Anti-inflammatory activity of Boehmeria caudata Sw. (Urticaceae) crude ethanol extract on croton oil mouse ear oedema

Abstract

Many scientific reports have described the biological activity of species from Boehmeria genera (Urticaceae). Nevertheless, no studies on anti-inflammatory effect of products from this plant have been reported. Therefore, the scope of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Boehmeria caudata Sw.(BC) crude ethanol extract on croton oil-induced mouse ear oedema model. Three experiments were performed, using different treatments: oral gavage, intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) and per topical application. In each experiment, the mice (19 – 23 g, 2 month) were randomized into the following three groups (6 mice per group): negative group (PBS); dexamethasone positive group (5 mg/kg per intraperitoneal injection, 5 mg/mL per topical application and 50 mg/Kg per oral gavage) and BC group (75 mg/Kg per intraperitoneal injection and oral gavage and 75 mg/mL per topical application). By oral gavage, dexamethasone and BC treatments inhibited ear edema by 89% and 62%, respectively. Dexamethasone and BC treatments (i.p.) reduced ear edema by 88% and 57%, respectively. Topical dexamethasone and BC treatments reduced ear edema by 89% and 41% respectively. These results show a possible anti-inflammatory effect produced by Boehmeria caudata crude extract. Further investigation will identify the active principles and determine their mechanism of action.