Anti-inflammatory activity of copao (Eulychnia acida Phil., Cactaceae) fruits

Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2015 Jun;70(2):135-40. doi: 10.1007/s11130-015-0468-7.

Abstract

Copao (Eulychnia acida Phil., Cactaceae) is an endemic species occurring in northern Chile. The edible fruits of this plant are valued for its acidic and refreshing taste. Phenolic-enriched extracts from copao fruit pulp and epicarp, collected in the Elqui and Limari river valleys, were assessed by its in vitro ability to inhibit the pro-inflammatory enzymes lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2). At 100 μg/mL, pulp extracts showed better effect towards LOX than epicarp extract, while COX-2 inhibition was observed for both epicarp and pulp samples. In general, the extracts were inactive towards COX-1. A positive correlation was observed between the anti-inflammatory activity and the main phenolic compounds found in this fruit. Copao fruits from the Limari valley, a main place of collection and commercialization, showed major activity, adding evidence on the possible health-beneficial effects of this native Chilean fruit.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / analysis
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / analysis
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Cactaceae / chemistry*
  • Chile
  • Cyclooxygenase 1 / metabolism
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / analysis
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Fruit / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Lipoxygenase / metabolism
  • Lipoxygenase Inhibitors / analysis
  • Lipoxygenase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Phenols / analysis
  • Phenols / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / analysis
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Sheep

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
  • Lipoxygenase Inhibitors
  • Phenols
  • Plant Extracts
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Lipoxygenase
  • Cyclooxygenase 1
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • PTGS2 protein, human