Antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanolic extract of Combretum duarteanum in rodents

Comtrifosides A and B, two new triterpenoid saponins from the leaves of Combretum trifoliatum

The phytochemical composition of the Combretum trifoliatum leaves was studied for the first time. Two new triterpenoid saponins, named comtrifoside A (1) and comtrifoside B (2), together with two other saponins (3-4) were purified by variously chromatographic techniques. For the first time, compound 3 was informed from the Combretum genus, as well as all of the isolated compounds (1-4) were reported from C. trifoliatum. The chemical structures of them were clearly characterised using extensive UV-VIS, IR, HRMS-ESI, and NMR experimental data. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of 1 & 2 were examined against NO overproduction in LPS activation of RAW264.7.

Anti-inflammatory and phytochemical evaluation of Combretum aculeatum Vent growing in Sudan

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Combretum aculeatum Vent was traditionally used in Sudan, Eretria and Ethiopia as anti-inflammatory in case of skin inflammation, catarrh, wounds, scorpion stings and snake bites. Nevertheless, there is no scientific information regarding this activity.

AIM OF STUDY

The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and the scientific basis for the traditional use of Combretum aculeatum Vent through studying its anti-inflammatory properties for the first time to illustrate the putative mechanisms behind this bioactivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

the ethanolic extract was partitioned by petroleum ether, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol saturated with water. The petroleum ether fraction was saponified and the saponifiable and unsaponifiable fractions were analyzed on GC/MS. The different fractions were subjected to phytochemical investigation to isolate pure compounds. In-vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract was evaluated using carrageenan induced rat paws edema method at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg and proved based on histopathological and biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

Five known compounds were isolated for the first time from the aerial parts of Combretum aculeatum Vent: quercetin, vitexin, isorhamnetin 3-O-β-glucoside, isovitexin and rutin, in addition to two previously isolated ones: β-sitosterol and its glucoside. The ethanolic extract evidenced in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity by oral intake of 400 mg/kg of the ethanolic extract significantly (P ≥ 0.05) decreased the paw edema (only 32±1.9% increase in paw weight after 4 h) compared to indomethacin (28.6±2.5%). Moreover, it significantly suppressed the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) and increased the GSH to be 11.76±0.85, 5.13±0.62 μmol/mL and 5.66±0.28 μM/mL, respectively. It diminished the serum cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β levels to be 39.1±1.2, 32.6±1.1 and 37.5±1.2 pg/mL, respectively. Results are accompanied by histopathological examination.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the results herein presented significant anti-inflammatory properties traditionally ascribed to Combretum aculeatum Vent. Moreover, the biochemical mechanisms associated to this action were highlighted, introducing new prospects for the development of effective anti-inflammatory herbal medicinal products.

Anti-inflammatory intestinal activity of Combretum duarteanum Cambess. in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis model

AIM

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory intestinal effect of the ethanolic extract (EtOHE) and hexane phase (HexP) obtained from the leaves of Combretum duarteanum (Cd).

METHODS

Inflammatory bowel disease was induced using trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid in acute and relapsed ulcerative colitis in rat models. Damage scores, and biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

Both Cd-EtOHE and Cd-HexP caused significant reductions in macroscopic lesion scores and ulcerative lesion areas. The vegetable samples inhibited myeloperoxidase increase, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 also increased in animals treated with the tested plant samples. The anti-inflammatory intestinal effect is related to decreased expression of cyclooxygenase-2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and an increase in superoxide dismutase.

CONCLUSION

The data indicate anti-inflammatory intestinal activity. The effects may also involve participation of the antioxidant system and principal cytokines relating to inflammatory bowel disease.

Structural Aspects of Antioxidant and Genotoxic Activities of Two Flavonoids Obtained from Ethanolic Extract of Combretum leprosum

Combretum leprosum Mart., a member of the Combretaceae family, is a traditionally used Brazilian medicinal plant, although no evidence in the literature substantiates its antioxidant action and the safety of its use. We evaluated the antioxidant properties of the ethanolic extract (EE) from flowers of C. leprosum and its isolated products 5,3′-dihydroxy-3,7,4′-trimethoxyflavone (FCL2) and 5,3′,4′-trihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone (FCL5) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains proficient and deficient in antioxidant defenses. Their mutagenic activity was also assayed in S. cerevisiae, whereas cytotoxic and genotoxic properties were evaluated by MTT and Comet Assays, respectively, in V79 cells. We show that the EE, FCL2, and FCL5 have a significant protective effect against H₂O₂. FCL2 showed a better antioxidant action, which can be related to the activation of the 3′-OH in the presence of a methoxyl group at 4′ position in the B-ring of the molecule, while flavonoids did not induce mutagenesis in yeast, and the EE was mutagenic at high concentrations. The toxicity of these compounds in V79 cells increases from FCL2 = FCL5 < EE; although not cytotoxic, FCL5 induced an increase in DNA damage. The antioxidant effect, along with the lower toxicity and the absence of genotoxicity, suggests that FCL2 could be suitable for pharmacological use.

