Extracts and constituents of Lavandula multifida with topical anti-inflammatory activity.

The topical anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanol and aqueous extracts from the aerial parts of Lavandula multifida L. (Lamiaceae), used in the Moroccan traditional medicine, was investigated by inhibition of the Croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. The biological assay revealed a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity for the ethanol extract, while the aqueous one was less active. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanol extract led to identify four triterpenic acids of oleanane series, four pimarane and one iso-pimarane diterpenes, as well as the phenolic monoterpene carvacrol and its glucoside. Some of these compounds revealed an anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of indomethacin.