Pharmacology and Toxicology of Extract from Arcangelisia gusanlung

ObjectiveTo study the pharmacology and toxicology of the extracts from Arcangelisia gusanlung (EAG).MethodsThe anti-inflammatory activities were investigated using various inflammatory models including ear edema induced by xylene in mice, paw edema induced by carrageenan, and cotton pellet granuloma in rats. The analgesic effect was observed in hot-plate test and writhing test in mice and the antipyretic effect was observed in rat fever model induced by yeast. The antitussive action was tested in mice by sequential method and expectorant action was evaluated by tracheal excretion of phenol red. The antidiarrhea function was observed on normal intestinal propulsion of mouse model of diarrhea induced by decoction of Sennae Folium. The toxicity was measured by toxicological experiment.ResultsEach dose of EAG could significantly inhibit the paw edema, cotton pellet granuloma, and intestinal propulsion. EAG significantly reduced writhing times and amount of wet manure. Obvious antipyretic action to fevered rat was observed. EAG obviously increased the tracheal excretion of phenol red and prolonged the latency of cough. No toxic reaction was shown in the observed period, and the maximum tolerance dose of mice was equivalent to 1360 times of common-used dose in human.ConclusionThe clinical dosage of EAG is safe, and its anti-inflammatory, analgesia, antipyresis, antitussive, expectorant, and antidiarrhea effects are significant.