Croton Oil-induced Ear Edema Research Articles

Anti-inflammatory effects of anthocyanins-rich extract from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) on croton oil-induced ear edema and Propionibacterium acnes plus LPS-induced liver damage in mice

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) has been known to play a protective role in human health due to its high anthocyanin content. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of bilberry extract (BE, containing 42.04% anthocyanin) on Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced liver injury and croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. Results showed that BE could effectively inhibit croton oil-induced ear edema and liver inflammation provoked by P. acnes plus LPS, as reflected by the reduced plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. These findings were confirmed by hepatic pathological examination. Moreover, BE administration markedly suppressed the increase of liver mRNA levels of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and the protein levels of iNOS, TNF-α and NF-κB. In addition, liver malondialdehyde and NO contents were significantly reduced by BE treatment. These results indicated that BE has potent protective effects on acute and immunological inflammation, which might contribute to the study of the anti-inflammatory effects of natural products and healthy food.

Anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of Rubus fairholmianus Gard. root—An in vivo study

This study aims to develop an effective therapeutic agent from Rubus fairholmianus root acetone extract (RFRA) against inflammatory related diseases as this plant is being used in folk medicine to treat various other ailments. The root acetone extract (up to 2000mg/kg b. wt.) was used to observe acute toxicity in mice for 14 days. Two doses (200 and 400mg/kg) were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan induced paw edema in rats and croton oil induced ear edema in mice. Both the doses significantly reduced the paw and ear edema compared to indomethacin. The acute dermal toxicity studies for RFRA extract were carried out and examined for wound healing activity at two doses (1% and 2%) in excision, incision, staphylococcus aureus infected and burn wound models in rat. RFRA 2% depicted significant wound healing properties; by increasing the percentage of wound contraction thereby by decreasing the period of epithelization compared with betadine (5%) and neomycin (5%). We have assumed that the peak shown close to the standard quercetin in the extract could be quercetin like compound (20.89min). RFRA showed significant anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties which may be due to the presence of analogues of quercetin and other related polyphenolic compounds and hence it has immense scope as an effective source to develop a drug for the treatment of inflammatory related disorders.

Prolonged Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Topical Melatonin by Niosomal Encapsulation

Melatonin, encapsulated and non-encapsulated, in a topical gel, was comparatively investigated for its in vitro permeation and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties. An average size of the melatonin-encapsulated niosomes of 197 nm with a zeta potential of-78.8 mV and an entrapment efficiency of 92.7% was incorporated into a gel base. In vitro skin permeation of the same gel base incorporated with non-encapsulated melatonin or melatonin niosomes at 5% was comparatively evaluated through porcine skin using Franz diffusion cells and analyzed by spectroflurometry at λex 278 and λem 348 nm. From the same gel base, the permeation rate of non-encapsulated melatonin was about 2.5 times greater than that of melatonin-encapsulated niosomes. In comparison to piroxicam gel and hydrocortisone cream used as the positive controls, topical applications of melatonin and melatonin niosome gels tested in croton oil-induced ear edema in mice suggested that its anti-inflammatory activities were prolonged by the niosomal encapsulation. Similarly, analgesic effect of melatonin was prolonged by niosomal encapsulation using tail flick test in mice. Therefore, its immediate permeation through the skin was retarded by niosomal encapsulation which could also prolong its rapid decline in exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in vivo.

A study on the anti-inflammatory effects of new derivatives of 3-hydroxy pyridine-4-one.

Background:Derivatives of pyridine-4-one act as iron chelators and possess various pharmacological effects such as antifungal, antimalarial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. The aim of our study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the three new derivatives of pyridine-4-one.Materials and Methods:Carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and croton oil-induced ear edema in mice were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatry effects of three 3-hydroxy-pyridine-4-one derivatives (compounds A, B, and C). Compound A (10, 20 mg/kg), compound B (200, 400 mg/kg), and compound C (100, 200 mg/kg), vehicle (1 mL/kg), and indomethacin as standard drug (10 mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally 30 min prior to carrageenan injection and 4 h later, the paw volume was measured using a mercury plethysmograph. The maximum dose of each test compound was used in the croton oil-induced ear edema test.Results:All compounds showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in both tests. On a molar basis, compound A had the greatest potency, which may be due to the presence of a benzyl group substitution on the pyridine ring.Conclusions:Because cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase as key enzymes of the inflammation pathway are heme-dependent, it seems that the anti-inflammatory effect of derivatives of pyridine-4-one may be related to their iron chelating properties. However, more investigations are needed to find out their exact mechanism of actions.

