The effect of the aqueous extract of Helietta parvifolia A. Gray (Rutaceae) stem bark on carrageenan-induced paw oedema and granuloma tissue formation in mice

Aims of study

Despite the ethnopharmacological relevance of Helietta parvifolia A. Gray (Rutaceae) in Mexico, we found no significant pharmacological studies of this plant in the scientific literature. The aim of the present study was to establish the anti-inflammatory effect of an aqueous extract of the stem bark of Helietta parvifolia in mice.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Helietta parvifolia was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw oedema in mice, and the cotton pellet granuloma method.

Results

An extract dose ranging from 20 to 80 mg/kg p.o. showed a non-significant effect over the initial phase of carrageenan-induced oedema. However, it showed a significant inhibition of oedema after 3 h, which can be related to the inhibition of the release of kinin-like substances. An ID₅₀ value of 47.4 mg/kg was obtained for the plant extract. The extract also suppressed granulomatous tissue formation during chronic inflammation. The inhibitory values were 19.2, and 22.2, corresponding to 40 and 80 mg/kg doses of extract respectively.

Conclusions

Aqueous extract showed a statistically significant anti-inflammatory effect in mice during the late phase of acute inflammation and during chronic inflammation. However, the exact mechanism(s) of anti-inflammatory effects of Helietta parvifolia observed in this study remains unclear.     

Investigation for anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic activities of methanol extract of Capparis ovata buds and fruits

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Capparis ovata Desf. has wide natural distribution in Turkey and it is consumed in pickled form. Flower buds, root bark, and fruits of the plant are used traditionally due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-rheumatismal, tonic, and diuretic effects.

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects of methanol extracts prepared from flower buds (CBE) and fruits (CFE) of C. ovata.

Materials and methods

Anti-inflammatory effects of CBE and CFE were assessed using carrageenan-induced and prostaglandin E₂-induced mouse paw edema models. For the anti-thrombotic effect evaluation, carrageenan-induced tail thrombosis model was performed in mice. The extracts were administered intraperitonally (i.p.) at the doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory effect of Capparis extracts were tested in comparison to 10 mg/kg diclofenac and anti-thrombotic activity to 10 and 100 IU heparin.

Results

CBE at the doses of 200, and 300 mg/kg and CFE at the doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and CFE reached therapeutic concentration early than CBE in carrageenan inflammation model. In prostaglandin E₂ inflammation model, CBE and CFE exhibited significant inhibitory effects. The C. ovata extracts did not show remarkable anti-thrombotic effect.

Conclusions

Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that fruits of C. ovata have more potent anti-inflammatory effect than flower buds. It has been suggested that inhibition of cyclooxygenase pathway is one of the mechanisms of the activity. C. ovata may be potentially used as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of extract and fractions from the leaves of Byrsonima intermedia A. Juss. in rats

Aim of the study

Byrsonima intermedia is commonly used for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery in Brazilian folk medicine. The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract and fractions of Byrsonima intermedia leaves.

Materials and methods

Rats with carrageenan-induced paw edema and fibrovascular tissue growth, which was induced by subcutaneous implantation of a cotton pellet, were used as acute and chronic animal models of inflammation to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract and the individual ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and aqueous fractions of Byrsonima intermedia and catechin. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the fingerprint chromatogram of the aqueous extract and fractions of Byrsonima intermedia.

Results

The crude aqueous extract at test doses of 30-300 mg/kg p.o. clearly demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema, as did the ethyl acetate (100 mg/kg) and aqueous fractions (30-100 mg/kg). In the chronic inflammation rat animal model with fibrovascular tissue growth, the aqueous extract of Byrsonima intermedia (BiAE) at doses of 30-300 mg/kg and the individual EtOAc and aqueous fractions at doses of 30-100 mg/kg and catechin significantly reduced the formation of granulomatous tissue. The presence of catechin and phenolic compounds in the extract and fractions of Byrsonima intermedia was confirmed using HPLC.

