Antiphlogistic and antipyretic activity of Peucedanum ostruthium

Extracts from the roots of Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) Koch were investigated for their antiphlogistic and antipyretic effects as well as for their influence on arachidonic acid metabolism. On carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, oral administration of 10% ethanolic extracts led to a marked inhibition of the edema. By means of bioassay-oriented fractionation of extract, 6-(3-carboxybut-2-enyl)-7-hydroxycoumarin proved to be the most important anti-inflammatory principle of the plant. 30 micrograms/kg of this compound inhibited the formation of edema to an extent of 50%. On the perfused rabbit ear and on polymorphonuclear leukocytes the extract and the active compound have been characterized as dual inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase activities. Moreover, an antipyretic effect of i.p. administered extract and compound were evaluated in rats with comparable hyperthermia after s.c. injection of brewer's yeast.