Abstract

A methanolic extract of Harpagophytum procumbens as well as harpagoside and harpagide were tested as direct inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX-2). The H. procumbensextract demonstrated direct inhibition (68%) of COX-2 enzyme. The concentration of harpagoside and harpagide equivalent to that found in the extract (3 and 1% respectively) contributed 1.5 and 13% to this inhibition. Results indicated direct COX-2 enzyme inhibition by the H. procumbens extract due to possible synergistic activity of active components in the extract, which include harpagide and harpagoside.

Key words: Harpagophytum procumbens, harpagoside, harpagide, cylcooxygenase-2, devils claw, synergism.