Cyclooxygenase inhibitory flavonoids from the stem bark of Semecarpus anacardium Linn.

The ethyl acetate extract of stem bark of Semecarpus anacardium showing in vivo anti-in fl ammatory activity in carrageenan induced rat paw edema assay was investigated in order to identify its active compounds. Chemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of S.anacardium afforded 3,4,2',4'-tetrahydroxychalcone (butein) and 7,3',4'-trihydroxy fl avone. Evaluation of COX-1 inhibitory activity of 3,4,2',4'-tetrahydroxychalcone and 7,3',4'-trihydroxy fl avone provided the IC(50) values of 28.4 and 36.7 micro M respectively. Further investigation of these compounds for COX-2 inhibitory activity revealed moderate potency towards this enzyme.