ANÁLISIS PROXIMAL, PERFIL DE ÁCIDOS GRASOS DE LAS VíSCERAS DEL CUY (Cavia porcellus) Y SU USO POTENCIAL EN ALIMENTACIÓN ANIMAL / PROXIMATE ANALYSIS, FATTY ACID PROFILE OF GUINEA PIG (Cavia porcellus) VISCERA AND ITS POTENTIAL USE IN ANIMAL FEED

Con el fin de evaluar el valor nutritivo de materias primas no convencionales en la elaboración de concentrado animal, de bajo coste y que no compitan con la alimentación del hombre, en la presente investigación se analizó el contenido nutricional de las visceras abdominales de cuy (Cavia porcellus) y de su harina, usando análisis proximal y perfil de ácidos grasos mediante cromatografía de gases. Se compararon estos resultados con materias primas convencionales como la harina de pescado y con visceras de diversos animales. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la harina de visceras de cuy puede competir con harinas de diversas procedencias dadas sus cualidades nutricionales (58% proteína, 28% grasa, 4% cenizas); además, el alto contenido de grasa en las visceras frescas (55% base seca) está constituido principalmente ácidos grasos poliinsaturados tipo omega 3, 6 y 9, siendo relevante el contenido de ácido linolénico, ácidos grasos que en la dieta de los animales son escasos y de alto costo. Es posible concluir que los componentes nutricionales de las visceras de cuy la convierten en una materia prima promisoria en alimentación animal, estimulando asi el aprovechamiento de estos residuos.

In order to assess the nutritional value of unconventional raw materials in the production of animal feed, of low cost and that do not compete with human food, in the present work the nutritional content of abdominal guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) viscera by proximate analysis and fatty acid profile by gas chromatography were analyzed. These results were compared with conventional raw materials such as fish meal and different animal viscera. The results show that the guinea pig viscera flour can compete with animal feed of various sources given its nutritional qualities (58% protein, 28% fat, 4% ash); also the high fat content in fresh viscera (55% dry basis) are primarily composed by polyunsaturated fatty acids omega 3, 6 and 9, where was relevant the content of linolenic acid, fatty acids in the animal diet that are scarce and expensive. We conclude that given the nutritional components, the guinea pig viscera are a promising raw material for animal feed, stimulating the recycling of this waste.

Positive response to imatinib mesylate therapy for childhood chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is rare in the pediatric population, accounting for 2-3 percent of childhood leukemia cases, with an annual incidence of one case per million children. The low toxicity profile of imatinib mesylate has led to its approval as a front-line therapy in children for whom interferon treatment has failed or who have relapsed after allogeneic transplantation. We describe the positive responses of 2 children (case 1 - from a 7-year-old male since May 2005; case 2 - from a 5-year-old female since June 2006) with Philadelphia-positive chromosome CML treated with imatinib (300 mg/day, orally) for up to 28 months, as evaluated by morphological, cytogenetic, and molecular approaches. Our patients are alive, are in the chronic phase, and are in continuous morphological complete remission.

Positive response to imatinib mesylate therapy for childhood chronic myeloid leukemia.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is rare in the pediatric population, accounting for 2-3% of childhood leukemia cases, with an annual incidence of one case per million children. The low toxicity profile of imatinib mesylate has led to its approval as a front-line therapy in children for whom interferon treatment has failed or who have relapsed after allogeneic transplantation. We describe the positive responses of 2 children (case 1 - from a 7-year-old male since May 2005; case 2 - from a 5-year-old female since June 2006) with Philadelphia-positive chromosome CML treated with imatinib (300 mg/day, orally) for up to 28 months, as evaluated by morphological, cytogenetic, and molecular approaches. Our patients are alive, are in the chronic phase, and are in continuous morphological complete remission.

Different effects of maternal parity, cold exposure and nutrient restriction in late pregnancy on the abundance of mitochondrial proteins in the kidney, liver and lung of postnatal sheep.

