Integrated Analysis of COX-2 and iNOS Derived Inflammatory
Mediators in LPS-Stimulated RAW Macrophages Pre-Exposed to Echium plantagineum
L. Bee Pollen Extract
PLoS One, 2013;8(3):e59131
Oxidative stress and inflammation play important roles in
disease development. This study intended to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant potential of Echium plantagineum L. bee pollen to support its
claimed health beneficial effects.
The hydromethanol extract efficiently scavenged nitric oxide
((•)NO) although against superoxide (O2 (•-)) it behaved as antioxidant at
lower concentrations and as pro-oxidant at higher concentrations. The
anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated in LPS-stimulated macrophages. The
levels of (•)NO and L-citrulline decreased for all extract concentrations
tested, while the levels of prostaglandins, their metabolites and isoprostanes,
evaluated by UPLC-MS, decreased with low extract concentrations.
So, E. plantagineum bee pollen extract can exert
anti-inflammatory activity by reducing (•)NO and prostaglandins. The extract is
able to scavenge the reactive species (•)NO and O2 (•-) and reduce markers of
oxidative stress in cells at low concentrations.
NOTE: Echium plantagineum contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids
and is poisonous.
There is so much to bees and their honey.
ReplyDeleteI have also found some good beekeeping comedy if you are looking for some light relief.