Antiinflammatory activity of rotenoids from Clitoria fairchildiana.

Five structurally related rotenoids were isolated from the roots of Clitoria fairchildiana. The antiinflammatory activity was investigated using a capillary permeability assay. The protective effect was measured as the inhibition in vascular permeability produced by acetic acid in the peritoneal cavity. The results suggest that for maximum activity the maintenance of the B/C ring junction integrity is important. These findings support the traditional use of Clitoria species extracts in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.