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Planta Med 2012; 78(8): 761-766
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1298374
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Original Papers
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effect of Silymarin and Harpagoside on Inflammation Reaction of BEAS-2B Cells, on Ciliary Beat Frequency (CBF) of Trachea Explants and on Mucociliary Clearance (MCC)

Corinna Boeckenholt1 , Frank Begrow1 , Eugen J. Verspohl1
  • 1Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry – Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received Nov. 18, 2011 revised February 21, 2012

accepted February 24, 2012

Publication Date:
12 March 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Silymarin and harpagoside are derived from drugs which are used for their protective effects against hepatotoxicity and inflammatory processes. Both are now investigated with respect to the respiratory tract. They were able to reduce the release of the inflammatory cytokine RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cells expressed and secreted) from BEAS-2B cells in a concentration-dependent manner when stimulated by a cytokine mix (10 ng/mL of TNF-α and IFN-γ). This effect was not due to a possible toxic effect (control experiments using LDH release as a marker). Silymarin but not harpagoside was able to increase ciliary beat frequency. Effects were comparable to positive controls (isoprenaline and salbutamol). Silymarin also increases mucociliary clearance. In conclusion, silymarin should be further investigated for its clinical use in distinct respiratory diseases.

Key words

silymarin - harpagoside - respiratory disease - cytokine RANTES - ciliary beat frequency - mucociliary clearance

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Prof. Eugen J. Verspohl

Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry – Pharmacology and Toxicology
University of Münster

Hittorfstrasse 58–62

48149 Münster

Germany

Phone: +49 25 18 33 33 39

Fax: +49 25 18 33 21 44

Email: verspoh@uni-muenster.de

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