Oral administration of botryosphaeran [(1 → 3)(1 → 6)-ß-d-glucan] reduces inflammation through modulation of leukocytes and has limited effect on inflammatory nociception.

Several biological activities of the fungal exopolysaccharide (1 → 3)(1 → 6)-ß-d-glucan (botryosphaeran) have been described in the literature, but its effects on inflammation have not been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the action of botryosphaeran on experimental mice models of carrageenan-induced acute pleurisy and acute paw edema, and complete Freund's adjuvant-induced persistent paw edema. All botryosphaeran doses tested (1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/kg birth weight [b.w.], orally administered) reduced leukocyte recruitment, nitric oxide (NO) levels, and protein extravasation in the pleural cavity. Botryosphaeran (5 mg/kg b.w.) did not diminish edema and mechanical hyperalgesia in the paw within 4 h; however, cold allodynia was alleviated within the first 2 h. In the persistent paw inflammation model, the effects of daily oral administration of botryosphaeran (5 mg/kg b.w.) were evaluated over 3 and 7 days. The fungal ß-glucan significantly reduced the levels of the cytokines, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6), and IL-10, in the paw homogenates in both protocols, while paw edema and the levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) only diminished on Day 7. No effect in mechanical hyperalgesia was observed. Oral treatment for 3 or 7 days also decreased the plasma levels of NO, AOPP, TNF-α, and IL-10. On Day 7, the number of leukocytes in the blood was also reduced by this treatment. Importantly, botryosphaeran did not induce inflammation in mice when administered alone over 7 days. This study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential of botryosphaeran in these experimental models, making this fungal ß-glucan a new possibility for complementary treating acute and chronic inflammation.

Effects of an ethanolic extract and fractions from Piper glabratum (Piperaceae) leaves on pain and inflammation.

In the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, Piper glabratum leaves are used as a popular medicine for pain and inflammation. We performed a phytochemical analysis and evaluated the effects of ethanolic extract (EEPG) obtained from leaves of P. glabratum on toxicity as well as the effects of application of the hexanic fraction (HXPG) and the hydroalcoholic fraction (HAPG) obtained from the EEPG on inflammatory parameters and pain in mice. Swiss mice were treated with EEPG (30-300 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)), HXPG (19.5 mg/kg b.w.) or HAPG (83.37 mg/kg b.w.) and then subjected to carrageenan-induced pleurisy and paw oedema tests, the spontaneous pain, and zymosan-induced intra-articular inflammation. Wistar rats were treated with EEPG to assess acute toxicity. Phytochemical analysis of the fractions demonstrated the presence of phytol and mixture of stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol in the fractions. In the acute toxicity test, LD50 above 2000 mg/kg b.w. was observed. The treatments reduced oedema, cold and mechanical hyperalgesia, leukocyte migration and protein exudation. The antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of EEPG and fractions were demonstrated in the present study. These results from EEPG and HXPG may be related, at least in part, to modulation of the inflammatory mediators by phytol, stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol.

Toxicological analysis and antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory effects of Campomanesia adamantium fruit barks.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory, antihyperalgesic, and antidepressive potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Campomanesia adamantium fruit barks (CAE) on rodents and determines the safety of this plant. METHODS: The acute toxicity of CAE was evaluated by oral administration to female rats as single doses of 0, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg body weight. General behavior and toxic symptoms were observed for 14 days. In the subacute toxicity test, male and female rats received 125 or 250 mg/kg body weight of CAE for 28 days. The oral anti-inflammatory activity of CAE was evaluated in carrageenan-induced pleurisy in male mice. The effect of treatment with CAE (100 mg/kg) for 15 days was evaluated in mechanical hyperalgesia (electronic von Frey), depressive behavior (forced swimming test), and cold hypersensitivity in spared nerve injury (SNI) model in rats. RESULTS: No clinical signs of toxicity were observed in animals from the experimental groups during acute and subacute exposure to CAE. At pleurisy test, the oral administration of CAE significantly inhibited leukocyte migration and protein leakage at all doses tested when compared to control. Oral administration of CAE for 3-15 days significantly inhibited SNI-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and increased immobility in the forced swim test. Finally, on the 15th day, oral treatment with CAE prevented the increase in sensitivity to a cold stimulus induced by SNI. DISCUSSION: The present study shows that C. adamantium extract has anti-inflammatory, antihyperalgesic, and antidepressive properties in rodents without causing toxicity.

