Phytochemical Analysis and Antinociceptive Properties of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Aleurites moluccanus Bark.

Aleurites moluccanus is used in folk medicine to treat many diseases including pain and inflammatory processes in general. Considering the potential of the leaf extract, evidenced in a previous study, the present study investigates the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the hydroethanolic extract of A. moluccanus bark and isolated compounds in animal models of pain. The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of A. moluccanus bark were evaluated through hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan, PGE2, cytokines, bradykinin, epinephrine, Freund's complete adjuvant, and lipopolysaccharide. Five compounds were isolated from the dichloromethane bark extract: acetyl aleuritolic acid, atraric acid, spruceanol, (5ß,10α)-12-hydroxy-13-methoxy-8,11,13-podocarpatrien-3-one and sonderianol. To optimize the extraction conditions, ethanol 50, 70, and 90°GL were used as extracting solvent, in a 1 : 20 (w/v) drug : solvent ratio, under stirring at room temperature for 4 h. The extracts were named AMC50, AMC70, and AMC90, respectively. These extracts were administered to mice (250 mg/kg, p. o.) with reduced mechanical hyperalgesia activity in the carrageenan test. Of these, AMC90 showed the best results. Pure (5ß,10α)-12-hydroxy-13-methoxy-8,11,13-podocarpatrien-3-one showed a beneficial effect for up to 48 hours after the administration of carrageenan, while acetyl aleuritolic acid was effective only in the first hour. AMC90 was able to reverse the analgesia induced only by prostaglandin E2 and tumor necrosis factor. We also induced hyperalgesia using the lipopolysaccharide and Freund's complete adjuvant models, with positive results. These results support the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of A. moluccanus bark extract. The observed effects are partly due to the presence of acetyl aleuritolic acid, atraric acid, and (5ß,10α)-12-hydroxy-13-methoxy-8,11,13-podocarpatrien-3-one.

Effect of feeding crude or treated tung meal (Aleurites fordii) in the diet of Rhamdia quelen on growth, digestive enzymes and biochemical parameters / Efeitos da alimentação de farelo de tungue (Aleurites fordii) bruto ou tratado na dieta de Rhamdia quelen sobre o crescimento, enzimas digestivas e parâmetros bioquímicos

This study evaluated the addition of tung (Aleurites fordii) meal to the feed of Rhamdia quelen, as an alternative to animal protein sources. Silver catfish juveniles were fed different diets which included crude tung meal, chemically treated tung meal and a control without tung meal. The chemical treatment was based on the sequential application of acid and alcohol solutions and reduced the phytic acid from 1.63 to 0.61% and condensed tannin content from 0.025 to 0.018%. The nutritional response of fish to these ingredients was evaluated over nine weeks, based on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and biochemical responses. After nine weeks, the diet containing crude tung meal caused reduced growth (weight: -57.9%; total length: -21.09%; specific growth rate: -99.74%). This diet also reduced acid protease and lipase activities, decreased concentrations of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides in plasma and decreased liver glycogen and glucose concentrations. However, after nine weeks, fish fed with treated tung meal showed higher growth (weight, total length and specific growth rate similar to control) and reduced metabolic changes, possibly due to the removal of antinutrients and toxic substances. At the 32% level of inclusion, the chemically treated tung meal can be considered an alternative protein source for silver catfish.

