Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory effect of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. stem bark extract

In many diseases inflammation and oxidative stress coexist and are therapeutic targets. Phellodendron amurense Rupr. has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but the mechanisms are not completely elucidated. Therefore, first P. amurense stem bark extract was analysed regarding chemical compounds such as total polyphenol content (TPC), polyphenols (gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid) and alkaloids (berbamine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, and berberine). Quantitative determination of alkaloids revealed that berberine had the highest concentration of 2.44 +/- 0.22 mg/g. In vitro antioxidant activity was significant. Then, thein vivo anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of P. amurense extract were studied before and after acute experimental rat inflammation induction in order to find some mechanisms of these effects. The P. amurense stem bark extract had a good anti-inflammatory activity by reducing nitric oxide, 3-nitrotyrosine and NF-kB, and an antioxidant activity by lowering oxidants and increasing antioxidants. This study provides scientific knowledge and could contribute to the development of novel drugs based on P. amurense stem bark extract for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and prevention of oxidative stress.