Anti-inflammatory activity of lupeol and lupeol linoleate in rats.

Two pentacyclic triterpenes, namely lupeol and lupeol linoleate, were investigated for their anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anti-pyretic and ulcerogenic properties in comparison with the commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin in rats. Lupeol, lupeol linoleate and indomethacin showed a reduction in paw swelling by 39, 58 and 35%, respectively, in adjuvant arthritis. Triterpenes were devoid of any antinociceptive, anti-pyretic and ulcerogenic actions. However, indomethacin exhibited a positive response to these properties. These results suggest that the mechanism of action of triterpenes is different from the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.