Chemical composition, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and redox properties in vitro of the essential oil from Remirea maritima Aubl. (Cyperaceae)

BACKGROUND

The present study was carried out to evaluate antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of essential oil from R. maritima (RMO) in experimental protocols.

METHODS

The essential oil from the roots and rhizomes of RMO were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus, and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Here, we evaluated free radical scavenging activities and antioxidant potential of RMO using in vitro assays for scavenging activity against hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radicals, and nitric oxide. The total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP) and total antioxidant reactivity (TAR) indexes and in vitro lipoperoxidation were also evaluated. The ability of RMO to prevent lipid peroxidation was measured by quantifying thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). NO radical generated at physiological pH was found to be inhibited by RMO, that showed scavenging effect upon SNP-induced NO production at all concentrations. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated by acetic acid writhing reflex, Formalin-induced nociception and Carrageenan-induced edema test.

RESULTS

The majors compounds identified was remirol (43.2%), cyperene (13.8%), iso-evodionol (5.8%), cyperotundone (5.7%), caryophyllene oxide (4.9%), and rotundene (4.6%). At the TRAP assay, RMO concentration of 1 mg.mL(-1) showed anti-oxidant effects and at concentration of 1 and 10 ng.mL(-1) RMO showed pro-oxidant effect. RMO at 1 mg.mL(-1) also showed significant anti-oxidant capacity in TAR measurement. Concentrations of RMO from 1 ng.mL(-1) to 100 μg.mL(-1) enhanced the AAPH-induced lipoperoxidation. RMO reduced deoxyribose oxidative damage, induced by the Fenton reaction induction system, at concentrations from 1 ng.mL(-1) to 100 μg.mL(-1). We observed that RMO caused a significant increase in rate of adrenaline auto-oxidation. On the other hand RMO did not present any scavenging effect in H2O2 formation in vitro. The results of this study revealed that RMO has both peripheral and central analgesic properties. The RMO, all doses, orally (p.o.) administered significantly inhibited (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) the acetic acid-induced writhings and two phases of formalin-induced nociception in mice.

CONCLUSION

The RMO demonstrated antioxidant and analgesic profile which may be related to the composition of the oil.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the essential oil from leaves of Xylopia laevigata in experimental models

Xylopia laevigata (Annonaceae) is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation. Thus, we investigated the possible antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory effects of X. laevigata leaf essential oil (EOX) in animal models. Our EOX sample showed the presence of γ-muurolene (17.78%), δ-cadinene (12.23%), bicyclogermacrene (7.77%), and α-copaene (7.17%) as main compounds. EOX presented a strong antioxidant potential according to the DPPH, TBARS, and nitrite production tests. Additionally, pretreatment with EOX, in mice, also significantly produced (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001) antinociceptive effect by reduction of nociceptive behavior (in formalin and writhing tests). The EOX showed c-Fos label in the olfactory bulb, piriform cortex, and periaqueductal gray. Acute administration of EOX exhibited a significant (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001) anti-inflammatory profile in the carrageenan-induced peritonitis and by the carrageenan-induced hindpaw edema tests in mice. Our results provide evidence for the use of X. laevigata by traditional medicine practitioners in the management of pain and inflammatory disorders.

Bioassay-guided evaluation of Dioscorea villosa - an acute and subchronic toxicity, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory approach

BACKGROUND

Dioscorea villosa (DV) has been used in Brazil as an alternative medicine to attenuate menopause symptoms, as well as for the treatment of joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis. In spite of the popular use of DV for the treatment of various disorders, there are limited scientific data regarding safety aspects of this herb. In this regard, we carried out to evaluated both antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in experimental models and assess the toxic effects of the acute (single dose) and subchronic (30 days) oral administration of dry extract of Dioscorea villosa in rodents.

METHODS

The LC analyses were performed to assess the presence of the diosgenin in samples of DV. The antinociceptive study of DV was performed using models of acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced pain in mice. The anti-inflammatory study was accomplished by leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity. A dry extract of DV was tested at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg (per os or p.o.). The toxicological properties of the dry extract were evaluated by toxicity assays of acute (5 g/kg, single dose) and subchronic (1 g/kg/day, 30 days) treatment. Haematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were studied. The results are expressed as mean ± S.D., and statistical analysis of the data were performed with the Student's t-test or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's test. In all cases differences were considered significant if p < 0.05.