Conclusion

BiAE and the individual EtOAc and aqueous fractions of Byrsonima intermedia exhibited chronic and acute anti-inflammatory efficacy in rats, which supports previous claims of its use in traditional medicine.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of hydroalcoholic extracts of Malva sylvestris,Carum carvi or Medicago sativa,and their combination in a rat model

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Malva sylvestris flowers or Carum carvi and Medicago sativa seeds, alone and in combination, which have been used in traditional Iranian medicine.MethodsMale Wistar rats were divided into 6 treatment groups: distilled water, sodium salicylate (SS), M. sylvestris extract (600 mg/kg), C. carvi extract (600 mg/kg), M. sativa extract (300 mg/kg) and combined extract (including 300 mg/kg M. sylvestris and C. carvi extracts, and 150 mg/kg M. sativa extract). The formalin pain model was used to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of the treatments. For anti-inflammatory effect, acute (one hour after injection) and chronic (during a week after injection) paw inflammation was measured after subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin in the hindpaw. Finally, tissue samples from all groups were prepared for histopathological studies.ResultsThe combined extract significantly inhibited the nociception in the acute phase of the formalin test (P < 0.001). In the chronic phase, all the extracts and SS had significant analgesic effect (P < 0.001). Analgesic activity of the combined extract was significantly stronger than SS (P < 0.01). In the acute inflammation model, M. sylvestris, C. carvi and the combined drug had significant inhibitory effects against paw edema (P < 0.05). All extracts, individually and in combination, significantly alleviated chronic paw inflammation (P < 0.01). The combined extract had much more anti-inflammatory activity than SS (P < 0.05). Histopathological results indicated improvement and reduction of inflammatory factors in the treatment groups.ConclusionM. sylvestris, C. carvi and M. sativa have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Potentially, each of these extracts or a mixture of them might be a valuable alternative drug to control pain and inflammation.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of O-methylated flavonol 2-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-chromen-4-one obtained from Cassia sophera Linn in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cassia sophera Linn (Family Caesalpiniaceae), popularly known as kasundi, is used both in the Indian traditional system and folk medicine to treat several inflammatory pathologies such as asthma, arthritis and pains. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the scientific basis of anti-inflammatory activity of Cassia sophera ethanol extracts and of an isolated constituent of Cassia sophera.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activity of Cassia sophera was studied using the carrageenan, dextran induced rat paw edema, and cotton pellet induced granuloma in rats. The ethanol extract was administered at the concentrations of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight whereas rhamnetin (RN) was administered at a dose of 10 and 15 mg/kg, b.w. Indomethacin was used as standard drug.

Results

The HPLC analysis revealed that good amounts of rhamnetin (0.18%) was present in Cassia sophera.The ethanol extracts at 400 mg/kg, showed maximum inhibition of inflammation induced by carrageenan (44%), dextran (40%), cotton pellets (37.47%). On the other hand rhamnetin (15 mg/kg) exhibited maximum anti-inflammatory effect, that is 79 and 33% at the end of 3 h with carrageenin, and dextran-induced rat paw edema, respectively. In a chronic test rhamnetin (15 mg/kg) showed 43.32% reduction in granuloma weight.

Conclusion

The marked inhibitory effect on paw edema and granuloma showed that Cassia sophera possess remarkable anti-inflammatory activity which may be due to rhamnetin at least in part, supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat various inflammatory diseases.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of the bark of Hippocratea excelsa

The ethanol extract of the plant Hippocratea excelsa was examined for its anti-inflammatory effects using several animal models. It produced significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema and reduced the weight of cotton pellet-induced granuloma at doses of 25–100 mg/kg. The extract was found to exert a protective effect on heat-induced erythrocyte lysis at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 μg/ml. In chronic models of formaldehyde and adjuvant arthritis, its anti-arthritic activity was found to be less than that of phenylbutazone (PNB). It may be inferred that the ethanol extract is effective against both exudative-proliferative and chronic phases of inflammation.     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Garcinia brasiliensis

Aim of the study

In Brazilian folk medicine, the leaves of Garcinia brasiliensis are used to treat tumors, inflammation of the urinary tract and arthritis as well as to relieve pain. Nevertheless, scientific information regarding Garcinia brasiliensis is limited; there are no reports related to its possible anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. This study employed in vivo inflammatory and nociceptive models to evaluate the scientific basis for the traditional use of Garcinia brasiliensis.

