Anti-inflammatory and healing effect of the polysaccharidic extract of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes in cutaneous excisional wounds in rats.

This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects of the polysaccharide extract from Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes (TPL-Ofi) using a rat cutaneous wound model. After anaesthesia, four 7-mm-diameter dorsal wounds per animal (n = 6/group for each experimental day of evaluation) were created in female Wistar rats using a surgical punch. The animals were treated topically twice daily with TPL-Ofi (0.01-1%; treated group) or sterile saline (control group) for a period of 21 days. Ulcerated tissue was collected for analysis of histological parameters (inflammation score, number of polymorphonuclear, mononuclear, fibroblast/myofibroblasts and blood vessels), immunohistochemical (fibroblast growth factor 2 [FGF-2]) and oxidative stress markers (myeloperoxidase [MPO] and glutathione [GSH]). After 21 days of treatment, body weight, net organ weight and plasma biochemical levels were measured. TPL-Ofi, containing a total carbohydrate content of 65.5% and uronic acid at 2.8%, reduced oedema on the second day and increased the nociceptive threshold on the second and third days. TPL-Ofi reduced mononuclear infiltrate on the second and MPO activity on the fifth day. TPL-Ofi increased GSH levels on the second day, as well as fibroblast/myofibroblasts counts, neoangiogenesis and FGF-2 levels on the fifth and seventh days. No changes were observed in body weight, net organ weight or toxicology assessment. Topical application of TPL-Ofi exhibited anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, ultimately improving wound healing in cutaneous wounds.

Galactomannan of Delonix regia seeds modulates cytokine expression and oxidative stress eliciting anti-inflammatory and healing effects in mice cutaneous wound.

The galactomannans property of forming viscous solutions, along with the traditional use of Delonix regia as anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healing, justify the investigation of the healing mechanism of Delonix regia galactomannan (GM-DR) in a model of excisional cutaneous wound. GM-DR (% 0.01-1) was topically applied to the wounds of female Swiss mice during 14 days. The wound healing effect of GM-DR was evaluated by the following parameters: wound closure and clinical signs (hyperemia, edema and exudate by macroscopy, nociception by analgesimetry), oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde - MDA, reduced glutathione - GSH) by ELISA, histopathological (HE and Picrosirius red), and histomorphometric (collagenesis, blood vessels, polymorphonuclear, mononuclear, fusiform cells) and immunohistochemistry (inflammatory and growth factor mediators) by tissue microarrayer. GM-DR reduced wound area (7-14th day) and hypernociception (6 h - 5th day), leukocyte infiltration (2 -7th days), expression and levels of IL-1ß (2th day), IL-6 (2th day), MDA (44% - 2th day), and increased fusiform cells, granulation tissue, collagen deposition, GSH (25 - 50%, 2-5th day), expression of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) (7-10th day) and smooth muscle alpha actin (α-SMA) (7-14th day). In conclusion, GM-DR accelerates the mice healing process acting both in the inflammatory and proliferative phases.

Skincare application of medicinal plant polysaccharides - A review.

Polysaccharides are macromolecules with important inherent properties and potential biotechnological applications. These complex carbohydrates exist throughout nature, especially in plants, from which they can be obtained with high yields. Different extraction and purification methods may affect the structure of polysaccharides and, due to the close relationship between structure and function, modify their biological activities. One of the possible applications of these polysaccharides is acting on the skin, which is the largest organ in the human body and can be aged by intrinsic and extrinsic processes. Skincare has been gaining worldwide attention not only to prevent diseases but also to promote rejuvenation in aesthetic treatments. In this review, we discussed the polysaccharides obtained from plants and their innovative potential for skin applications, for example as wound-healing, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, and anti-aging compounds.

Structural characterization of anticoagulant and antithrombotic polysaccharides isolated from Caesalpinia ferrea stem barks.

