Study On In Vivo And In Vitro Anti-inflammatory Effects Of Dandelion Extract

Objective:To study anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of dandelion extract through the establishment of experimental animal models of inflammatory and on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophages, not only to provide the basis of theoretical and practical for clinical medication, but also lay the foundation for further exploitation of dandelion. Methods:Using xylene-induced mouse ear edema model, egg albumen-induced rat paw swelling model and cotton-induced rat granuloma model, we investigated the inhibitory actions of dandelion extract on exudative edema, leukocyte accumulation to inflammatory sites and fibrous tissue hyperplasia. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of dandelion extract on LPS-stimulated mouse macrophages was examined using MTT method and determined non-cytotoxic dose range, and established LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophage model. Nitric oxide (NO) release on LPS-stimulated macrophages was determined by Griess method. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) on LPS-stimulated macrophages were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results:Dandelion extract could inhibit the formation of granuloma in rats, xylene-induced mouse ear swelling and egg albumen-induced rat paw swelling. Dandelion extract is not cytotoxic on LPS-stimulated macrophages in less than or equal 1mg/ml. Dandelion extract has obvious inhibitory effect on NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 release in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophages. Conclusion:The Dandelion extract had significant in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects.