Anti-inflammatory activity of Lychnophora passerina, Asteraceae (Brazilian "Arnica")

Clinical Trials, Potential Mechanisms, and Adverse Effects of Arnica as an Adjunct Medication for Pain Management

Arnica has traditionally been used in treating numerous medical conditions, including inflammation and pain. This review aims to summarize the results of studies testing Arnica products for pain management under different conditions, including post-operation, arthritis, low back pain, and other types of musculoskeletal pain. Based on data from clinical trials, Arnica extract or gel/cream containing Arnica extract shows promising effects for pain relief. These medical benefits of Arnica may be attributed to its chemical components, with demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, and other biological activities. In conclusion, Arnica could be an adjunct therapeutical approach for acute and chronic pain management.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Compositae Family and Its Therapeutic Potential

Compositae is the largest family of flowering plants, with more than 1600 genera and 22 000 species. It has many economic uses in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutics. The literature reports its numerous medicinal benefits and recognized anti-inflammatory activity. Thus, this study evaluated the technological trends of anti-inflammatory activity of Compositae, based on the survey of scientific databases, articles, and patents, as well as the website of the Brazilian National Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA), which is responsible for registering and controlling of healthcare and cosmetic products in the Brazil. The survey was conducted between 2008 and 2018, in the databases Science Direct, Lilacs, PubMed, and Web of Science (main collection), as well as the SciELO Citation Index. The patent survey was carried out on the basis of the Derwent Innovations Index, an important source for worldwide patent consultation, which covers 20 y of registered patents. Despite the numerous studies involving species of the Compositae family in different models of anti-inflammatory activity, there are few records of patents or products on the market from these species for that purpose. Some species have a traditional use and are present even in the Phytotherapic Summary of the Brazilian Pharmacopeia. This review confirms the therapeutic potential of Compositae for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs and reinforces the need to develop competencies and reduce technological bottlenecks to promote research and innovation in biodiversity products.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Jefea gnaphalioides (a. gray), Astereaceae

Background

Inflammation is a symptom associated with many diseases. This symptom is treated with steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can cause severe side effects when used as long-term treatments. Natural products are an alternative source of new compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. Jefea gnaphalioides (Astereaceae) (A. Gray) is a plant species used to treat inflammatory problems, in Mexico. This study determined the anti-inflammatory activity and the composition of the methanol extract of Jefea gnaphalioides (MEJG).

Methods

The extract was obtained by heating the plant in methanol at boiling point for 4 h, and then the solvent was evaporated under vacuum (MEJG). The derivatization of the extract was performed using Bis-(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide, and the composition was determined by GC-MS.

Total Phenols and flavonoids were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu AlCl₃ reaction respectively.

The antioxidant activity of MEJG was determined by DPPH method.

The acute and chronic anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated on a mouse ear edema induced with 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA).

Acute oral toxicity was tested in mice at doses of MEJG of 5000, 2500 and 1250 mg/kg.

The levels of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were determinate in J774A.1 macrophages stimulated by Lipopolysaccharide. The production of inflammatory interleukins was measured using commercial kits, and nitric oxide was measured by the Griess reaction.

Results

The anti-inflammatory activity of MEJG in acute TPA-induced ear edema was 80.7 ± 2.8%. This result was similar to the value obtained with indomethacin (IND) at the same dose (74.3 ± 2.8%). In chronic TPA-induced edema at doses of 200 mg/kg, the inhibition was 45.7%, which was similar to that obtained with IND (47.4%). MEJG have not toxic effects even at a dose of 5000 mg/kg. MEJG at 25, 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL decreased NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 production in macrophages stimulated with LPS.

The major compounds in MEJG were α-D-Glucopyranose (6.71%), Palmitic acid (5.59%), D-(+)-Trehalose (11.91%), Quininic acid (4.29%) and Aucubin (1.17%). Total phenolic content was 57.01 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content was 35.26 mg QE/g MEJG had antioxidant activity.

Conclusions

MEJG has anti-inflammatory activity.

The influence of seasonality on the content of goyazensolide and on anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemic effects of the ethanolic extract of Lychnophora passerina (Brazilian arnica)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lychnophora passerina (Mart ex DC) Gardn (Asteraceae), popularly known as Brazilian arnica, is used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat pain, rheumatism, bruises, inflammatory diseases and insect bites.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Investigate the influence of the seasons on the anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemic activities of ethanolic extract of L. passerina and the ratio of the goyazensolide content, main chemical constituent of the ethanolic extract, with these activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of L. passerina were obtained from seasons: summer (ES), autumn (EA), winter (EW) and spring (EP). The sesquiterpene lactone goyazensolide, major metabolite, was quantified in ES, EA, EW and EP by a developed and validated HPLC-DAD method. The in vivo anti-hyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanolic extracts from L. passerina and goyazensolide were assayed on experimental model of oxonate-induced hyperuricemia in mice, liver xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibition and on carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice.

RESULTS

HPLC method using aqueous solution of acetic acid 0.01% (v/v) and acetonitrile with acetic acid 0.01% (v/v) as a mobile phase in a gradient system, with coumarin as an internal standard and DAD detection at 270nm was developed. The validation parameters showed linearity in a range within 10.0-150.0µg/ml, with intraday and interday precisions a range of 0.61-3.82. The accuracy values of intraday and interday analysis within 87.58-100.95%. EA showed the highest goyazensolide content. From the third to the sixth hour after injection of carrageenan, treatments with all extracts at the dose of 125mg/kg were able to reduce edema. Goyazensolide (10mg/kg) showed significant reduction of paw swelling from the second hour assay. This sesquiterpene lactone was more active than extracts and presented similar effect to indomethacin. Treatments with ES, EA and EP (125mg/kg) and goyazensolide (10mg/kg) reduced serum urate levels compared to hyperuricemic control group and were able to inhibit liver XOD activity. One of the mechanisms by which ES, EA, EP and goyazensolide exercise their anti-hyperuricemic effect is by the inhibition of liver XOD activity. Goyazensolide was identified as the main compound present in ES, EA, EW and EP and it is shown to be one of the chemical constituents responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemic effects of the ethanolic extracts.

CONCLUSION

The anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemic activities of the ethanolic extracts from L. passerina were not proportionally influenced by the variation of goyazensolide content throughout the seasons. The involvement of goyazensolide on in vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemic activities of L.passerina extracts was confirmed, as well as the possibility of participation of other constituents on these effects. This study demonstrated that the aerial parts of L. passerina may be collected in any season for use as anti-inflammatory agent. For use in hyperuricemia, the best seasons for the collection are summer, autumn and spring. The ethanolic extract of L. passerina and goyazensolide can be considered promising agents in the therapeutic of inflammation, hyperuricemia and gout.

Topical Application of Arnica and Mucopolysaccharide Polysulfate Attenuates Periorbital Edema and Ecchymosis in Open Rhinoplasty: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of local arnica and mucopolysaccharide polysulfate treatment on the regression of postoperative edema and ecchymosis in patients who have undergone open technique rhinoplasty.

METHOD

One hundred eight patients were included in the study. Participants were randomized into three groups, all of whom had undergone rhinoplasty. Group 1 (n = 36) received postoperative arnica cream treatment, and group 2 (n = 36) received postoperative mucopolysaccharide polysulfate cream treatment. Group 3 (n = 36, control group) consisted of patients who received no postoperative local treatments. Patients were evaluated for 24 hours on days 2, 5, 7, and 10 after the operation. For the evaluation of postoperative edema and ecchymosis, a scale ranging from 0 to 4 was used, and the groups were compared.

RESULTS

In groups 1 and 2, postoperative ecchymosis was significantly less than in the control group during postoperative days 1, 5, and 7 (p < 0.005). The regression of the edema was also more rapid in groups 1 and 2 than in the control group during evaluations on postoperative days 1, 5, and 7 (p < 0.005). Neither edema nor ecchymosis was significantly different between groups 1 and 2 (p > 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors' results suggest that a rapid regression of edema and ecchymosis may be achieved by local treatments of arnica and mucopolysaccharide polysulfate cream. In addition, there are no significant differences between these two treatment regimens.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, II.