Topical Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Six Salvia Species Grown in Jordan

Inflammation is a host defense mechanism to get rid of injurious stimuli and to induce tissue healing process. In Jordan, Salvia species are traditionally used to treat inflammation and other ailments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of six Salvia species grown in Jordan to inhibit cutaneous inflammation. Topical anti-inflammatory activities of hexane (Hex), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) extracts from Salvia species aerial parts (S. ceratophylla, S. dominica, S. multicaulis, S. palaestina, S. spinosa and S. syriaca) were evaluated for the inhibition of croton oil-induced mouse ear oedema. Almost all extracts reduced oedema at the tested dose (300 µg/cm2). Hex and EtOAc extracts exhibited the best anti-inflammatory effect in a dose-dependent pattern. Dose inducing 50% oedema inhibition (ID50) in vivo was found to be in the range of 87 - 300 µg/cm2 and 47-146 µg/cm2 for Hex and EtOAc extracts, respectively. In comparison with indomethacin (ID50 96 µg/cm2), S. palaestina and S. multicaulis EtOAc extracts were two folds more potent (ID50 47 and 50 µg/cm2, respectively).Whereas, the ID50 of S. syriaca Hex extract (87µg/cm2) was comparable to that of indomethacin. In conclusion, the results illustrated that S. multicaulis, S. palaestina and S. syriaca can be regarded as promising natural sources of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Mechanisms Underlying the Antinociceptive, Antiedematogenic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Main Flavonoid from Kalanchoe pinnata.

Kalanchoe pinnata (KP) is popularly used for treating inflammatory diseases. This study investigated the antinociceptive, antiedematogenic, and anti-inflammatory potential of the subcutaneous administration of KP flower aqueous extract (KPFE), its ethyl acetate (EtOAcF) and butanol (BuOHF) fractions, and the main KP flavonoid [quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl (1 → 2) α-L-rhamnopyranoside] (KPFV) in mice, as well as its possible mechanisms of action. KPFE (30–300 mg/kg) and KPFV (1–10 mg/kg) inhibited the acetic acid-induced writhing (ID50 = 164.8 and 9.4 mg/kg, resp.). KPFE (300 mg/kg), EtOAcF (12 mg/kg), BuOHF (15 mg/kg), or KPFV (0.3–3.0 mg/kg) reduced leukocyte migration on carrageenan-induced pleurisy (ID50 = 2.0 mg/kg for KPFV). KPFE (3–30 mg/kg) and KPFV (0.3–3.0 mg/kg) reduced the croton oil-induced ear edema (ID50 = 4.3 and 0.76 mg/kg, resp.). KPFE and KPFV reduced the TNF-α concentration in the pleural exudates on carrageenan-induced pleurisy test. Moreover, KPFV inhibited COX-1 (IC50 = 22.1 μg/mL) and COX-2 (IC50 > 50 μg/mL). The selectivity index (COX-1IC50/COX-2IC50) was <0.44. These results indicate that KPFE and KPFV produced antinociceptive, antiedematogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities through COX inhibition and TNF-α reduction, revealing that the main flavonoid in KP flowers and leaves plays an important role in the ethnomedicinal use of the plant.

