RESUMO
The anti-inflammatory activity of hexane leaf extract of Aspilia africana C.D. Adams (Compositae) was evaluated in rodents using the xylene-induced ear edema, egg albumin- and agar-induced paw edema, formaldehyde-induced arthritis, cotton pellet granuloma, gastric ulcerogenic, acetic acid-induced vascular permeability and dextran-induced in vivo leukocyte migration tests. Results showed that the extract (5mg/ear) inhibited topical edema in the mouse ear and at 200 and 400mg/kg (i.p.), it significantly (P<0.05) suppressed the development of egg albumin- and agar-induced paw edema, and the global edematous response to arthritis induced by formaldehyde in rats. Oral administration of the extract (200 or 400mg/kg) evoked a significant (P<0.05) dose-related ulceration of the rat gastric mucosa and inhibition of vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in mice. The extract also significantly (P<0.05) reduced total leukocyte and neutrophils counts in a non-dose-related manner. However, it significantly (P<0.05) increased lymphocyte counts and stimulated the growth of granuloma tissues induced by subcutaneously implanted cotton pellets in rats. Phytochemical tests showed that the extract contained sterols and terpenoids. These findings suggest that the leaves of Aspilia africana possess anti-inflammatory activity in acute and certain aspects of chronic inflammation, which may derive from inhibition of prostaglandins synthesis, inhibition of increased vascular permeability, inhibition of neutrophil migration into inflamed tissues, and stimulation of lymphocyte accumulation, which may enhance tissue repair and healing. The terpenoids present in the leaves may account for the anti-inflammatory activity.