RESULTS

HPLC-DAD analysis of the extract from DV revealed the presence of diosgenin as the major compound. Doses of 200 and 400 mg⁄kg significantly reduced the amount of acetic acid-induced writhing in relation to the vehicle (p < 0.0001). In the first phase, using the formalin-induced neurogenic pain test, only the 400 mg/kg dose of DV showed significant inhibition of neurogenic pain (p < 0.001). In the second phase, 200 and 400 mg/kg of DV showed significant inhibition of inflammatory pain (p < 0.0001). Significant inhibition of leukocyte migration was observed with doses of 100 (p < 0.001), 200 (p < 0.01) and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.01). Haematological, biochemical and histopathological data obtained in both acute and subchronic toxicological assays revealed only unremarkable changes, which are unlikely to indicate DV toxicity with oral administration.

CONCLUSION

We found that DV possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties in rodent models. In addition, no acute or subchronic toxicity was evident when the herbal extract was administered orally. These results supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat various inflammatory diseases.

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract from Remirea maritima (Cyperaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Remirea maritima Aubl., popularly known as "capim-da-praia", is popularly employed in the treatment of diarrhea, kidney disease, fever, and for analgesic and anti-inflammatory purposes through the preparation of teas. Few studies have focused on the chemical composition and its biological properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work evaluated the antinocipetive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract from Remirea maritima Aubl. as well as the isolation and identification of the chemical compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Compounds were isolated from aqueous extract of Remirea maritima through preparative HPLC and the structures were identified by means of NMR and MS analysis. The tests for antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, along with motor coordination test (Rota rod), were performed over the aqueous extract.

RESULTS

The phytochemical investigation of aqueous extract of Remirea maritima resulted in the isolation of three flavone glycosides. The structures of these compounds were determined by means of MS and 1D and 2D NMR data as vitexin-2″-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, isovitexin-2″-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide. Acute pretreatment with aqueous extract (100, 200 or 400mg/kg, i.p.) caused a significant decrease (p<0.001) in the number of abdominal writhes. In the formalin test, higher doses significantly inhibited the late (inflammatory pain) phase of formalin-induced licking (p<0.05 or 0.001). In the hot plate test, there was no significant difference in nociceptive behavior, discarding the possible central effect of the aqueous extract. In the rota rod test, it was verified that the aqueous extract in all concentration evaluated does not alter the motor coordination of mice, such antinociceptive results were unlikely to be caused by motor abnormality. In the peritonitis test, induced by carrageenan, the treatment with aqueous extract produced a significant reduction in leukocyte migration in all concentration evaluated. Additionally, a significant reduction of lipoperoxidation (TBARS test) and in nitric oxide formation (.NO Scavenging assay) was observed in antioxidant activity assay.

CONCLUSION

The biological and phytochemical investigations of the aqueous extract of Remirea maritima resulted in the identification of three flavone glycosides that have been described here for the first time in Remirea and effective analgesic activity in various pain models, probably mediated via the inhibition of peripheral mediators which could be related to its strong antioxidant effect observed in vitro.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2011

This paper is the thirty-fourth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2011 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).

Gastroprotective activity of the ethanolic extract and hexane phase of Combretum duarteanum Cambess. (Combretaceae)

Combretum duarteanum Cambess. is found in South America, particularly in Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil. In Paraiba state (Brazil), the species usually occurs in the Caatinga biome. It is popularly known as mofumbo, cipiúba, or cipaúba. This work aims to evaluate the gastroprotective activity and the cytoprotective mechanisms of the ethanolic extract (Cd-EtOHE) and hexane phase (Cd-HexP) obtained from the leaves of C. duarteanum. Doses at 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of Cd-EtOHE and Cd-HexP were tested in models of gastric ulcers induced by HCl/ethanol, absolute ethanol, stress, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and pylorus ligation in male rats or mice. Cd-EtOHE and Cd-HexP significantly reduced gastric injuries induced in all models. Cd-EtOHE and Cd-HexP did not alter gastric juice parameters such as pH, [H(+)], or volume after pylorus ligation. Cytoprotective mechanisms of Cd-EtOHE and Cd-HexP in relation to mucus, nitric oxide (NO), and sulfhydryl (SH) groups were evaluated. Neither product increased the mucus, and they both showed dependence on NO and SH groups to prevent gastric ulcer. Both Cd-EtOHE and Cd-HexP demonstrated gastroprotective activity.

Bioactivities of the genus Combretum (Combretaceae): a review

The Combretaceae is a large family of herbs, shrubs and trees, comprising about 20 genera and 600 species with tropical distribution around the globe and centers of diversity in Africa and Asia. Some Combretum species are extensively used in traditional medicine against inflammation, infections, diabetes, malaria, bleeding, diarrhea and digestive disorders and others as a diuretic. The present work is a literature survey of Combretum species that have been evaluated for their ability to exert biological activities. A total number of 36 Combretum species are discussed with regard to plant parts used, component tested and bioassay models. This review is of fundamental importance to promoting studies on Combretum species, thereby contributing to the development of new therapeutic alternatives that may improve the health of people suffering from various health problems.