Anti-inflammatory and Antinociceptive Effects of the Aqueous Extract of the Bark of Chrysobalanus icaco Linnaeus.

Aims: This paper describes the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the aqueous extract of Chrysobalanus icaco. Study Design: Study the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of the aqueous extract of C. icaco using in vivo models. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Antibiotics and Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, between March 2010 and March 2012. Methodology: The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan/dextraninduced paw edema, vascular permeability induced by acetic acid and subcutaneous air pouch models, with measurements of cell migration, nitric oxide and cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, formalin and hot plate tests were performed to investigate the antinociceptive effects. Results: The aqueous extract of C. icaco (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) reduced dextran/carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, the vascular permeability, cell migration, and nitric oxide concentration. However, it did not affect the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 produced in the pouch. The aqueous extract also demonstrated antinociceptive activity by acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and formalin test, and was able to prolong the reaction time in the hot plate model in the first hour with activity similar to morphine (2.5 mg/kg, s.c.). There was no acute toxicity in mice after oral administration of the aqueous extract at doses of 2 g/kg. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the aqueous extract of C. icaco demonstrated antiinflammatory activity through the reduction of vascular permeability, inhibition of cellular migration and nitric oxide production and that the antinociceptive activity seems to be mediated by central mechanisms.

Anti-inflammatory, Antiarthritic and Antinociceptive Activities of 3,5-Disubstituted Thiazolidine Derivatives.

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic and antinociceptive effects of two thiazolidinedione derivatives: 3-(2-bromo-benzyl)-5-(4- methylsufonyl-benzylidene)-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (LPSF/GQ-125) and 3-(2,6-difluorobenzyl)- 5-(4-methylsufonyl-benzylidene)-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (LPSF/GQ-192). Study Design: Study the effects of thiazolidinedione derivatives on the inflammatory process. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Antibiotics of the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, between March 2010 and February 2012. Methodology: The carrageenan-induced air pouch in mice was performed and cytokine levels (TNF-α and IL-1β) were determined. Arthritis was induced in female wistar rats by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). To determine the antinociceptive activity, acetic acidinduced nociception and hot plate tests in mice were utilized. Results: Treatment with the compounds reduced leukocyte migration and the release of both TNF-α and IL-1β in the air pouch. Both LPSF/GQ-125 and LPSF/GQ-192 reduced the CFA-induced paw edema and the nociception induced by acetic acid; the hot plate test, however, showed no antinociceptive activity when compared to the control group. Conclusion: These results indicate that LPSF/GQ-125 and LPSF/GQ-192 exhibit promising anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antiarthritic activities related to their ability to inhibit TNF-α and IL-1β production as well as reduction of leukocyte migration.