Phytochemistry. 2000 Jan; 53(2): 257-63.

Study of sesquiterpene lactones from Milleria quinqueflora on their anti-inflammatory activity using the transcription factor NF-kappa B as molecular target.

Castro V, R�ngeler P, Murillo R, Hernandez E, Mora G, Pahl HL, Merfort I.

In Central America aerial parts of the Asteraceae Milleria quinqueflora are used in traditional medicine as a remedy for skin infections. Reinvestigation of this plant afforded thirteen sesquiterpene lactones (Sls), three of them are new. All isolated Sls were studied for their anti-inflammatory activity using the transcription factor NF-kappa B as molecular target. NF-kappa B is involved in the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines. NF-kappa B DNA binding was inhibited at micromolar concentrations by all Sls.