Evaluation of the anti-mycobacterium tuberculosis activity and in vivo acute toxicity of Annona sylvatic.

BACKGROUND: The recent emergence of extensively multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains has further complicated the control of tuberculosis. There is an urgent need for the development of new molecular candidates antitubercular drugs. Medicinal plants have been an excellent source of leads for the development of drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of 28 alcoholic extracts and essential oils of native and exotic Brazilian plants against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and to further study these extracts through chemical fractionation, the isolation of their constituents, and an evaluation of the in vivo acute toxicity of the active extracts. To the best of our knowledge this is the first chemical characterization, antituberculosis activity and acute toxicity evaluation of Annona sylvatica. METHODS: The anti-mycobacterial activity of these extracts and their constituent compounds was evaluated using the resazurin reduction microtiter assay (REMA). To investigate the acute toxicity of these extracts in vivo, female Swiss mice were treated with the extracts at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg · kg(-1) of body weight. The extracts were characterized by LC-MS, and the constituents were isolated and identified by chromatographic analysis of spectroscopic data. RESULTS: Of the 28 extracts, the methanol extract obtained from the leaves of Annona sylvatica showed anti-mycobacterial activity with an minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 184.33 µg/mL, and the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) resulting from liquid-liquid partitioning of the A. sylvatica extract showed an MIC of 115.2 µg/mL. The characterization of this extract by LC-MS identified flavonoids and acetogenins as its main constituents. The phytochemical study of the A. sylvatica EAF resulted in the isolation of quercetin, luteolin, and almunequin. CONCLUSIONS: Among the compounds isolated from the EAF, luteolin and almunequin were the most promising, with MICs of 236.8 µg/mL (827.28 µM) and 209.9 µg/mL (328.48 µM), respectively. The acute administration of the EAF fraction in doses of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg · kg(-1) of body weight did not cause signs of toxicity in the treated animals.

The flavonoid content and antiproliferative, hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities of Annona dioica St. Hill.

BACKGROUND: Annona dioica St. Hill (Annonacaeae) is a Brazilian plant used in folk medicine for the treatment of several types of rheumatisms and diarrhoea. The focus of this work was to evaluate the in vitro antiproliferative and antioxidant activity and the in vivo hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory activity of A. dioica and identify the principal constituents of this plant. METHODS: The crude methanol extract (EAD) and hexane (HF), chloroform (CF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and hydromethanol fractions (HMF) were evaluated for free radical scavenging activity using the DPPH assay. The EAD and EAF were assayed for hypoglycaemic activity in rats. The EAD was tested in an antiproliferation assay and for anti-inflammatory effects in paw oedema, in addition to myeloperoxidase activity induced by carrageenan (Cg) in mice. The EAF was assayed using chromatographic methods. RESULTS: The fractionation of the EAF through chromatographic methods identified derivatives of the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol. Among all the tested fractions, the ethyl acetate and hydromethanol fractions were the most potent, exhibiting an IC50 of 8.53 and 10.57 µg/mL, respectively, which is comparable to that of the commercial antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The oral administration of the EAD (100 mg/kg) and EAF (15 mg/kg) inhibited the increase of glucose levels, resulting in a hypoglycaemic effect. The EAD (30 to 300 mg/kg) exhibited an anti-oedematogenic effect in Cg-induced paw oedema in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The results showed a reduction of MPO activity by A. dioica 6 h after the induction of paw oedema at all doses tested with maximal inhibition at 300 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal for the first time that compounds contained in the A. dioica leaves exert anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic, antiproliferative, and antioxidant effects. The antioxidant activity may be associated with the presence of flavonoids.

Antidiabetic, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of oil extracted from Acrocomia aculeata pulp.

This study evaluated the hypoglycemic effect of the oil extracted from the Acrocomia aculeata pulp (OPAC) in normoglycemic rats and streptozotocin (STZ), fructose-induced diabetic rat models and its in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. OPAC (3, 30 or 300 mg/kg, v.o.) significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the high glucose levels induced by a high fructose-diet in rats. Persistent treatment with OPAC for 24 days also reduced the high plasmatic glucose induced by STZ. In normoglycemic animals, OPAC significantly decreased glucose levels. While A. aculeata oil exhibited good in vitro antioxidant activity, no sign of cytotoxicity was observed in LLC-PK1 cells (5-500 µg/mL). OPAC has antidiabetic and antioxidant activities without causing in vitro cytotoxicity.

