Human neutrophil elastase inhibitory activity of Solanum dulcamara extracts

Dulcamarae stipites, derived from European bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara L., Solanaceae), have a long tradition in European folk medicine as anti-rheumatic and anti-asthmatic remedy. Today, dermatological preparations are used to treat chronic skin diseases, e.g. atopic eczema. As a member of the genus Solanum, S. dulcamara is known to contain steroidal glycoalkaloids, e.g. solasonine as well as steroidal saponins and thus may cause intoxications [1]. Recent studies concerning the anti-inflammatory properties of this plant revealed a COX 1-inhibitory activity and inhibition of the PAF-induced exocytosis [2, 3].…