Anti-inflammatory effect of dauricine

Dauricine (Dau), an alkaloid extracted from the roots of Menispernum dauricum D. C., was used for treating sore throat and rheumatism in traditional Chinese medicine. Dau 40 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg markedly inhibited the mouse ear edema produced by croton oil and the swelling of the rat paw caused by carrageenin, respectively. These effects were slightly reduced in bilaterally adrenalectomized rats. Dau decreased the content of ascorbic acid of adrenal glands in rats. Dau markedly inhibited the exudates and granuloma caused by croton oil and also inhibited the leucocyte migratory response caused by CMC (carboxy-methylcellulose) in rats. In addition, Dau showed the inhibitory effect on mouse writhing caused by HAc with the ID50 of 54 mg/kg. The LD50 of ip Dau in mice was 205 mg/kg. These results indicate that Dau exerts a direct inhibitory effect on the inflammatory process in addition to a possible action mediated by the adrenal cortex.