In vivo anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of the two triterpenes, ursolic acid and 23-hydroxyursolic acid, from Cussonia bancoensis

Triterpenoids, ursolic acid (1) and 23-hydroxyursolic acid (2) were obtained from the hydrolysis of BuOH fraction of Cussonia bancoensis extract to test antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of C. bancoensis (Araliaceae). Compound 1 and 2 exhibited anti-nociceptive effects, which were determined by acetic acid-induced writhing test and hot plate test. The effect of 2 was much more potent in acetic acid-induced writhing test than in hot plate test. Compound 1 and 2 significantly inhibited 1%-carrageenan-induced edema in the rat. These results suggest that the two triterpenes, ursolic acid and 23-hydroxyursolic acid, are responsible for the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of C. bancoesnsis.