This study aimed to isolate, characterize chemical-structurally and evaluate the effects of polysaccharides from Caesalpinia (Libidibia) ferrea stem barks in the haemostatic system. The deproteinated-polysaccharide extract (PE-Cf) after being fractionated by ion exchange chromatography-DEAE-cellulose resulted in three fractions (FI, FII, FIII) containing total carbohydrates (14.3-38%), including uronic acid (5-16%), and polyphenols (0.94-1.7 mg/g GAE). The polysaccharide fractions presented polydisperse profile in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (detected by Stains-All) and molecular masses (9.5 × 104 Da-1.5 × 105 Da) identified by gel permeation chromatography. FT-IR showed absorption bands (1630 cm-1, 1396-1331 cm-1), indicative of uronic acid, and a band at 1071 cm-1, typical of COO- groups of galacturonic acid. The NMR spectra of C. ferrea polysaccharides revealed a central core composed mainly by 5-linked α-Araf and minority components as α-Rhap and α-GalAp. UV spectra of fractions revealed discrete shoulders at 269-275 nm, characteristic of polyphenolic compounds. In vitro, polysaccharides inhibited the intrinsic and/or common coagulation pathway (aPTT test) (2.0-3.7 fold) and the platelet aggregation induced by 3 µM adenosine diphosphate (25-48%) and 5 µg/mL collagen (24%), but not that induced by arachidonic acid. In vivo, the polysaccharides inhibited (36-69%) venous thrombosis induced by hypercoagulability and stasis, showing discrete hemorrhagic effect. In conclusion, the polysaccharides of C. ferrea barks, containing arabinose, galactose, rhamnose and uronic acid, possess anticoagulant, antiplatelet and antithrombotic properties of low hemorrhagic risk, suggesting potential applicability in thromboembolic disorders.

Polysaccaride-rich extract of Caesalpina ferrea stem barks attenuates mice acute inflammation induced by zymosan: Oxidative stress modulation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Stem barks of Caesalpinia ferrea Mart. Ex Tul. (Caesalpiniaceae), also known as pau-ferro jucá or jucaína, are popularly used to treat contusions, diabetes, rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions in the form of tea, lick or decoction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the polysaccharide-rich extract obtained from C. ferrea stem barks (PE-Cf) in mice models of acute inflammation induced by zymosan and the involvement of oxidative stress biomarkers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were treated with PE-Cf (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/kg) by endovenous route (i.v.) or per oral (p.o.) 30 or 60 min before injection of the inflammatory stimuli zymosan (0.5 mg; intraperitoneal or subcutaneous intraplantar). The inflammatory parameters (edema, nociception, leukocyte migration) and oxidative stress markers (myeloperoxidase-MPO, malondialdehyde-MDA, nitrite, reduced glutathione-GSH, glutathione peroxidase-GPx) were evaluated in the models of paw edema (hidropletysmometry/expressed as ml or area under curve-AUC) and peritonitis (optical microscopy/expressed as n° of cells/mm3 of peritoneal fluid). Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni test. RESULTS: PE-Cf (0.1, 0.01 and 1 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited paw edema, showing maximal effect (74%) at 1 mg/kg in the 5th (52 ± 9.6 µl vs. zymosan: 204 ± 3.6 µl). PE-Cf (1 mg/kg) also inhibited by 43% MPO activity in the paw tissues (17 ± 1 vs. zymosan: 30 ± 2.6 U/mg). Besides, 4 h after peritonitis induction, PE-Cf (1 mg/kg) reduced neutrophil migration by 84% (432 ± 45 vs. zymosan: 2651 ± 643 cells/mm3); visceral nociception by 76% (3 ± 0.6 vs. zymosan: 16 ± 4 writhes); nitric oxide by 73% (0.131 ± 0.033 vs. zymosan: 0.578 ± 0.185 NO2-/NO3-ml); MDA (98 ± 10 vs. zymosan:156 ± 21 U/ml), and increased GSH by 65% (736 ± 65 vs. zymosan: 259 ± 58 µmol/ml) and GPx by 72% (0.037 ± 0.007 vs. zymosan: 0.010 ± 0.005 U/mg protein). CONCLUSION: The polysaccharide-rich extract of Caesalpinia ferrea stem barks present anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in mice models of acute inflammation induced by zymosan.

