ABSTRACT
Noscapine is an isoquline alkaloid from opium with antitussive effect. Our previous study indicated that noscapine is non-competitive inhibitor of bradykinin. Since bradykinin and histamine contribute in inflammatory processes, the effect of noscapine on rat hind paw inflammation induced by bradykinin and histamine was investigated. Paw edema induced by subplantar injection of 0.1 ml bradykinin solution [3nmol/paw] or 1% histamine solution. Noscapin [1, 5 and 10 mg/kg] and indomethacin [10mg/kg] as standard anti-inflammatory drug were administered intraperitoneally [i.p] one hour before injection of bradykinin or histamine. The thickness of hind paw was measured with a caliper and compared to control groups before and 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes after injection of bradykinin and before and 60, 120, 180 minutes after injection of histamine. Administration of noscapine significantly suppressed the inflammation. The maximum anti-inflammatory effect of noscapin observed at dose of 5 mg/kg against bradykinin and at dose of 10mg/kg against histamine. So this activity of noscapine was similar to activity of indomethacin. Our results showed that noscapine has anti-inflammatory effect on inflammatory response of rat hind paw. This effect, was comparable to the anti-inflammatory effect of indomethacin