Differential inhibitory effects of alpha-viniferin, resveratrol trimer on inflammatory mediators

Alpha-viniferin was isolated from Carex humilis (Cyperaceae), and showed anti-inflammatory effects on carrageenin or histamine-induced paw edema in mice. To understand mode of the anti-inflammatory action. effects of alpha-viniferin on cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, iNOS, oxygen radicals and proinflammatory cytokines have been analyzed. Alpha-viniferin showed selective inhibitory effect with an IC50 value of 5 $\mu\textrm{m}$ on COX-2 activity but showed weak inhibitory effect on the synthesis of COX-2 transcript which was identified by RT-PCR. (omitted)