Cyclooxygenase inhibitory flavonoids from the stem bark of Semecarpus anacardium linn.

The ethyl acetate extract of stem bark of SeMecarpus anacardium showing in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced rat paw edema assay was investigated in order to identify its active compounds. Chemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of S.anacardium afforded 3,4,2',4'-tetrahydroxychalcone (butein) and 7,3',4-trihydroxyflavone. Evaluation of COX-I inhibitory activity of 3,4,2',4-tetrahydroxychalcone and 7,3',4-trihydroxyflavone provided the IC50 values of 28.4 and 36.7 muM respectively. Further investigation of these compounds for COX-2 inhibitory activity revealed moderate potency towards this enzyme. Copyright (C) 2004 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.