Beneficial effects of Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan extract on the inflammatory and nociceptive responses in rodent models

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan, popularly known as "angico", is a plant that has been widely used in folk medicine due to its anti-inflammatory property. To evaluate the pharmacological activities of this plant, studies were performed on its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties.

Materials and methods: The AE of Anadenanthera colubrina, made from the bark, was used in rodents via oral route (p.o.), at 100, 200, and 400mg/kg in classical models of nociception (acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate test) and inflammation evoked by carrageenan (e.g., paw edema, peritonitis, and synovitis).

Results: The acetic acid-induced abdominal writhes in mice were significantly reduced (P<0.001) by oral treatment with the extract (100, 200, and 400mg/kg), but the extract did not significantly increase the latency in the nociceptive hot-plate test. Anadenanthera colubrina aqueous extract reduced significantly the edema and, besides, diminished the mieloperoxidase activity (200 and 400mg/kg, P<0.01). The carrageenan-induced peritonitis was significantly reduced (P<0.05) by the aqueous extract at 100, 200, and 400mg/kg. The aqueous extract (200mg/kg) reduces the synovial leukocyte infiltration on carrageenan-induced synovitis in rats (P<0.01), but failed to significantly affect joint swelling and impaired mobility.

Conclusions: We show for the first time that the anti-inflammatory and peripheral antinociceptive activities of Anadenanthera colubrina are consistent, at least in part, with the use of this plant in popular medicine practices.