Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex DC (Connaraceae) methanolic root extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex DC (Connaraceae) is a shrub widely used in traditional African Medicine (TAM) for the treatment of various painful and inflammatory conditions.

Aim of the study

The objective of this study was to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic root extract of Cnestis ferruginea.

Materials and methods

Analgesic activity was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, tail clip, and hot plate tests in mice. The carrageenan- and egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema, formaldehyde-induced arthritis inflammation, and xylene-induced ear oedema tests were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory actions of Cnestis ferruginea.

Results

The methanolic root extract of Cnestis ferruginea (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg; p.o.) produced significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of pain response elicited by acetic acid and formalin while also increasing the nociceptive reaction latency in the tail clip and hot plate tests. In respect of anti-inflammatory activity, Cnestis ferruginea caused significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of oedema development in the carrageenan, egg albumin, formaldehyde, and xylene-induced inflammation tests. The effects of the extract in the various models were generally comparable to those of the standard drugs used.

Conclusion

The findings in this study suggest that the methanolic root extract of Cnestis ferruginea possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities possibly mediated through peripheral and central mechanisms involving inhibition of release and/or actions of vasoactive substances (histamine, serotonin and kinins) and prostaglandins. The results justify the use of the extract in TAM for the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions.     

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the petroleum ether fraction from the ethanol extract of Desmodium podocarpum

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Desmodium podocarpum is a plant that has been used in the folk medicine to treat febrile diseases, cough and bleeding wounds. However, there is no scientific basis or reports in the modern literature regarding its effectiveness as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent.

Aims of the study

The objective of this study is to evaluate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the petroleum ether fraction (PEF) from the ethanol extract of Desmodium podocarpum.

Materials and methods

PEF (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) was estimated for its pharmacological properties by using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the hot plate test, the Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model, the dimethylbenzene-induced mouse inflammation model, and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat fever model. In addition, the acute toxicity of PEF was also studied.

Results

PEF significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the writhing responses in mice, increased reaction time of mice in the hot plate test, reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and the dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema in mice, and attenuated LPS-induced fever in rats. No death of mice was observed when orally administered PEF up to 4.2 g/kg.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that PEF possesses evident analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities, and has a favorable safety, which supports the use of Desmodium podocarpum as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drug in the folk medicine.     

Analgesic,anti-inflammatory and venotonic effects of Cissus quadrangularis Linn.

Cissus quadrangularis, a medicinal plant indigenous to Asia and Africa, is used for many ailments, especially for the treatment of hemorrhoid. The effects associated with hemorrhoid, i.e. analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities as well as the venotonic effect of the methanol extract of C. quadrangularis (CQ) were assessed in comparison with reference drugs. In the analgesic test, CQ provoked a significant reduction of the number of writhes in acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice. CQ also significantly reduced the licking time in both phases of the formalin test. The results suggest peripheral and central analgesic activity of CQ. In acute phase of inflammation CQ elicited the inhibitory effect on the edema formation of the rats’ ear induced by ethyl phenylpropiolate as well as on the formation of the paw edema in rats induced by both carrageenin and arachidonic acid. It is likely that CQ is a dual inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism. In addition, CQ exerted venotonic effect on isolated human umbilical vein similarly to the mixture of bioflavonoids, i.e. 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin. The results obtained confirmed the traditional use of C. quadrangularis for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with hemorrhoid as well as reducing the size of hemorrhoids.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Cassia siamea Lam. stem bark extracts

Aim of the study

The present study was carried out to investigate analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Cassia siamea Lam stem bark extracts. We have also determined the cytotoxicity of each extract.

Materials and methods

C. siamea, a widespread medicinal plant traditionally used in sub-Saharan Africa, was collected in Congo Brazzaville. Stem bark was extracted with petroleum ether (CSE1), chloroform (CSE2), ethanol (CSE3) and water (CSE4). Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of these extracts were assessed in rats with hot plate test, paw pressure and carrageenan induced paw oedema. Cytotoxicity was assessed against KB and Vero cells.

Results

At the doses used (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) ethanol and water extracts showed significant and dose-dependent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. None of the extracts had cytotoxic activity on KB and Vero cell lines and the most active extracts (CSE3 and CSE4) had no acute toxicity.

