Previous studies have characterized a saline extract from Microgramma vacciniifolia rhizome and its lectin (MvRL)-rich fraction with low acute toxicity. In the present study, we evaluated these preparations for acute toxicity (1,000 mg/kg) and antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities (100-400 mg/kg for the extract and 25-50 mg/kg for the fraction). No signs of toxicity were observed. Both the extract and fraction increased the latency period for nociception in the hot plate assay, decreased writhing induced by acetic acid, and promoted analgesic effects in phases 1 and 2 of the formalin test. The antinociceptive mechanism was attributed to interactions with opioid receptors and K+ ATPase channels. The extract and fraction decreased carrageenan-induced paw edema in 46.15 % and 77.22 %, respectively, at the highest doses evaluated. Furthermore, the fraction was shown to act on the bradykinin pathway. The ability to decrease leukocyte migration after treatment was also verified in the peritonitis and air pouch models. In exudates collected from air pouches, decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and increased interleukin (IL)-10 levels were noted. Both the extract and fraction also effectively inhibited the development of granulomatous tissue. In conclusion, the substances investigated in this study can be used for the development of novel therapeutic options for pain and inflammatory processes.
Keywords: acute toxicity; anti-inflammatory activity; antinociception; pteridophyte.
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