Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stems of Derris scandens
Benth. (Leguminosae) were found to be the most active of those
from four species used to treat arthritis in traditional Thai medi-
cine when tested in a variety of in vitro and in vivo test systems
for activity associated with reduction of inflammation [1]. The
present paper describes the identification of active compounds
from the aqueous extract and describes the activity, cytotoxicity
and concentration of the isolated compounds using a range of in
vitro assays related to inflammation. These assays explored var-
ious functions of neutrophils, the metabolic products of arachi-
donic acid and the role played by reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The release of elastase myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lactase dehy-
drogenase (LDH) measures the ability of test substances to alter
neutrophil secretory activity and cellular integrity respectively
and utilises rat peritoneal leukocytes challenged with the cal-
cium ionophore A23187 Reductions in the amounts of prostaglandins and leukotrienes
can also be used as an indicator of inflammatory activity [3], [4].
A reduction in production of ROS and tissue-damaging enzymes
such as MPO from neutrophils is also an indication of anti-in-
flammatory activity. Inflammation may be reduced by anti-oxi-
dants since tissue damage is caused by excess ROS