Materials and methods

Carrageenan-induced paw edema, peritonitis and fibrovascular tissue growth induced by s.c. cotton pellet implantation were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Garcinia brasiliensis ethanolic extract (GbEE) in rats. Formalin and acetic acid-induced writhing tests were used to investigate the antinociceptive activity in mice.

Results

GbEE at test doses of 30-300 mg/kg p.o. clearly demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by reduced paw edema induced by carrageenan, inhibited leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity, and in the model of chronic inflammation using the cotton pellet-induced fibrovascular tissue growth in rats, the GbEE significantly inhibited the formation of granulomatous tissue.The extracts at test doses of 30-300 mg/kg, p.o., clearly demonstrated antinociceptive activity, except for the first phase of the formalin test.

Conclusion

GbEE markedly demonstrated anti-inflammatory action in rats and antinociceptive activity in mice, which supports previous claims of the traditional use of species of the Garcinia genus for inflammation and pain.     

In vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic activities of extracts from wild growing and in vitro plants of Castilleja tenuiflora Benth. (Orobanchaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Castilleja tenuiflora Benth. (Orobanchaceae) is a perennial shrub used since the 16^th century in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of a number of health disorders including inflammation, stomach pain and tumors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic activities of ethyl acetate (EaE), methanol (ME) and aqueous extracts (AE) of Castilleja tenuiflora wild grown (CtW) and in vitro plants (CtIv).

Material and method

Phytochemical analysis of the phenylethanoid glycoside (PhG) and iridoid glycoside (IG) components was carried out by chromatographic methods. In vitro cytotoxic activity of the extracts was evaluated in the following four carcinoma cell lines: colon (HF-6), breast (MCF-7), prostate (PC-3), and nasopharyngeal (KB). The topical anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in mouse ear edema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Anti-ulcerogenic activity was evaluated in rats using an absolute ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer model.

Results

The main compounds in the extracts were isoverbascoside, verbascoside and aucubin and their concentration depended both on the solvent used and on the plant material origin. None of the extracts showed cytotoxicity against the tested cell lines. In contrast, CtWEaE, CtWAE and CtIvEaE (1.6 mg/ear) showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity similar to dexamethasone (1 mg/ear) with a 38.2, 39.3 and 49.1% decrease of inflammation, respectively. CtWEaE and CtIvEaE (100 mg/kg) showed high anti-ulcerogenic activity with 88.3 and 83.1% inhibition, respectively, compared to famotidine (20 mg/kg, 32.8% inhibition).

Conclusion

Castilleja tenuiflora extracts provided significant gastric protection in an acute ulcer induction model and topical anti-inflammatory activity in a mouse ear edema model. These activities are related to verbascoside and may explain the traditional use of Castilleja tenuiflora in the treatment of anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal disorders. Cultured Castilleja tenuiflora plants (in vitro) exhibited pharmacological activities and also have the potential to produce bioactive compounds.     

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 antipyretic effects of Sonchus oleraceus in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Sonchus oleraceus L. has been used to relieve headaches, general pain, hepatitis, infections, inflammation and rheumatism in Brazilian folk medicine. Nevertheless, scientific information regarding this species is scarce; there are no reports related to its possible anti-inflammatory effects.

Aim of the study

This study was aimed at evaluating the scientific basis for the traditional use of Sonchus oleraceus using in vivo inflammatory models.

Materials and methods

Carrageenan-induced paw edema, peritonitis and febrile response induced by lipopolysaccharide tests, as well as fibrovascular tissue growth induced by s.c. cotton pellet implantation were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Sonchus oleraceus hydroethanolic extract (SoHE) in rats.

Results

The SoHE at test doses of 100–300 mg/kg p.o. clearly demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by reduced paw edema induced by carragenan, inhibited leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity and reduced LPS-induced febrile response, and in the model of chronic inflammation using the cotton pellet-induced fibrovascular tissue growth in rats, the SoHE significantly inhibited the formation of granulomatous tissue. The extract administered at 300 mg/kg p.o. had a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than indomethacin (10 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (1 mg/kg).