Conclusions

The study highlighted the analgesic and anti-inflammatory of C. siamea stem bark. Four major families of compounds present in the plant may explain these activities: triterpenes (lupeol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, friedelin, betulin), flavonoids (apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin), anthraquinones (emodin), phytosterols (stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol).     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of 11-O-galloylbergenin

Aims of the study

Current study was designed to explore the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of a constituent isolated from Mallotus philippinensis, in order to validate its folk use.

Materials and methods

11-O-galloylbergenin was isolated from ethanolic extract of Mallotus philippinensis. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the test compound were assessed using formalin test and carrageenan-induced paw edema models.

Results

11-O-galloylbergenin showed significant analgesic activity at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg against formalin test in rats. Similarly, 11-O-galloylbergenin exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema model at doses of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg.

Conclusion

11-O-galloylbergenin has demonstrated its significant potential to be further investigated for its discovery as a new lead compound for management of pain and inflammation.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of a water extract of Trachelospermum jasminoides (Apocynaceae)

Aims of the study

This study investigated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of a water extract of Trachelospermum jasminoides (WET) in ICR mice.

Materials and methods

In HPLC analysis, the fingerprint chromatogram of WET was established. Acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin-induced pain were examined the analgesics effects of WET. WET on λ-Carrageenan(carr)-induced paw edema was performed. We investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of WET via studies of the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRx) in the liver and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite oxide (NO) in the edema paw. Serum NO and TNF-α were also measured.

Results

The fingerprint chromatogram of WET was established through HPLC analysis, and implies that WET contains the active ingredient gallic acid, chlorgenic acid, caffeic acid, taxifolin, isoquercitrin and quercetin. WET significantly inhibited the numbers of acetic acid-induced writhing responses and the formalin-induced pain in the late phase. In the anti-inflammatory test, WET inhibited the development of paw edema induced by carr. WET decreased the paw edema at the third, fourth and fifth hour after carr administration, and increased the activities of SOD, GPx and GRx in the liver tissue and decreased the MDA level in the edema paw at the third hour after carr injection. WET decreased the level of NO in edematous paw tissue and in serum level, and diminished the level of serum TNF-α at the fifth hour after carr injection.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that WET is an effective anti-inflammatory agent in carr-induced inflammation. WET probably exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing TNF-α and NO. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of WET might be related to the decrease in the level of MDA in the edema paw via increasing the activities of SOD, GPx and GRx in the liver.     

Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Croton crassifolius ethanol extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Croton crassifolius has been used to treat snake bites, stomach ache, sternalgia, joint pain, as well as pharyngitis, jaundice, and rheumatoid arthritis in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there is no scientific evidence which supports the use in the literature.

Aim of the study

To investigate the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract of C. crassifolius.

Materials and methods

Anti-nociceptive actions of C. crassifolius were assessed in mice using the hot-plate test, acetic acid-induced writhing test, and formalin test. Anti-inflammatory effects of C. crassifolius were determined in three animal models: acetic acid-induced capillary permeability accentuation in mice, carrageenan-induced edema of the hind paw in rats, and cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation in rats.

Results

Ethanol extract of C. crassifolius showed no significant anti-nociceptive activity in the hot-plate test. However, extract at dosages of 45, 90 and 180 mg/kg significantly reduced acetic acid-induced writhing by 28.89% (P<0.05), 38.37% (P<0.05), and 56.53% (P<0.001), respectively. The extract also caused marked dose-related inhibition of formalin-induced pain in the second phase (P<0.05 for 45 mg/kg, P<0.001 for 90 and 180 mg/kg extract). C. crassifolius extract at dosages of 45, 90 and 180 mg/kg significantly reduced acetic acid-induced capillary permeability accentuation in mice by 26.18% (P<0.05), 65.70% (P<0.001), and 79.19% (P<0.001), and suppressed carrageenan-induced paw edema by 21.28% (P<0.05), 30.69% (P<0.01), and 49.17% (P<0.001) at 6 h after carrageenan injection, respectively. 180 mg/kg of the extract also showed significant activity against carrageenan-induced paw edema at 4 h. At 90 and 180 mg/kg, the extract inhibited cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation in rats.

