Anti-hyperalgesic activity of corilagin, a tannin isolated from Phyllanthus niruri L. (Euphorbiaceae)

J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Mar 7;146(1):318-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.12.052. Epub 2013 Jan 17.

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Corilagin (β-1-O-galloyl-3,6-(R)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose) is a tannin isolated from Phyllanthus niruri (Euphorbiaceae). This plant is well known for their therapeutic purposes to treat several diseases associated with dolorous process and are used in several ethno-medicines in tropical and subtropical countries.

Aim of the study: This study was designed to evaluate the anti-hyperalgesic activity of corilagin using chemically and thermally based nociception models in mice.

Materials and methods: Corilagin was isolated from Phyllanthus niruri (Euphorbiaceae) by extraction and chromatographic procedures and the anti-hyperalgesic activity was evaluated by using writhing, formalin, capsaicin, glutamate and hot plate tests in mice.

Results: Corilagin presented activity in acetic acid model with the ID50 calculated value of 6.46 (3.09-13.51) being about 20.6 fold more potent than acetylsalicylic acid. It also exhibited activity against the first phase of formalin test with ID50 value of 18.38 (15.15-22.59) μmol/kg. In the capsaicin and glutamate models, corilagin demonstrated significant activity at the 3 mg/kg.

Conclusion: The experimental data demonstrated that corilagin exhibits anti-hyperalgesic activity that may be due to interaction with the glutamatergic system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetic Acid
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Capsaicin
  • Formaldehyde
  • Glucosides / therapeutic use*
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Hot Temperature
  • Hydrolyzable Tannins
  • Hyperalgesia / drug therapy*
  • Hyperalgesia / etiology
  • Hyperalgesia / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Phyllanthus*
  • Phytotherapy

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Glucosides
  • Hydrolyzable Tannins
  • Formaldehyde
  • Glutamic Acid
  • corilagin
  • Acetic Acid
  • Capsaicin