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal drugs

BackgroundVolatile oils obtained from lemon grass [Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Poaceae family] are used in traditional medicine as remedies for the treatment of various diseases.AimsIn the present study, lemon grass essential oil (LGEO) was evaluated for its in vivo topical and oral anti-inflammatory effects, and for its in vitro antifungal activity using both liquid and vapor phases.MethodsThe chemical profile of LGEO as determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed two major components: geranial (42.2%), and neral (31.5%). The antifungal activity of LGEO was evaluated against several pathogenic yeasts and filamentous fungi using disc diffusion and vapor diffusion methods. ResultsLGEO exhibited promising antifungal effect against Candida albicans, C.tropicalis, and Aspergillus niger, with different inhibition zone diameters (IZDs) (35–90 mm). IZD increased with increasing oil volume. Significantly, higher anti-Candida activity was observed in the vapor phase. For the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect, LGEO (10 mg/kg, administered orally) significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema with a similar effect to that observed for oral diclofenac (50 mg/kg), which was used as the positive control. Oral administration of LGEO showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, topical application of LGEO in vivo resulted in a potent anti-inflammatory effect, as demonstrated by using the mouse model of croton oil-induced ear edema. To our knowledge, this is the first such report to be published. The topical application of LGEO at doses of 5 and 10 µL/ear significantly reduced acute ear edema induced by croton oil in 62.5 and 75% of the mice, respectively. In addition, histological analysis clearly confirmed that LGEO inhibits the skin inflammatory response in animal models. ConclusionResults of the present study indicate that LGEO has a noteworthy potential for the development of drugs for the treatment of fungal infections and skin inflammation that should be explored in future studies.

Multi-model confirmatory evaluation of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of Putranjiva roxburghii wall

Putranjiva roxburghii Wall is traditionally used by tribals for treating various health problems. In this study, Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of ethanolic extract of leaves and stem of Putranjiva roxburghii were evaluated in rats using different evaluatory models for each activity. Carrageenan-induced paw edema, croton oilinduced ear edema and anus edema models were used for evaluating anti-inflammatory activity. Analgesic activity was evaluated by acetic acid induced writhing model, Eddy’s hot plate model and tail flick models. The plant extract was also evaluated for its In-vitro anti oxidant activity in an attempt to find its potency in providing protection against free radical induced diseases. The results indicates significant dose dependant anti inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) of Putranjiva roxburghii wall with respect to standard drug Indomethacin. The extract showed dose dependent analgesic activity in acetic acid induced writhing model but dose independent activity in case of hot plate and tail flick models as compared to standard drug Indomethacin. The In-vitro antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract was also significant and comparable with ascorbic acid in both DPPH and H2O2 models.

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of 1.5-diphenyl-1H-Pyrazole-3-carbohydrazide, a new heterocyclic pyrazole derivative

AimsHeterocyclic pyrazole derivative has been described for the treatment of pain and inflammatory diseases. This study evaluated the in vivo, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of 1.5-diphenyl-1H-Pyrazole-3-carbohydrazide (1.5-DHP) and the in vivo or in vitro mechanism of action. Main methodsAcetic acid-induced writhing, hot-plate and formalin-induced nociception tests were used to evaluate the antinociceptive effect, while the rota-rod test was used to assess the motor activity. Croton oil-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced peritonitis tests were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of 1.5-DHP. The antipyretic effect was assessed using the LPS-induced fever model. The mechanism of action was evaluated by PGE2 and TNF-α measurement and cyclooxygenase inhibition assay. Key findingsOral administration (p.o.) of 1.5-DHP (1, 3, 10mg/kg) caused a dose-related inhibition of the acetic acid-induced writhing, however the highest dose was not effective on the hot-plate and rota-rod. In the formalin-induced nociception, 1.5-DHP (10mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited only the late phase of nociception. This same dose of 1.5-DHP also reduced the croton oil-induced ear edema. 1.5-DHP (3, 10, 30mg/kg, p.o.) produced a dose-related reduction of leukocyte migration on the carrageenan-induced peritonitis. 1.5-DHP (60mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the fever and the increase of PGE2 concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid induced by LPS. 1.5-DHP inhibited both COXs in vitro. Finally, 1.5-DHP (10mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the TNF-α concentration in peritoneal exudates after carrageenan injection. SignificanceThese results indicate that 1.5-DHP produces anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic effects by PGE2 synthesis reduction through COX-1/COX-2 inhibition and by TNF-α synthesis/release inhibition.

