Anti-inflammatory effect of Abyssinone V-4'-methyl ether on acute and chronic inflammation models

Plan: Anti-inflammatory evaluation of abyssinone V-4’-methyl ether. Prologue: The anti-inflammatory activity of abyssinone V-4'-methyl ether, a natural prenylated flavonoid isolated from the bark of Erythrina droogmansiana (Leguminosae) was evaluated using acute and chronic inflammation models in vivo namely carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, xylene induced-ear edema in mice and cotton pellets-induced granuloma formation in rats. Methodology: Oral administration of abyssinone V-4'-methyl ether at doses of 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg produced a dose-related inhibition of edema formation in the carrageenan induced-paw edema test in rats. Outcome: The highest dose (10 mg/kg) of the compound induced an inhibition of 71.43% compared to 61.90% inhibition obtained with dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg). In the xylene induced-ear edema in mice, abyssinone V-4'-methyl ether also produced a dose-dependent effect with a maximum inhibition of 62.25% obtained with the dose 10 mg/kg. In the chronic test, abyssinone V4'-methyl ether at similar doses strongly inhibited the granulomatous tissue formation in cotton pellet-induced granuloma model in rats. These results suggest the anti-inflammatory properties of abyssinone V-4'-methyl ether. This is the first time that the antiinflammatory activity of this prenylflavanone is reported.