Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic crude extract from Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae)

Casearia sylvestris var. lingua (Càmbess.) Eichler leaves aqueous extract improves colon inflammation through mucogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in TNBS- induced IBD rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Casearia sylvestris var. lingua (Cambess.) Eichler, a member of the Salicaceae family, holds a prominent place in traditional medicine across various cultures due to its versatile therapeutic properties. Historically, indigenous communities have utilized different parts of the plant, including leaves, bark, and roots, to address a wide array of health conditions. Traditional uses of C. sylvestris var. lingua encompasses the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, wound healing, inflammation, and stomach ulcers. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated the plant's antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, gastroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. This signifies the first scientific validation report for C. sylvestris var. lingua regarding its effectiveness against ulcerative colitis. The report aims to affirm the traditional use of this plant through pre-clinical experiments.

AIM OF THE RESEARCH

This work uses an aqueous extract from C. sylvestris var. lingua leaves (AECs) to evaluate the acute anti-ulcerative colitis efficacy in rat and HT-29 (human colorectal cancer cell line) models.

METHODS

To determine the secondary metabolites of AECs, liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (LC-DAD) study was carried out. 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS, 30 mg/0.25 mL EtOH 30% v/v) was used as an enema to cause acute colitis. Three days were spent giving the C. sylvestris var. lingua extract orally by gavage at dosages of 3, 30, and 300 mg/kg. The same route was used to deliver distilled water to the vehicle and naïve groups. After the animals were sacrificed on the fourth day, intestinal tissues were taken for histological examination and evaluation of biochemical tests such as those measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite/nitrate, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Additionally, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 10 (IL-10), were conducted on the intestinal tissues. Additionally, an MTT assay was used to evaluate the effect of AECs on the viability of HT-29 cells. Additionally, a molecular docking study was carried out to compare some potential target proteins with identified chemicals found in AECs.

RESULTS

LC-DAD analysis identified five compounds (caffeic acid, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, and quercetin) in AECs. Pre-administration of AECs (3; 30; 300 mg/kg) and mesalazine (500 mg/kg) reduced macroscopic scores (55%, 47%, 45%, and 52%, p < 0.001) and ulcerated areas (70.3%, 70.5%, 57%, and 56%, p < 0.001), respectively. It also increased SOD, GSH, and CAT activities (p < 0.01), while decreasing MDA (p < 0.001), nitrite/nitrate (p < 0.05), and MPO (p < 0.001) activities compared to the colitis group. Concerning inflammatory markers, significant modulations were observed: AECs (3, 30, and 300 mg/kg) lowered levels of IL-1β and TNF-α (p < 0.001) and increased IL-10 levels (p < 0.001) compared to the colitis groups. The viability of HT-29 cells was suppressed by AECs with an IC50 of 195.90 ± 0.01 μg/mL (48 h). During the molecular docking analysis, quercetin, gallic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and ellagic acid demonstrated consistent binding affinities, forming stable interactions with the 3w3l (TLR8) and the 3ds6 (MAPK14) complexes.

CONCLUSION

These results imply that the intestinal mucogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of the C. sylvestris var. lingua leaf extract may be involved in its therapeutic actions for ulcerative colitis. The results of the in silico study point to the possibility of quercetin and ellagic acid interacting with P38 and TLR8, respectively, in a beneficial way.

Bucidarasin A suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of HCC by targeting the FAK and STAT3 pathways

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Bucidarasin A, a natural diterpenoid, has been shown to exert notable cytotoxic effects across a range of tumor cell lines. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this cytotoxicity remain unclear. In this study, we sought to elucidate the antitumor mechanisms of bucidarasin A, a natural diterpenoid derived from Casearia graveolens, with a particular focus on its effects on HCC. Furthermore, we employed surface plasmon resonance (SPR), molecular docking, and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) to gain further insight into the target protein of bucidarasin A. Our findings revealed that bucidarasin A exhibited pronounced cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells. In vitro analysis indicated that bucidarasin A interrupted the cell cycle at the S phase and inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of HepG2 cells by modulating the FAK and STAT3 signaling pathways. Moreover, in vivo studies demonstrated that bucidarasin A not only exhibited antitumor effects but also impeded neovascularization, a finding that was corroborated by SPR interactions between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bucidarasin A. This research substantiated that bucidarasin A, a clerodane diterpenoid, held promise as a therapeutic candidate against HCC, showcasing substantial antitumor efficacy both in vitro and in vivo through direct targeting of the STAT3 and FAK signaling pathways.

