Extract of Scabiosa comosa Exhibits an Anti-Inflammatory Effect on Carrageenan and Lipopolysaccharide- Induced Acute Inflammation in Rats

Background and Objective: The herb Scabiosa comosa (SC) is a herbal medicine used in both Mongolian and Chinese traditional medicine for liver disease. The previous studies show the presence of flavonoids and other high anti-oxidant compounds which may exert anti-inflammatory effects. This study is devoted to evaluating the anti-inflammatory effect of the aerial part of Scabiosa comosa (SC) based on their bioactive compound contained and in vivo model. Materials and Methods: Bioactive compound estimation is based on a total phenolic compound and flavonoid content, according to Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and aluminium trichloride reagent methods, respectively. In vivo experiments, acute pulmonary inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and carrageenan-induced paw edema models were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of SC. Results: The total phenolic compound and content were 626.4 +/- 1.4 mu g EGA mg(-1) and flavonoid content was 3.3 +/- 0.3 mu g EQ mg(-1). The SC significantly reduced the volume of the hind paw after the injection of carrageenan at 120 min. The SC showed fewer histopathological changes such as haemorrhage, neutrophil infiltration and alveolar edema after the injection of LPS. In addition, SC considerably reduced the plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta) while upregulating the plasma level of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). Conclusion: Overall, the study defines SC as a potential anti-inflammatory agent against LPS and carrageenan-induced inflammation.