RESUMO
Chloroform extract (ALC) from the seeds of Phalaris canariensis were assayed for antiinflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced oedema, cotton pellets-induced granuloma, histamine-induced inflammation, croton oil-induced oedema, activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), adjuvant-induced arthritis, quantification of TNFα, IL-1ß, PGE2 and LTB4 and nitric oxide (NO) assay. ALC exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in different chemically-induced edemas in a dose dependent manner. In the chronic model cotton pellets-induced granuloma showed decreased formation of granuloma tissue. Also caused inhibition of ear inflammation edema and influx of polymorphonuclear cells, as evidence by a decrease in ear thickness and reduced myeloperoxidase activity and inhibit mediators of inflammation as TNFα, IL-1ß, PGE2 and LTB4. When RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with ALC together with LPS a significant inhibition of NO production was detected. These data provide evidence for antiinflammatory effect of P. canariensis by mechanisms that involve a reduced neutrophil influx and decreased production of inflammatory cytokines.