Abstract
Cepharanthin ointment (2%) was investigated for its anti-inflammatory activity on the chronic adjuvant arthritis by local application in rats and its suppressive effect on the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) . TNFα, an important cytokine in host defense mechanisms, is also implied in many acute and chronic disease states by its overproduction. Therefore, the inhibition of TNFα overproduction leads to suppression of inflammation.
Cepharanthin ointment inhibited markedly on the development of the chronic adjuvant arthritis in rats. And also, this drug significantly reduced the level of TNFα in which peaked 2 hr after LPS injection in the BCG treated mice. On the other hand, systemic side effects such as decrease in weight of adrental or thymus and body weight loss were most evident in the case of untreated control and lower with cepharanthin ointment. This study shows that cepharanthin ointment was effective on the inflammation at least in part by suppressing TNFα production.