The role of ET(A) and ET(B) receptor antagonists in acute and allergic inflammation in mice.

In this study, we investigated the effects of the selective ET(A) (BQ-123) and ET(B) (BQ-788) receptor antagonists for endothelin-1 (ET-1) against several flogistic agent-induced paw edema formation and ovalbumin-induced allergic lung inflammation in mice. The intraplantar injection of BQ-123, but not BQ-788, significantly inhibited carrageenan-, PAF-, ET-1- and bradykinin-induced paw edema formation. The obtained inhibitions (1h after the inflammatory stimulus) were 79+/-5%, 55+/-4%, 55+/-6% and 74+/-4%, respectively. In carrageenan-induced paw edema, the mean ID(50) value for BQ-123 was 0.77 (0.27-2.23)nmol/paw. The neutrophil influx induced by carrageenan or PAF was reduced by BQ-123, with inhibitions of 55+/-2% and 72+/-4%, respectively. BQ-123 also inhibited the indirect macrophage influx induced by carrageenan (55+/-6%). However, BQ-788 failed to block the cell influx caused by either of these flogistic agents. When assessed in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in a murine model of asthma, both BQ-123 and BQ-788 significantly inhibited ovalbumin-induced eosinophil recruitment (78+/-6% and 71+/-8%), respectively. Neither neutrophil nor mononuclear cell counts were significantly affected by these drugs. Our findings indicate that ET(A), but not ET(B), selective ET-1 antagonists are capable of preventing the acute inflammatory responses induced by carrageenan, PAF, BK and ET-1. However, both ET(A) and ET(B) receptor antagonists were found to be effective in inhibiting the allergic response in a murine model of asthma.

Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities from Trichilia silvatica (C.DC).

BACKGROUND: Trichilia silvatica, popularly known as "catiguá-branco", is distributed in Brazil (Mato Grosso do Sul), and members of this genus are commonly used for the treatment of rheumatism (arthritis). The aim of this research was to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of the methanolic extract of the leaves (MEL-TS) and bark (MEB-TS) of T. silvatica. We also evaluated the concentration of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, flavonol, and condensed tannins by liquid chromatography - photodiode array (LC/PDA) analysis. METHODS: The MEL-TS and MEB-TS revealed the presence of caffeic acid in both extracts by LC/PDA. The samples were evaluated for antioxidant activity using free-radical scavenging and lipoperoxidation assays. The anti-inflammatory effects were studied in carrageenan-induced paw edema, pleurisy and zymosan-induced arthritis. RESULTS: The MEL-TS and MEB-TS showed the total phenolic concentration (270.8 ± 17.10 mg gallic acid equivalents GAE/g extract and 278.8 ± 25.13 mg GAE/ g extract, respectively), and flavonoids in MEL-TS (209.30 ± 2.91 mg quercetin equivalents QE/ g extract). In the lipoperoxidation assay, exhibited moderate antioxidant activity with IC50 values ≤ 35.32 µg/mL. Both extracts inhibited oedema induced by carrageenan at 2 h and 4 h, inhibited leukocyte migration at 6 h post administration, and did not impact zymosan-induced arthritis. Finally, MEL-TS was particularly effective against prostate cell line (GI50 ≤ 0.22 µg/mL). CONCLUSION: Overall, the results indicated that T. silvatica reduce migration leukocytes activity, edema formation in these models of experimental arthritis could explain the popular use for treatment of inflammatory processes (rheumatism).

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of blueberry extract (Vaccinium corymbosum).

