Lyprinol: anti-inflammatory and uterine-relaxant activities in rats, with special reference to a model for dysmenorrhoea.

Lyprinol exhibits anti-inflammatory activity distinct from that of most NSAIDs, controlling chronic but not acute inflammation. Unlike Cox-1 inhibitors (aspirin, meclofenamic acid) it is not gastro-toxic. Predosing rats with Lyprinol can modify both (i) the spontaneous and (ii) the oxytocin-induced contractions of the uterus. In humans there is anecdotal evidence that Lyprinol can relieve dysmenorrhea. This report explores the concept that the uterotrophic actions of Lyprinol are conditioned by: the intrinsic profile of estrogenic hormones and progestagens and, certain extrinsic stimuli. Evidence from in vitro studies indicates that Lyprinol is not a smooth muscle relaxant and that its uterotrophic mechanism is not that of a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, but may mimic that of a leukotriene receptor antagonist.