 mg/kg dose. The inhibitory effect with these proteins was accompanied by a dose-dependent reduction in the tissue levels of inflammatory mediators, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and oxidative stress markers namely glutathione and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and maintenance of tissue architecture. The present study shows that the proteins isolated from the differentiated and undifferentiated tissues derived from the germinating seeds have therapeutic application in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, and these tissues could be used as an alternative source to minimize variability of plant-derived formulations.

Amelioration of complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis by Calotropis procera latex in rats

“…Various in vivo and in vitro studies reported reduction in tissue TNF-α level [22,44,45]. Prednisolone treatment reduced both TNF-α and IL-6 levels in CFA-induced arthritic rats, whereas C. procera treatment affects only IL-6 level in CFA-induced arthritic rats.…”

Protective effect of high molecular weight protein sub-fraction of Calotropis procera Latex in Monoarthritic Rats

“…Several reports on the antioxidant property of proteins derived from latex, roots, and explant culture of C. procera are available. [ 8 22 26 ] Besides, antioxidants have also been shown to ameliorate arthritic dysfunction by scavenging free radicals. [ 27 ]…”

Protective Effect of Proteins Derived from Seed Explant Cultures of Calotropis procera in a Preclinical Model of Arthritis

“…Both the non-protein constituents present in the aqueous and organic extracts of latex and the proteins isolated from the latex have been reported to produce anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in rodent models [6][7][8][9]. Recently, proteins isolated from the callus and roots developed from in vitro explants of the germinating seeds of this plant have also been shown to inhibit an acute inflammatory response [10,11]. The present study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of these proteins in a preclinical model of monoarthritis.…”

“…Treatment of arthritic rats with CP and RP produced a dose-dependent reduction in joint swelling at 1 and 5 mg/kg doses. These proteins have been reported earlier to inhibit edema formation, mediator release, and neutrophil migration in rat models of acute inflammation [10,11]. As functional limitations of the joint and hyperalgesia are common complaints in arthritis, stair climbing ability (SCA), motility, and dorsal flexion pain scores (DFP) were evaluated in the arthritic rats.…”