Inhibitory Effects of Phenylpropanoids Isolated from the Bark of Ailanthus altissima on COX-2 Activity

Prostaglandin (PG) and thromboxane biosynthesis involves the catalyzed conversion of arachidonic acid, by the sequential actions of cyclooxygenases (COXs) and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (PGHS), to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2). 1 Three isozymes of COX (COX-1, COX-2, and COX-3) are known to date, and COX-1 and COX-2 have been well defined. COX-1 is constitutively expressed in many organs or tissues, while COX-2 is induced by various stimuli. 2...