Adaptation to the extrauterine environment at birth relies upon the onset of postnatal function and increased metabolism in the lungs, liver and kidney, mediated partly by activation of mitochondrial proteins such as the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), cytochrome c and, in the lung only, uncoupling protein (UCP)2. The magnitude of adaptation is dependent on the maternal metabolic and endocrine environment. We, therefore, examined the influence of maternal cold exposure (MCE) induced by winter shearing of pregnant sheep in conjunction with nutrient restriction (NR; 50% reduction in maternal food intake from 110 days gestation up to term). The effect of parity was also examined, as the offspring of nulliparous mothers are growth restricted compared with multiparous offspring. All sheep were twin bearing. One twin was sampled after birth and its sibling at 30 days. In the lung, both MCE and maternal nulliparity enhanced UCP2 abundance. However, whilst VDAC abundance was decreased in both the offspring of nulliparous mothers and by NR, it was transiently raised by MCE. Kidney VDAC abundance was reduced by MCE and nulliparity, adaptations only influenced by NR in multiparous mothers. Cytochrome c abundance was raised by MCE and by NR in multiparous controls and raised in offspring of nulliparous mothers. Liver VDAC and cytochrome c abundance were transiently reduced by MCE and persistently lower in offspring of nulliparous mothers. In conclusion, changes in the maternal metabolic environment have marked tissue-specific effects on mitochondrial protein abundance in the lungs, liver and kidney that may be important in enabling the newborn to effectively adapt to the extrauterine environment.

Catechins: natural free-radical scavengers against ochratoxin A-induced cell damage in a pig kidney cell line (LLC-PK1).

Besides aflatoxin B1, recent findings suggested that oxidative stress plays an important role in the toxicity of an other mycotoxin: ochratoxin A (OTA). The protective effect of two catechins (epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG, and epicatechin gallate, ECG) against OTA-induced cytotoxicity was investigated in a pig kidney cell line (LLC-PK1). The ability of the catechins to reduce ROS production and DNA fragmentation induced by OTA was also investigated. Our experiments proved the significant cytoprotective effects of the molecules in vitro from OTA-induced cell damage. In particular a 24h pre-treatment with EGCG or ECG restored cell viability with respect to OTA alone. Pre-treatment with EGCG at low concentration for 8 days protected cells from OTA-induced cell death. Moreover both catechins reduced OTA-induced ROS production. A reduction of OTA-induced DNA fragmentation was found for LLC-PK1 cells pre-treated with EGCG and ECG. The free-radical scavenging capacity of both catechins was tested with the Briggs-Rauscher oscillating method (pH approximately 2) and the TEAC assay (pH 7.4). The results show a good scavenging power according with inhibition of ROS production. Catechins could be useful to develop alimentary strategies for both humans and animals to prevent OTA-induced cytotoxicity.

Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of Cyclamen repandum S. et S.

According to folk medicine some species belonging to the genus Cyclamen were used for their biological activities. Early investigation of the different species of the genus resulted in the isolation of triterpenic saponins. No phytochemical and biological data are available on C. repandum. As part of a series of phytochemical investigations for bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, Cyclamen repandum S. et S. was investigated. The present study sought to find the antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of C. repandum tubers in rats and mice. A preliminary screening was conducted with three different extracts in the tests used, particularly the paw edema and the writhing tests. Subsequently some saponins isolated from the ME extract, the more effective one, have been identified. This paper also describes the results of fractionation and bioassay guided chemical studies. Chemical investigation of the active extract afforded the isolation and characterization of six triterpenic saponins. The possible antiinflammatory and analgesic properties were investigated as the saponin content of the fractions allows to speculate on such aspect.

Effects of differential extraction of Verbena officinalis on rat models of inflammation, cicatrization and gastric damage.

Verbena officinalis L. is used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, skin burns, abrasions, and gastric diseases. Extracts obtained with different solvents (methanol, VoME; enriched flavonoids, VoEF; supercritical CO2, VoCO2) were evaluated for anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and cicatrizing activities. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity was determined in vitro. In order to confirm the activities investigated, histological observations were performed. All extracts induce a remarkable anti-inflammatory activity. The gastric damage is significantly reduced by all extracts administered, whereby the most pronounced protection is observed for the VoCO2 and VoEF extracts. Finally, a wound healing effect is obtained particularly by the CO2 extract, suggesting the presence of some lipophilic active principles. Histological evidence confirms the results evaluated with the animal procedures. The results obtained after oral administration of V. officinalis extracts are also in agreement with the antioxidant capacity evaluated in vitro, confirming the relationship between pharmacological activities and antiradical efficacy.

