Anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids from Eupatorium arnottianum.

Three anti-inflammatory compounds: nepetin, jaceosidin and hispidulin have been isolated and identified from Eupatorium arnottianum Griseb. dichloromethane extract. Nepetin reduced the TPA mouse ear edema by 46.9% and jaceosidin by 23.2% (1mg/ear). Both compounds inhibited the NF kappaB induction by 91 and 77%, respectively. Furthermore phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract has led to the identification of eriodictyol, hyperoside, rutin, caffeic and chlorogenic acids. All these compounds are reported for the first time in this species. The finding of topical antiinflammatory activity exerted by Eupatorium arnottianum extract and the identification of active principles could support the use of this plant for the treatment of inflammatory affections.