Blueberries are among the edible fruits that are recognized best for their potential health benefits. The crude extract from Vaccinium corymbosum was assessed in anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive models. The crude hydroalcoholic extract was administered orally at doses of 100, 200 or 300 mg kg (-1) for all the assays. In the carrageenan test, the crude extract reduced rat paw oedema by 9.8, 28.5 and 65.9%, respectively. For the histamine assay, the reductions of oedema were 70.1, 71.7 and 81.9%, respectively. In the myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay, 300 mg kg (-1) crude extract produced a significant inhibition of the MPO activity, at 6 h and 24 h after injection of carrageenan, by 42.8 and 46.2%, respectively. With the granulomatous tissue assay dexamethasone displayed significant activity, whereas the blueberry extract was inactive. For the abdominal constriction test, inhibitions of 49.0, 54.5, 53.5%, respectively, were observed for the crude extract, and 61.4% for indometacin. In the formalin test, the crude extract (200 and 300 mg kg (-1)) and indometacin inhibited only the second phase by 36.2, 35.3 and 45.8%, respectively. Considering that the crude extract of blueberry displayed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, its consumption may be helpful for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Contribution of natural products to the discovery of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels family and their functions.

Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of nonselective cation channels are involved in several pathological and physiological conditions. The search for the molecular targets for naturally occurring substances, especially from plants, allowed the characterization of many TRP channels. In fact, attempts to understand the hot and painful action of the vanillyl group containing compounds capsaicin (from Capsicum sp.) and its ultrapotent analogue resiniferatoxin (RTX, from Euphorbia sp.) led to the cloning of the vanilloid receptor (TRPV1) 7 years ago. TRPV1 is found in sensory fibers and functions as a molecular integrator of several painful stimuli, being especially stimulated during inflammation. Since TRPV1 is involved in several pathological conditions, selective ligands or modulators of this channel are substances of potential interest to treat such diseases. Once again, natural products seem to be also interesting sources of compounds that might be prototype TRPV1 ligands. The cloning of TRPV1 also enabled the discovery of other members of the TRPV family of channels. Similar to TRPV1, these receptors function as molecular detectors of physical and chemical stimuli, such as innocuous and noxious heat, as well as mechanical force. Recently, novel TRP channels sensitive to low temperatures also have been cloned, namely, TRPM8 and TRPA1. Such channels are also activated by naturally occurring substances but knowledge of their involvement in health and disease is in its infancy. In the present review, we focused on the contribution of natural products to the discovery of TRP channels and to the development of novel drugs to treat pathological conditions in which these channels are involved.

Antiinflammatory and antiallodynic actions of the lignan niranthin isolated from Phyllanthus amarus. Evidence for interaction with platelet activating factor receptor.

Previous studies have shown that the extracts obtained from Phyllanthus amarus, and some of the lignans isolated from it, exhibit pronounced antiinflammatory properties. In the present study, we have assessed whether the antiinflammatory actions of these lignans can be mediated by interaction with platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor or interference with the action of this lipid. The local administration of nirtetralin, phyltetralin or niranthin (30 nmol/paw), similar to WEB2170 (a PAF receptor antagonist, 30 nmol/paw), significantly inhibited PAF-induced paw oedema formation in mice. The extracts of P. amarus (100 microg/ml) and niranthin (30 microM), but not nirtetralin or phyltetralin (30 microM), decreased the specific binding of [(3)H]-PAF in mouse cerebral cortex membranes. Furthermore, both niranthin and WEB2170 displaced, in a concentration-dependent manner, the [(3)H]-PAF binding sites. The mean IC(50) values from these effects were 6.5 microM and 0.3 microM, respectively. Additionally, both niranthin and WEB2170 (30 nmol/paw) inhibited the increase of myeloperoxidase activity induced by PAF injection in the mouse paw. When assessed the mouse model of pleurisy induced by PAF, pretreatment with niranthin (100 micromol/kg, p.o.) or WEB2170 (1.7 micromol/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited PAF-induced protein extravasations. Moreover, in the rat model of PAF-induced allodynia, both niranthin (30 nmol/paw) and WEB2170 (30 nmol/paw) treatment significantly inhibited PAF-induced allodynia. In addition, niranthin had a rapid onset and long-lasting antiallodynic action when compared with WEB2170. Collectively, the present findings suggest that niranthin exhibits antiinflammatory and antiallodynic actions which are probably mediated through its direct antagonistic action on the PAF receptor binding sites.

Lipoxin A4 inhibits acute edema in mice: implications for the anti-edematogenic mechanism induced by aspirin.

Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is a lipid mediator that plays an important role in the resolution of inflammation. However, the role of LXA4 and aspirin (ASA)-triggered lipoxins (ATLs) in inflammatory edema formation remains unclear. Here, we investigated the inhibitory role played by LXA4 in the carrageenan-induced and other inflammatory mediator-induced edematogenic response in mice, and also assessed the role of ATLs in the anti-edematogenic action of aspirin. Our results showed that LXA4 (1-20 ng/paw or 5 microg/kg i.p.) was effective in inhibiting carrageenan-induced paw edema from 30 min to 2 h. LXA4 (10 ng/paw) was also able to acutely inhibit PAF-, histamine-, PGE2- or bradykinin-induced paw edema, as well as the PAF-induced myeloperoxidase activity increase in the paws. Likewise, LXA4 (10 ng/cavity) also inhibited the pleural edema triggered by histamine (1h), and this response was not followed by leukocyte accumulation. Of note, the lipoxin receptor (ALX-r) antagonist Boc2 (butoxycarbonyl-Phe-Leu-Phe-Leu-Phe, 200 ng/paw) significantly reverted the anti-edematogenic effect of ASA (300 mg/kg p.o.) against carrageenan, PAF, PGE2 and BK, without affecting the anti-edematogenic action caused by indomethacin (3 mg/kg i.p.) in the carrageenan-induced paw edema. Collectively, our results demonstrate for the first time that LXA4 displays an acute and rapid onset anti-edematogenic activity that does not discriminate among different pro-inflammatory stimuli, an effect that is most likely independent of its action on the leukocyte influx. Finally, the present study demonstrates that ATLs exert a very important role in the acute anti-edematogenic action of ASA.

Antinociceptive activity of the ethanolic extract, fractions, and aggregatin D isolated from Sinningia aggregata tubers.

The present study investigated the effects of the ethanolic extract (ESa), fractions, and compounds isolated from Sinningia aggregata in male Swiss mice on carrageenan-induced paw edema, neutrophil migration, mechanical hyperalgesia, formalin-induced nociception, and lipopolysaccharide-induced fever. The ESa did not alter edema, neutrophil migration, or fever at any of the doses tested. However, the ESa reduced phase II of formalin-induced nociception and carrageenan-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. The petroleum ether (PE) and ethyl acetate (EA) fractions and aggregatin D (AgD; isolated from the EA fraction) reduced formalin-induced nociception. Anthraquinones from the PE fraction were ineffective. AgD also inhibited carrageenan-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. Neither the ESa nor AgD altered thermal nociception or motor performance. Local administration of AgD also reduced hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan, bradykinin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant, prostaglandin E2, and dopamine but not hyperalgesia induced by forskolin or dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The positive control dipyrone reduced the response induced by all of the stimuli. Additionally, glibenclamide abolished the analgesic effect of dipyrone but not the one induced by AgD. AgD did not change lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production by macrophages or the nociception induced by capsaicin, cinnamaldehyde, acidified saline, or menthol. These results suggest that the ESa has important antinociceptive activity, and this activity results at least partially from the presence of AgD. AgD reduced mechanical hyperalgesia induced by several inflammatory mediators through mechanisms that are different from classic analgesic drugs.

Anti-allodynic and anti-oedematogenic properties of the extract and lignans from Phyllanthus amarus in models of persistent inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

This study investigated the anti-allodynic and anti-oedematogenic effects of the hexanic extract, lignan-rich fraction and purified lignans from a plant used in the traditional medicine, Phyllanthus amarus, in the inflammatory and neuropathic models of nociception. The hexanic extract inhibited the allodynia and the oedema induced by the intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). The inhibition observed was 76 +/- 7% (ipsilateral paw), 64 +/- 7% (contralateral paw), and 41 +/- 2% (oedema). Otherwise, the lignan-rich fraction or the pure lignans did not affect CFA-induced allodynia. Administered chronically, the lignan fraction reduced CFA-induced paw oedema (39 +/- 9%). When evaluated in the model of neuropathic pain caused by partial ligation of sciatic nerve, the hexanic extract inhibited the mechanical allodynia (77 +/- 7%), with a similar efficacy to the gabapentin (71 +/- 10%). The anti-allodynic effects of hexanic extract of P. amarus seem not to be associated with the impairment of motor co-ordination or with the development of tolerance. Finally, the treatment with hexanic extract inhibited the increase of myeloperoxidase activity, either following intraplantar injection of CFA or after sciatic nerve injury. It is concluded that, apart from its anti-inflammatory actions, which are probably linked to the presence of lignans, another as yet unidentified active principle(s) present in the hexanic extract of P. amarus produces pronounced anti-allodynia in two models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Considering that few drugs are currently available for the treatment of chronic pain, especially of the neuropathic type, the present results may have clinical relevance and open new possibilities for the development of new anti-allodynic drugs.

