Anti-inflammatory effects of total saponins of Panax notoginseng

AIM: To study the anti-inflammatory effects of total saponins of Panax notoginseng ( PnS). METHODS: Rat air-pouch acute inflammatory model was established with sc carrageenan (Car, 25 mg . kg(-1)). The protein content in exudate was measured. Microacid titration assay and radioimmunoassay (RIA) were applied respectivly to investigate effects of PnS on phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activity and dinoprostone (Din) content in exudate. Fura-2 fluorescence technique was used to determine the intracellular free calcium concentration in neutrophils (Neu-[Ca2+ ](i)). RESULTS: At 12 h, PnS 60 - 240 mg.kg(-1) ip reduced Neu counts, protein content [(7.7 +/- 1.3) to (4.4 +/- 1.4) g.L-1], and Din content [(1619 +/- 391) to (883 +/- 268) ng.L-1]; inhibited the PLA(2) activity in exudate [(248 +/- 42) to (157 +/- 35) kU.L-1] in a dose-dependent manner. PnS 60, 120, and 240 mg kg(-1) lowered the level of Neu-[Ca2+ ](i) with the inhibitory rate of 9.1 %, 33.2 %, and 39.4 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: PnS has an obvious anti-inflammatory effect and its mechanisms are related to the inhibition of the Neu-[Ca2+ ](i) level and PLA(2) activity, and reduction of Din content.