Polyphenolic Profile, Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activity of an Extract from Arctium lappa L. Roots

The aim of the study was to assess the polyphenolic profile, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of Arctium lappa, a medicinal plant traditionally used in the treatment of gout, hepatitis and other inflammatory disorders. Polyphenolic profile of a hydro-glycero-ethanolic extract from Arctium lappa roots (ALE) was evaluated by HPLC-MS method. Antiinflammatory effect of the Arctium lappa extract (ALE) was determined by carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema test, while antinociceptive effect was determined by acetic acid induced writhing test in mice and Randall Selitto test in rats. HPLC-MS analysis of the extract showed the presence of chlorogenic acid (158.9 mu g/mL) and quercitrin (14.4 mu g/mL). The administration of ALE reduced the oedema formation in the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema test, especially at dose of 500 mg/kg, the results being statistically significant and dose-dependent. Also, ALE showed statistically significant and dose-dependent antinociceptive effects in the acetic acid induced writhing test in mice and Randall Selitto test in rats. The results of the pharmacological experiments suggest that the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the Arctium lappa extract (ALE) may be related to the ability of polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid to inhibit the synthesis and release of some proinflammatory mediators. Our experimental data justify the traditional use of this plant in the management of some inflammatory diseases.