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2014; 2(4):94-103
Review Article
A overview: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and mechanisms
Prasad V. Patrekar1, Sachin S. Mali1, Komal Kashid1, Snehal More1, Savita S. Mali1, Sujata D. Dongare1
1
Department of Pharmaceutics, Adarsh Institute of Pharmacy, Vita, Maharashtra, India
Introduction
The inflammatory response represents a generalized response commonly called as pus. These exudates contain dead cells
to infection or tissue damage and is designed to remove and debris in addition to body fluids. After the expulsion of
cellular debris, to localize invading organisms and arrest the the exudates, the inflammation may terminate and tissues may
spread of infection. The inflammatory response is return to their normal state (Atlas, 1995). Pain belongs to a
characterized by the following symptoms: Reddening of the basic sensory abnormality associated with inflammation. Pain
localized area, swelling, pain and elevated temperature. develops when nerve fiber terminals of polynodal nociceptors
Reddening results from capillary dialation that allows more become sensitized by mediators of inflammation. The pain
blood to flow to the damaged tissue. Elevated temperature producing inflammatory mediators are bradykinin,
results from capillary dialation which permits increased blood prostaglandins (PGE1 and PGE2) and leukotrienes,
flow through these vessels, with associated high metabolic especially LTB4. Pain becomes evoked by the synergistic
activities of neutrophils and macrophages. The dialation of action of bradykinin and prostaglandins (Antoni, 1991). Based
blood vessels is accompanied by increased capillary on visual observation, the ancients characterised inflammation
permeability causing swelling as fluid accumulates in the by five cardinal signs, namely redness (rubor), swelling
spaces surrounding tissue and cells. Pain in the case of (tumour), heat (calor; only applicable to thebody'extremities),
inflammation is due to the lysis of blood cells that trigger the pain (dolor) and loss of function (functio laesa). The first four
production of bradykinin and prostaglandins. The area of of thesesigns were named by Celsus in ancient Rome (30–38
inflammation also becomes walled off as a result of the B.C.) and the last by Galen (A.D 130–200). Inflammation is a
development of fibrinous clots. The deposition of fibrin complicated and not fully understood communication between
isolates the inflamed area, cutting off normal circulation. The cellular and humoral elements. More recently, inflammation
fluid in the inflamed area is known as inflammatory exudates, was described as "the succession of changes which occurs in a
*
Corresponding Author: Sachin S Mali, Lecturer, Department of Pharmaceutics, Adarsh institute of Pharmacy, Vita, Maharashtra,
India. E-Mail: sachinmali143@gmail.com 94
Mali et al. / Indian J. Pharm. Biol. Res., 2014; 2(4):94-103
living tissue when it is injured provided that the injury is not and debris in addition to body fluids. After the expulsion of
of such a degree as to at once destroy its structure and the exudates, the inflammation may terminate and tissues may
vitality". Inflammation is a normal, protective response to return to their normal state (Atlas, 1995). Pain develops when
tissue injury caused by physical trauma, noxious chemicals or nerve fiber terminals of polynodal nociceptors become
microbiological agents. The inflammatory response is sensitized by mediators of inflammation. The pain producing
characterized by the following symptoms: Reddening of the inflammatory mediators are bradykinin, prostaglandins (PGE1
localized area, swelling, pain and elevated temperature. and PGE2) and leukotrienes,especially LTB[1-9]. Pain
Reddening results from capillary dialation that allows more becomes evoked by the synergistic action of bradykinin and
blood to flow to the damaged tissue. Elevated temperature prostaglandins.
results from capillary dialation which permits increased blood
flow through these vessels, with associated high metabolic Causes of inflammation
activities of neutrophils and macrophages. The dialation of
blood vessels is accompanied by increased capillary The numerous causes of inflammation may be classified as
permeability causing swelling as fluid accumulates in the follows:
spaces surrounding tissue and cells. Pain in the case of • Microbes-e.g. bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi,
inflammation is due to the lysis of blood cells that trigger the • Physical agents- e.g. heat, cold, mechanical injury,
production of bradykinin and prostaglandins. The area of ultraviolet and ionising radiation.