Tissue-specific effects of leptin administration on the abundance of mitochondrial proteins during neonatal development.

Many tissues undergo a rapid transition after birth, accompanied by dramatic changes in mitochondrial protein function. In particular, uncoupling protein (UCP) abundance increases at birth in the lung and adipose tissue, to then gradually decline, an adaptation that is important in enabling normal tissue function. Leptin potentially mediates some of these changes and is known to promote the loss of UCP1 from brown fat but its effects on UCP2 and related mitochondrial proteins (i.e. voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and cytochrome c) in other tissues are unknown. We therefore determined the effects of once-daily jugular venous administration of ovine recombinant leptin on mitochondrial protein abundance as determined by immunoblotting in tissues that do (i.e. the brain and pancreas) and do not (i.e. liver and skeletal muscle) express UCP2. Eight pairs of 1-day-old lambs received either 100 mug leptin or vehicle daily for 6 days, before tissue sampling on day 7. Administration of leptin diminished UCP2 abundance in the pancreas, but not the brain. Leptin administration had no affect on the abundance of VDAC or cytochrome c in any tissue examined. In leptin-administered animals, but not controls, UCP2 abundance in the pancreas was positively correlated with VDAC and cytochrome c content, and UCP2 abundance in the brain with colonic temperature. In conclusion, leptin administration to neonatal lambs causes a tissue-specific loss of UCP2 from the pancreas. These effects may be important in the regulation of neonatal tissue development and potentially for optimising metabolic control mechanisms in later life.

Cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside, a natural free-radical scavenger against aflatoxin B1- and ochratoxin A-induced cell damage in a human hepatoma cell line (Hep G2) and a human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line (CaCo-2).

Recent findings have suggested that oxidative damage might contribute to the cytotoxicity and carcinogenicity of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Induction of oxidative stress also plays an important role in the toxicity of another mycotoxin, ochratoxin A (OTA). In the present study, the protective effect of cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (C-3-G; an anthocyanin contained in oranges, blackberries, strawberries and cranberries) against AFB1- and OTA-induced cytotoxicity was investigated in a human hepatoma-derived cell line (Hep G2) and a human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line (CaCo-2). The ability of C-3-G to reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the inhibition of protein and DNA synthesis and the apoptosis caused by the two mycotoxins was also investigated in both cell lines. Our experiments proved the significant cytoprotective effect of C-3-G in vitro against OTA- and AFB1-induced cell damage. In particular, 24 h of pretreatment with 50 microm-C-3-G inhibited the cytotoxicity of 10 microm-AFB1 (by 35 %) and of 10 microm-OTA (by 25 %) in Hep G2 cells (P < 0.001) and of 10 microm-AFB1 (by 10 %, P < 0.01) and of 10 microm-OTA (by 14 %, P < 0.05) in CaCo-2 cells. Moreover, 50 microm-C-3-G attenuated ROS production induced by the two toxins in both cell lines (P < 0.05). Inhibition of DNA and protein synthesis induced by the mycotoxins was counteracted by pretreatment with the antioxidant at 50 microm. Similarly, apoptotic cell death was prevented as demonstrated by a reduction of DNA fragmentation and inhibition of caspase-3 activation. The in vitro free-radical scavenging capacity of the anthocyanin was tested with the Briggs-Rauscher oscillating reaction. This system works at pH approximately 2. The results showed good scavenging power, in accordance with the observed inhibition of ROS production.

Differential effects of leptin administration on the abundance of UCP2 and glucocorticoid action during neonatal development.

