Evaluation of the treatment of fever, pain and inflammation with Indigofera suffruticosa Miller Leaves Aqueous Extract.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Indigofera suffruticosa has reports of its popular use for analgesy in several cultures. Besides that, all parts of this plant are used for some medicinal outcome. The leaves are used in teas, decoctions, juices and included in baths for treating fever and inflammatory processes. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity mechanisms of I. suffruticosa leave aqueous extract (IsAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical screening of IsAE was performed by thin layer chromatography. Total flavonoid content was determined and expressed by milligram of quercetin equivalent per gram of extract (mgEQ/g). 50% of the lethal dose that kills animals (LD50) was determined by acute toxicity in mice. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated through carrageenan-induced paw edema, peritonitis, and protein denaturation inhibition. Anti-nociceptive potential was evaluated by acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests. Antipyretic activity was assessed by yeast-induced fever. RESULTS: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids and acid gallic in a quantity of 33.9 mg QE/g. Acute toxicity evaluation resulted in a LD50 of 3807.88 mg/kg. For carrageenan-induced paw edema test, IsAE in both doses (20 and 100 mg/kg) reduced the edema in 83.93%. IsAE reduced nitric oxide (NO) production and leucocytes migration to peritonitis inflammation site and at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL showed also inhibition of protein denaturation similar to indomethacin in the same concentration. IsAE inhibited in 72.60% the number of contortions in writhing test. In formalin test, IsAE was also efficient, but showed results only in the second phase. In addition, the concentration of 100 mg/kg reduced fever significantly. CONCLUSIONS: IsAE proved to be anti-inflammatory, acting in different parts of the inflammation process, confirming its popular use.

Anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and analgesic activities of Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel (Brazilian grape) epicarp.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel, known in Brazil as jabuticaba or jaboticaba has been used by Brazilian native populations for medicinal purposes, including those related to inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, diarrhea, disorders in female genitourinary tract, and tonsillitis. Inflammation has emerged as a main factor for the oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia present in chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Such disturbances have been a leading cause of death worldwide for decades, despite significant efforts in developing new therapies. Therefore, strengthening the relevance of ethnobotanic approaches, as P. cauliflora has the potential to become a natural, native, and traditional product to prevent and treat inflammation-associated diseases more effectively for more people. AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluate anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and analgesic properties of hydroethanolic extract of P. cauliflora epicarps (PcE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical compound from the PcE were identified through HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn analysis. Antioxidant activity was determined by measuring 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging. The anti-inflammatory potential was investigated by carrageenan-induced paw edema and peritonitis in mice. Analgesic effect was assessed, in mice, though hot plate test and acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing. Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential were evaluated using alloxan-induced diabetic mice. RESULTS: Tannins, phenolic acids, and their derivatives were the predominant phytochemicals found. Overall, PcE showed different properties related to the treatment of clinical conditions associated with chronic diseases as a potent antioxidant activity, demonstrating a radical scavenging action similar to gallic acid. PcE oral administration also significantly reduced inflammation induced by paw edema and partially blocked leukocyte migration. Moreover, PcE produced peripheral and central analgesic effects, as evaluated in the writhing model and hot plate tests. Treatment with PcE significantly improved glucose levels and lipid markers in diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS: P. cauliflora fruits are rich sources of secondary metabolites, mainly tannins and phenolic acids with high biological potential, which can effectively contribute to the approach of preventing and controlling chronic NCDs.