In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanol extract from the aerial parts of Eryngium carlinae F. Delaroche (Apiaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Eryngium carlinae F. Delaroche (Apiaceae) is an herb used in folk medicine as a diuretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Aim of the study: This work assessed the diuretic, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory actions of an ethanol extract from the leaves and stems of Eryngium carlinae (ECE). These ethnomedicinal properties of ECE were scientifically validated using in vitro and in vivo assays.

Materials and methods: The antinociceptive and diuretic actions of ECE (10-200 mg/kg p.o.) were assessed with the acetic acid-induced writhing test and by using metabolic cages to house mice, respectively. The in vitro anti-inflammatory actions of ECE (1-500 μg/ml) were evaluated using LPS-stimulated primary murine macrophages, and the in vivo anti-inflammatory actions were assessed using the TPA-induced ear edema test (2 mg/ear) and carrageenan-induced paw edema test (50-200 mg/kg p.o.). The production of inflammatory mediators was estimated using in vitro and in vivo assays.

Results: ECE lacked antinociceptive and diuretic effects. ECE increased the production of IL-10 in LPS-stimulated macrophages (EC50= 37.8 pg/ml) and the carrageenan-induced paw edema test (ED50=82.6 mg/kg). ECE showed similar in vivo anti-inflammatory actions compared to those observed with indomethacin.

Conclusion: ECE exerts in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects by increasing the release of IL-10.

Keywords: Eryngium carlinae; IL-10; anti-inflammatory; macrophages.