Conclusion

The hydroethanolic extract of Sonchus oleraceus markedly demonstrated anti-inflammatory action in rats, which supports previous claims of its traditional use.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of Albizia lebbeck Benth., an ethnomedicinal plant, in acute and chronic animal models of inflammation

Aim of the study

Albizia lebbeck Benth. is used both in Indian traditional system and folk medicine to treat several inflammatory pathologies such as asthma, arthritis and burns. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the scientific basis of anti-inflammatory activity of different organic solvent extracts of Albizia lebbeck.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activity of Albizia lebbeck was studied using the carrageenan, dextran, cotton pellet and Freund's complete adjuvant induced rat models. The extracts obtained using petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol were administered at the concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight.

Results

The petroleum ether and ethanol extracts at 400 mg/kg, showed maximum inhibition of inflammation induced by carrageenan (petroleum ether—48.6%; ethanol—59.57%), dextran (petroleum ether—45.99%; ethanol—52.93%), cotton pellet (petroleum ether—34.46%; ethanol—53.57%) and Freund's adjuvant (petroleum ether—64.97%; ethanol—68.57%).

Conclusion

The marked inhibitory effect on paw edema shows that Albizia lebbeck possesses remarkable anti-inflammatory activity, supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat various inflammatory diseases.     

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).     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the stem bark of Byrsonima intermedia A. Juss

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Byrsonima intermedia A. Juss. is popularly known as “murici pequeno” and is native to the Brazilian Cerrado. This species has been used as an antimicrobial, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory. Nevertheless, scientific information regarding Byrsonima intermedia is limited; there are no reports related to its possible anti inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. This study employed in vivo inflammatory and nociceptive models to evaluate the scientific basis for the traditional use of Byrsonima intermedia.

Materials and methods

Carrageenan-induced paw edema, peritonitis and fibrovascular tissue growth induced by s.c. cotton pellet implantation tests were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Byrsonima intermedia aqueous extract (BiAE) in rats. Mechanical nociceptive paw, formalin and hot plate tests were used to evaluate the antinociceptive activity in mice. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), phytochemistry screening and determination of total phenolics and flavonoids were used to determine the chemical profile of the BiAE.

Results

BiAE at test doses of 30-300 mg/kg p.o. clearly demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema, by inhibited leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity and, in the model of chronic inflammation, by using the cotton pellet-induced fibrovascular tissue growth in rats. The extracts at test doses of 30-300 mg/kg p.o. clearly demonstrated antinociceptive activity in all tests. Administration of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone completely inhibited the antinociceptive effect induced by BiAE (100 mg/kg).

Conclusion

BiAE markedly exhibits anti-inflammatory action in rats and antinociceptive activity in mice. Thus, it may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory hyperalgesic disorders, which supports previous claims of its traditional use.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of extract and two isolated flavonoids of Carthamus tinctorius L

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) has been long used both in the traditional system and folk medicine as an analgesic anti-inflammatory agent in China. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of hydroalcoholic extract (HE) and two isolated kaempferol glycosides of Carthamus tinctorius L. to provide experimental evidence for its traditional use.

Materials and methods

Antinociceptive effects of HE, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside (K-3-R) and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside (K-3-G) were assessed in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin test and cinnamaldehyde test. The anti-inflammatory effects of HE, K-3-R and K-3-G were determined in two animal models: carrageenan-induced paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema.

Results

The HPLC analysis showed the presence of K-3-R and K-3-G in Carthamus tinctorius L. HE (500 and 1000 mg/kg) as well as K-3-R and K-3-G (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) produced significant inhibition on nociception induced by acetic acid and formalin. Oral treatment of HE, K-3-R and K-3-G at all doses significantly reduced both the nociceptive response and cinnamaldehyde-induced paw edema, effect that was superior to aspirin. In anti-inflammatory tests, HE and K-3-G significantly inhibited the paw edema during the both phases of carrageenan-induced inflammation while K-3-G suppressed the late phase inflammation only. HE (400 and 800 mg/kg) and K-3-G (200, 400, 800 mg/kg) produced significant dose-dependent inhibition of xylene-induced ear edema development. K-3-R only suppressed ear edema formation at a high dose (800 mg/kg).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that Carthamus tinctorius L. extract possess remarkable antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities which may be due to K-3-R and K-3-G at least in part, supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat various inflammatory and pain diseases.     