In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Tabernaemontana divaricata leaf extract on male albino mice

AimTo study the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Tabernaemontana divaricata leaf extract on male albino mice. MethodsAqueous decoction and methanol leaf extracts were tested for their ability to reduce croton oil-induced edema in the mouse ear after topical application. The methanol leaf extract dose-dependently inhibited the croton oil-induced ear edema in mice (ID50 <500 μg·cm−2). A bioassay-guided liquid–liquid fractionation of this methanol extract gave four active fractions: water insoluble (F1), hexane (F2), ethyl acetate (F3) and water (F4). ResultsThe hexane fraction showed a very high activity (42.1% inhibition at 0.7 μg·cm−2) as compared to the control. The other fractions were less active (F1: 56.1% at 506.2 μg·cm−2; F3: 57.3% at 289.3 μg·cm−2; and F4: 31.9% for 203.8 μg·cm−2) while indomethacin gave 48.8% of inhibition at 90 μg·cm−2. The activity of F1 and F3 may be at least in part explained by the presence of anti-inflammatory flavonoids, while the activity was not correlated to the tannin contents. No compounds were detected in the most active F2 fraction. ConclusionsThe results give a rational support to the traditional use of T. divaricata in tropical India as anti-inflammatory agent.

Phytopharmacological Assessment from Two Medicinal Plants Used for Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Purposes in Burkina Faso

The purpose of this investigation was to elucidate the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of aqueous acetone extracts from <em>Cienfuegosia digitata</em> Cav; and <em>Sida Alba</em> L. in Swiss mice, with an aim to provide a scientific basis for the traditional use of these plants in the treatment of inflammation disorders. In anti-inflammatory activity, the carrageenan-induced paw edema and oil croton-induced ear edema in Swiss mice. As for analgesic effects, acetic acid writhing and formalin test methods were used in mice. About anti-inflammatory potential, the extracts at doses of 100; 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight produced significant comparatively to the control groups (p<0.05; p<0.01 and p<0.001) and we noticed a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity. The dose-dependent inhibition of edema was observed at 1; 2 and 3 h. However, extracts showed dose-dependent inhibition of croton oil induced ear oedema, at doses of 200; 300 and 500 &mug/ear. As for analgesic activity, extracts produced significant analgesic effects in acetic acid writhing and formalin test method (p<0.05; p<0.01 and p<0.001) compared to the control groups and a dose-dependent inhibition was observed. The present study concludes that <em>Cienfuegosia digitata</em> Cav. and <em>Sida Alba</em> L. have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of standardized pomegranate rind extract in comparison with its marker compound ellagic acid in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn Chinese traditional medicine, the peels of Punica granatum L. have been used to treat traumatic hemorrhage, burn, and ulcers. Aims of the studyThis study aimed to assess the topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of a standardized pomegranate rind extract (SPRE) of which ellagic acid (EA) was the major antioxidant constituent and the marker compound. Material and methodsThe topical anti-inflammatory effects of SPRE were evaluated against acute models (croton oil-induced mouse ear edema and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema) and chronic model (complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced polyarthritis). The topical analgesic activities of SPRE were investigated in the rat punctuate mechanical hyperalgesia test and in the mouse formalin test. All studies of SPRE were carried out in parallel with its marker compound EA. ResultsSPRE (5%, 2.5%, and 1%, w/w) and the equivalent EA (0.65%, 0.325%, and 0.13%, w/w) dose-dependently reduced the croton oil-induced mouse ear edema with a maximal inhibition of 86.30% and 80.82%, respectively. SPRE dose-dependently attenuated the inflammatory responses in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and in the CFA-induced polyarthritis but the equivalent EA were effective only at the doses of 0.65% and 0.325%. Both SPRE (5%) and EA (0.65%) showed significant topical analgesic activities in the rat punctuate mechanical hyperalgesia test and in the mouse formalin test. ConclusionsSPRE was more active as an anti-inflammatory agent than EA. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of SPRE were achieved through inhibiting the leukocyte infiltration and modulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-β and TNF-α. These results clearly demonstrated that SPRE is a promising phytomedicine that could find use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Acetone extract from Streptoverticillium sp., a bacterium isolated from Brazilian Cerrado soil, induces anti-inflammatory activity in mice