In the neonate, adipose tissue and the lung both undergo a rapid transition after birth, which results in dramatic changes in uncoupling protein abundance and glucocorticoid action. Leptin potentially mediates some of these adaptations and is known to promote the loss of uncoupling protein (UCP)1, but its effects on other mitochondrial proteins or glucocorticoid action are not known. We therefore determined the effects of acute and chronic administration of ovine recombinant leptin on brown adipose tissue (BAT) and/or lung in neonatal sheep. For the acute study, eight pairs of 1-day-old lambs received, sequentially, 10, 100, and 100 mug of leptin or vehicle before tissue sampling 4 h from the start of the study, whereas in the chronic study, nine pairs of 1-day-old lambs received 100 mug of leptin or vehicle daily for 6 days before tissue sampling on day 7. Acute leptin decreased the abundance of UCP2, glucocorticoid receptor, and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) type 1 mRNA and increased 11beta-HSD type 2 mRNA abundance in BAT, a pattern that was reversed with chronic leptin administration, which also diminished lung UCP2 protein abundance. In BAT, UCP2 mRNA abundance was positively correlated to plasma leptin and nonesterified fatty acids and negatively correlated to mean colonic temperature in the leptin group at 7 days. In conclusion, leptin administration to the neonatal lambs causes differential effects on UCP2 abundance in BAT and lung. These effects may be important in the development of these tissues, thereby optimizing lung function and fat growth.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and antioxidant activities of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile.

The anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of methanol (ME), butanol (BE) extracts and of two new saponins isolated from Balanites aegyptiaca bark were evaluated. The study was carried out in vivo and in vitro. The samples, extracts and pure substances, were intra-gastrically administered to animals. Two different animal models, the carrageenin-induced edema, in the rat, and acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice, were adopted. Moreover, the antioxidant power of extracts, fractions and individual constituents from Balanites aegyptiaca has been evaluated in vitro, using a method based on the Briggs-Rauscher (BR) oscillating reaction. Results obtained demonstrate that both ME or BE have a significant effect at the highest dose on the number of abdominal writhes induced by acetic acid, with a 38 and 54% inhibition respectively, but no significant difference was observed for extracts at the lowest dose and for the pure compounds compared with control animals. The same extracts exhibit a significant reduction on the rat paw edema. The inhibition produced by ME is about the same (28+/-3% lowest dose, 32+/-3% highest dose) after administration. A more evident effect is obtained by BE (41+/-3% and 68+/-6% respectively) and single saponins B1 and B2 (62+/-5% and 59+/-6% respectively) after oral administration. The antioxidant activity obtained seems to be in good accordance with the pharmacological results. The histological sections of rat paw confirm the antiflogistic activity of the plant extracts.

Influence of genotype on the differential ontogeny of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 in subcutaneous adipose tissue and muscle in neonatal pigs.

The present study aimed to determine whether porcine genotype and/or postnatal age influenced mRNA abundance or protein expression of uncoupling protein (UCP)2 or 3 in subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) and skeletal muscle (SM) and the extent to which these differences are associated with breed-specific discordance in endocrine and metabolic profiles. Piglets from commercial and Meishan litters were ranked according to birth weight. Tissue samples were obtained from the three median piglets from each litter on either day 0, 4, 7, 14 or 21 of neonatal life. UCP2 protein abundance in AT was similar between genotypes on the first day of life, but it was elevated at all subsequent postnatal ages (P<0.05) in AT of Meishan piglets. In contrast, UCP2 mRNA abundance was lower in Meishans up to 14 days of age. UCP2 mRNA expression was not correlated with protein abundance in either breed at any age. UCP3 mRNA in AT was similar between breeds up to day 7; thereafter, expression was higher (general linear model, P<0.05) in Meishan piglets. Conversely, UCP3 mRNA expression in SM was higher in commercial piglets after day 7. Colonic temperature remained lower in Meishan than commercial piglets throughout the study; this was most obvious in the immediate post-partum period when Meishan piglets had lower (P<0.05) plasma triiodothyronine. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that porcine genotype influences the expression and abundance of UCP2 and 3, an influence which may, in part, be due to the distinctive endocrine profiles associated with each genotype.

Effects of rosmarinic acid against aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin-A-induced cell damage in a human hepatoma cell line (Hep G2).

