Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activities of the Essential Oil of Tagetes parryi A. Gray (Asteraceae) and Verbenone.

Tagetes parryi is a plant empirically used to treat gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases, its essential oil (EOTP) was obtained from the aerial parts, and the composition was elucidated by GC-MS. The in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities and the antinociceptive activity of EOTP and (1S)-(-)-verbenone (VERB) were assessed. The major compounds identified for EOTP were verbenone (33.39%), dihydrotagetone (26.88%), and tagetone (20.8%). EOTP and VERB diminished the ear oedema induced with TPA by 93.77 % and 81.13 %, respectively. EOTP and VERB decreased inflammation in a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) chronic model with ED50 = 54.95 mg/kg and 45.24 mg/kg, respectively. EOTP (15 µg/mL) inhibited the in vitro production of the pro-inflammatory mediators NO (67.02%), TNF-α (69.21%), and IL-6 (58.44%) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In the acetic induced writhing test, EOTP and VERB showed antinociceptive effects with ED50 = 84.93 mg/kg and ED50 = 45.24 mg/kg, respectively. In phase 1 of the formalin test, EOTP and VERB showed no antinociceptive effects, whereas in phase 2, EOTP (ED50 = 35.45 mg/kg) and VERB (ED50 = 24.84 mg/kg) showed antinociceptive effects. The antinociceptive actions of ETOP and VERB were blocked with the co-administration of L-NAME. This study suggests that EOTP and VERB might be used in the treatment of pain and inflammatory problems.

Effects of papaya seeds extract on the sperm characteristics of dogs.

The effect of chloroform extracts from seeds of the papaya plant (Carica papaya) on the spermatic characteristics of dogs was evaluated at doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg, Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Structural and ultrastructural changes in sperm cells and testicular parenchyma were also evaluated, and possible side effects were noted. Significant reductions in sperm concentration and motility were observed starting from Days 60 and 75, respectively, in all treated groups (P<0.05), but no azoospermia was noted. A mild osmotic diarrhea occurred in dogs from Group 3 (150 mg/kg), although blood variables were within the normal range of a clinically healthy dog. Arrested spermatogenesis was observed in the seminiferous tubules of all treated groups, and vacuolization and signs of Sertoli cell degeneration were detected in all treated groups, particularly in Group 3 (150 mg/kg). Selective damage to Sertoli cells induced by the extract occurred in all treated groups independently of the extract concentration. Alteration of the epididymal environment may reduce the motility of sperm cells, considering that their structure was normal. Sperm characteristics in treated animals were considered to be similar to those of sub-fertile dogs. However, these effects may be temporary, and dogs may recover normal sperm characteristics when the extract is withdrawn.