Leaf extract from Clusia nemorosa induces an antinociceptive effect in mice via a mechanism that is adrenergic systems dependent.

Previous studies on the genus Clusia have shown anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects of the leaf extracts, but its antinociceptive activity has never been characterized. In the present study, the antinociceptive activity of the hexane extract of the leaves of Clusia nemorosa G. Mey, called HECn, was examined. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, and hot-plate tests. All experiments were carried out on male Swiss mice. The extract (1-400 mg·kg(-1)), given by intraperitoneal route (i.p.) 1 h prior to testing, produced a dose-dependent inhibition on the number of abdominal writhings, with an ID50 of 62 mg·kg(-1). In addition, HECn was able to prevent the visceral pain induced by acetic acid in mice for at least 2 h. In the formalin test, HECn had no effect in the first phase, but produced an analgesic effect on the second phase with the inhibition of licking time. The HECn did not show a significant analgesic effect in the hot plate test. Pretreatment with yohimbine attenuated the antinociceptive effect induced by HECn in the writhing test. However, naloxone, atropine, or haloperidol did not affect antinociception induced by HECn in the writhing test. Together, these results indicate that the extract from the leaves of Clusia nemorosa produces antinociception in models of chemical pain through mechanisms that suggest participation of the adrenergic systems pathway.

Borreria and Spermacoce species (Rubiaceae): A review of their ethnomedicinal properties, chemical constituents, and biological activities.

Borreira and Spermacoce are genera of Rubiaceae widespread in tropical and subtropical America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Based on its fruits morphology they are considered by many authors to be distinct genera and most others, however, prefer to combine the two taxa under the generic name Spermacoce. Whereas the discussion is still unclear, in this work they were considered as synonyms. Some species of these genera play an important role in traditional medicine in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. Some of these uses include the treatment of malaria, diarrheal and other digestive problems, skin diseases, fever, hemorrhage, urinary and respiratory infections, headache, inflammation of eye, and gums. To date, more than 60 compounds have been reported from Borreria and Spermacoce species including alkaloids, iridoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and other compounds. Studies have confirmed that extracts from Borreria and Spermacoce species as well as their isolated compounds possess diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, larvicidal, antioxidant, gastrointestinal, anti-ulcer, and hepatoprotective, with alkaloids and iridoids as the major active principles. This paper briefly reviews the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of some isolated compounds and extracts of both genera.

Atividade antimicrobiana in vitro dos extratos hexânico e etanólico das folhas de zeyheria tuberculosa / In vitro antimicrobial activity of hexane and ethanol extracts of zeyheria tuberculosa leaves

Analisou-se a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro dos extratos hexânico e etanólico das folhas da Zeyheria tuberculosa, conhecida como ipê-felpudo, contra várias cepas de micro-organismos patogênicos. O Estudo experimental in vitro foi realizado no Laboratório de Pesquisas em Tratamento de Feridas, do Curso de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Alagoas, de maio a outubro de 2011. Os extratos avaliados, tanto pelo método de difusão em disco, quanto pela microdiluição mostraram-se promissores para Staphylococcus aureus, porém para as demais cepas bacterianas e fúngicas não houve atividade inibitória. Os testes foram realizados em triplicata. Os resultados mostraram que tanto o extrato hexânico quanto o etanólico apresentaram uma forte atividade antimicrobiana, inibindo a cepa em concentrações maiores que o da gentamicina, padrão de referência utilizado. Não se observou atividade antifúngica com os extratos. Conclui-se que a boa atividade antibacteriana das folhas e caule desta espécie vegetal é promissora para a continuação dos estudos em modelo animal.