Studies on Kochiae Fructus. I. Antipruritogenic effect of 70% ethanol extract from Kochiae Fructus and its active component

Abstract

The antipruritogenic effect of the 70% ethanol extract obtained from Kochiae Fructus (fruits of Kochia scoparia) and its active components were investigated on a compound 48/80-induced pruritogenic model in male ddY strain mice. The extract (200, 500 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the scratching behavior as a pruritogenic indicator. Oleanolic acid oligoglycoside, momordin Ic, isolated from the extract also exhibited the inhibition. These results suggest that Kochiae Fructus could be used as an antipruritogenic agent and its inhibitory effect may be partially attributed to momordin Ic.