Bioguided identification of pentacyclic triterpenoids as anti-inflammatory bioactive constituents of Ocimum gratissimum extract

Ocimum gratissimum is a plant spice widely used in African traditional medicine to treat pain-related conditions. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms underlying this activity and main active ingredients O. have not yet been fully characterized. To isolate identify constituents of extract their murine macrophages. Chromatographic techniques spectroscopic data were for compounds isolation identification. Inflammatory conditions produced cultured RAW 264.7 macrophage cells by application lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The WST-1 assay was evaluate cell viability, nitric oxide production quantified Griess reagent method. fluorometric cyclooxygenase (COX) kit assess COX-1 COX-2 enzymes. levels IFN-?, TNF-?, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 cytokines apoptosis-inducing effect measured flow cytometer using cytometric Bead Array (CBA) Human Th1/Th2 Cytokine Kit II FITC Annexin V Apoptosis Detection kit, respectively. results showed that fractions inhibit proliferation Raw cells. bioguided fractionation led identification pentacyclic triterpenes as bioactive compounds. Pomolic tormentic acids being most active, inhibiting secretion IFN-? cytokine, COX enzyme, inducing apoptosis activated This study revealed pomolic are principles responsible at least part gratissimum. Besides providing more evidence use against inflammatory disorders, reveals multitarget potential promising future drugs diseases.