Synergistic effect of methanol extract of Abies webbiana leaves on sleeping time induced by standard sedatives in mice and anti-inflammatory activity of extracts in rats

During the determination of LD50 values of extracts of Abies webbiana, it was observed that the methanol extract (MEAW) produces sedation of animals. This led to investigation of the effect of MEAW on sleeping time in mice. When various doses of the methanol extract (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight) were administered alone, no hypnotic activity was observed. However, these exhibited significant synergistic effects (P < 0.001) at those dose levels in mice when administered prior to the administration of standard sedatives (pentobarbitone sodium: 50 mg/kg and diazepam: 6 mg/kg, respectively). In addition anti-inflammatory effects of methanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether extracts of Abies webbiana leaves in rats were performed to assess scientific validity of the medicinal claim of Indian folk medicine. The effects of leaf extracts (methanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether) against inflammation were studied by carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. The methanol extract (400 mg/kg p.o.) of leaves of Abies webbiana showed the best significant anti-inflammatory activity as compared to that of diclofenac sodium (150 mg/kg p.o.). The LD50 values of methanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether extracts were found to be 986, 1387, and > 3200 mg/kg, respectively. Thus, the therapeutic index of methanol extract may be favorable to open a new vista on combination therapy of hypnotics and may also against inflammation.     

Preliminary study of the anti-inflammatory activity of hexane extract and fractions from Bursera simaruba (Linneo) Sarg. (Burseraceae) leaves

Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg. leaves hexane extracts display anti-inflammatory activity on the adjuvant-carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats. In order to isolate and identify the active compounds of the hexane extract, we performed a preliminary phytochemical study and a bioassay-directed fractionation using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema test in mice. From the nine fractions (A-I) obtained, of an initial chromatographic separation, fractions A and E (doses equivalents to 1.50 g dry plant/kg body weight) showed the strongest anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of the reference drug phenylbutazone (80 mg/kg). The isolation and characterization of 3-methylene-7,11,15-trimethylhexadec-1-ene (neophytadiene) (1), ergost-5-en-3beta-ol (2), 24S-stigmast-5,22E-dien-3beta-ol (3), 24S-stigmast-5-en-3beta-ol (4) and alpha-amyrin (5), from these fractions is reported.     

Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of Phlomis purpurea L. and Phlomis lychnitis L. in the trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid model of rat colitis.

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Different species from genus Phlomis, frequently native from the the eastern Mediterranean zone, have been used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy. Among other constituents, they contain polyphenols that show antioxidant properties, which are interesting for the treatment of inflammatory pathologies associated with oxidative stress in humans, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the intestinal anti-inflammatoy effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Phlomis lychnitis and P. purpurea in the trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) model of rat colitis, a well characterized experimental model with some resemblance to human IBD.

Materials and methods

Hydroalcoholic extracts of both plants were characterized by determining their polyphenolic content and then assayed in the TNBS model of rat colitis. For this purpose, female Wistar rats were assigned to seven groups (n=10): healthy control, untreated TNBS-colitis and five TNBS- colitis groups treated with Phlomis lychnitis (10 and 20 mg/kg), P. purpurea (10 and 25 mg/kg) and sulphasalazine (200 mg/kg), as a positive control. Treatments started the same day of TNBS colitis induction, and rats were sacrificed one week later. Colonic inflammation was evaluated both histologically and biochemically.

