This study was performed to define the cytotoxicity and the anti-inflammatory action of Pulsatilla koreana extracts .

To analyze cytotoxic effects, gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts were used, and anti-inflammatory actions related to reduction of IL-1β and PGE₂ production were performed in vitro , for the suggestion of efficacy and safety on periodontal therapeutic use of Pulsatilla koreana extracts .

We extracted ethylacetate and butylalcohol from well-dried and ground Pulsatilla koreana throughout multiple processing, then used different concentration solution(0.1 %, 0.2 %, 0.4 %, 0.01 %, 0.02 %, 0.04 %, 1 %, 2 %) of ethylacetate and butylalcohol extracts to examine cytotoxic effects and anti-inflammatory actions

Cytotoxic effects were examined by ELISA reader using MTT(Methyl Thiazol-2-YL-2, 5-diphenyl Tetrazolium bromide)solution following culture of human gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts. Synthesis of IL-1β was examined by IL-1β enzyme-immunoassay(EIA)system after separation and culture of monocyte, and PGE₂ was examined by PGE₂ EIA system after culture of gingival fibroblasts.

The results were as follows:

In the MTT test of gingival fibroblasts, the change of optical density was decreased significantly at 2 % of butylalcohol extracts and 0.04 %, 0.1 %, 0.2 %, 0.4 %, 1 %, 2 % of ethylacetate extracts.(p<0.05)

In the MTT test of periodontal ligament cells, the change of optical density were not differ significantly. but butylalcohol and ethylacetate extracts except from butylalcohol 0.01 % showed high cell cytotoxity.

Both ethylacetate and butylalcohol extracts from Pulsatilla koreana inhibited the synthesis of IL-1β, and inhibition effect of ethylacetate extracts were higher than butylalcohol extracts.

Both ethylacetate and butylalcohol extracts from Pulsatilla koreana inhibited the synthesis of PGE₂, and ethylacetate extracts were higher than butylalcohol extracts.

In conclusion, ethylacetate and butylalcohol extracts from Pulsatilla koreana showed little cell cytotoxity for gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts, and the inhibition of IL-1β and PGE₂ synthesis, therefore it is considered that these extracts can be developed as the therapeutics of the periodontal disease.