Anti-inflammatory effect of beta, beta-dimethylacrylshikonin

The anti-inflammatory effect of beta,beta-dimethylacrylshikonin(DMASK), one of the chemical components of Arnebia euchroma(Royle) Johnst, and its acute toxicity were studied in rats and mice, respectively, DMASK was shown to inhibit the increase of capillary permeanbility induced by histamine in rats. DMASK had significant anti-inflammatory effect on acute formalin-induced edema of the hind paws in rats. This activity was also demonstrated in adrenalectomized rats. DMASK inhibited the proliferation of granuloma induced by the implantation of cotton pellet in rats. The actue intraperitoneal LD50 in mice was found to be 48±5 mg/kg.