Pharmacological Influence of Saikosaponins on Prostaglandin E2Production by Peritoneal Macrophages

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Abstract
The effects of purified saikosaponins a, b1, b2, c and d on prostaglandin E2 production by rat peritoneal macrophages were examined. Prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis was stimulated by saikosaponins b1, b2 and d, while saikosaponins a and c were inhibitory. A mixture of saikosaponins a, c and d, of which ratio was adjusted to the same as in the crude saikosaponin fraction having anti-inflammatory effects (3:2:2, by weight), stimulated prostaglandin E2 production reflecting strong stimulatory activity of saikosaponin d. Saikosaponin a, while inhibitory to the production of prostaglandin E2, stimulated (3H)arachidonic acid release from pre-labeled macrophages and caused generation of a SRS-like substance in addition to the production of an unidentified substance capable of contracting isolated guinea-pig ileum in much more slow rate than synthetic leukotriene C4 or D4. Mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory action of saikosaponins are discussed.

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