Modulatory effect of Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng) Less. in a murine model of inflammation induced by carrageenan into the pleural cavity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng) Less (S. brasiliensis), known as "Flor-das-almas", "Margaridinha" or "Maria mole", is used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and to treat gastric ulcers and stomach pain. While the Senecio genus has been widely studied for its pharmacological activities to support its use in traditional medicine, few studies focus on the anti-inflammatory activities of the species.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of S. brasiliensis, a specie native to Brazil, using a murine model of pleurisy induced by carrageenan.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The flowers of S. brasiliensis were air-dried for 3 days and subjected to ethanol (96%) extraction for 7 days to obtain the crude extract (CE). The CE was subjected to acid-base extraction to obtain the alkaloid fraction (AF). The hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractions were obtained by extracting from CE with different solvents. The alkaloids senecionine (Sen), integerrimine (Int) and senecionine N-oxide were obtained from AF by chromatographic fractionation and a mixture of 1,4-, 3,4-, 3,5- and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acids (DCQs) were obtained from the EtOAc fraction. The isolated alkaloids were identified through spectroscopic analysis of IR, NMR and LC-MS coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and the dicaffeoylquinic acids through the hierarchical key method. Swiss mice were used in the in vivo experiments. We evaluated the effect of the CE, its derived fractions (AF, HEX, DCM and EtOAc), and the isolated compounds (Sen, Int, N-oxide senecionine, and DCQs) on: leukocyte migration, exudate concentrations, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and adenosine-deaminase (ADA) activities, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 17A levels in the fluid leakage from the pleural cavity using a mouse model of pleurisy induced by carrageenan. The effects of the isolated compounds, Sen, Int, N-oxide senecionine and DCQs, were also analyzed for their ability to inhibit p65 phosphorylation (p-p65) in the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway in the lung tissue. MPO and ADA were analyzed by colorimetric assays, and the cytokines and protein p65 levels were determined using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA).

RESULTS

The CE, its EtOAc and AF fractions, and its isolated compounds (Sen, Int and DCQs), significantly reduced leukocyte migration (P < 0.05), MPO and ADA activities (P < 0.01), and TNF-α (P < 0.05), and IL-17A levels (P < 0.01). The CE, the EtOAc and AF fractions, and the DCQs also decreased IL-1β levels (P < 0.01). The isolated compounds, Sen, Int and the DCQs, inhibited p65 phosphorylation (NF-κB) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that S. brasiliensis has important anti-inflammatory properties that are capable of inhibiting activated leukocytes by decreasing neutrophil migration. This effect may be attributed to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the reduction of the NF-κB pathway. The compounds Sen, Int, and DCQs may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory actions of S. brasiliensis.

NorA efflux pump inhibitory activity of coumarins from Mesua ferrea

The purpose of this investigation was to study the modulator and efflux pump inhibitor activity of coumarins isolated from Mesua ferrea against clinical strains as well as NorA-over expressed strain of Staphylococcus aureus 1199B. Seven coumarins were tested for modulator activity using ethidium bromide (EtBr) as a substrate. Compounds 1, 4-7 modulated the MIC of EtBr by ≥ 2 fold against wild type clinical strains of S. aureus 1199 and S. aureus 1199B, whereas compounds 4-7 modulated the MIC of EtBr by ≥ 16 fold against MRSA 831. Compounds 1, 4-7 also reduced the MIC of norfloxacin by ≥ 8 fold against S. aureus 1199B, and 4-6 reduced the MIC of norfloxacin by ≥ 8 fold against MRSA 831 at half of their MICs. Inhibition of EtBr efflux by NorA-overproducing S. aureus 1199B and MRSA 831 confirmed the role of compounds 4-6 as NorA efflux pump inhibitors (EPI). Dose-dependent activity at sub-inhibitory concentration (6.25 μg/mL) suggested that compounds 4 and 5 are promising EPI compared to verapamil against 1199B and MRSA 831 strains.