Evaluation of the in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the herbal formula danggui niantong tang in the treatment of gout

Abstract

Objective: The traditional herbal formula Danggui niantong tang (DNT) is used for treating Cuoc khi syndrome in Vietnam; however, no scientific studies have been conducted on this prescription. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities of this formula. Methods: The total aqueous extract of DNT was evaluated for extract quality parameters in accordance with the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia V and assessed for antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by measuring the inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264,7 macrophages. Results: The DNT extract met the requirements for condensed extract according to the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia V. The extract exhibited antioxidant activity and NO-inhibitory effects, with IC₅₀ values of 68,29±4,51 µg/ml and 92,13±1,56 µg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The DNT formula, prepared according to the traditional Vietnamese prescription, demonstrates in vitro antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, supporting its relevance in managing symptoms associated with Cuoc khi syndrome in conventional medicine.