Chemical and preliminary analgesic evaluation of geraniin and furosin isolated from Phyllanthus sellowianus

The present study describes the occurrence of two ellagitannins in the ethanolic extract of the leaves and stems of Phyllanthus sellowianus (Euphorbiaceae). Their preliminary antinociceptive properties were also evaluated. The two ellagitannins were identified on the basis of H-1- and C-13-NMR spectra data and by mixed co-TLC and co-HPLC injection with an authentic sample of furosin and geraniin. Preliminary pharmacological analysis revealed that both furosin and geraniin (3 to 30 mg/kg, i.p.), given 30 min before testing, exhibited significant and dose-related antinociceptive properties against acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions in mice. Geraniin and furosin were about six- to seven-fold more potent at the ID50 level (mu mol/kg) as analgesics than aspirin and acetaminophen, respectively, although they were less efficacious when compared with the standard drugs. These data extend our previous studies and indicate that the two ellagitannins isolated from P. sellowianus, identified as furosin and geraniin, are, at least in part, responsible for the antinociceptive actions reported previously for the hydroalcoholic extract of P. sellowionus and other plants belonging to the genus Phyllanthus.