Composition and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of the essential oil from Annona sylvatica A. St.-Hil.

The essential oil from the leaves of Annona sylvatica (EOAS) was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the analysis was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The main compounds identified in the EOAS were sesquiterpenes, such as hinesol, z-caryophyllene, ß-maaliene, γ-gurjunene, silphiperfol-5-en-3-ol, ledol, cubecol-1-epi, and muurola-3,5-diene. Oral administration of the EOAS (20 and 200 mg/kg) and subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, reference drug) significantly inhibited carrageenan- and complete Freund's adjuvant-induced mouse paw edema. The anticancer activity the EOAS showed growth inhibitory activity on all cell lines when administered in a high concentration. The EOAS inhibited the growth of human cancer cell lines with GI(50) values in the range of 36.04-45.37 µg/mL on all of the cell lines tested. This work describes for the first time the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of the essential oil of A. sylvatica and its composition. Considering that drugs currently available for the treatment of inflammatory and cancer conditions show undesirable side-effects, the present results may have clinical relevance and open new possibilities for the development of novel anti-inflammatory and anticancer drugs.

Anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive effects of Campomanesia adamantium microencapsulated pulp

ABSTRACT Guavira fruits have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities. Spray drying has been widely used in the food industry presenting good retention in bioactive compounds used to transform the pulp/fruit juice into powder form. Therefore, the present study has evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the microencapsulated pulp of Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O.Berg, Myrtaceae, by spray drying. Different groups of mice were treated with the doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg of microencapsulated "guavira" pulp and inflammatory parameters were assessed in a carrageenan paw edema-model and leukocyte migration with pleurisy model, while the antinociceptive activity was assessed using the formalin method and CFA-induced hyperalgesia model. A significant reduction in leukocyte migration and in paw edema was observed in rodents in all time after carrageenan injection for both doses of microencapsulated pulp of C. adamantium when compared with control group. Microencapsulated pulp of C. adamantium also reduced licking time at the first (nociceptive) and second (inflammatory) phases in the formalin model. In CFA-induced cold and mechanical hyperalgesia, depressive behavior, and knee edema, all parameters analyzed were significantly inhibited by microencapsulated pulp of C. adamantium. Microencapsulation by spray drying proved to be a technique that promotes bioavailability and the preservation of bioactive components in guavira pulp.

Endothelium-dependent and independent vasorelaxation induced by an n-butanolic fraction of bark of Scutia buxifolia Reiss (Rhamanaceae).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Scutia buxifolia has been widely used in Brazilian folk medicine as an anti-hypertensive agent. We evaluated the vascular effects and mechanism involved in the relaxation of aorta induced by an n-butanolic fraction (BuOH) from Scutia buxifolia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat aortic rings precontracted by phenylephrine (1 µM) were exposed to cumulative concentrations (3­3000 µg/ml) of crude extracts or fractions obtained from bark or leaves of Scutia buxifolia. Classical receptor antagonists, channel and enzymatic inhibitors were used to check the mechanisms involved. RESULTS: The crude extracts of both leaves and bark of Scutia buxifolia, as well as several fractions, were able to induce partial or total relaxation of rat aortic rings. The BuOH fraction of bark of Scutia buxifolia was the most potent in endothelium-intact (E+) preparations, and also induced a partial, but very significant relaxation in endothelium-denuded (E−) vessels. The non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME, as well as the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ, vanished the relaxation in E+. In E− preparations, K+ channel blockers, such as tetraethylammonium, glibenclamide, 4-aminopyridine, and the large-conductance calcium-activated K+ channel blocker iberiotoxin, were able to significantly reduce the maximum relaxation elicited by BuOH fraction. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that BuOH fraction obtained from barks of Scutia buxifolia induced both endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation in rat aortic rings. The endothelium-dependent relaxation is fully dependent on NO/cGMP system, while direct activation of K+ channels may explain, at least in part, the endothelium-independent relaxation induced by BuOH fraction of Scutia buxifolia.