Este estudo avaliou a adição de farelo de tungue (Aleurites fordii) na dieta de Rhamdia quelen, como uma alternativa à fontes de proteína animal. Juvenis de jundiá foram alimentados com diferentes dietas incluídas de farelo de tungue bruto, farelo quimicamente tratado e uma dieta controle sem farelo de tungue. O tratamento químico foi baseado na aplicação sequencial de soluções ácida e alcoólica e reduziu o conteúdo de ácido fítico de 1,63% para 0,61% e o conteúdo de taninos condensados de 0,025% para 0,018%. A resposta nutricional dos peixes à estes ingredientes foi avaliada ao longo de nove semanas, baseado no crescimento, atividade de enzimas digestivas e respostas bioquímicas. Após nove semanas, a dieta contendo farelo de tungue bruto causou reduzido crescimento (peso: -57,9%; comprimento total: -21,09%; taxa de crescimento específico: -99,74%). Esta dieta também reduziu a atividade de protease ácida e lipase, reduziu concentrações de glicose, colesterol e triglicerídeos no plasma e concentrações de glicogênio e glicose no fígado. No entanto, após nove semanas, os peixes alimentados com farelo de tungue tratado mostraram maior crescimento (peso, comprimento total e taxa de crescimento específico igual ao controle) e poucas alterações metabólicas, possivelmente devido a remoção de antinutrientes e substâncias tóxicas. Ao nível de 32% de inclusão, o farelo de tungue quimicamente tratado pode ser considerado uma fonte de proteína alternativa para o jundiá.

Effect of feeding crude or treated tung meal (Aleurites fordii) in the diet of Rhamdia quelen on growth, digestive enzymes and biochemical parameters / Efeitos da alimentação de farelo de tungue (Aleurites fordii) bruto ou tratado na dieta de Rhamdia quelen sobre o crescimento, enzimas digestivas e parâmetros bioquímicos

This study evaluated the addition of tung (Aleurites fordii) meal to the feed of Rhamdia quelen, as an alternative to animal protein sources. Silver catfish juveniles were fed different diets which included crude tung meal, chemically treated tung meal and a control without tung meal. The chemical treatment was based on the sequential application of acid and alcohol solutions and reduced the phytic acid from 1.63 to 0.61% and condensed tannin content from 0.025 to 0.018%. The nutritional response of fish to these ingredients was evaluated over nine weeks, based on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and biochemical responses. After nine weeks, the diet containing crude tung meal caused reduced growth (weight: -57.9%; total length: -21.09%; specific growth rate: -99.74%). This diet also reduced acid protease and lipase activities, decreased concentrations of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides in plasma and decreased liver glycogen and glucose concentrations. However, after nine weeks, fish fed with treated tung meal showed higher growth (weight, total length and specific growth rate similar to control) and reduced metabolic changes, possibly due to the removal of antinutrients and toxic substances. At the 32% level of inclusion, the chemically treated tung meal can be considered an alternative protein source for silver catfish.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou a adição de farelo de tungue (Aleurites fordii) na dieta de Rhamdia quelen, como uma alternativa à fontes de proteína animal. Juvenis de jundiá foram alimentados com diferentes dietas incluídas de farelo de tungue bruto, farelo quimicamente tratado e uma dieta controle sem farelo de tungue. O tratamento químico foi baseado na aplicação sequencial de soluções ácida e alcoólica e reduziu o conteúdo de ácido fítico de 1,63% para 0,61% e o conteúdo de taninos condensados de 0,025% para 0,018%. A resposta nutricional dos peixes à estes ingredientes foi avaliada ao longo de nove semanas, baseado no crescimento, atividade de enzimas digestivas e respostas bioquímicas. Após nove semanas, a dieta contendo farelo de tungue bruto causou reduzido crescimento (peso: -57,9%; comprimento total: -21,09%; taxa de crescimento específico: -99,74%). Esta dieta também reduziu a atividade de protease ácida e lipase, reduziu concentrações de glicose, colesterol e triglicerídeos no plasma e concentrações de glicogênio e glicose no fígado. No entanto, após nove semanas, os peixes alimentados com farelo de tungue tratado mostraram maior crescimento (peso, comprimento total e taxa de crescimento específico igual ao controle) e poucas alterações metabólicas, possivelmente devido a remoção de antinutrientes e substâncias tóxicas. Ao nível de 32% de inclusão, o farelo de tungue quimicamente tratado pode ser considerado uma fonte de proteína alternativa para o jundiá.(AU)

Physiological maturity of seeds tung trees (Aleurites fordii Hemsl. ) / Maturidade fisiológica de sementes de tungue (Aleurites fordii Hemsl. )

