Anti-inflammatory activity of Pistacia lentiscus essential oil: involvement of IL-6 and TNF-α

MAXIA, ANDREA;SANNA, CINZIA;Frau MA;PIRAS, ALESSANDRA;Karchuli MS;Kasture V.

2011-01-01

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Abstract

The topical anti-inflammatory activity of essential oil of Pistacia lentiscus L. was studied using carrageenan induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma. The effect on serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in rats inserted with cotton pellet was also investigated. On topical application, the oil exhibited a significant decrease in paw edema. The oil also inhibited cotton pelletinduced granuloma, and reduced serum TNF-α and IL-6. It can be concluded that the essential oil of Pistacia lentiscus reduces leukocyte migration to the damaged tissue and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity.