Elastase Asteraceae

Damage to connective caused by leakage of elastases leads to damage associated with inflammatory diseases, such as pulmonary emphysema, adult respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, cystic fibrosis, carcinogenesis, chronic bronchitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Compounds that directly inhibit elastase or its release from human neutrophils are of enormous pharmaceutical and cosmetological interest in the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs. A possible source for elastase inhibitors are the medicinal Asteraceae and Droseraceae, particularly those used as traditional medicine in Asia. 

The family Asteraceae is a prolific source of sesquiterpene lactones, among which, melampolides have been shown to inhibit the enzymatic activity of elastases. Melampolides are a common member of the Melampodi-inae subtribe. Examples of medicinal Asteraceae known to elaborate melampolides are Sigesbeckia orientalis L. and Mikania cordata (Burm.f.) B.L. Robinson. 

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