The Streptoverticillium sp. Z1 is an actinomycete isolated from the soil under Cerrado vegetation, the extract of this strain was investigated in nociceptive and inflammatory models. The Streptoverticillium extract (ExS) 50 and 100 mg/kg (s.c.) produced a significant inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhings thereby demonstrating an anti-nociceptive effect. In the tail flick test the ExS (s.c.) was inactive. This result implited that ExS does not contain opioid-like compounds with central analgesic properties. In the inflammatory models, ExS 100 and 200 mg/kg (s.c.) were able to inhibit the croton oil-induced ear edema and, ExS 200 and 500 mg/kg (s.c.) inhibited the leukocyte migration on the carrageenan-induced peritonitis. The phospholipase A2 enzymatic assay showed that the anti-inflammatory activity of ExS was not due to direct effect on phospholipase A2 activity. These data suggest that Streptoverticillium sp. produces metabolites with anti-inflammatory effect and that these metabolites are unable to directly inhibit phospholipase A2 enzyme.

Evaluation and Theoretical Study on the Anti-inflammatory Mechanism of 1-Nitro-2-phenylethane

In this study, 1-nitro-2-phenylethane was evaluated with respect to its effects in edema models of acute inflammation induced with carrageenan, dextran, and croton oil. 1-Nitro-2-phenylethane produced inhibition of rat paw edema induced by carrageenan and dextran at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg. The same doses caused an inhibition of croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. Our results suggest that 1-nitro-2-phenylethane has anti-inflammatory activity, probably of peripheral origin, acting in the synthesis and/or release of inflammatory mediators. A conformational study of 1-nitro-2-phenylethane was carried out using density functional theory calculations, showing three different groups of conformers corresponding to energy minimum geometries. The stereoelectronic repulsions are responsible for conformational preferences and the one most stable conformer. The prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase mechanism is related more to electrophilic than nucleophilic properties.

A Newly Synthesized Sinapic Acid Derivative Inhibits Endothelial Activation In Vitro and In Vivo

Inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) may represent a new therapeutic strategy against endothelial activation. Sinapic acid (SA), a phenylpropanoid compound, is found in natural herbs and high-bran cereals and has moderate antioxidant activity. We aimed to develop new SA agents with the properties of antioxidation and blocking EC activation for possible therapy of cardiovascular disease. We designed and synthesized 10 SA derivatives according to their chemical structures. Preliminary screening of the compounds involved scavenging hydroxyl radicals and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(⋅)), croton oil-induced ear edema in mice, and analysis of the mRNA expression of adhesion molecules in ECs. 1-Acetyl-sinapic acyl-4-(3'-chlorine-)benzylpiperazine (SA9) had the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the effect of SA9 was further studied. SA9 inhibited tumor necrosis factor α-induced upregulation of adhesion molecules in ECs at both mRNA and protein levels, as well as the consequent monocyte adhesion to ECs. In vivo, result of face-to-face immunostaining showed that SA9 reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in mouse aortic intima. To study the molecular mechanism, results from luciferase assay, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, and Western blot indicated that the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects of SA9 might be suppression of intracellular generation of ROS and inhibition of NF-κB activation in ECs. SA9 is a prototype of a novel class of antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects in ECs. It may represent a new therapeutic approach for preventing endothelial activation in cardiovascular disorders.

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

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.

Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Antinociceptive Potentials of Khaya senegalensis A. Juss (Meliaceae) Stem Bark Aqueous Extract

Aim: To investigate anti -inflammatory and antinociceptive potentials of aqueous stem bark extract ofKhaya senegalensisA.Juss (Meliaceae) in rodents. Methodology: Anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous stem bark extract of K. senegalensis (AKS) was studied in different models. Effect of the extract in acute inflammation was tested in carrageenan -induced rat paw edema and its effect in chronic inflammation was evaluated using cotton pellet -induced granuloma test. Croton oil induced ear edema in mice was used to investigate the effect of the extract on topical inflammation. Antinociceptive property of AKS was evaluated using three models of nociception: hot-plate test,acetic acid-induced writhing in mice and formalin -induced paw licking in rats. Membrane stabilizing effect of AKS was tested in heat and hypotonicity-induced hemolysis. The mechanism of antinociceptive effect of the extract was evaluated by pre-treating rwith metoclopramide, a dopamine (D2) antagonist (1.5 mg/kg body wt.) and naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist (5 mg/kg body wt.).