Conclusions

These results collectively demonstrate that the ethanol extract of C. crassifolius possesses peripheral anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, providing evidence to rationalize the traditional use of C. crassifolius for the treatment of pain and inflammation.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Ligularia fischeri leaves in experimental animals

Aim of the study

The ethanol extract (LF) of Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis (leaf) has been evaluated for antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in mice.

Materials and Methods

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were studied by measuring nociception induced by formalin, acetic acid and hot-plate, and inflammation induced by carrageenan, formalin, and arachidonic acid.

Results

The acute treatment of mice with LF at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, by oral administration, produced a significant antinociceptive effect in the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced pain licking and hot-plate-induced pain. Also, the LF significantly inhibited both carrageenan- and formalin-induced inflammation as well as arachidonic acid-induced ear edema in mice.

Conclusions

These inhibitions were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Thus, our investigation suggests a potential benefit of Ligularia fischeri in treating conditions associated with inflammatory pain.     

Analgesic and antimalarial activities of crude leaf extract and fractions of Acalypha wilkensiana

Aim of the study

Antiplasmodial and analgesic activities of leaf extract and fractions of Acalypha wilkensiana were evaluated to ascertain the folkloric claim of its antimalarial and analgesic activities.

Materials and methods

The crude leaf extract (220–659 mg/kg) and fractions (chloroform and aqueous; 440 mg/kg) of Acalypha wilkensiana were investigated for antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infections in mice and for analgesic activity against chemical and heat-induced pains. The antiplasmodial activity during early and established infections as well as prophylactic activity were investigated. Chloroquine (5 mg/kg) and pyrimethamine (1.2 mg/kg) were used as positive controls. Thin films made from tail blood of each mouse were used to assess the level of parasitaemia of the mice. Analgesic activity of the crude extract was also evaluated against acetic acid, formalin and heat-induced pains.

Results

The extract and its fractions dose-dependently reduced parasitaemia induced by chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infection in prophylactic, suppressive and curative models in mice. These reductions were statistically significant (p < 0.001). They also improved the mean survival time (MST) from 16 to 22 days relative to control (p < 0.01–0.001). The activities of extract/fractions were incomparable to that of the standard drugs used (chloroquine and pyrimethamine). On chemically and thermally induced pains, the extract inhibited acetic acid and formalin-induced inflammation as well as hot plate-induced pain in mice. These inhibitions were statistically significant (p < 0.001) and in a dose-dependent fashion.

Conclusion

The antiparasitaemic and analgesic effects may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant.     

Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of the ethanol extract from Cynoglossum lanceolatum

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cynoglossum lanceolatum Forsk. (Boraginaceae) has been used in folk medicine in china to treat acute nephritis, periodontitis, acute submandibular lymphadenitis, snake bite, etc. However, there have been no scientific reports in the modern literature on the diuretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of this plant. The objective of this study is to evaluate the above activities of the Cynoglossum lanceolatum extract (CLE) in animals.

Materials and methods

The diuretic effect of CLE was assessed in rats and rabbits. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using fresh egg white-induced paw edema in rats, carrageenan-elicited paw edema in adrenalectomized rats, and dimethylbenzene-induced inflammation in mice. The analgesic action was estimated in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the hot-plate test. In addition, the acute oral toxicity of CLE was studied in mice.

Results

CLE strikingly and dose-dependently increased urine output of rats and rabbits, suppressed fresh egg white-induced paw edema in rats and carrageenan-elicited paw edema in adrenalectomized rats, reduced dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema in mice, inhibited the writhing response in mice, but did not increased reaction time of mice in the hot-plate test. No death of mice was observed when orally administered CLE up to 12 g/kg.

Conclusions

These findings propose that CLE has evident diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and non-central analgesic activities. Furthermore the anti-inflammatory action does not rely on endogenetic glucocorticoids regulated by hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. On the other hand, CLE also shows a favorable safety.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Thespesia populnea bark extract

