Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Analytical Techniques for Assaying Nitric Oxide Bioactivity
Published on: June 18, 2012
NITRIC OXIDE INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF STRYCHNOS SPINOSA (LOGANIACEAE) LEAF EXTRACTS AND FRACTIONS
Isa Ai1,2, Dzoyem Jp1,3, Adebayo Sa1,3
1Phytomedicine Programme, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
Background:
The study was aimed at determining the anti-inflammatory activity of fractions and extracts obtained from Strychnos spinosa leaves on a mediator of inflammation nitric oxide (NO).
Materials And Methods:
Leaves were extracted with acetone and separated into fractions with different polarities by solvent-solvent fractionation. The Griess assay was used to determine the nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity. Cellular toxicity was determined by "using the MTT reduction assay".
Results:
With the exception of the ethyl acetate fraction which had an IC50 >750 μg/mL, all extracts and fractions had significant nitric oxide-inhibitory activity. The most active being the water fraction, chloroform fraction and the dichloromethane/methanol extracts with IC50 values of 88.43 μg/mL, 96.72 μg/mL and 115.62 μg/mL, respectively. The extracts and fractions had low cytotoxicity on macrophage U937 cell lines.
Conclusion:
Extracts and fractions of Strychnos spinosa leaves may be promising sources of natural anti-inflammatory agents. Findings obtained from this study showed that Strychnos spinosa leaves possess promising anti-inflammatory action and could be used in the treatment of inflammation-related conditions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers
Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow....
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Reversible inhibitors display short to medium durations of action. Short-acting agents include simple alcohols with...
Cholinergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
2° Amines to N-Nitrosamines: Reaction with NaNO2