A potent and nitric oxide-dependent hypotensive effect induced in rats by semi-purified fractions from Maytenus ilicifolia.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether extracts and semi-purified fractions obtained from Maytenus ilicifolia leaves have vascular effects in vivo.We tested the ethanolic supernatant of the infusion (ESI), and the ethanolic supernatant of the aqueous extract (ESAE) on the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate(HR) of anesthetized rats. Intravenous injection of ESAE caused a dose-dependent effect at 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg, reducing MAP by as much as 52.6 +/- 5.5 mmHg. Only the highest dose of ESAE (30 mg/kg) caused a significant reduction in HR during its hypotensive effect. The effect of ESAE was unchanged by atropine,propranolol, or bilateral vagotomy, but was significantly reduced (80%) in animals continuously infused with L-NAME. In addition, methylene blue and ODQ, as well as the potassium channel blockers tetraethylammonium,4-aminopyridine, and glibenclamide, impaired ESAE-induced hypotension. The ethyl acetate fraction(EAF) obtained from ESAE had a potency at least two times greater than ESAE in MAP, without causing any significant change in HR. The hypotension induced by EAF was circumvented by L-NAME, methylene blue andODQ, strongly reduced by tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine (but not by glibenclamide), and abolished by association of these three potassium channel blockers. Chemical investigation revealed that flavonols, mainly catechin and epicatechin, as well as flavonol glycosides (mono- to triglycosides), and tannins, are the main components of this fraction. Our results demonstrate that preparations obtained from M. ilicifolia present a potent hypotensive effect in vivo, an event predominantly dependent on the nitricoxide/guanylate cyclase pathway.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, chemopreventive and wound healing potentials from Schinus terebinthifolius methanolic extract

Inflammatory and genetic alterations are related to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer. Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Anacardiaceae, is used in folk medicine to treat inflammation, wounds and tumors. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, chemopreventive, and wound healing potentials of the methanolic extract from the leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius. The chemical composition of the extract was characterized using preliminary analytical LC methods. The results showed that the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract was similar to that of dexamethasone for edema reduction. Also, it inhibited the leukocyte migration into the air pouch and decreased plasma extravasation. In addition, the methanolic extract showed a healing action similar to that observed with collagenase. The methanolic extract is not genotoxic nor mutagenic, and in contrast it has chemopreventive activity, which elicits a high percentage of damage reduction by comet and micronucleus assay, preferably by bioantimutagenic action. The methanolic extract induced apoptosis and enhanced splenic phagocytosis in animals treated with cyclophosphamide. The methanolic extract contents, resolved by LC, include phenolic acid and flavonoids. Our results suggest a therapeutic potential for the methanolic extract.

Anti-inflammatory, antiallodynic effects and quantitative analysis of gallic acid in spray dried powders from Phyllanthus niruri leaves, stems, roots and whole plant

The anti-inflammatory and antiallodynic effects of spray dried powders starting from leaves, stems, roots, the mixture of leaves and stems, as well as the whole plant aqueous solutions of Phyllanthus niruri L., Phyllanthaceae, were assessed. Gallic acid, used as chemical marker, was quantified by HPLC in the spray dried powders. Carrageenan-induced inflammatory and allodynic responses in the mouse paw were used as pharmacological models. Quantitative and qualitative differences among chemical composition of different herb parts were observed. The oral administration of leaves or leaves plus stems spray dried powders (100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced allodynic effect (42 ± 5 and 54 ± 3%, respectively). Additionally, the spray dried powders of leaves significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw oedema (35 ± 6%). The spray dried powders of roots, stems, or the mixture of leaves, stems and roots (100 mg/kg, p.o.) did not exhibit antiallodynic or antioedematogenic effect in the same model. In conclusion, differences in the chemical composition of spray dried powders from P. niruri are reflected in their in vivo pharmacological actions. Despite of a direct relationship of anti-inflammatory and antiallodynic effects with the gallic acid content had been observed, especially in the spray dried powders of leaves, the use of spray dried powders of leaves plus stems showed to be more effective, suggesting a synergic effect between their constituents.