Anti-Lipoxygenase (LOX) activity of Dendrobium macrostachyum Lindl.

Abstract

The Ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-Butanol (n-BuOH) and aqueous fractions of ethanolic stem extract of Dendrobium macrostachyum Lindl. were screened in vitro for anti lipoxygenase (LOX) property. Anti lipoxygenase activity was carried out as described by Lyckander and Malterud. Although all fractions exhibited anti lipoxygenase activity in comparison with reference standard Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Indomethcin (IC₅₀=272.73µg/mL), the EtOAc fraction (IC₅₀=232.58µg/mL) showed highest anti lipoxygenase activity than n- BuOH (IC₅₀=629.95µg/mL) and aqueous (IC₅₀=325.87µg/mL) fractions. IC₅₀ was calculated from the concentration– effect regression lines. The results obtained in the present study indicates that the anti lipoxygenase property may be one of the mechanisms behind the medicinal claims of the plant being used in the treatment of earache and to relieve pain.