Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic crude extract from Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Casearia sylvestris Sw. is widely used in popular medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. Aim of the study: To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic crude extract (HCE) taken from Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae). Methods and results: The effect of the HCE from this plant (3-300 mg/kg) on the reduction of inflammatory response to carrageenan was investigated in pleurisy in rats (intrapleural, 2% in 0.2 mL) or paw edema in mice (intraplantar, 300 mu g/20 mu L, right hind paw). The plant anti-inflammatory action was assessed by its capability in inhibiting cell migration, enzymatic activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and production of nitrite/nitrate or edema. The in vitro antioxidant activity of this extract against lipid peroxidation and damage to proteins was assessed as possible pathways to contribute as anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema (7393 +/- 11.9 mu m) was reduced by HCE (30 mg/kg: 462.8 +/- 28.38 mu m) to similar extents as dexametasone (365.1 +/- 16.7). In pleurisy, treatment of the animals with HCE (100 mg/kg: 0.010 +/- 0.001 mU/mg of protein) also reduced MPO activity augmented by carrageenan (0.020 +/- 0.001 mU/mg of protein) as well as leukocytes migration (carrageenan: 17.8890 +/- 2.3900 leukocytes/mL, HCE 100 mg/kg: 7.0880 +/- 9631 leukocytes/mL). Significant effects were also observed in animals treated with different doses of HCE in biochemical tests for oxidative stress analysis. Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of HCE from Casearia sylvestris Sw. suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of this plant in treatment of inflammatory conditions. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.