The test aimed to determine the physiological maturity of the seeds from tung nut trees (Aleurites fordii Hemsl.). Ten four-year-old fruits trees were collected in Cascavel - PR. The experiment followed a completely randomized design, with four fruit maturation stages and five replicates with 25 seeds each. The fruits were classified into three classes using the color of the epicarp and collected directly from the ground. To characterize the physiological maturity, digital colorimetric and biometric parameters were utilized. In seeds, the mass of dry matter, moisture content, germination and emergence speed index were determined. The seeds extracted from fruits with light brown eye color had higher dry matter, lower water content and percentage of germination and emergence rate, indicating the physiological maturity of seeds. Fruits collected from the ground are not suitable for seed collection. The harvest of the fruits to obtain seeds with physiological maturity is recommended when the fruits show light brown visual staining reflectance values in the visible spectrum (RGB) of 96.1, 69.9 and 64.1, respectively.

O ensaio objetivou determinar a maturidade fisiológica de sementes de tungue (Aleurites fordii Hemsl.) em função da coloração dos frutos. Frutos de dez árvores com quatro anos de idade foram coletados em Cascavel, PR. O ensaio seguiu o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro estádios de maturação dos frutos e cinco repetições com 25 sementes cada. Os frutos foram classificados em três classes quanto à coloração do epicarpo e uma coletada diretamente do solo. Para caracterizar a maturidade fisiológica utilizou-se a colorimetria digital e parâmetros biométricos. Nas sementes, determinou-se a massa de matéria seca, o grau de umidade, a germinação, e o índice de velocidade de emergência. As sementes extraídas dos frutos com coloração visual marrom-claro apresentaram maior massa seca, menor teor de água e a porcentagem de germinação e velocidade de emergência, indicando a maturidade fisiológica das sementes. Frutos coletados do chão não são indicados para a coleta de sementes. A colheita dos frutos para obtenção de sementes com maturidade fisiológica é recomendada quando os frutos externarem coloração visual marrom-claro com valores de refratância no espectro visível (RGB) de 96,1, 69,9 e 64,1, respectivamente.

Physiological maturity of seeds tung trees (Aleurites fordii Hemsl. ) / Maturidade fisiológica de sementes de tungue (Aleurites fordii Hemsl. )

The test aimed to determine the physiological maturity of the seeds from tung nut trees (Aleurites fordii Hemsl.). Ten four-year-old fruits trees were collected in Cascavel - PR. The experiment followed a completely randomized design, with four fruit maturation stages and five replicates with 25 seeds each. The fruits were classified into three classes using the color of the epicarp and collected directly from the ground. To characterize the physiological maturity, digital colorimetric and biometric parameters were utilized. In seeds, the mass of dry matter, moisture content, germination and emergence speed index were determined. The seeds extracted from fruits with light brown eye color had higher dry matter, lower water content and percentage of germination and emergence rate, indicating the physiological maturity of seeds. Fruits collected from the ground are not suitable for seed collection. The harvest of the fruits to obtain seeds with physiological maturity is recommended when the fruits show light brown visual staining reflectance values in the visible spectrum (RGB) of 96.1, 69.9 and 64.1, respectively.(AU)

O ensaio objetivou determinar a maturidade fisiológica de sementes de tungue (Aleurites fordii Hemsl.) em função da coloração dos frutos. Frutos de dez árvores com quatro anos de idade foram coletados em Cascavel, PR. O ensaio seguiu o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro estádios de maturação dos frutos e cinco repetições com 25 sementes cada. Os frutos foram classificados em três classes quanto à coloração do epicarpo e uma coletada diretamente do solo. Para caracterizar a maturidade fisiológica utilizou-se a colorimetria digital e parâmetros biométricos. Nas sementes, determinou-se a massa de matéria seca, o grau de umidade, a germinação, e o índice de velocidade de emergência. As sementes extraídas dos frutos com coloração visual marrom-claro apresentaram maior massa seca, menor teor de água e a porcentagem de germinação e velocidade de emergência, indicando a maturidade fisiológica das sementes. Frutos coletados do chão não são indicados para a coleta de sementes. A colheita dos frutos para obtenção de sementes com maturidade fisiológica é recomendada quando os frutos externarem coloração visual marrom-claro com valores de refratância no espectro visível (RGB) de 96,1, 69,9 e 64,1, respectivamente.(AU)

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of a novel BCCP subunit gene from Aleurites moluccana.

