THE EFFECT OF VITEXICARPIN FROM VITEX ROTUNDIFOLIA ON LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDES AND CARRAGEENAN INDUCED ACUTE INFLAMMATION

Abstract

Vitex rotundifolia or locally known as “Legundi” is a coastal plant that has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of vitexicarpin, an isolated flavonoid compound, on macrophage activation in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the role of peroxisome proliferator activator receptor alpha (PPAR-α) in mediating the anti-inflammatory activity of vitexicarpin was evaluated. Results showed that vitexicarpin prevented lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 from activating into macrophages in a dose-dependent manner (0.625 – 2.5 μg/mL) which was manifested a reduction in cell size, morphology, and the production of nitric oxide (NO). Meanwhile, vitexicarpin’s anti-inflammatory activity was tested in vivo on carrageenaninduced paw oedema in Sprague-Dawley rats (n=48) for 24 hours. Results revealed that, pre-injecting vitexicarpin (125μg/ 50μl) 30 min before injecting carrageenan was able to prevent the development of paw oedema at a specific time (2-6 hours post injection). Further investigation using peripheral blood analysis and histopathology showed that vitexicarpin was associated with a reduction of inflammatory cells that infiltrated the paw and directly inhibited the release of NO in the paw tissues. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of vitexicarpin was not blocked by PPAR-α antagonist GW6471. In conclusion, vitexicarpin has the potential to be a cutting-edge analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent in pharmaceutical products. The exact anti-inflammatory mechanism and the vitexcarpin pathway is still to be explored.