Results

The histological (macroscopic and microscopic) analysis of colonic samples revealed that both extracts showed an anti-inflammatory effect, which was confirmed biochemically by a decreased colonic MPO activity, a maker of neutrophil infiltration, an increased colonic glutathione content, which counteracts the oxidative status associated with the inflammatory process, and a down-regulated iNOS expression. However, only the extract of P. purpurea reduced the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-17, the chemokines CINC-1 and MCP-1, as well as the adhesion molecule ICAM-1, ameliorating the altered immune response associated with the colonic inflammation. Furthermore, both P. lychnitis and P. purpurea extracts were able to significantly increase the expression of markers of epithelial integrity such as MUC-2, MUC-3 and villin, thus revealing an improvement in the altered colonic permeability that characterizes colonic inflammation.

Conclusions

Both extracts showed intestinal anti-inflammatory activity in the TNBS model of rat colitis, thus confirming their traditional use in digestive inflammatory complaints. In addition to their antioxidant properties, other mechanisms can contribute to this beneficial effect, like an improvement in the intestine epithelial barrier and a downregulation of the immune response.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of a crude root extract of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen

The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the crude hydroalcoholic extract (PE) of Pfaffia glomerata roots was assessed in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema at the doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, using different animal models. An anti-inflammatory dose effect response correlation of r=0.997 and Y=11.67x+0.02 was found. At the same doses, the extract-inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, but no dose response correlation was found. Oral administration of 100 mg/kg of PE and 0.5 mg/kg of dexamethazone inhibited by 29 and 61%, the granulomatous tissue formation (p>0.05), respectively. These results indicate the potential of this plant extract to treat chronic inflammation. At the assayed doses no significant activity was found in the hot plate test, as well as in the cell migration-induced by carrageenan.     

The latex obtained from Hancornia speciosa Gomes possesses anti-inflammatory activity

Aim of the study

Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae) is a tree that is widely distributed throughout Brazil. Its latex is collected and used extensively to treat acne, warts, diseases related to bursitis, and inflammation. In this work, we describe the anti-inflammatory effects of the latex.

Materials and methods

The latex from Hancornia speciosa (0.06-1.3 mg/kg, p.o.) and the reference drug acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 200 mg/kg, p.o.) were evaluated in analgesia (formalin-induced licking, acetic acid-induced contortions, and hot plate) and inflammation models (formalin-induced licking, paw oedema, and subcutaneous air pouch, with measurement of cell migration, exudate volume, protein extravasations, nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, TNF-α, and IL-6, and expression of the enzymes inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2).

Results

The latex from Hancornia speciosa significantly inhibited the number of writhings and the time that the animal spent licking the formalin-injected paw (second phase). Doses of 0.1-1.3 mg/kg latex reduced carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. However, only the highest doses (0.6 and/or 1.3 mg/kg) reduced the oedema induced by bradykinin, histamine, and serotonin. The latex also inhibited inflammation induced by subcutaneous carrageenan injection, cell migration, exudate volume, protein extravasations, increased levels of inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, TNF-α, and IL-6) produced in the pouch, and increased expression of the enzymes nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the latex obtained from Hancornia speciosa demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibition of nitric oxide, PGE2, and cytokine production, thus confirming the popular use of this plant as an anti-inflammatory agent.     

Anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of earthworm extract—Lampito mauritii (Kinberg)

Aim of the study

Experiments were conducted to understand the therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of biologically active extract isolated from whole earthworm (Lampito mauritii, Kinberg).

Materials and methods

Inflammation in the hind paw of Wistar albino rat, Rattus norvegicus, was induced by histamine, granuloma pouch was induced by turpentine and pyrexia induced by Brewer's yeast in rats were followed as earlier studies. Anti-inflammatory drug—indomethacin and anti-pyretic drug—paracetamol were used as standard drug for comparison.

Results

Administration of indomethacin (10 mg/kg), paracetamol (150 mg/kg) and/or different doses of earthworm extract (EE) (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) reduced and restored to normal conditions in a dose-dependent manner of histamine and turpentine induced inflammation, and Brewer's yeast induced pyretic in rats.

Conclusions

The most significant inhibition of paw oedema and granuloma and also the significant reduction in hyperpyrexia in rats when treated with standard drugs as well as different doses of EE, reflect the presence of anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic properties of EE similar to glycoprotein complex (G-90).