Polysaccharide fractions from Handroanthus heptaphyllus and Handroanthus albus barks: Structural characterization and cytotoxic activity.

Barks of trees of the genus Handroanthus are known for their antitumor activity, which is attributed to naphthoquinones. Another class of molecules that has shown antitumor activity are the polysaccharides, however those from Handroanthus barks have never been studied. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to extract polysaccharides from H. heptaphyllus and H. albus barks, to characterize them structurally and to evaluate their cytotoxic effects on the human colon and human breast cancer cell lines, Caco-2 and MCF-7, respectively. The polysaccharides were extracted with boiling water and fractionated by freeze-thawing process. The soluble polysaccharide fractions HHBSF and HABSF were characterized by monosaccharide composition, methylation and NMR analyses, and their effects on proliferation of Caco-2 and MCF-7 cells were evaluated using MTT cell viability assay. HHBSF and HABSF were mainly constituted of galactoglucomannan, type II arabinogalactan (AGII) and type I rhamnogalacturonan (RGI), however, only HABSF significantly inhibited the growth of MCF-7 (CC50 = 327 µg/mL) and Caco-2 (CC50 = 2258 µg/mL) cells. Differences in the fine structure and proportion of their polysaccharides, and maybe in the composition of associated phenolic compounds could explain the different effects of HHBSF and HABSF.

A polysaccharide fraction from Handroanthus albus (yellow ipê) leaves with antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.

Handroanthus albus, commonly known as yellow ipê, is a native and widely distributed tree in Brazil. An aqueous soluble polysaccharide fraction (HASP) was obtained from its leaves, and monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkage analysis by methylation and NMR spectroscopy indicated that HASP is mainly composed of a type II arabinogalactan, and suggested that other polysaccharides could also be present in a smaller proportion. HASP was able to promote antinociception in formalin-induced (second phase) and on glutamate-induced nociception tests, besides reducing the number of abdominal contortions induced by acetic acid in mice. Moreover, HASP reduced acetic acid-induced leukocyte infiltration in the peritoneal cavity and showed anti-edematogenic activity, decreasing mechanical allodynia and myeloperoxidase activity in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model. These results showed that the polysaccharide fraction HASP from H. albus leaves has interesting antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.

Uso de extratos de polissacarídicos da planta medicinal caesalpinea ferrea na estimulação do edema na pata de ratos / Use of polysaccharidic extracts from the Caesalpinia ferrea medicinal plant in edema stimulation in the rats paw

O sistema imune inato é capaz de promover respostas inflamatórias imediatas a lesões e atua como mecanismo inicial de defesa no corpo, estando seus defeitos associados a respostas exacerbadas, como na asma, ou a deficiências que levam a infecções graves,de aparecimento rápido. Assim, um melhor entendimento do processo inflamatório, bem como a utilização de moléculas modulatórias é de extrema importância. Polissacarídeos de plantas são reconhecidos por suas atividades antiviral, antitumoral, imunoestimulante, anti-inflamatória e anticoagulante. O extrato polissacarídico da casca de Caesalpinia ferrea(Caesalpinioideae), planta muito utilizada na medicina popular, possui efeito cicatrizante de feridas. O presente estudo avaliou a atividade inflamatória de extratos polissacarídicos obtidos da casca (EPC), vagens (EPV) e folhas (EPF) de Caesalpinia ferrea. A planta foi coletada em Custódio, município de Quixadá-CE, para extração dos polissacarídeos.Casca, vagens e folhas foram suspensas em metanol, ressuspensas em NaOH (0,1 M), neutralizadas com HCl (1 M) e avaliadas quanto aos teores de carboidrato e proteína. EPC, EPV e EPF foram testados em ratos Wistar fêmeas (150-250g) no modelo de edema de pata, induzido pela administração subcutânea (s.c.) intraplantar de dextrana (300 μg), carragenana (300 μg) ou dos extratos polissacarídicos (0,01, 0,1 e 1 mg/kg), e mensurado por plestismometria(0-8 horas). Os extratos polissacarídicos apresentaram elevado teor de carboidratos (EPC: 44%; EPV: 31%; EPF: 44%) e atividade edematogênica, com maior eficácia na dose de 1 mg/kg: EPC(0,75±0,05 mL vs. salina: 0,45±0,04 mL); EPV (0,46±0,06 mL; vs salina: 0,16±0,02 mL); EPF (0,3±0,01 mL; salina: 0,18±0,02 mL).(AU)

