The anti-inflammatory activity of cepharanthin ointment (2%) was investigated by local application in mice and rats. The inhibitory activities of cephar-anthin ointment against the acute carrageenin-induced hind paw edema in mice, and edema induced by a drop of croton oil into the mouse ear were seen potently. Cepharanthin ointment also inhibited significantly the superficial inflammation such as increased vascular permeability induced by intradermal injection of histamine in rats. Cepharanthin ointment, like steroid and nonsteroid action, inhibited both the early phase of hind paw edema produced by mixed phlogistics and the delayed phase mediated by carrageenin and kaolin in mice. Therapeutic effect of cepharanthin ointment on the carrageenin-kaolin-induced hind paw edema in mice was observed. From these results, it was suggested that cepharanthin ointment was effective on various types of inflammation and showed particularly potent inhibitory activity against acute inflammation. These findings suggest that the mode of action of cepharanthin ointment is unique drugs similar to that of both steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory actions.
