Effects of Aralia Continentalis and Angelica biserrata on Inflammatory Response in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced RAW 264.7 Macrophages and Phorbol Ester-induced Ear Edema

The roots of both Aralia continentalis and Angelica biserrata, known as 'Dokwhal' in Korea, have been used widely as a traditional oriental medicine to treat inflammation and thrombosis. However, the pharmacological differences between A. continentalis and A. biserrata have not been fully established. In the present study, we investigated and compared the inhibitory effects of 70% ethanolic extracts of A. continentalis (ACE) and A. biserrata (ABE) on the production of inflammatory mediators and secondary swelling from chemically induced ear edema. In RAW264.7 macrophages, both ACE and ABE significantly inhibited the release of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E₂, interlukin-1beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in a dose dependent manner. In addition, the swelling from TPA-induced edema in mouse ears was reduced by ACE and ABE. Overall, ACE showed stronger activities than ABE in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that A. continentalis roots possess stronger anti-inflammatory activity than A. biserrata roots.