Anti-inflammatory, healing and antiophidic potential of Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae): From popular use to pharmaceutical formulation in gel

Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory disorders. So, a topical gel containing the hydroethanolic extract of its leaves was developed and evaluated for its anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antiophidic properties in mice. First, the chemical profile of different parts of the plant was characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) using molecular networking. In the leaf extract, 11 compounds were characterized, with a particular emphasis on the identification of flavonoids. The gel efficiently inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema, as well as acute and chronic croton oil-induced ear edema models, thereby reducing inflammatory and oxidative parameters in inflamed tissues. Besides anti-inflammatory activity, the herbal gel showed significant wound healing activity. The edematogenic, hemorrhagic and dermonecrotic activities induced by Bothrops jararaca snake venom were effectively inhibited by the treatment with J. mollissima gel. The association with the herbal gel improved in up to 90% the efficacy of commercial snake antivenom in reduce venom-induced edema. Additionally, while antivenom was not able to inhibit venom-induced dermonecrosis, treatment with herbal gel reduced in 55% the dermonocrotic halo produced. These results demonstrate the pharmacological potential of the herbal gel containing J. mollissima extract, which could be a strong candidate for the development of herbal products that can be used to complement the current antivenom therapy against snake venom local toxicity.

Bioactive Clerodane Diterpenoids from the Leaves of Casearia coriacea Vent

Casearia coriacea Vent., an endemic plant from the Mascarene Islands, was investigated following its antiplasmodial potentialities highlighted during a previous screening. Three clerodane diterpene compounds were isolated and identified as being responsible for the antiplasmodial activity of the leaves of the plant: caseamembrin T (1), corybulosin I (2), and isocaseamembrin E (3), which exhibited half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of 0.25 to 0.51 µg/mL. These compounds were tested on two other parasites, Leishmania mexicana mexicana and Trypanosoma brucei brucei, to identify possible selectivity in one of them. Although these products possess both antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal properties, they displayed selectivity for the malaria parasite, with a selectivity index between 6 and 12 regarding antitrypanosomal activity and between 25 and 100 regarding antileishmanial activity. These compounds were tested on three cell lines, breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231, pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells A549, and pancreatic carcinoma cells PANC-1, to evaluate their selectivity towards Plasmodium. This has not enabled us to establish selectivity for Plasmodium, but has revealed the promising activity of compounds 1-3 (IC₅₀ < 2 µg/mL), particularly against pancreatic carcinoma cells (IC₅₀ < 1 µg/mL). The toxicity of the main compound, caseamembrin T (1), was then evaluated on zebrafish embryos to extend our cytotoxicity study to normal, non-cancerous cells. This highlighted the non-negligible toxicity of caseamembrin T (1).

Phytochemistry and Biological Activity of Medicinal Plants in Wound Healing: An Overview of Current Research

Wound healing is a complicated process, and the effective management of wounds is a major challenge. Natural herbal remedies have now become fundamental for the management of skin disorders and the treatment of skin infections due to the side effects of modern medicine and lower price for herbal products. The aim of the present study is to summarize the most recent in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on major herbal preparations, their phytochemical constituents, and new formulations for wound management. Research reveals that several herbal medicaments have marked activity in the management of wounds and that this activity is ascribed to flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. These phytochemicals can act at different stages of the process by means of various mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, collagen synthesis stimulating, cell proliferation, and angiogenic effects. The application of natural compounds using nanotechnology systems may provide significant improvement in the efficacy of wound treatments. Increasing the clinical use of these therapies would require safety assessment in clinical trials.

Identification of flavonoid-3-O-glycosides from leaves of Casearia arborea (Salicaceae) by UHPLC-DAD-ESI-HRMS/MS combined with molecular networking and NMR

INTRODUCTION

Casearia is an essential source of cytotoxic highly oxidised clerodane diterpenes, in addition to phenolics, flavonoids, and glycoside derivatives. Here we identify flavonoid-3-O-glycoside derivatives in the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of the methanolic extract from leaves C. arborea leaves.

OBJECTIVE

To characterise the EtOAc phase from the methanolic extract of C. arborea leaves using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-HRMS/MS) and molecular networking-based dereplication. Methodology We identified compounds not annotated in the GNPS platform by co-injection of standards in HPLC-DAD or by isolation and characterisation of the metabolites using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. A workflow on the GNPS platform aided the organisation of spectral data and dereplication by annotations. We subjected the EtOAc phase to HPLC-DAD analysis using standard compound co-injection to corroborate the GNPS annotations. We isolated unidentified compounds with semi-preparative HPLC-DAD for structural identification using NMR.

