Anti-inflammatory constituents of topically applied crude drugs. V. Constituents and anti-inflammatory effect of Aoki, Aucuba japonica Thunb.

The Et2O-soluble fraction of the MeOH extract of the leaves of Aucuba japonica Thunb. showed an anti-inflammatory effect when topically applied to rats. E-Phytol, phytone, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and friedelin were isolated as active anti-inflammatory components inhibiting carrageenin-induced paw edema. The most effective, E-phytol, inhibited histamine-induced paw edema more potently than the compound 48/80-induced edema, suggesting that the mechanism of action is due to inhibition of the H1 receptor.