Anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects of luteolin from Perilla (P. frutescens L.) leaves

Molecules. 2014 May 27;19(6):6941-51. doi: 10.3390/molecules19066941.

Abstract

Perilla (Perilla frutescens L.) leaves have shown therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, allergies, bronchial asthma, and systemic damage due to free radicals. In the present study we analyzed the active constituents in perilla leaves using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and isolated luteolin, a polyphenolic flavonoid. We investigated the anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties of luteolin. Luteolin inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1 β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from human mast cells (HMC-1) stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 in a dose-dependent manner. Luteolin also significantly reduced the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells stimulated by compound 48/80, a potent histamine liberator. Furthermore, the administration of luteolin markedly inhibited the scratching behavior and vascular permeability induced by pruritogens, such as compound 48/80 or serotonin, in ICR mice. These results suggested that luteolin has potential as a therapeutic agent against inflammation and itch-related skin diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antipruritics / pharmacology*
  • Antipruritics / therapeutic use*
  • Calcimycin / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-1beta / drug effects
  • Interleukin-1beta / metabolism
  • Luteolin / pharmacology
  • Luteolin / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Mast Cells / drug effects
  • Mast Cells / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Perilla / chemistry*
  • Pruritus / drug therapy
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / pharmacology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism
  • p-Methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antipruritics
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Calcimycin
  • p-Methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine
  • Luteolin
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate