Anti-inflammatory activities of Sieboldogenin from Smilax china Linn.: Experimental and computational studies

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Smilax china Linn. is extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as well as in Pakistan for several medicinal purposes including their use in inflammatory disorders. Aim of the study: The aims of the current study were to validate and assess the folk use of Smilax china Linn. on pharmacological grounds using the isolated compound at molecular, in vivo and computational levels. Materials and methods: Seiboldogenin was isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of the plant crude extract. In vitro lipoxygenase and in vivo carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema models were used in experimental studies while molecular docking technique was used to conduct computational study. Results: Sieboldogenin showed significant lipoxygenase inhibition (IC50: 38 mu M). It also exhibited significant inhibition (p < 0.05) of carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema at the doses of 10 and 50mg/kg. Computational molecular docking showed its molecular interaction with important amino acid residues in the catalytic site of lipoxygenase, revealing its potential binding mode at molecular level. Conclusions: Sieboldogenin seems to be a potential new anti-inflammatory compound responsible for anti-inflammatory activities of Smilax china Linn. Its in vitro and in vivo inflammatory activities are in good agreement with the folk medicinal use of Smilax china Linn. in inflammatory disorders. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.