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Rheum emodi Induces Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Murine Macrophages

* Department of Biochemistry, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 

* Corresponding Author                         

Dr. Zargar M Afzal

Reader/Associate Professor                              

Department of Biochemistry,

University of Kashmir, Srinagar

India, 190011         

Abstract

Rheum emodi has been traditionally used to treat pathological ailments like fevers, ulcers, bacterial infections, fungal infections, jaundice and liver disorders.  Some workers have worked out anti-tumour activity of Rheum emodi but very little is known about the mechanisms involved. In the present studies we have evaluated the effects of Rheum emodi rhizome extract on signal pathways on expression of iNOS gene and release of NO in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. The studies could pave the way for understanding some of the treatment principles of the plant extract. The data indicate that Rheum emodi may have an immuno-enhancing effect through the release of various cytokines.

Keywords:  Rheum emodi; anti-inflammatory; Nitric oxide; IL-12; IL-10; TNF-a.

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