Recent findings have suggested that oxidative damage might contribute to the cytotoxicity and carcinogenicity of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). The induction of oxidative stress also plays an important role in the toxicity of another mycotoxin: ochratoxin A (OTA). In this study, the protective effect of rosmarinic acid (Ros A) against AFB(1) and OTA-induced cytotoxicity was investigated in a human hepatoma-derived cell line (Hep G2). Rosmarinic acid, a natural phenolic compound contained in many Lamiaceae herbs such as Perilla frutescens, sage, basil and mint, inhibits complement-dependent inflammatory processes and may have therapeutic potential. The ability of Ros A to reduce radical oxygen species (ROS) production, protein and DNA synthesis inhibition and apoptosis caused by the two mycotoxins was also investigated. Our experiments proved the significant cytoprotective effect of Ros A in vitro from OTA- and AFB(1)-induced cell damage. In particular, 24-h pretreatment with 50 micro M Ros A inhibited the cytotoxicity of 10 micro M AFB(1) (by 45%) and 10 micro M OTA (by 35%) in Hep G2 cells (P < 0.001). Moreover, Ros A dose dependently attenuated ROS production and DNA and protein synthesis inhibition induced by both of the toxins. Similarly, apoptosis cell death was prevented, as demonstrated by reduction of DNA fragmentation and inhibition of caspase-3 activation (P < 0.001).

Prolactin, prolactin receptor and uncoupling proteins during fetal and neonatal development.

Uncoupling proteins (UCP) 1 and 2 are members of the subfamily of inner mitochondrial membrane carriers. UCP1 is specific to brown adipose tissue (BAT), where it is responsible for the rapid production of heat at birth. In fetal sheep UCP1 is first detectable at approximately 90 d of gestation; its abundance increases with gestational age and peaks at the time of birth. The mRNA and protein for both the long and short form of the prolactin (PRL) receptor (PRLR) are also highly abundant in BAT. Enhanced PRLR abundance in late gestation is associated with an increase in the abundance of UCP1. This relationship between PRLR and UCP is not only present in BAT. Similar findings are now reported in the pregnant ovine uterus, where PRLR abundance reaches a maximum just before that of UCP2. However, the role of PRLR in BAT remains undetermined. Rat studies have shown that PRL administration throughout pregnancy results in offspring with increased UCP1 at birth. Studies in newborn lambs have shown that administration of PRL (2 mg/d) causes an acute response, increasing colonic temperature in the first hour by 1 degrees. This increased colonic temperature is maintained for the first 24h of life, in conjunction with enhanced lipolysis. After 7 d of treatment there is no difference in the abundance of UCP1 but an increase in UCP1 activity; this effect may be mediated by an increase in lipolysis. Taken together these findings suggest that PRL could be an important endocrine factor during pregnancy and early postnatal life.

Ontogeny and nutritional manipulation of mitochondrial protein abundance in adipose tissue and the lungs of postnatal sheep.

The present study examined the ontogeny of mitochondrial protein abundance in adipose tissue and lungs over the first month of life in the sheep and the extent to which this may be altered by maternal undernutrition during the final month of gestation. The ontogeny of uncoupling protein (UCP), voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and cytochrome c abundance were determined in adipose tissue and lungs sampled from near-term fetuses and young sheep aged 4 h, 1, 7 and 30 d. In adipose tissue, the abundance of UCP1, VDAC and cytochrome c all peaked at 1 d of age and then decreased by 30 d of age, at which stage the brown adipose tissue-specific UCP1 was no longer detectable but UCP2 was clearly abundant. For the lungs, however, UCP2 and VDAC abundance both peaked 7 d after birth and then decreased by 30 d of age. During postnatal development, therefore, a marked change in mitochondrial protein abundance occurs within both adipose tissue and lungs. Maternal nutrient restriction had no effect on lamb growth or tissue weights at 30 d of age but was associated with increased abundance of UCP2 and VDAC but not cytochrome c in both adipose tissue and lungs. These mitochondrial adaptations within both adipose tissue and the lungs of offspring born to previously nutrient-restricted mothers may compromise adipose tissue and lung function during periods of environmental stress.

Efficacy of different Cynara scolymus preparations on liver complaints.

Cynara scolymus leaves extracts have long been used in folk medicine for their choleretic and hepatoprotective activities, that are often related to the cynarin content. These therapeutic properties are also attributed to mono- and di-caffeoylquinic acids and since commercial C. scolymus preparations can differ for their activities, we studied four extracts to evaluate, if present, a relationship between the hepatobiliary properties of the different preparations and their content in phenolics. The antioxidant activity of the commercial preparations examined was also considered in an in vitro system. The results showed that the extract with the highest content in phenolic derivatives (GAE) exerted the major effect on bile flow and liver protection. Also the results of the antioxidant capacity (BR) of the different preparations are in good agreement with the results obtained in vivo. On the contrary, administering rats with doses of chlorogenic acid, equivalent to those present in this extract, we did not observe any choleretic or protective action. An histopathological analysis of liver sections confirmed the biochemical results. Perhaps caffeoyl derivatives have a role in the therapeutic properties of C. scolymus extracts, as reported in literature for "in vitro" studies, but when administered alone, they are not so effective in exerting this action.

