RESUMO
The anti-inflammatory potential of three doses of an aqueous infusion of aerial parts Bidens tripartita L. against carrageenan-induced acute paw edema in rats was investigated. A phytochemical study and qualitative-quantitative analyses revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, phenols, amino acids, ascorbic acid, organic acids and polyacetylenes. Infusion doses of 20ml/kgbody wt. exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in rats, as compared with indomethacin. In addition, the infusion showed analgesic properties in a hot-plate test and antipyretic properties in carrageenan-induced local hyperthermia, both in rats. The effects were dose-dependent. Our results provide evidence for the potential usefulness of B. tripartita infusion in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.