Aleurites moluccana L. is grown as a roadside tree in southern China and the oil content of its seed is higher than other oil plants, such as Jatropha curcas and Camellia oleifera. A. moluccana is considered a promising energy plant because its seed oil could be used to produce biodiesel and bio-jet fuel. In addition, the bark, leaves, and kernels of A. moluccana have various medical and commercial uses. Here, a novel gene coding the biotin carboxyl carrier protein subunit (BCCP) was cloned from A. moluccana L. using the homology cloning method combined with rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE) technology. The isolated full-length cDNA sequence (designated AM-accB) was 1188 bp, containing a 795-bp open reading frame coding for 265 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of AM-accB contained a biotinylated domain located between amino acids 190 and 263. A. moluccana BCCP shows high identity at the amino acid level to its homologues in other higher plants, such as Vernicia fordii, J. curcas, and Ricinus communis (86, 77, and 70%, respectively), which all contain conserved domains for ACCase activity. The expression of the AM-accB gene during the middle stage of development and maturation in A. moluccana seeds was higher than that in early and later stages. The expression pattern of the AM-accB gene is very similar to that of the oil accumulation rate.

Topical anti-inflammatory activity of semisolid containing standardized Aleurites moluccana L. Willd (Euphorbiaceae) leaves extract.

ETHNOPHARMMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aleurites moluccana is a medicinal plant popularly used to treat pain, fever, asthma, hepatitis, gastric ulcer and inflammatory process in general. Recently, pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that the dry extract obtained from A. moluccana leaves was effective as analgesic, anti-inflammatory and wound healing. AIM: The present study has aimed to evaluate the mechanisms involved in the topical anti-inflammatory effects of the semisolid containing 10mg/g of A. moluccana dried extract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ear edema induced by croton oil (2.5%) in mice was used throughout the study. The level of cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukine-1ß (IL-1ß) and chemokine keratinocyte chemoattractant (CXCL1/KC), and neutrophil migration were quantified. The histological analysis has also been performed. RESULTS: The topical treatment with the semisolid was able to significantly inhibite the ear edema (35.77±7.35%). This effect was accompanied by the reduction of leukocyte migration, as well as TNF (53.75±12.96%), IL-1ß (38.36±5.92%), and CXCL1/KC (62.29±11.65%) decreased levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated for the first time the mechanisms involved in the topical anti-inflammatory effect presented by the semisolid containing A. moluccana dried extract pointing as the main mechanism is the reduction in the leukocyte migration and consequently resulting in diminished levels of cytokins and chemokines, indicating this herbal product as a promissor anti-inflammatory phytomedicine to treat skin inflammatory diseases.

Farelo de tungue in natura ou detoxificado na alimentação de carpa húngara (Cyprinus carpio) / In natura or detoxified tung meal in feeding Hungarian carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Este estudo avaliou a substituição parcial de farinhas de origem animal pelo farelo de tungue como fonte proteica no arraçoamento de carpa húngara. Os tratamentos compreenderam a inclusão de farelo de tungue in natura ou detoxificado (obtido após aplicação de tratamento químico ao farelo), e o tratamento referência consistiu de base proteica composta por farinha de carne e ossos suína e farinha de peixe. O período de alimentação foi de 63 dias. No decorrer de 30 dias experimentais não foi observada diferença em indicadores de crescimento entre os animais que consumiram as rações controle e com farelo de tungue tratado quimicamente, porém o consumo da ração com farelo de tungue in natura provocou redução no desempenho até o final do período experimental. Após 63 dias de arraçoamento, alguns indicadores de crescimento mostraram-se inferiores também para o tratamento que continha farelo de tungue tratado em relação ao controle. A análise bioquímica no plasma e no fígado revelou aumento de triglicerídeos, glicogênio, glicose e a utilização de outras fontes, possivelmente aminoácidos, como precursores energéticos na produção de energia quando os animais consumiram a dieta com farelo de tungue in natura em relação às demais, o que refletiu na menor concentração de proteína e na maior deposição de gordura na carcaça. Em relação à atividade de enzimas digestivas, tripsina apresentou atividade aumentada no tratamento com farelo de tungue in natura e protease ácida, quimotripsina, amilase e lipase não foram alteradas em nenhum dos tratamentos avaliados.(AU)

