Topical anti-inflammatory activity of ointments with 1% of crude water extracts of rhizoma and herb Potentilla reptans L. in croton oil model of mouse ear inflammation

This study tested the ability of an ointment with extract of Potentilla reptans L. to inhibit mouse ear inflammation in response to topical application of croton oil. The European Five-Finger Grass is astringent and has wound healing effect due to the tannin content (1,2). The examined material was picked in autumn in the surroundings of Sarajevo, dried in thin layer and pulverized immediately before extraction. Water extract (1: 2) made by percolation was drayed under nitrogen at 40°C. Extractions were made from rhizoma and herb separately. Ointment basis was made from paraffin (soft and hard). Dray water extracts were incorporated in ointment basis. Ointments were applied to one ear of Swiss mice (n=8) 2.5mg/ear 30min after croton oil administration in acetone (10µg/ear) (2). For comparison, 2 other groups were treated with croton oil and after 30 minutes with 1) the ointment basis alone, 2) Hydrocortisone 1% ointment (2,5mg/ear). The other ear of the same animal was used as control one. After treatment, ears were observed for three days, and appearance changes were photo documented. Similar pharmacological reaction was found for booth ointments with extract of rhizome and extract of herb of Potentilla reptans, whose pharmacological reaction was similar to Hydrocortisone ointment. Ointments with water extracts of the tested P. reptans have significantly reduced inflammation in time for 30–50% in relation to control ear. References: 1. Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers, Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4–6, (Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992–1994. 2. De Natale, A., Pollio, A., 2007. Plant species in the folk medicine of Montecorvino Rovella (inland Campania, Italy). Journal of Ethnopharmacology 109, 295–303. 3. Williamso E.M., Okpako D.T. Evans F.J. (1996) Selection, Preparation and Pharmacological Evaluation of Plant Material in: Pharmacological Methods in Phytotherapy Research; John Wiley Sons p.131–153.