ABSTRACT
Abstract Spondias mombin L., Anacardiaceae, is a plant native of Brazil, where it is known as "cajá". In order to find a potential application for this native species, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects were investigated. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the in vivo model carrageenan-induced peritonitis in mice. The in vitro antioxidant potential as well the cytotoxicity against 3T3 fibroblast cells also were evaluated. Through High Performance Liquid Chromatography-diode array detector analysis, an analytic method was developed and validated. It allowed the identification and quantification of ellagic acid and chlorogenic acid in hydroethanolic extract of S. mombin leaves. This extract showed anti-inflammatory effect at 100, 200, 300 and 500 mg/kg, however, the ethyl acetate fraction, at 200 mg/kg, showed the highlighted results. Ellagic acid and chlorogenic acid (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) also inhibited the leukocyte migration to the site of inflammation. The extract, fractions and compounds showed significant antioxidant potential when evaluated in different assays. The results shown in this work suggest the anti-inflammatory potential of the leaf extract of S. mombim on peritonitis model induced by carrageenan, it was also observed antioxidant properties associated with an absence of cytotoxicity in cell culture. Further in vivo studies are required to confirm the anti-inflammatories action of S. mombin and its possible anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action.
ABSTRACT
Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil., Aquifoliaceae) is a South American native species that is widely used for its industrial potential in the preparation of drinks, teas and cosmetics. Its properties are directly related to the presence of its chemical constituents, such as saponins, methylxanthines and phenolic compounds. This study aimed to investigate the influence of leaf age on methylxanthine and total phenolic contents by High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Ultraviolet Spectroscopy, as well as on free radical scavenging capacity, of aqueous extracts of I. paraguariensis leaves. The results showed great variability in all the metabolites measured. Leaf ageing significantly increased the methylxanthine content and total phenolic content of the extracts. Free radical scavenging capacity was also significantly affected (p < 0.05) by leaf age. A positive correlation was observed, between the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content.