The ethanolic extract of Thespesia populnea bark (TPE) was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity at the doses (p.o.) of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight. For evaluation of inflammation carrageenan-, histamine- and serotonin-induced paw edema served as acute models and formaldehyde-induced arthritis served as a chronic model in rats. The acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin-induced paw licking time in the early and late phases of mice were used to assess analgesic activity. The higher doses of TPE (200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) were inhibiting carrageenan, histamine and serotonin-induced paw edema as well as formaldehyde-induced arthritis successfully. In addition, TPE (200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) significantly attenuated the writhing responses induced by an intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid and late phase of pain response induced by an subplantar injection of formalin in mice. Furthermore, our phytochemical studies indicated that the ethanolic extract of bark contains alkaloids, carbohydrates, protein, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, gums and mucilage, saponins and terpenes. From acute oral toxicity studies (OECD-423 guidelines), no mortality was observed even at highest dose of TPE (2000mg/kg, p.o.).     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Heracleum persicum essential oil and hydroalcoholic extract in animal models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Fruits of Heracleum persicum (Apiaceae) are used as pain killer in Iranian folkloric medicine.

Aims of study

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract and essential oil of the plant fruits and analyzing the essential oil.

Materials and methods

Essential oil and hydroalcoholic extracts of the fruits were prepared according to standard methods and the components of essential oil were identified using GC–MS method. The acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin test were used in male mice to assess analgesic activity. For evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema was used.

Results

Hexyl butyrate (56.5%), octyl acetate (16.5%), hexyl 2-methylbutanoate (5.2%) and hexyl isobutyrate (3.4%) were identified as the major constituents of the oil. Oral or intraperitoneal administration of Heracleum persicum essential oil (HPEO) at doses of 50–200 mg/kg and Heracleum persicum hydroalcoholic extract (HPHE) at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg significantly reduced acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions. HPEO and HPHE also significantly attenuated the pain response of the second phase of formalin test.In carrageenan test HPEO at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg and HPHE at a dose of 400 mg/kg induced a significant reduction of paw edema.

Conclusions

These results clearly show the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the plant essential oil and hydroalcoholic extract. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanism of action and the components responsible for these pharmacological effects.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of aqueous extract of Flos populi

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Flos populi is an important traditional Chinese medicine prepared from the male inflorescence of Populus tomentosa Carr. or Populus canadensis Moench (Salicaceae family). Flos populi is mainly used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases and anti diarrhea in East Asian countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the aqueous extract of Flos populi (FPAE).

Materials and methods

Cotton pellets-induced granuloma, carrageenan-induced paw oedema, arachidonic acid-induced right ear oedema and xylene-induced ear oedema were used to assess anti-inflammatory activity of FPAE and analgesic activity was evaluated by hot plate test, acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test and formalin test.

Results

FPAE produced significant dose–response anti-inflammatory activity against cotton pellets-induced granuloma. FPAE at dosages of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b w. significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema by 48.84% (P<0.05), 54.95% (P<0.05), and 62.05% (P<0.05) at 5 h after carrageenan injection, respectively. FPAE significantly (P<0.05) reduced the ear oedema induced by arachidonic acid and peaked at the dose of 200 mg/kg b w. (40.78%). A significant (P<0.05) dose dependent inhibition of xylene-induced oedema was produced by FPAE and peaked at the highest dose of 200 mg/kg b w. (23.95%). FPAE (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b w.) produced significant dose–response analgesic activity in the hot-plate test. However, the low percentage inhibition (<50%) suggests that it is not a centrally acting analgesic. Extract at dosages of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b w., p.o. significantly reduced acetic acid-induced writhing by 39.6% (P<0.05), 45.4% (P<0.05), and 51.8% (P<0.05), respectively. The extract also caused marked dose-dependent inhibition of formalin-induced pain in the second phase (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The findings in this study suggest that the aqueous extract of Flos populi possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. These results may support the fact that this plant is used traditionally to cure inflammatory diseases.     

Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanolic extract,dichloromethane fraction and costunolide from Magnolia ovata (Magnoliaceae)

Aim of the study

Magnolia ovata (A.St.-Hil.) Spreng (formerly Talauma ovata), known as “pinha-do-brejo” or “baguaçu”, is a large tree widely distributed in Brazil. Its trunk bark has been used in folk medicine against fever. However, no data have been published to support the antipyretic ethnopharmacological use. This study investigated the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanolic extract (EEMO), dichloromethane fraction (DCM), and the isolated compound costunolide.

Materials and methods

The antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated in experimental models of fever and inflammation in mice.

