Croton stipulaceus Kunth, a native Mexican medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

Leaves of Croton stipulaceus were extracted (EHex, ECHCl3 and EEtOH extracts) to assess their antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory activity in murine models and acute toxicity. EEtOH showed the highest effect in DPPH (37.80% inhibition), FRAP (1065.00 +/- 55.30 mu mol Fe2+) and total polyphenols (231.24 +/- 9.05 meq AG/gM). EHex was the most active, similar to 50% inhibition of TPA-induced ear edema; while EEtOH (dose of 2 mg/ear) showed the highest inhibition in the chronic model (97% inhibition), and inhibited MPO activity (48%). In carrageenan-induced edema, ECHCl3 (dose 500 mg/kg) was the most active. None of the extracts showed acute toxicity (LD50) at 2 g/kg (p.o.). This work is the first report that supports the traditional use of C. stipulaceus as an anti-inflammatory.