Ethnopharmacological analysis based on Thai traditional medicine theory and anti-inflammatory activity of Sa-Tri-Lhung-Klod remedy as a post-partum anti-inflammatory drug

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Sa-Tri-Lhung-Klod (ST) remedy is a Thai traditional remedy used in obstetrics and gynecology to reduce inflammation and nourish the body post-partum. In Thai traditional medicine (TTM), there is a theory of formulating drugs based on the four elements and the tastes of herbs for use in treating diseases.Aims of study: To determine relationships between taste theory and pharmacological properties for the antiinflammatory effect of ST remedy and its chemical constituent components. To evaluate anti-inflammatory activity and also investigate the HPLC fingerprint of ST extracts.Materials and methods: ST remedy was extracted by maceration in 95% ethanol (STE) and decoction in distilled water (STW). ST extracts were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by nitric oxide inhibitory assay in RAW264.7 cells, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, and prostaglandin E2 inhibitory assay in inflamed rat paw tissue. In addition, the chemical constituent fingerprints of ST extracts were examined using HPLC.Results: STE contained seven main chemical compounds, and STW demonstrated only one identifiable chemical compound. The STE and STW displayed potent NO inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 20.59 +/- 0.03 and 52.93 +/- 0.90 mu g/mL, respectively. Moreover, the STE and STW (at doses of 100 -400 mg/kg) promoted significant inhibition of inflammation in carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats (20.81 -38.25%). Additionally, the STE (200 -400 mg/kg) and STW (100 -400 mg/kg) significantly reduced PGE2 levels in inflamed rat paw tissue.Conclusion: These findings suggest that the spicy, astringent, sweet, and fragrant taste of the ST remedy used to treat post-partum inflammation encompass constituents with potent anti-inflammatory activity. STE and STW possess anti-inflammatory properties and effectively inhibit the production of NO and PGE2. Results confirm the use of the ST remedy for treating inflammatory diseases in the post-partum period according to TTM knowledge.