Phytochemical screening and analgesic profile of the lyophilized aqueous extract obtained from Chrysobalanus icaco leaves in experimental protocols.

BACKGROUND

Chrysobalanus icaco L. (Chrysobalanaceae) has been used for the treatment of abdominal pain and cramps.

OBJECTIVE

Assess the chemical and pharmacological profile of the lyophilized aqueous extract from C. icaco leaves (AEC).

METHODS

Chromatographic methods were used to assess compounds from AEC. Mice were treated with vehicle (control group) or AEC (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) (group with 7-8 mice) and the analgesic profile was assessed employing the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, hot plate tests and hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan (CG) or tumour necrosis factor-alpha. The animal motor performance was assessed using rota-rod and grip strength tests.

RESULTS

The chromatographic profile of AEC demonstrated the presence of terpenoid compounds. The acute pretreatment with AEC, at all doses, produced a significant (p < 0.01) inhibition of painful bahaviour (11.4 ± 3.6; 10.3 ± 2.8; 11.3 ± 2.2) when compared to the control group (24.7 ± 4.7) in acetic acid-induced writhing test. In the formalin test, AEC were effective in the second phase (p < 0.01) (57.2 ± 10.3; 56.3 ± 9.2; 54.7 ± 8.9) when compared to control group (121.9 ± 18.5). No response was observed in the hot plate test. The higher dose of AEC produced a significant (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) inhibitory effect on the mechanical hyperalgesia test. AEC did not affect the motor performance of the mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The terpenoids from AEC are known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. So, these results corroborate the experiments using the AEC in inflammatory pain protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that AEC act against inflammatory pain.