Immunomodulatory Effects of Anadenanthera colubrina Bark Extract in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the ethanolic extract of Anadenanthera colubrina in modulating the immune response in the Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. The ethanolic extract of the dried bark was analyzed by ESI (+) Orbitrap-MS to obtain a metabolite profile, demonstrating a wide variety of polyphenols, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Various parameters were evaluated, such as clinical signs, cytokines, cellular profile, and histopathology in the central nervous system (CNS). The ethanolic extract of A. colubrina demonstrated significant positive effects attenuating the clinical signs and pathological processes associated with EAE. The beneficial effects of the extract treatment were evidenced by reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL1ß, IL-6, IL-12, TNF, IFN-γ, and a notable decrease in several cell profiles, including CD8+, CD4+, CD4+IFN-γ, CD4+IL-17+, CD11c+MHC-II+, CD11+CD80+, and CD11+CD86+ in the CNS. In addition, histological analysis revealed fewer inflammatory infiltrates and demyelination sites in the spinal cord of mice treated with the extract compared to the control model group. These results showed, for the first time, that the ethanolic extract of A. colubrina exerts a modulatory effect on inflammatory processes, improving clinical signs in EAE, in the acute phase of the disease, which could be further explored as a possible therapeutic alternative.

Cecropia hololeuca: A new source of compounds with potential anti-inflammatory action.

Our objective is to investigate the phytochemical components, antioxidant capacity and in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory action from Cecropia hololeuca bark aqueous extract (AECh). The chemical characterization of AECh was performed through CE-UV, FTIR and NMR Spectroscopy. In vitro assays were performed with the AECh on murine macrophages J774A.1 cells in order to analyse cell viability, NO, TNF-α and IL-1ß productions and the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential in acute carrageenan paw oedema in mice. The AECh showed a decrease in the production of NO, TNF-α and IL-1ß, without altering the cell viability and reduction of the paw thickness in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th hour. The extract presented 72% free radical scavenging, 0.60% flavonoid content and showed the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid and catechin as major constituents. The C. hololeuca bark extract showed important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, emphasizing the industrial and pharmacological potential of this plant.