RESULTS

We annotated a molecular family of flavonoid-3-O-glycosides in the molecular networking created using the GNPS platform. These included avicularin, cacticin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, rutin, and a quercetin-3-O-pentoside cluster. We confirmed the annotations with standard compounds using HPLC-DAD co-injection analysis, besides identifying quercetin-3-O-robinobioside and kaempferol. We isolated three flavonoid-3-O-pentosides and characterised them using one- and two-dimensional NMR; we identified them as reynoutrin, guaijaverin, and avicularin.

CONCLUSION

This work describes the isolation of kaempferol and nine known flavonoid-3-O-glycosides from the polar fraction of the methanolic extract (EtOAc) from C. arborea leaves using molecular networking to guide the chromatographic procedures. We identified eight compounds for the first time in Casearia that amplify and reinforce the genus' chemotaxonomy with the presence of glycosylated flavonoids.

Macroscopic, biochemical and hystological evaluation of topical anti-inflammatory activity of Casearia sylvestris (Flacourtiaceae) in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inflammatory skin diseases presents high prevalence and lack of alternatives that can be used for self-care by the population. Casearia sylvestris is a plant used topically in different communities in Brazil, to treat wounds or promote cutaneous healing. To evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory activity for the crude hydroalcoholic extract of Casearia sylvestris (HCE-CS) in the models of single or multiple administration of chroton oil to induce ear edema in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental study using male Swiss mice (25-35g) kept under constant conditions in the Laboratory of Experimental Neuroscience (LaNEx)-UNISUL. Edema was induced in both models, respectively, by the single or multiple application of croton oil (CO, 2.5%, in 20 μl) on the external surface of the ear. The different groups of animals (n = 8) received different treatments: vehicle, dexamethasone (DEXA) or different doses of HCE-CS. Edema was evaluated macroscopically for 6 h (early edema) or 8 days (late edema) after the first application of the CO and immediately after the animals were submitted to euthanasia for the collection of the samples (treated ears). For early edema, the tissue was biochemically evaluated for myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) and levels of nitrite/nitrate. In the late edema model, the ears were histologically evaluated for general morphometry, degranulated and non-degranulated mast cells, as well as acanthosis.

RESULTS

Topic treatment with HCE-CS significantly reduced the early and late edema, as well as MPO activity and tissue levels of nitrite/nitrate. Finally, in the late edema model there was a lower density of degranulated mast cells in relation to the vehicle treated group and decreased thickness of the epidermis (acanthosis).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest a possible benefit of topical treatment with HCE-CS in inflammatory conditions of the skin.

Antihyperalgesic effect of exercise is augmented by the oral pretreatment with extract of Casearia sylvestris in an animal model of osteoarthritis

Background/Purpose:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the main orthopedic disease to cause pain and edema in humans. This study evaluated the influence of complementary medicine on the hyperalgesia and edema induced by exercise in an animal model of OA as well as possible role for interleukin (IL)-1β to these outcomes.

Methods:

Mice (25–35 g) were subjected to intraplantar injection of Freund’s complete adjuvant and were subjected to exercise and oral treatment with ethanolic crude extract of Casearia sylvestris (ECE-CS) or vehicle (alone or in combination) and evaluated through behavioral and biochemical tests.

Results:

At day 5, exercise and ECE-CS alone did not reduce hyperalgesia, while the combination of both enhanced this effect. In muscle and skin tissues from the treated paw of mice, both treatments alone or in combination reduced in similar extent the levels of IL-1β in relation to the control group.

Conclusion:

Association of both complementary therapies may bring benefits on pain associated with OA in humans.

Anti-hyperalgesic properties of ethanolic crude extract from the peels of Citrus reticulata (Rutaceae)

The therapeutic effects from Citrus reticulata on painful inflammatory ailments are associated to its flavonoids constituent and phytochemical studies with Citrus genus affirm that the peels have important amounts of it. These bioactive compounds have been a considerable therapeutic source and evaluate potential application of the peel extract is significant. This research aims to investigate the influence of ethanolic crude extract from the peels of Citrus reticulata and its possible mechanism of action in different animal models of pain. The extract reduced hyperalgesia in the second phase of formalin test (vehicle: 501.5 ± 40.0 s; C. reticulata extract 300 mg/kg: 161.8 ± 41.1 s), in the carrageenan model (vehicle at 4th h: 82.5 ± 9.6 %; C. reticulata extract 300 mg/kg at 4th h: 47.5 ± 6.5 %) and in Complete Freund's Adjuvant model (vehicle: 501.5 ± 40.0 s; C. reticulata extract 300 mg/kg: 161.8 ± 41.1 s). The possible contribution of opioidergic and adenosinergic systems in the anti-hyperalgesic effect of C. reticulata extract was observed after treatment, with non-selective antagonists for both systems, which produced reversal effects. In conclusion, these properties of C. reticulata extract suggest a potential therapeutic benefit in treating painful conditions.