Results

The oral administration of EEMO, DCM and costunolide inhibited carrageenan (Cg)-induced paw oedema (ID₅₀ 72.35 (38.64–135.46) mg/kg, 5.8 (2.41–14.04) mg/kg and 0.18 (0.12–0.27) mg/kg, respectively) and was effective in abolishing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fever (30 mg/kg, 4.5 mg/kg and 0.15 mg/kg, respectively). EEMO was also effective in reducing cell migration in the pleurisy model. Intraplantar injection of costunolide also reduced the paw oedema, myeloperoxidase and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activity induced by Cg in mice.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results show, for the first time, that extracts obtained from Magnolia ovata possess antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties, and costunolide appears to be the compound responsible for these effects.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata DC flower

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Kigelia pinnata DC is extensively used in Indian traditional medicine for several diseases including inflammatory and painful disorders.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata flower (MKFL) to support the medicinal uses claimed by folklore practitioners.

Materials and methods

MKFL is evaluated for its anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats and analgesic activity in acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate and formalin-induced paw licking models in mice.

Results

MKFL exhibited a significant (P < 0.01) anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. in rats and mice respectively.

Conclusions

The results of the experimental study thus strongly support the traditional use of this plant for inflammatory and pain disorders.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Smith

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Smith (Polypodiaceae), has been widely used by ethnic groups of India to treat inflammation, rheumatism, headache, bone fracture, jaundice, etc.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the ethanolic extract of rhizome of Drynaria quercifolia (DQ) and its phytochemical profile.

Materials and methods

DQ was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects using carrageenan-induced paw oedema/cotton pellet-induced granuloma in Wistar rats and acetic acid-induced writhing/formalin-induced paw licking test in Swiss albino mice respectively.

Results

Oral administration of DQ produced significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw oedema and granuloma formation in rats, almost comparable to that caused by indomethacin. DQ significantly attenuated acute and delayed phases of formalin-induced pain and acetic acid-induced writhing episodes in mice. The analgesia was comparable to that produced by sodium salicylate and aspirin respectively. Phytochemical analysis gave positive tests for catechin, coumarins, flavonoids, phenolics, saponin, steroids, tannins, and triterpenes. The total phenolics in DQ was 244 mg/g and naringin content was 0.048%.

Conclusion

The results suggest the presence of potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic principles in DQ that justifies its use for alleviating painful inflammatory conditions.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the dry matter of culture broth of Termitomyces albuminosus and its extracts

Aim of the study

The objectives of this study were to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the dry matter of culture broth (DMCB) of Termitomyces albuminosus in submerged culture and its crude saponin extract (CSE) and crude polysaccharide extract (CPE).

Materials and methods

The analgesic effects of DMCB, CSE and CPE were evaluated with models of acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin test in mouse. The anti-inflammatory effects of DMCB, CSE and CPE were evaluated by using models of xylene-induced mouse ear swelling and carrageen-induced mouse paw edema.

Results

The DMCB, CSE and CPE significantly decreased the acetic acid-induced writhing response and the licking time on the late phase in the formalin test. Treatment of DMCB (1000 mg/kg), CSE (200 mg/kg) or CPE (200 mg/kg) inhibited the mouse ear swelling by 61.8%, 79.0% and 81.6%, respectively. In the carrageen-induced mouse paw edema test, the group treated with indomethacin showed the strongest inhibition of edema formation by 77.8% in the third hour after carrageenan administration, while DMCB (1000 mg/kg), CSE (200 mg/kg) and CPE (200 mg/kg) showed 48.4%, 55.6% and 40.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

The results suggested that DMCB of Termitomyces albuminosus possessed the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Saponins and polysaccharides were proposed to be the major active constituents of Termitomyces albuminosus in submerged culture.     

Aqueous ethanol extract of the fruit of Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) exhibits anti-anaphylactic and anti-inflammatory actions in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Xylopia aethiopica has been traditionally used in the form of the dried fruit decoction to treat bronchitis, asthma, arthritis and rheumatism in Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon. Aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-anaphylactic and anti-inflammatory effects of a 70% aqueous ethanol extract of the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica.

Materials and methods

Systemic anaphylaxis was induced by the injection of either compound 48/80 or lipopolysaccharide, LPS and survival rates of mice monitored for 1 h or 7 days respectively while IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in a local allergic reaction was studied in the pinnal inflammation model in mice. Clonidine-induced catalepsy in mice was used to evaluate the indirect antihistamine effect of Xylopia aethiopica, XAE. The effects of XAE assessed on the maximal and total oedema responses in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in mice was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory action of the extract.