This study evaluated the partial replacement of animal meal by tung meal as protein source in feeding Hungarian carp. The treatments consisted of the inclusion of in natura or detoxified tung meal (obtained after chemical treatment applied to tung meal) as well as the reference treatment in which the protein basis was composed of meat and bone pork meal and fish meal. The feeding period was 63 days. During 30 experimental days no difference was observed in growth indicators among animals fed the control diet or with chemically treated tung meal, however, the consumption of diets with in natura tung meal caused reduced performance until the end of the experimental period. After 63 days of feeding, some growth indicators were also are lower for the treatment containing treated tung meal compared to control. Biochemical analysis in plasma and liver revealed increased triglycerides, glycogen, glucose and use of other sources, possibly amino acids, as precursors in the production of energy when animals consumed the diet with in nature tung meal in relation to others, which reflected in lower levels of protein and higher fat deposition in the carcass. Regarding the activity of digestive enzymes, trypsin showed increased activity in the treatment with in natura tung meal and acid protease, chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase were not changed in any of the treatments.(AU)

Farelo de tungue in natura ou detoxificado na alimentação de carpa húngara (Cyprinus carpio) / In natura or detoxified tung meal in feeding Hungarian carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Este estudo avaliou a substituição parcial de farinhas de origem animal pelo farelo de tungue como fonte proteica no arraçoamento de carpa húngara. Os tratamentos compreenderam a inclusão de farelo de tungue in natura ou detoxificado (obtido após aplicação de tratamento químico ao farelo), e o tratamento referência consistiu de base proteica composta por farinha de carne e ossos suína e farinha de peixe. O período de alimentação foi de 63 dias. No decorrer de 30 dias experimentais não foi observada diferença em indicadores de crescimento entre os animais que consumiram as rações controle e com farelo de tungue tratado quimicamente, porém o consumo da ração com farelo de tungue in natura provocou redução no desempenho até o final do período experimental. Após 63 dias de arraçoamento, alguns indicadores de crescimento mostraram-se inferiores também para o tratamento que continha farelo de tungue tratado em relação ao controle. A análise bioquímica no plasma e no fígado revelou aumento de triglicerídeos, glicogênio, glicose e a utilização de outras fontes, possivelmente aminoácidos, como precursores energéticos na produção de energia quando os animais consumiram a dieta com farelo de tungue in natura em relação às demais, o que refletiu na menor concentração de proteína e na maior deposição de gordura na carcaça. Em relação à atividade de enzimas digestivas, tripsina apresentou atividade aumentada no tratamento com farelo de tungue in natura e protease ácida, quimotripsina, amilase e lipase não foram alteradas em nenhum dos tratamentos avaliados...

This study evaluated the partial replacement of animal meal by tung meal as protein source in feeding Hungarian carp. The treatments consisted of the inclusion of in natura or detoxified tung meal (obtained after chemical treatment applied to tung meal) as well as the reference treatment in which the protein basis was composed of meat and bone pork meal and fish meal. The feeding period was 63 days. During 30 experimental days no difference was observed in growth indicators among animals fed the control diet or with chemically treated tung meal, however, the consumption of diets with in natura tung meal caused reduced performance until the end of the experimental period. After 63 days of feeding, some growth indicators were also are lower for the treatment containing treated tung meal compared to control. Biochemical analysis in plasma and liver revealed increased triglycerides, glycogen, glucose and use of other sources, possibly amino acids, as precursors in the production of energy when animals consumed the diet with in nature tung meal in relation to others, which reflected in lower levels of protein and higher fat deposition in the carcass. Regarding the activity of digestive enzymes, trypsin showed increased activity in the treatment with in natura tung meal and acid protease, chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase were not changed in any of the treatments...

