Dual COX/LOX inhibition: screening and evaluation of effect of medicinal plants of Kerala as Antiinflammatory agents

Abstract

Screening of 16 medicinal plants for potential anti-inflammatory activity through the dual inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes (synthesis of eicosanoids) and the evaluation of the phytochemicals in the plants exhibiting dual inhibition were carried out. The plant extracts were preincubated with the enzyme and assayed for LOX and COX activity by ELISA method. Plants with dual inhibition were subject to phytochemical analysis so as to determine the secondary metabolites present in these plants. Seven plants were identified with dual inhibition of LOX and COX enzymes. Saponins and terpenoids were found to be present in all the plant extracts with dual inhibition. The findings of the present study indicate the potential of seven medicinal plants in the use as antiinflammatory agents. Further studies are being conducted to determine the bioactive molecules involved in the process of dual inhibition of LOX and COX.