Toxicological and pharmacological effects of pentacyclic triterpenes rich fraction obtained from the leaves of Mansoa hirsuta

Toxicity and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Phenolic-Rich Extract from Nopalea cochenillifera (Cactaceae): A Preclinical Study on the Prevention of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Phenolic compounds have been scientifically recognized as beneficial to intestinal health. The cactus Nopalea cochenillifera, used as anti-inflammatory in traditional medicine, is a rich source of these bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile of N. cochenillifera extract and evaluate its acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory effect on 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis in rats. The total phenolic content per gram of dry extract was 67.85 mg. Through HPLC-IES-MSⁿ, a total of 25 compounds such as saccharides, organic acids, phenolic acids and flavonoids were characterized. The dose of 2000 mg/kg of extract by an oral route showed no signs of toxicity, mortality or significant changes in biochemical and hematological parameters. Regarding intestinal anti-inflammatory effects, animals were treated with three different doses of extract or sulfasalazine. Macroscopic analysis of the colon indicated that the extract decreased the disease activity index. Levels of IL-1β and TNF-α decreased, IL-10 increased and MDA and MPO enzyme levels decreased when compared with the control group. In addition, a down-regulation of MAPK1/ERK2 and NF-κB p65 pathway markers in colon tissue was observed. The epithelial integrity was improved according to histopathological and immunohistological analysis. Thus, the extract provided strong preclinical evidence of being effective in maintaining the remission of colitis.

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Ethanolic Extract of Piper vicosanum Leaves

Nonclinical trials are important to validate the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants. Scientific toxicological studies with Piper vicosanum Yuncker have showed its safety; however, no studies have indicated the analgesic or antiarthritic potential of the ethanolic extract of P. vicosanum leaves (EEPV). The objective of the present work was to evaluate the antiarthritic and antinociceptive effects of EEPV in experimental mouse models. The oral administration of EEPV (100, 300, and 700 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) were performed in carrageenan-induced pleurisy, in formalin and acetic-acid-induced nociception, and in zymosan-induced articular inflammation models in Swiss mice. The EEPV (300 mg/kg) was tested in zymosan-articular inflammation, the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) inflammatory model, and in in situ intravitreal microscopy analysis of rolling and adhesion events of leukocytes in the mesenteric microcirculation in mice. EEPV significantly inhibited: (i) nociceptive response at phase 1 and 2, and also in the cold response in the formalin model; (ii) abdominal contortion induced by acetic acid; (iii) mechanical hyperalgesia after 4 and 6 h, knee edema after 6 h, and leukocyte migration in articular inflammation induced by zymosan. All doses of EEPV reduced the leukocyte migration to the inflamed pleural cavity and knee edema 4 h after the zymosan knee injection. The treatment with the EEPV significantly inhibited the CFA-induced edema, mechanical and cold hyperalgesia, and NAG and MPO. The EEPV also significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion. The present study revealed, for the first time, the antiarthritic and antinociceptive effects of the EEPV.