Contribution of α,ß-Amyrenone to the Anti-Inflammatory and Antihypersensitivity Effects of Aleurites moluccana (L.) Willd.

The aim of the study was to analyze the constituents of the dichloromethane fraction obtained from A. moluccana and also to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of α,ß-amyrenone isolated from A. moluccana in mice. The dichloromethane fraction was evaluated by gas chromatography and submitted to purification. The mixture of α,ß-amyrenone was isolated and then evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw-oedema or pleurisy and CFA-induced arthritis models in mice. Five triterpenes, α,ß-amyrenone, glutinol, and α,ß-amyrin were isolated from dichloromethane fraction of A. moluccana leaf extract. The mixture of α,ß-amyrenone, dosed orally, was able to reduce mechanical hypersensitivity and paw-oedema induced by carrageenan, interfering with neutrophil migration. Similar results were observed in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy model. Repeated administration of the compounds was also effective in reducing the mechanical sensitization and oedema developed in the arthritis model induced by CFA. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that α,ß-amyrenone interferes in both acute and chronic inflammatory processes. We can infer that these effects involve, at least in part, a reduction in the neutrophil migration. Therefore, it seems reasonable to suggest that α,ß-amyrenone could represent a new therapeutic tool for the management of painful and inflammatory diseases, especially those presenting a chronic profile.

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and wound healing features in animal models treated with a semisolid herbal medicine based on Aleurites moluccana L. Willd. Euforbiaceae standardized leaf extract: semisolid herbal.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aleurites moluccana L. (Willd) Euforbiaceae is a native tree of Indonesia and India that has become acclimatized and well-adapted to the South and Southwest of Brazil. It is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat pain, fever, inflammation, asthma, hepatitis, headache, gastric ulcer, cuts, skin sores and other ailments. The oral antinociceptive effects of standardized 70:30 (v/v) ethanol:water spray dried extract of A. moluccana leaf, as well as its flavonoids 2"-O-rhamnosylswertisin (I) and swertisin (II), have previously been reported. AIM: The aim of this study was to develop a stable and effective semisolid herbal medicine for topical use in the treatment of pain, inflammation and wound healing, containing 0.5 and 1.0% of standardized dried extract of A. moluccana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical markers I and II were assayed by HPLC-UV analysis after extraction by matrix solid dispersion phase (MSDP) followed analytical validation as ICH Guidelines. The semisolid preparations of Hostacerin CG(®) vehicle containing 0.5 and 1.0% of dried extract of A. moluccana were submitted to stability studies (180 day of accelerated and long-term studies). The phytomedicine semisolid was analysed in croton oil-induced ear oedema model in mice, in the healing process, using the excisional wound model in rats, and to prevent mechanical sensitization following plantar incision in rats in the postoperative model of pain. RESULTS: The MSDP method showed average recovery of 101.6 and 105.7% for I and II, respectively, with good precision (RSD<2.0%) and selectivity, without interference of the excipients. The formulations were approved in the stability studies, maintaining conformity after 180 day of accelerated and long-term studies, with variation<10% in the analytical parameters. The phytomedicine reduced the ear oedema in 37.6±5.7% and 64.8±6.2%, for 0.5 and 1.0% of dried extract, respectively. The formulation also accelerated the healing process by up to 50.8±4.1% and 46.0±4.0% at 0.5 and 1.0% of extract, respectively, and both amounts were capable of preventing the development of mechanical sensitization following plantar incision in rats. CONCLUSIONS: The MSDP followed by HPLC-UV analytical method was appropriate for the quality control of the topical phytomedicine based on A. moluccana. The formulation developed at 0.5 and 1.0% of A. moluccana dried extract proved to be effective as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and wound healing in the pre-clinical studies, which is in agreement with the ethnopharmacological data.