Protective role of uncoupling protein 2 in atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) regulates the production of reactive oxygen species in macrophages. However, its role in atherosclerosis is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Irradiated low-density lipoprotein receptor deficient mice (LDLR-/-) were transplanted with bone marrow from either UCP2 deficient mice (Ucp2-/-) or wild type mice (Ucp2+/+). Mice were fed an atherogenic diet for 7 weeks. Engraftment of bone marrow cells was confirmed by the presence of UCP2 protein expression in spleen cell mitochondria of Ucp2+/+ transplanted mice and its absence in Ucp2-/- transplanted mice. Leukocyte counts and plasma cholesterol levels were comparable in both groups. We found a marked increase in atherosclerotic lesion size in the thoracic aorta of Ucp2-/- transplanted mice compared with control Ucp2+/+ transplanted mice (8.3+/-0.9% versus 4.3+/-0.4%, respectively; P<0.005), as well as in the aortic sinus (150 066+/-12 388 microm2 versus 105 689+/-9 727 microm2, respectively; P<0.05). This was associated with increased nitrotyrosine staining, which suggests enhanced oxidative stress. Analysis of plaque composition revealed a significant increase in macrophage accumulation (P<0.05) and apoptosis (P<0.05), along with a decrease in collagen content (P<0.05), suggesting a potentially more vulnerable phenotype. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a protective role for UCP2 against atherosclerosis.

Effects of trivalent chromium on hepatic CYP-linked monooxygenases in laying hens.

Chromium is an essential nutrient required for the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids in humans and many animal species. We evaluated whether feeding laying hens with high levels of different chemical forms of trivalent chromium may affect hepatic metabolizing cytochrome P-450 (CYP)-linked enzymes. Modulation of CYP-dependent monooxygenases (which play a pivotal role in the endogenous metabolism) by Cr(III) was tested using either specific substrates as probes of different CYPs or testosterone as a multi-bioprobe. The CYP-supported oxidases were studied in liver microsomes from laying hens fed with diet supplemented with either 25 or 50 ppm chromium chloride as a yeast or as aminoniacinate. Although at 25 ppm no appreciable effects were observed, at 50 ppm a general inactivation of the recorded monooxygenases (ranging from 34% loss for ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase with chromium chloride to 85% loss for O-deethylation of ethoxyresorufin with either chromium yeast or aminoniacinate) were achieved in the supplemented groups vs controls. The only exception was the O-dealkylation of pentoxyresorufin, which was significantly boosted by both chromium yeast (up to 65% increase) and chromium aminoniacinate (up to 141%). Measurements of the regio- and stereoselective hydroxylation of testosterone used as a multi-bioprobe corroborated the inactivating properties of Cr(III) at the higher dose. Taken as a whole, these findings seem to indicate that high levels of Cr(III) supplementation can substantially impair CYP-catalysed drug metabolism in laying hens.

Anti-inflammatory and cicatrizing activity of Echinacea pallida Nutt. root extract.

Among the different species belonging to the Echinacea family, largely used in traditional medicine, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia were investigated. These different species, due to their difficult identification, were commonly confused in the past and probably used indifferently for the same therapeutic purposes. In fact, the three species have in common, some pharmacological activities, based on the presence of active compounds that act additively and synergistically. Nevertheless, the composition of each species has slight variation in the amount of each active component. In particular, echinacoside, a caffeoyl derivative, is present in E. pallida and only in traces in E. angustifolia. It seems to have protective effects on skin connective tissue and to enhance wound healing. The anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of echinacoside, compared with the ones of the total root extract of E. pallida and E. angustifolia, were examined in rats, after topical application. The tissues of the treated animals were evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 h treatment and excised for histological observation at the end of the experiment. Results confirm the good anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of E. pallida and of its constituent echinacoside, with respect to E. purpurea and control. This activity probably resides in the antihyaluronidase activity of echinacoside.