Analgesic-antiinflammatory properties of Proustia pyrifolia

The anti inflammatory (per os and topic) and analgesic (per os) properties of the aerial part of Proustia pyrifolia a species in danger of extinction were investigated, and the major. compound"s of two of its active extracts were isolated. In addition, the evaluation of cytotoxicity in three tumoral cell lines and the acute toxicity of the crude methanol extract were also assayed, together with the antioxidant activity for the different extracts of this species. The results of the evaluation of the topic anti inflammatory activities induced by arachidonic acid, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate of the different extracts showed that this species possesses active constituents that could diminish cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenases activities, the enzymes that allow the synthesis of proinflammatory endogenous substances as prostaglandin E, and leukotrienes, respectively. Our results corroborate the antiinflammatory and analgesic effects of Proustia pyrifolia, and could justify its use in folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatic and gout illnesses. From bio-active extracts P-sitosterol, quercetin and dihydroquercetin were obtained, and these compounds could explain in part the antiinflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of this species. The crude methanol extract did not present acute toxicity or cytotoxic activity, however only this extract exhibited antioxidant activity. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.