Dextran Sulphate of Sodium-induced colitis in mice: antihyperalgesic effects of ethanolic extract of Citrus reticulata and potential damage to the central nervous system

Citrus species are widely related to antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate if treatment with ethanolic extract from peels of mature Citrus reticulata Blanco causes antihyperalgesic effects on the referred mechanical hyperalgesia in a model of dextran sulphate of sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, as well as the possible oxidative damage in different regions of the brain induced by its inflammatory reaction. Antihyperalgesia (30 to 300 mg/kg) was investigated by behavioral response (frequency of response to von Frey filament stimulation) in Swiss mice, while damage to central nervous system was investigated through techniques that evaluated oxidative stress using male black C57 BL6 mice (n=8). Treatment of the animals with the extract (100 mg/kg) from days 3 to 5 after colitis induction reduced referred the mechanical hyperalgesia (32.6 ± 5.1) in relation to the control group (57.4 ± 2.0). Levels of lipid peroxidation or carbonyl proteins were augmented in colitis-induced animals in relation to the disease group. These results indicated an antihyperalgesic effect of the studied extract and a potential impairment of the central nervous system functioning caused by inflammation during colitis, which could be related to mental disorders observed in patients suffering of this pathology.

Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Family Flacourtiaceae: A Class of Important Phytomedicine

Flacourtiaceae plants are widely used as folk medicines in traditional medicine systems for its chemical diversity and pharmacological activities. In many different areas, Flacourtiaceae plants are used as traditional medicines for the treatment of ulcers, malaria, rheumatism. The Flacourtiaceae plants contain a very plentiful chemical composition, and phytochemical studies show that the Flacourtiaceae plants contained terpenoids, aromatic glycosides, flavnoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, fatty hydrocarbon, and other compounds. In pharmacological studies, various extract and isolated individual compounds exhibited antitumor, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this review, the literature data on the chemical constituents and pharmacological investigations of the Flacourtiaceae plants are summarized, to provide information about a more comprehensive chemical composition and detailed pharmacological activities of Flacourtiaceae plants, with a view of further development of clinical medication. However, research on quantitative analysis, toxicity, and drug safety in vitro and in vivo is still insufficient, and further research is required.

Development of an effective and safe topical anti-inflammatory gel containing Jatropha gossypiifolia leaf extract: Results from a pre-clinical trial in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy. The topical use of the leaves and/or aerial parts of this plant as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, wound healing and anti-infective in several skin diseases is a common practice in many countries. The use of baths or dressings with this vegetal species is frequently reported in folk medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory of aqueous extract from leaves of J. gossypiifolia and to develop a safe and effective herbal gel with anti-inflammatory potential.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

First, the topical acute anti-inflammatory activity of J. gossypiifolia extract was evaluated in ear edema induced by single application of croton oil in mice. Then, a polaxamer-based gel containing J. gossypiifolia extract was developed, physicochemically characterized and evaluated in the same model of inflammation to assess whether the extract incorporation in gel would affect its anti-inflammatory potential. The best formulation was then assayed in ear edema induced by multiple applications of croton oil in mice, to evaluate its chronic anti-inflammatory potential. Inflammatory parameters evaluated included edema, nitrite concentration, mieloperoxidase (MPO) activity and oxidative damage in lipids and proteins. Finally, dermal irritation/corrosion test in mice was performed to access the safeness of the developed gel. Phytochemical characterization of J. gossypiifolia extract was performed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) analysis.

RESULTS

J. gossypiifolia showed significant acute anti-inflammatory activity in ear edema model, and this activity was significantly increased when equivalent amounts of extract was applied incorporated in the developed polaxamer gels. The gels containing different amounts of extract reduced significantly the levels of edema, nitrite and MPO enzyme in mice ears, with intensity similar to the anti-inflammatory standard drug dexamethasone. The gel containing 1.0% of extract was further evaluated and also showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in chronic inflammation test, reducing significantly ear edema, lipid peroxidation and depletion of reduced glutathione, similarly to dexamethasone. Placebo formulation as well as gel containing extract showed pH compatible to that of human skin and exhibited absence of signs of toxicity in mice, indicating the safeness of the developed product for topical use. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of C-glycosylflavonoids (orientin, isoorientin, vitexin and isovitexin) as the major compounds of J. gossypiifolia aqueous leaf extract.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate the potentiality of J. gossypiifolia gel as a promising safe and effective topical anti-inflammatory agent for treatment of cutaneous inflammatory diseases.

