Anti-inflammatory effect of quinoline alkaloid skimmianine isolated from Ruta graveolens L.

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluates the anti-inflammatory effect of the quinoline alkaloid skimmianine (SKM), isolated from Ruta graveolens L., against carrageenan-induced acute inflammation.

METHODS

SKM at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg body weight was found to be the minimal concentration for maximal edema inhibition. Carrageenan suspension was administered into the sub-plantar tissue of the right hind paw 1 h after SKM and diclofenac (20 mg/kg) administration (i.p.). Paw edema was determined 3 h after carrageenan administration. The rats were then killed and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-6, levels of PGE2 and TBARS, activities of COX-2, 5-LOX, SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the level of nitrite were measured.

RESULTS

SKM treatment resulted in a decrease in the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-6, which are upstream events of the inflammatory cascade. The levels of PGE2 and NO and the activities of COX-2 and 5-LOX were also significantly reduced after SKM treatment. Neutrophil infiltration, lipid peroxidation and associated oxidative stress in the paw tissue were reduced following SKM treatment.

CONCLUSION

These results support the anti-inflammatory properties of skimmianine and its multi-targeted mechanism of action, suggesting its potential therapeutic efficacy in various inflammatory diseases.