Atividades antioxidante, antinociceptiva e anti-inflamatória das folhas de Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC

A espécie Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (Fabaceae) é popularmente conhecida no Brasil como "café berão" e "pó de mico". Suas sementes são bastante estudadas sendo empregadas na medicina popular para o tratamento de desordens nervosas e do aparelho reprodutor, porém poucas informações sobre a composição química e atividade farmacológica das folhas dessa espécie são descritas na literatura. Assim, os objetivos desse estudo foram: a determinação do perfil fitoquímico, a avaliação da atividade antioxidante in vitro, e a avaliação das atividades anti-inflamatória e antinociceptiva in vivo do extrato metanólico das folhas de M. pruriens nas concentrações de 100 e 300 mg/kg. O estudo fitoquímico foi realizado por meio da pesquisa qualitativa dos constituintes químicos e determinação quantitativa do teor de fenóis totais e flavonoides. O potencial antioxidante foi avaliado pelos métodos do DPPH e poder de redução. As atividades anti-inflamatória e antinociceptiva foram a ante foi promissor, com CI50 de 13,2∝g/mL pelo método do DPPH, e CE50 de 47,9∝g/mL pelo método que avalia o poder de redução. Em relação à atividade anti-inflamatória, o extrato foi capaz de inibir o edema de orelha em 63% (100mg/kg) e 28% (300mg/kg). Quanto à atividade antinociceptiva, houve redução do número de contorções abdominais de 64% (100 mg/kg) e 69% (300 mg/kg). Estes resultados indicam que M. pruriens apresenta um potencial farmacológico promissor e reforçam o conceito de que a pesquisa de plantas com usos etnofarmacológicos pode revelar um número substancial de respostas em ensaios in vitro e in vivo.

Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Ethanolic Extract fromSynadenium umbellatumPax. (Euphorbiaceae) Leaves and Its Fractions

Synadenium umbellatum Pax., popularly known in Brazil as “cola-nota,” “avelós,” “cancerola,” and “milagrosa”, is a plant species used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation, pain, and several diseases. This study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract from Synadenium umbellatum Pax. leaves (EES) and its hexane (HF), chloroform (CF), and methanol/water (MF) fractions using the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test, formalin-induced paw licking test, tail flick test, croton oil-induced ear edema test, and carrageenan-induced peritonitis test. EES and MF reduced the number of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhes, while CF and HF did not. EES effect on acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing was reversed with a pretreatment with naloxone. EES reduced licking time in both phases of the formalin-induced paw licking test, but did not prolong the latency in the tail flick test. These results show that EES presented antinociceptive activity, probably involving the opioid system, anti-inflammatory activity in the croton oil-induced ear edema test, and leukocyte migration into the intraperitoneal cavity. MF also presented anti-inflammatory activity in the croton oil-induced ear edema test. In conclusion, EES and MF have antinociceptive activity involving the opioid system and anti-inflammatory activity.

Rose geranium essential oil as a source of new and safe anti-inflammatory drugs

BackgroundSince the available anti-inflammatory drugs exert an extensive variety of side effects, the search for new anti-inflammatory agents has been a priority of pharmaceutical industries.AimsThe aim of the present study was to assess the anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oil of rose geranium (RGEO).MethodsThe chemical composition of the RGEO was investigated by gas chromatography. The major components were citronellol (29.13%), geraniol (12.62%), and citronellyl formate (8.06%). In the carrageenan-induced paw edema, five different groups were established and RGEO was administered orally in three different doses.ResultsRGEO (100 mg/kg) was able to significantly reduce the paw edema with a comparable effect to that observed with diclofenac, the positive control. In addition, RGEO showed a potent anti-inflammatory activity by topical treatment in the method of croton oil-induced ear edema. When the dose was 5 or 10 µl of RGEO per ear, the inflammation was reduced by 73 and 88%, respectively. This is the first report to demonstrate a significant anti-inflammatory activity of Algerian RGEO. In addition, histological analysis confirmed that RGEO inhibited the inflammatory responses in the skin.ConclusionOur results indicate that RGEO may have significant potential for the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs with improved safety profile.