The innate system is able to promote immediate inflammatory response to injuries, acting as an initial defense mechanism, being its failing associated to exacerbated response as asthma or to deficiencies, that lead to rapid serious infection. Thus, the better understanding of this process as well as the use of modulatory molecules is extremely important. Plant polysaccharides are recognized for its antiviral, antitumor, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. Polysaccharide extract obtained from Caesalpinia ferreabarks, a plant widely is used in folk medicine for wound healing, among others. This effect had been confirmed for the polysaccharide extract obtained from it barks. The present study evaluated the inflammatory activity of polyssaccharide extracts obtained from barks (PEB), pods (PEP) and leaves (PEL) of Caesalpinia ferrea. The plant was collected at Custódio, Quixadá-CE for obtention of the polyssaccharide extracts. Barks, pods and leaves were suspended in methanol, re-suspended in 0.1 M NaOH, neutralized with 1 M HCl and evaluated for carbohydrate and protein content. PEB, PEP and PEL were tested in female Wistar rats (150-250g) in the model of paw edema induced by subcutaneous (s.c.) intraplantar administration of dextran (300 μg), carrageenan (300 μg) or polyssaccharide extracts (0.01, 0.1 e 1 mg/kg) and measured by plesthysmometry (0 -8h). C. ferrea polyssaccharide extracts presented high content of carbohydrate (PEB: 44%; PEP: 31%; PEL: 44%) and edematogenic activity, with maximal efficacy at 1 mg/kg: PEB (0.75±0.05 mL vs. saline: 0.45±0.04 mL); PEP (0.46±0.06 mL; vs saline: 0.16±0.02 mL); PEL (0.3±0.01 mL; saline: 0.18±0.02 mL).(AU)

Uso de extratos de polissacarídicos da planta medicinal caesalpinea ferrea na estimulação do edema na pata de ratos / Use of polysaccharidic extracts from the Caesalpinia ferrea medicinal plant in edema stimulation in the rats paw

O sistema imune inato é capaz de promover respostas inflamatórias imediatas a lesões e atua como mecanismo inicial de defesa no corpo, estando seus defeitos associados a respostas exacerbadas, como na asma, ou a deficiências que levam a infecções graves,de aparecimento rápido. Assim, um melhor entendimento do processo inflamatório, bem como a utilização de moléculas modulatórias é de extrema importância. Polissacarídeos de plantas são reconhecidos por suas atividades antiviral, antitumoral, imunoestimulante, anti-inflamatória e anticoagulante. O extrato polissacarídico da casca de Caesalpinia ferrea(Caesalpinioideae), planta muito utilizada na medicina popular, possui efeito cicatrizante de feridas. O presente estudo avaliou a atividade inflamatória de extratos polissacarídicos obtidos da casca (EPC), vagens (EPV) e folhas (EPF) de Caesalpinia ferrea. A planta foi coletada em Custódio, município de Quixadá-CE, para extração dos polissacarídeos.Casca, vagens e folhas foram suspensas em metanol, ressuspensas em NaOH (0,1 M), neutralizadas com HCl (1 M) e avaliadas quanto aos teores de carboidrato e proteína. EPC, EPV e EPF foram testados em ratos Wistar fêmeas (150-250g) no modelo de edema de pata, induzido pela administração subcutânea (s.c.) intraplantar de dextrana (300 μg), carragenana (300 μg) ou dos extratos polissacarídicos (0,01, 0,1 e 1 mg/kg), e mensurado por plestismometria(0-8 horas). Os extratos polissacarídicos apresentaram elevado teor de carboidratos (EPC: 44%; EPV: 31%; EPF: 44%) e atividade edematogênica, com maior eficácia na dose de 1 mg/kg: EPC(0,75±0,05 mL vs. salina: 0,45±0,04 mL); EPV (0,46±0,06 mL; vs salina: 0,16±0,02 mL); EPF (0,3±0,01 mL; salina: 0,18±0,02 mL).

