Effects of compounds extracted from Tonacetum microphyllum on arachidonic acid metabolism in cellular systems

In the present study, the effects of compounds extracted from Tanocetum microphyllum, four flavonoids and one sesquiterpene lactone, on arachidonic acid metabolism in cellular systems were examined. In the PGE(2)- and LTC4-release assay, most compounds did not exhibit any significant effect. Only hydroxyachillin, and the flavonoids centaureidin and 5,3'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy-7-methoxycarbonylflavonol showed a significant effect, although with less potency than the reference drugs, indomethacin and NDGA. However, all compounds inhibited the release of TXB2 from ionophore-stimulated human platelets. The action is more marked with the flavonoids santin and ermanin.