Aleurites moluccana and its main active ingredient, the flavonoid 2″-O-rhamnosylswertisin, have promising antinociceptive effects in experimental models of hypersensitivity in mice.

This study investigated the antinociceptive effect of Aleurites moluccana dried extract (DE; 125 to 500 mg/kg, p.o.) and the isolated flavonoid 2″-O-rhamnosylswertisin (5 to 50.6 µmol/kg, p.o.) using different models of long-lasting inflammatory and neuropathic pain in mice. Attempts were made to analyse the mechanisms through which A. moluccana exerted its effects. A. moluccana DE inhibited complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced mechanical nociception. It was also evidenced by a reduction of sensitization in the contralateral hindpaw. The extract reversed the mechanical hypersensitivity of partial ligation of sciatic nerve (PLSN)-treated animals, similar to gabapentin. In PLSN model, the opioid, dopaminergic and oxidonitrergic pathways were involved in the A. moluccana DE antinociceptive effects. A single dose of 2″-O-rhamnosylswertisin inhibited the carrageenan- and CFA-induced mechanical nociception. Furthermore, the compound caused expressive antinociception in PLSN-mice, with inhibition value greater than obtained with gabapentin. Oral treatment with the extract or the isolated compound attenuated the neutrophil migration and IL-1ß levels following carrageenan injection. Of note, A. moluccana DE did not interfere with thermal sensitivity in healthy mice. The absence of side effects, including interference in locomotor activity, motor performance in animals treated with the extract, showed excellent potential for the therapeutic use of this medicinal plant in treating persistent pain in humans.

The use of chitosan modified with glutaraldehyde and glyoxal as chromatographic support for the separation of flavonoids from Aleurites moluccana leaves.

This paper describes the preparation of chitosan modified with dialdehydes, glutaraldehyde (CH-Glu) and glyoxal (CH-Gly) and its application in the isolation of the flavonoids swertisin and 2"-O-rhamnosylswertisin from A. mollucana. The additional non-polar alkyl groups increase the hydrophobicity of the sorbent. The results show that the separation was mediated by hydrophobic interaction (CH-Glu), as well as hydrogen bonding, between phenolic OH or rhamnosil residues from the flavonoids, and the free amine groups (CH-Gly).

Separation of flavonoids from Aleurites moluccana leaves using chitosan modified with heptaldehyde.

Heptaldehyde-modified chitosan (heptyl-chitosan, CH-Hp) was investigated as adsorbent for chromatograhic separation of the flavonoids from A. moluccana. The amount of 2"-O-rhamnosylswertisin isolated (30.0 mg) was approx. twice as high as swertisin (17.5 mg). The improved surface hydrophobicity effected by the heptyl groups promoted the separation of flavonoids. From the results obtained, CH-Hp seems to be more suitable for separation of glycosylated flavonoids than other flavonoids. Thus, modified chitosan described here can be used for hydrophobic interaction chromatography as sucessfully illustrated with flavonoids.

Isolation of flavonoids from Aleurites moluccana using chitosan modified with benzaldehyde (CH-Bz) as chromatographic support.

This paper describes the preparation, characterization and use of a derivative of chitosan as a chromatographic sorbent. Chitosan modified with benzenic ring (CH-Bz) was used to separate two flavonoids, swertisin and 2"-O-rhamnosylswertisin, from ethyl acetate fraction of Aleurites moluccana. The results showed that CH-Bz can be used as a sorbent for the separation of flavonoid compounds. The studies showed that CH-Bz in column chromatography produces goods results, separation of the flavonoid compounds.

Hypolipidaemic activity of methanol extract of Aleurites moluccana.

The lipid-lowering action of the leaves of the Aleurites moluccana methanol extract was studied in Triton W-1339 and high-fat-diet fed rats. The serum lipids (total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides) and body weight were found to be lowered by A. moluccana (300 mg/kg, b.w.) in rats with Triton-induced hypercholesterolaemia and on a hyperlipaemic diet. The results suggest that the lipid lowering action of this natural product is mediated through inhibition of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis and reduction of lipid absorption in the intestine.