Anti-inflammatory activity of lupeol and lupeol linoleate in rats

Two pentacyclic triterpenes. namely lupeol and lupeol linoleate, were investigated for their anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive. anti-pyretic and ulcerogenic properties in comparison with the commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin in rats. Lupeol, lupeol linoleate and indomethacin showed a reduction in paw swelling by 39, 58 and 35%, respectively, in adjuvant arthritis. Triterpenes were devoid of any antinociceptive, anti-pyretic and ulcerogenic actions. However. indomethacin exhibited a positive response to these properties. These results suggest that the mechanism of action of triterpenes is different from the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.