Biologically active principles of crude drugs. II. Anti-allergic principles in "Shoseiryu-To" anti-inflammatory properties of paeoniflorin and its derivatives.

Anti-inflammatory properties of paeoniflorin and its derivatives were examined in experimental animals. Paeoniflorin, desbenzoylpaeoniflorin and new monoterpene glucoside 'paeonon' inhibited experimental contact hypersensitivities and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction. Paeonon inhibited tissue swelling in the adjuvant arthritis, while paeoniflorin and its related compounds were ineffective in inhibiting non-allergic inflammatory response.