Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract from Ageratum fastigiatum branches. Phytochemical screening and total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined. The antioxidant activity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrilhydrazin (DPPH) and iron reducing power methods. The antinociceptive effect was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, hot plate and tail immersion assays; while the carrageenan-induced paw edema and pleurisy tests were performed to examine the anti-inflammatory activity against acute inflammation. The extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, terpenes, sterols and saponins. Expressive levels of total phenols and flavonoids and a promising antioxidant effect were quantified. At the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, the extract inhibited the writhing, reduced both phases of paw licking time and increased the reaction time on the hot plate. In the tail immersion test, the extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) caused a significant inhibition of pain. In these doses, the paw edema, exudate volume and leucocyte mobilization were significantly reduced. These results suggest that A. fastigiatum can be an active source of substances with antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, adding scientific support to the appropriate use in the Brazilian folk medicine.
Highlights
In recent decades, a large number of studies have shown the significance of the free radicals and oxidants associated with pathological processes, pain and inflammation (Harijith et al 2014)
The phytochemical screening revealed that the ethanol extract from A. fastigiatum branches contains flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, terpenes, sterols and saponins
The phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract from A. fastigiatum branches revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, terpenes, sterols and saponins and showed expressive total phenolic and flavonoid contents (Table I)
Summary
A large number of studies have shown the significance of the free radicals and oxidants associated with pathological processes, pain and inflammation (Harijith et al 2014). The nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, for example, promote adverse effects, such as irritation of gastric mucosa and ulcer, water retention and nephrotoxicity, compromising the use of these therapeutic agents (Teslim et al 2014, Slater et al 2010). In this sense, an alternative option of treatment is the use of medicinal plants with antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions, a common worldwide practice (Kumar et al 2013, Sen et al 2010). The evaluation of the pharmacological effects of the extracts can be used as a strategy to find new drugs with scientific sustainability, with less adverse effects for the patients and low manufacturing cost to the pharmaceutical industries and consequent better prices to the population
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