Tissue distributions and association of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) with inflammatory have led us to search for COX-2 selective inhibitors from natural products. Conceptually, COX-2 selective inhibitors should be expected to retain anti-inflammatory effi...
Tissue distributions and association of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) with inflammatory have led us to search for COX-2 selective inhibitors from natural products. Conceptually, COX-2 selective inhibitors should be expected to retain anti-inflammatory efficacy by inhibition of PGs production while reducing or eliminating the gastric, renal and hemostatic side effects commonly associated with NSAIDs use. Thus, a logical approach to the treatment of inflammatory diseases should involve the inhibitors of COX-2. To develope new COX-2 inhibitors from natural products, two-hundred crude drugs were Screened by inhibiting PGD₂ generation in bone marrow derived mast cells (BMMC). Among them, 6 methanol extracts of crude drugs such as, Bletillae rhizoma, Aconiti koreani rhizoma, Belamcandae rhizoma, Nelumbinis semen, Gleniae radix, Aurantii immatri pericarpium inhibited more than 85% of BMMC COX-2 activity at a concentration 2.5 ㎍/ml.