Curcumin's Metabolites, Tetrahydrocurcumin and Octahydrocurcumin, Possess Superior Anti-inflammatory Effects in vivo Through Suppression of TAK1-NF-κB Pathway

Curcumin (CUR), a promising naturally occurring dietary compound, is commonly recognized as the potential anti-inflammatory agent. While the application of CUR was hampered by its low stability and poor systemic bioavailability, it has been suggested that the biological activities of CUR are intimately related to its metabolites. In the current investigation, we aimed to comparatively explore the anti-inflammatory effects of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), octahydrocurcumin (OHC), and CUR, and to elucidate the underlying action mechanisms on experimental mice models of acute inflammation, i.e., xylene-induced ear edema, acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, and carrageenan-induced paw edema. The results showed that THC and OHC exerted significant and dose-dependent inhibitions on the formation of ear edema induced by xylene and paw edema provoked by carrageenan and inhibited the Evans blue dye leakage in peritoneal cavity elicited by acetic acid. Moreover, THC and OHC treatments were more effective than CUR in selectively inhibiting the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and suppressing nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways via transforming growth factor β activated kinase-1 (TAK1) inactivation in the carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model.

Copaiba oil-resin (Copaifera reticulata Ducke) modulates the inflammation in a model of injury to rats' tongues

Background

The regeneration of integrity and tissue homeostasis after injury is a fundamental property and involves complex biological processes fully dynamic and interconnected. Although there are medications prescribed to accelerate the process of wound healing by reducing the exaggerated inflammatory response, comes the need to search for different compounds of Amazonian biodiversity that can contribute to the acceleration of the healing process. Among these products, the copaiba oil-resin is one of the most prominent feature in this scenario, as they have been reported its medicinal properties.

Methods

Aiming to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and healing effect of copaiba oil-resin (Copaifera reticulata Ducke) in transfixing injury of rats’ tongues first proceeded up the copaiba oil-resin oral toxicity test in 5 male mice to stipulate the therapeutic dose which was established at 200 mg/kg/day. Then it was induced transfixing injury in a total of 15 Wistar rats. The animals were randomly divided into three groups based on the treatment: control group, dexamethasone group and copaiba oil-resin group. After 7 days of treatment, histological slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin was prepared. Immunohistochemistry for CD68 (macrophage marker) was performed and analyzed by the cell counter Image J.

Results

The acute toxicity test showed that the oil-resin copal has low toxicity. Furthermore, copaiba oil-resin therapy modulates the inflammatory response by decreasing the chronic inflammatory infiltrate, edema and specifically the number of macrophages.

Conclusions

The results indicate the potential of the Amazon region and showed up relevant because therapy with this extract modulates the inflammatory process.

Hydroalcoholic crude extract of Casearia sylvestris Sw. reduces chronic post-ischemic pain by activation of pro-resolving pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Casearia sylvestris Sw. is widely used in popular medicine to treat conditions associated with pain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study investigated the influence of hydroalcoholic crude extract of Casearia sylvestris (HCE-CS) and contribution of pro-resolving mediators on mechanical hyperalgesia in a mouse model of chronic post-ischemia pain (CPIP).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male Swiss mice were subjected to ischemia of the right hind paw (3h), then reperfusion was allowed. At 10min, 24h or 48h post-ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), different groups of animals were treated with HCE-CS (30mg/Kg, orally [p.o]), selected agonists at the pro-resolving receptor ALX/FPR2 (natural molecules like resolvin D1 and lipoxin A4 or the synthetic compound BML-111; 0.1-1µg/animal) or vehicle (saline, 10mL/Kg, s.c.), in the absence or presence of the antagonist WRW4 (10µg, s.c.). Mechanical hyperalgesia (paw withdrawal to von Frey filament) was asseseed together with histological and immunostainning analyses. In these settings, pro-resolving mediators reduced mechanical hyperalgesia and HCE-CS or BML-111 displayed anti-hyperalgesic effects which was markedly attenuated in animals treated with WRW4. ALX/FPR2 expression was raised in skeletal muscle or neutrophils after treatment with HCE-CS or BML-111.