inflammation also becomes walled off as a result of the • Chemical agent-
development of fibrinous clots. The deposition of fibrin -organic: e.g: microbial toxins, organic posion
isolates the inflamed area, cutting off normal circulation. The -inorganic: e.g: acids, alkalis[Ross n Wilson
fluid in the inflamed area is known as inflammatory exudates, P.N.371]
commonly called as pus. These exudates contain dead cells
Types of inflammation
Review Article 95
Mali et al. / Indian J. Pharm. Biol. Res., 2014; 2(4):94-103
neurotransmitter) degranulate
Prostaglandi Nearly all cells not stored but Many differnt stmuli Diverse,sometimes
ns made feom cell membrane as e.g drugs,toxins,other opposing,e.g.fever,pain,vasodilation or
(PGs) required inflammatory vasoconstriction,increases vascular
mediators,hormones permeability
Heparin Liver,mast Released when cells Anticoagulant(prevents blood clotting),which
cell,basophilis,(stored in degranulte maintains blood supply(nutients O2)to injuried
cytoplasmic granules) tissue and washes away microbes and wastes
Bradykinin Tissue and blood When blood clots,in Pain
trauma and vasodilation
inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
Review Article 96
Mali et al. / Indian J. Pharm. Biol. Res., 2014; 2(4):94-103
NSAIDs exert their antipyretic effect by inhibition of NSAIDS are metabolized primarily in the liver. They vary in
prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis, which is responsible for their half-lives and bioavailability. Given the multitude of
triggering the hypothalamus toincrease body temperature available NSAIDs, the variability of their half-lives allows for
during inflammation. different dosing regimens. Although decreased frequency of
dosing improves compliance as a general rule, consideration
Analgesic effect must be given to the increase in renal dysfunction associated
with longer-acting NSAIDs. It has also been speculated that
Although they are classified as mild analgesics, NSAIDs have use of daily dosed medications, by improving compliance,
a more significant effect on pain resulting from the increased may increase the risk for GI bleeding. Variability in
peripheral sensitization that occurs during inflammation and susceptibility to adverse effects of various NSAIDs does not
leads no receptors to respond to stimuli that are normally seem to be due to difference in pharmacokinetics. Hepatic
painless. In particular, it is believed that inflammation leads to function, renal function, and age must be considered before
a lowering of the response threshold of poly modal no prescribing and dosing.
receptors.
Review Article 98
Mali et al. / Indian J. Pharm. Biol. Res., 2014; 2(4):94-103
Catabolic pathway of AA
Mediators
Figure 5: Mediators
Figure 6: Mediators
Review Article 99
Mali et al. / Indian J. Pharm. Biol. Res., 2014; 2(4):94-103
Figure 7: Mediators
Histamine
other names, including endogenous pyrogen. IL-i-like activity
The release of histamine from mast cells during antigen (equivalent to 1.69 U/mi) has been detected in synovial fluids
antibody reactions is well known, as is its involvement in the from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Its actions include
inflammatory response to skin injury. Also, increased numbers activation of lymphocytes and production of fever, the latter
of mast cells are present in the rheumatoid synovium and in being mediated by release of PGE2.
the asthmatic lung, correlated with raised levels of histamine.
The advent of non sedating H1 antihistamines has allowed The prostaglandins
them to be tested in much higher doses than ever before, and
some evidence suggests that histamine may play a role in Apart from non nucleated erythrocytes, all cells are capable of
allergic asthma[11-15]. synthesizing PGs, which are released in response to many
kinds of trauma or any disturbance of the cell membrane. In
Bradykinin other words, the pathological release of PGs that contributes to
inflammation, fever, and pain is inhibited by aspirin and other
Small amounts of bradykinin cause pain, vasodilatation, and NSAIDs. The aspirin like drugs also share, to a greater or
edema, all contributing to inflammation. Bradykinin-like lesser extent, certain side effects, such as a propensity to
immunoreactivity has been detected in rat pleural irritate the stomach, nephrotoxicity in high concentrations, and
inflammatory exudates. Kinins are also present in nasal interference with the birth process. It was suggested that these
secretions after immunological challenge, and a kininogenase side effects resulted from the inhibition of the physiological
is released from human lung mast cells. Inhaled bradykinin release of a protective PG.
