Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of methanolic extract from red seaweed Dichotomaria obtusata

Neivys García Delgado,Ana María Suárez Alfonso,Yusvel Sierra Gómez,Roberto Menéndez Soto Del Valle,Ana Iris Frías Vázquez,Hiran Cabrera Sánchez

doi:10.1590/s1984-82502013000100008

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of methanolic extract from D. obtusata using classic models in mice (croton oil-induced ear edema and acetic acid-induced writhing) and a phospholipase A2 activity test. Qualitative analysis of the chemical composition of seaweed was also determined by extraction with solvents of increasing polarity and precipitation and color tests. Results of qualitative chemical study showed the presence of lactonic and phenolic compounds, reduced carbohydrates, other sugars, flavonoids, fatty compounds, triterpenes and steroids. The extract inhibited mouse ear edema in a dose-dependent manner with an efficacy higher than 90% and a mean effective dose of 4.87µg/ear, while intraperitoneal administration presented a moderate activity. The extract did not inhibit phospholipase A2 activity. In the writhing test, the intraperitoneal administration of the extract showed a strong antinociceptive activity (80.2%), while the oral route showed a lower efficacy. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of methanol extract of D. obtusata in experimental models, suggesting its therapeutic potential in the treatment of peripheral painful and/or inflammatory pathologies.

Highlights

Marine environment may contain over 80% of world’s species of plants and animals (Kumar, Xi-rong, 2004)
The red alga Dichotomaria obtusata was collected at Jaimanitas Beach, Havana, in November 2008, and was identified by Dr Ana María Suarez, researcher of the Center of Marine Researches, University of Havana
As a first step toward identifying the major chemical groups present in D. obtusata, we have developed a qualitative chemical study of its composition

Summary

Introduction

Marine environment may contain over 80% of world’s species of plants and animals (Kumar, Xi-rong, 2004). Seaweeds have been of great interest for humans as marine food sources since old times (Nisizawa et al, 1987). Nowadays, these organisms represent a promising source of useful products awaiting discovery for the prevention or treatment of several pathologies (Faulkner, 2002). Inflammation is a defensive reaction of organisms to antigenic stimulation or physical injuries. This response involves the activation of complex metabolic pathways and the intervention of chemical and cellular mediators (Pruzanskim, Vadas, 1991; Abbas et al, 2008). Pain is a classic sign of this inflammatory response (Flórez, Reig, 1994)

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