Results

Administered at 30, 100, 300 and 1000 mg kg⁻¹ p.o., XAE dose dependently suppressed compound 48/80-induced mouse systemic anaphylactic shock and offered 63% protection to mice against LPS-induced endotoxic shock at a dose of 300 mg kg⁻¹. In addition, the extract (30–300 mg kg⁻¹) in a dose dependent manner significantly inhibited by 23–62% the mouse pinnal inflammation. Clonidine-induced catalepsy in mice was significantly suppressed in a dose and time dependent manner when administered both prophylactically and therapeutically. In the same doses, when administered before the induction of the mouse carrageenan-induced paw oedema, the mean maximal swelling attained during 6 h was reduced to 41.02±6.94%, 35.61±4.30%, and 29.09±4.90% of the inflamed control response respectively and total paw swellings induced over the 6 h were also dose-dependently and significantly suppressed to 74.84±14.84%, 63.95±9.37%, and 48.13±10.90% of the inflamed control response respectively. Administered after the induction of the carrageenan paw oedema the mean maximal swelling attained during 6 h was suppressed to 49.84±3.95%, 43.62±1.01%, and 35.97±1.34% of the inflamed control response respectively while the total paw swellings induced over the 6 h were also dose-dependently and significantly suppressed at 100 and 300 mg kg⁻¹ to 72.39±4.38% and 60.81±3.25% of the inflamed control response respectively.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that XAE inhibits mast cell-dependent immediate allergic reactions and exhibit anti-inflammatory actions through the inhibition of histamine release from mast cells via stabilizing the cell membrane. Our results contribute towards validation of the traditional use of Xylopia aethiopica in the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, arthritis and rheumatism.     

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic crude extract from Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Casearia sylvestris Sw. is widely used in popular medicine to treat inflammatory conditions.

Aim of the study

To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic crude extract (HCE) taken from Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae).

Methods and results

The effect of the HCE from this plant (3–300 mg/kg) on the reduction of inflammatory response to carrageenan was investigated in pleurisy in rats (intrapleural, 2% in 0.2 mL) or paw edema in mice (intraplantar, 300 μg/20 μL, right hind paw). The plant anti-inflammatory action was assessed by its capability in inhibiting cell migration, enzymatic activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and production of nitrite/nitrate or edema. The in vitro antioxidant activity of this extract against lipid peroxidation and damage to proteins was assessed as possible pathways to contribute as anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema (739.3±11.9 μm) was reduced by HCE (30 mg/kg: 462.8±28.38 μm) to similar extents as dexametasone (365.1±16.7). In pleurisy, treatment of the animals with HCE (100 mg/kg: 0.010±0.001 mU/mg of protein) also reduced MPO activity augmented by carrageenan (0.020±0.001 mU/mg of protein) as well as leukocytes migration (carrageenan: 17.8890±2.3900 leukocytes/mL, HCE 100 mg/kg: 7.0880±9631 leukocytes/mL). Significant effects were also observed in animals treated with different doses of HCE in biochemical tests for oxidative stress analysis.

Conclusion

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of HCE from Casearia sylvestris Sw. suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of this plant in treatment of inflammatory conditions.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extract from Glycine tomentella root in mice

In the present study, we have investigated the analgesic effect of the aqueous extract of the root of Glycine tomentella (AGT) using models of acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin test, the anti-inflammatory effect of AGT using model of lambda-carrageenan-induced paw edema. In order to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of AGT, we have detected the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRx) in the liver and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO in the edema paw. In the analgesic test, AGT (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) decreased the acetic acid-induced writhing response and the licking time on the late phase in the formalin test. In the anti-inflammatory test, AGT (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) decreased the paw edema at the third, fourth, fifth and sixth hour after lambda-carrageenan administration, and increased the activities of SOD, GPx and GRx in the liver tissue and decreased the MDA level in the edema paw at the third hour after lambda-carrageenan injection. However, AGT could not affect the NO level which induced by lambda-carrageenan. These results suggested that AGT possessed analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of AGT might be related to the decrease in the level of MDA in the edema paw via increasing the activities of SOD, GPx and GRx in the liver.