CONCLUSION

These results reveal significant antihyperalgesic effect of HCE-CS on CPIP, mediated at least in part, by the pathway of resolution of inflammation centred on the axis modulated by ALX/FPR2.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of Cecropia glaziovii leaves

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cecropia glaziovii Sneth leaves extract is widely used as a traditional folk medicine in Brazil, especially for the treatment of diabetes, and as an antihypertensive and antiinflammatory agent.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of crude aqueous extract (CAE) of C. glaziovii leaves.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vivo anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of the CAE (10-300mg/kg, intragastrically) was investigated in the animal model of pleurisy. The cell migration, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), nitrite/nitrate concentration, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, oxidative damage in lipids and proteins, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and total protein content were also analyzed. Furthermore, the in vitro antioxidant activity of CAE was evaluated by the inhibition of formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), induced by free radical generators (H2O2, FeSO4 and AAPH) on a lipid-rich substrate. Hence, the chemical characterizarion of CAE by HPLC was therefore performed. The results showed that the inflammatory process caused by the administration of carragenin (Cg) into the pleural cavity resulted in a substantial increase in inflammatory parameters and oxidative damage. These levels seems to be reversed after CAE treatment in animals with similar results to Dexamethasone (Dex) treatment. Further, the CAE was effective in reducing proinflammatory cytokines, cell infiltrate, MPO activity, nitrite/nitrate concentration, LDH activity, and total protein levels with concomitant attenuation of all parameters associated with oxidative damage induced by Cg. Finally, the CAE presented in vitro antioxidant activity induced by free radical generators at all the concentrations investigated. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of chlorogenic acid and C-glycosylflavonoids (isoorientin and isovitexin) as the major compounds of the CAE.

CONCLUSION

CAE of C. glaziovii exerts significant antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities and this effect can be attributed, at least in part, to the presence of chlorogenic acid and the C-glycosylflavonoids.

Antinociceptive activity of Euadenia trifoliolata (Schum. & Thonn.) Oliv. leaves and roots in mice

The leaves and roots of Euadenia trifoliolata are used in Nigeria traditional medicine for the treatment of ear ache, head ache and inflammation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of ethanolic extract of the leaves (EL) and roots (ER) of E. trifoliolata in mice. Oral toxicity testing was performed using OECD guidelines. Antinociceptive effect was studied in mice using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, tail immersion and hot plate tests. Total polyphenolic contents were determined using standard methods. No mortality was recorded 24 h after oral administration of both EL and ER up to 5000 mg/kg. At the dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, administration of EL and ER resulted in significant reduction in the number of writhes compared to control. The percentage inhibition of writhings was calculated as 35.67%, 46.71% and 67.94% (EL) and 55.41%, 57.32% and 72.61% (ER), respectively. In hot plate test, EL and ER showed statistically significant antinociceptive effect, although low percentage inhibition (<50%) was recorded for ER at all the doses tested. Only EL (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) increased the reaction time in tail immersion test. Both extracts significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the licking time in both phases of formalin test compared to control. The content of total phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin varies between the two extracts and may be the basis of the observed antinociceptive effect. The results indicate antinociceptive activity for the leaves and roots of E. trifoliolata, with the extract of the leaves showing better activity.

Healing activity of Casearia sylvestris Sw. in second-degree scald burns in rodents

BACKGROUND

Every year thousands of people are victims of burns, mainly scald burns. Many of these victims have small size wounds and superficial partial thickness and do not seek specialized medical care. As in Brazil Casearia sylvestris Sw., popularly known as guaçatonga is widely used for its analgesic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory activities, this study sought to evaluate the effects of its hydroalcoholic extract in healing process of burns injuries.

METHODS

The obtained extract was validated applying a thin layer chromatography and sophisticated validation method using Bothrops jararacussu snake venom that is necrotic and inflammatory, and by which guaçatonga extract was able to neutralize the irreversible neuromuscular blockade induced by the venom. After induction of the scald injury, the animals were treated daily with saline solution spray; spray containing extract; biofilm; or biofilm impregnated with extract.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed between the four groups studied considering: extension of the healing area, neovascularization, fibroblast proliferation, and epithelialization.

CONCLUSION

The anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects of C. sylvestris Sw. suggests a potential therapeutic benefit in the treatment of inflammatory conditions in second-degree scald burn injuries, as well as, counteracting against the in vitro paralysis induced by B. jararacussu venom.