[Pharmacological studies of Houttuyniae herba: the anti-inflammatory effect of quercitrin]

Anti-inflammatory activities of quercitrin (Qu) were studied using various experimental models in mice, rats and guinea pigs. Qu (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the rat hind paw edema induced by various phlogistics (carrageenin, dextran, histamine, serotonin and bradykinin) in a dose-dependent manner, and 200 mg/kg of this compound also inhibited the scald edema induced by hot water (54 degrees C). Qu did not show any significant inhibition of the ultraviolet light-induced erythema in guinea-pigs and of the increase of vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in mice. Qu did not affect the granuloma formation in a cotton pellet and the development of adjuvant arthritis in rats. These results indicate that Qu might have an inhibitory effect on acute inflammation.