Antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities of gum mastic

M. Mahmoudi 1, M.A. Ebrahimzadeh 2*, S.F. Nabavi 2,3, S. Hafezi 3, S.M. Nabavi 2,4, Sh. Eslami 2

1 Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine; 2 Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy; 3 Student Research Development Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari (Iran); 4 Department of Biology, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar (Iran)

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• Pharmacology

Abstract. – Objectives: Pistacia lentiscus has traditionally been used in the treatment of many diseases. Its resin was investigated for its mineral contents, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in rats.
Material and Methods: Inhibition of carrageenan induced edema was used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. Fe2+ chelating ability, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH) and nitric oxide scavenging activities were used to evaluate antioxidant activities and mineral contents were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Gallic acid content was determined by HPLC.
Results: Resin produced statistically significant inhibition of edema at all doses when compared to the control groups. A 100% inhibition of inflammation was observed at 800 mg/kg i.p. Resin exhibit no toxicity up to 3 g/kg body weights i.p. in mice. Weak DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging activities were observed but showed good Fe2+ chelating ability (IC50=162 µg ml-1). The amount of elements was decreased in the order: Cu > Fe, Zn > Mn> Ni, Cd. Gallic acid content was 0.1 mg/g resin.
Conclusions: These experimental data support the use of Pistacia lentiscus resin as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.

Corresponding Author: M.A. Ebrahimzadeh, Ph.D; e-mail: zadeh20@yahoo.com

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