causes bronchoconstriction in normal and asthmatic
individuals, but not through release of PGs. Platelet-activating factor (PAF)
Thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin The phospholipid PAF-ac ether is released by the action of
phosphor lipase A2 from most pro inflammatory cells, as well
The anti platelet effects of aspirin could not be explained by as by vascular endothelial cells and platelets .It induces
inhibition of the synthesis of PGE2 or PGF2a because these inflammatory reactions in various animal species and in
PGs do not affect platelet aggregation to any great extent. human skin. PAF also mimics themain clinical features of
Prostacyclin, as it was later termed, relaxes blood vessels and asthma and is particularly effective in producing hyper
inhibits aggregation of platelets. Its synthesis in endothelial reactivity and accumulation of eosinophils in lung tissue.
cells of blood vessel walls is of special importance. Asthmatic patients have high levels of circulating PAF and
their eosinophils make more PAF than those of normal
Interleukin-l controls. The anti asthmatic glucocorticoids, by suppressing
phospholipase A2, will thus reduce the formation of PAF.
IL-i is a polypeptide produced by activated macrophages that Furthermore, PAF antagonists, such as the ginkgolides, are
mimics the symptoms of chronic inflammation. It has had currently being investigated for the treatment of asthma.
Figure 8: Histamine
• Oxaprozin (Daypro)
NSAID (List of non steroidal anti-inflammatories) • Piroxicam (Feldene)
• Rofecoxib (Vioxx)
• Aspirin (Anacin, Ascriptin, Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, • Salsalate (Amigesic, Anaflex 750, Disalcid, Marthritic,
Excedrin) Mono-Gesic, Salflex, Salsitab)
• Choline and magnesium salicylates (CMT, Tricosal, • Sodium salicylate (various generics)
Trilisate) • Sulindac (Clinoril)
• Choline salicylate (Arthropan) • Tolmetin sodium (Tolectin)
• Celecoxib (Celebrex) • Valdecoxib (Bextra)
• Diclofenac potassium (Cataflam) Note: Some products, such as Excedrin, are combination drugs
• Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren, Voltaren XR) (Excedrin is acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine). Note that
• Diclofenac sodium with misoprostol (Arthrotec) acetaminophen (Paracetamol; Tylenol) is not on this list.
• Diflunisal (Dolobid) Acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics
• Etodolac (Lodine, Lodine XL) (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). The exact
• Fenoprofen calcium (Nalfon) mechanism of action of acetaminophen is not known.
• Flurbiprofen (Ansaid) Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold,
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Motrin IB, Nuprin) that is, by requiring a greater amount of pain to develop before
• Indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR) it is felt by a person. It reduces fever through its action on the
• Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail) heat-regulating center of the brain. Specifically, it tells the
• Magnesium salicylate (Arthritab, Bayer Select, Doan's center to lower the body's temperature when the temperature is
elevated. Acetaminophen relieves pain in mild arthritis but has
Pills, Magan, Mobidin, Mobogesic)
no effect on the underlying inflammation, redness and
• Meclofenamate sodium (Meclomen)
swelling of the joint Paracetamol, unlike other common
• Mefenamic acid (Ponstel)
analgesics such as aspirin and ibuprofen, has no anti-
• Meloxicam (Mobic) inflammatory properties, and so it is not a member of the class
• Nabumetone (Relafen) of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or
• Naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan*) NSAIDs.
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox)
NSAIDs should never be combined chloroform extract and Group-6 to Group-8 received methanol
extracts respectively at a dose of 50mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and
Preferentialy inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase-2[cox 2] such as 200mg/kg body weight (p.o.). Group- 2 received Morphine
meloxicam and the specific cox 2 inhibitor celecoxib are sulphate 5mg/kg body weight (s.c.) and served as standard.
approved for pain relief in osteoarthritis(OA).Although their Group- 1 administrated 1% DMSO in the dose of 10ml/kg
analgesic efficacy has been established their ability to body weight (p.o.) served as control. All animals were
significantly reduce gastrointestinal(GI) side effects has not lowered onto the surface of a hot plate (50±1.00C) enclosed
been convincingly proven. They should also be used with with cylindrical glass and the time for the animal to jump or
caution in patients with renal or heart failure. Recent lick the fore limb was noted as the reaction time (RT). Cut off
evidences on the relative safety of oral NSAIDs have indicated time in the absence of a response was 15 sec to prevent the
differences in the risk of serious upper gastro intenstinal side animals from being burnt. The observations were made before
effects as per following scale[5-21]: and after administration of respective drugs at 30 min, 60 min,
120 min, and at the end of 180 min.
