Abstract

CYCLOOXYGENASE - A REVIEW

Sujata Garud-Kale* and Vidya Yelam-Kapse

Abstract

Cyclooxygenase is a enzyme which is also known as Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase. There are 3 types of enzymes - COX 1, COX 2 & COX 3. It is responsible for the formation of prostanoids which includes prostaglandins, prostacyclins and thromboxanes. Which further results in the inflammation. Pharmacological inhibition of the cyclooxygenase results in the relief from pain and inflammation. NSAIDS are the drugs most widely used for the treatment of inflammation and pain. Most commonly used drugs are aspirin and acetaminophen. Inhibition of the cyclooxygenase results in the various actions such as analgesia, antipyresis, anti-inflammatory action, desmenorrhoea, anti platelet aggregatory action, ductus arteriosus closure, gastric mucosal damage, renal effect etc.

Keywords: Cyclooxygenase, NSAIDS, prostaglandins.