The innate system is able to promote immediate inflammatory response to injuries, acting as an initial defense mechanism, being its failing associated to exacerbated response as asthma or to deficiencies, that lead to rapid serious infection. Thus, the better understanding of this process as well as the use of modulatory molecules is extremely important. Plant polysaccharides are recognized for its antiviral, antitumor, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. Polysaccharide extract obtained from Caesalpinia ferreabarks, a plant widely is used in folk medicine for wound healing, among others. This effect had been confirmed for the polysaccharide extract obtained from it barks. The present study evaluated the inflammatory activity of polyssaccharide extracts obtained from barks (PEB), pods (PEP) and leaves (PEL) of Caesalpinia ferrea. The plant was collected at Custódio, Quixadá-CE for obtention of the polyssaccharide extracts. Barks, pods and leaves were suspended in methanol, re-suspended in 0.1 M NaOH, neutralized with 1 M HCl and evaluated for carbohydrate and protein content. PEB, PEP and PEL were tested in female Wistar rats (150-250g) in the model of paw edema induced by subcutaneous (s.c.) intraplantar administration of dextran (300 μg), carrageenan (300 μg) or polyssaccharide extracts (0.01, 0.1 e 1 mg/kg) and measured by plesthysmometry (0 -8h). C. ferrea polyssaccharide extracts presented high content of carbohydrate (PEB: 44%; PEP: 31%; PEL: 44%) and edematogenic activity, with maximal efficacy at 1 mg/kg: PEB (0.75±0.05 mL vs. saline: 0.45±0.04 mL); PEP (0.46±0.06 mL; vs saline: 0.16±0.02 mL); PEL (0.3±0.01 mL; saline: 0.18±0.02 mL).

Polysaccharide rich fractions from barks of Ximenia americana inhibit peripheral inflammatory nociception in mice Antinociceptive effect of Ximenia americana polysaccharide rich fractions

Abstract Ximenia americana L., Olacaceae, barks are utilized in folk medicine as analgesic and anti-inflammatory. The objective was to evaluate the toxicity and antinociceptive effect of polysaccharides rich fractions from X. americana barks. The fractions were obtained by extraction with NaOH, followed by precipitation with ethanol and fractionation by ion exchange chromatography. They were administered i.v. or p.o. before nociception tests (writhing, formalin, carragenan-induced hypernociception, hot plate), or during 14 days for toxicity assay. The total polysaccharides fraction (TPL-Xa: 8.1% yield) presented 43% carbohydrate (21% uronic acid) and resulted in two main fractions after chromatography (FI: 12%, FII: 22% yield). FII showed better homogeneity/purity, content of 44% carbohydrate, including 39% uronic acid, arabinose and galactose as major monosaccharides, and infrared spectra with peaks in carbohydrate range for COO- groups of uronic acid. TPL-Xa (10 mg/kg) and FII (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) presented inhibitory effect in behavior tests that evaluate nociception induced by chemical and mechanical, but not thermal stimuli. TPL-Xa did not alter parameters of systemic toxicity. In conclusion, polysaccharides rich fractions of X. americana barks inhibit peripheral inflammatory nociception, being well tolerated by animals.