Lowest Risk
Ibuprofen Tail immersion Test (Thermal stimulus)
Intermediate Risk The Swiss albino mice were selected by immersing the tail in
Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Ketoprofen, Naproxen, hot water at temperature 550 C ±50C and the basal reaction
Nimesulide, Piroxicam, Celecoxib. Higher in the case of time was noted. The mice which showed a positive response
nimesulid And possibly higher in the case of piroxicam within a span of 5 seconds for withdrawal of the tail clearly
out of water were selected for further studies. The mice
Highest Risk selected were weighted (25-30g) and groups into eight of six
Azapropazone It is suggested that NSAIDs should generally in each and the normal basal reaction time were taken by
be preferred to start at lowest recommended dose not to use repeating for 5 times. Group 3 to Group 5 received chloroform
more than one oral NSAIDs at a time and to remember that all extract and Group 6 to Group 8 received methanol extract
NSAIDs are contraindicated in patients with peptic ulceration. respectively at a dose of 50mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200mg/kg
body weight. Group 2 received Morphine sulphate 5mg/kg
Opioids body weight (s.c.) and served as a positive control. Group 1
Weak opioids such as codeine or dihydrocodiene,used alone ir served as solvent control (1% DMSO) and received the dose
in combination with paracetamol may be effective option if of 10ml/kg body weight. The observations were made before
paracetamol does not relive pain or NSAIDs are unsuitable. and after administration of respective drugs at 30 min, 60 min,
constipation is common, especially in the elderly but it may 120 min, and at the end of 180 min.
be minimised by encouraging a high fibre diet and plenty of
fluids prescribing prophylactic laxatives. Writhing Test (Chemical stimulus)
Other Drugs:
Topical analgesic such as NSAIDs, capsaicin, or rubefacients Aspirin like non-narcotic analgesic activity of the test extracts
may also provides some degree of pain relief in OA. was investigated by the ability to protect a painful writhing
[P.N.147,148. MIMS volume 34 number 4.April 2004] syndrome in mice. The syndrome is characterized by
Analgesic activity study[8-19] abdominal torsion, drawing up of hind limbs to the abdominal
wall, marked contraction of the abdominal area and periodical
Hot-plate method (Thermal stimulus) arching of the back to rub the abdominal wall on the glazed
surface on which the mouse is kept. Writhing was consistently
The mice selected were weighted (25-30g) and groups into produced in mouse by an intra peritoneal injection of 0.6%
eight of six in each and the normal basal reaction time were aqueous acetic acid. Overnight fasted, healthy adult male
taken by repeating for 5 times. Group-3 to Group-5 received albino Swiss mice weighing between 18 to 25gm in groups of
six each were taken for present investigation. DMSO 1% compared with those in the control group and the percentage
solution of the test extracts were administered orally in a dose protection was calculated as show below,
of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight Percentage protection = [(No.of writhes in control - No. of
respectively to the test groups animal. The control group of writhes in test)/ No. of writhes in control] x 100
animals were given only DMSO 1% solution in the dose of
10ml/kg body weight. One group of animal was administered Conclusion
with Diclofenac sodium as standard, orally in a dose of
5mg/kg (b.w). After a gap of 30 minutes of the administration These suggestions are very helpful for most people with
of the test extracts, all the groups of mice were given the inflammatory conditions such as sprains, strains, bursitis,
writhing agent, 0.6% aqueous acetic acid, in a dose of tendonitis, arthritis, etc. and can be used in conjunction with
1ml/100gm (b.w) intra peritoneally. Five minutes after supplementation. Most people find that eating this way also
administration of acetic acid the number of writhing produced often lowers blood lipids, smoothes out blood sugar variations,
in these animals were counted for next 10 minutes and the helps with weight management, reduces digestive problems,
number of writhing produce in the treated groups were increases energy, and more.
Conflict of interest statement 14. Vogel HG. Drug discovery and evaluation:
We declare that we have no conflict of interest. Pharmacological Assays, 3rd edition, Springer-verlag
Berlin Heidelberg, New York. Vol- II: 2008;1103-1106.
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Cite this article as: Prasad V. Patrekar, Sachin S. Mali, Komal Kashid, Snehal More, Savita S. Mali, Sujata D. Dongare. A
overview: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and mechanisms. Indian J. Pharm. Biol. Res.2014; 2(4):94-103.
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