Abstract
Atranorin (ATR) is the main compound from the lichen Cladina kalbii Ahti, which grows in the arid regions of northeastern Brazil. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and toxicological properties of ATR. To evaluate anti-inflammatory properties, paw edema was induced by injecting 0.1 mL of carrageenan into the subplantar region of the right hind paw of rats, and leukocyte migration was induced by injection of 500 µL of carrageenan into the peritoneal cavity of mice. In addition, we determined ATR cytotoxicity in L929 cells by MTT assay and acute (5 g/kg-single dose) and subchronic (50 mg/kg-30 days) toxicity tests in Wistar rats. The results showed that ATR (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity (paw edema and leukocyte migration). In the acute toxicity test, the animals showed hypoactivity and lethargy during the initial period (first 6 hours) and increase in total protein, total and indirect bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase after 14 days in ATR-treated male rats. The subchronic toxicity test revealed increases in total protein, globulin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total and direct bilirubin in ATR-treated female rats. Histological analysis revealed no changes in the architecture and morphology of the organs. These results suggest that ATR has significant anti-inflammatory activity, with no significant acute and subchronic toxicity or cytotoxicity.
Highlights
Lichens are some of the most important sources of biologically active compounds (Barnes et al, 2000)
The mean increase in paw edema volume was about 0.82±0.17 mL in vehicle-treated rats
The initial phase of the response to carrageenan may be due to the release of histamine and serotonin, whereas kinins may play a role in the middle phase (Di Rosa, Sorrentino, 1968), and prostaglandins may be the most important mediators in the final 3-5 h of the post-carrageenan response (Vinegar et al, 1969)
Summary
Lichens are some of the most important sources of biologically active compounds (Barnes et al, 2000). They have a worldwide distribution and live in a symbiotic relationship with fungi (mycobiont), algae (phycobiont), and/or cyanobacteria (photobiont) (Honegger, 1991). This symbiosis provides physical protection, water, and mineral supply for both partners. They produce common intracellular constituents, including proteins, amino acids, polyols, carotenoids, polysaccharides, and vitamins. Lichens are able to synthesize several metabolites, which are composed of aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, and terpenic compounds (Huneck, 1999)
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