Ethnopharmacology of Medicinal Plants Asia and the Pacific

Inflammation is a dynamic process that is elicited in response to mechanical
injuries, burns, microbial infections, and other noxious stimuli that may threaten
the well-being of the host. This process involves changes in blood flow, increased
vascular permeability, destruction of tissues via the activation and migration of leucocytes
with synthesis of reactive oxygen derivatives (oxidative burst), and the synthesis
of local inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins (PGs), leukotrienes,
and platelet-activating factors induced by phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenases
(COXs), and lipoxygenases. Arachidonic acid is a key biological intermediate that
is converted in to a large number of eicosanoids with potent biological activities.
The two major pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism are the COX pathway,
which results in the formation of both PGs and thromboxanes, and the 5-lipoxygenase
pathway, which is responsible for the formation of leukotrienes and 5S-hydroxy-6E,
8Z, 11Z, 14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE). Classic examples of herbs traditionally
used to treat inflammation in Western medicine are Matricaria chamomilla L.
and Arnica montana L. (Asteraceae), Salix alba (Salicaceae), and Glycyrrhiza glabra
(Fabaceae).
The dried capitula of Matricaria chamomilla L. (Asteraceae), or German chamomile,
have been used as anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic remedies since very early
times on account of its contents in bisabolol oxides the activity of which has been
experimentally substantiated. The plant is listed in several European pharmacopeias,
and is used in the form of tinctures, extracts, lotions, ointments, shampoos, and sunscreen
products.
Arnica montana L. (Arnica) has been used for treating bruises and swelling in Western
medicine on account of its ability to elaborate sesquiterpene lactones, such as helenalin
and dihydrohelenalin, which are thought to inhibit the activation of
transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)- B, which is responsible for the transcription
of genes involved in encoding mediators for the inflammatory process.
Many topical preparations containing arnica are commercially available. Arnica
is most commonly prepared as a tincture that can also be used as the base for
creams, ointments, compresses, and poultices. Arnica oil may also be used in topical
preparations.

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