The ethanol extract of Leonurus sibiricus L. induces antioxidant, antinociceptive and topical anti-inflammatory effects

Publication date: Available online 24 May 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): Alan Santos Oliveira, Luana Mendonça Cercato, Marília Trindade de Santana Souza, Allan John de Oliveira Melo, Bruno dos Santos Lima, Marcelo Cavalcante Duarte, Adriano Antunes de Souza Araujo, Ana Mara de Oliveira e Silva, Enilton Aparecido Camargo
Ethnopharmacological relevanceLeonurus sibiricus L. (Lamiaceae), popularly known as motherwort, or "erva-de-macaé" or "rubim" in Brazil, is a plant used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, but few studies have evaluated this anti-inflammatory activity or other activities that may be relevant.Aim of the studyThis study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant, antinociceptive and topical anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanol extract of L. sibiricus (EELs).Materials and MethodsChromatographic analysis, determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant assays were performed, while the formalin test and ear inflammation induced by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) were performed in mice.ResultsWe observed that total phenolic and flavonoids content in EELs were respectively 60.1mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of extract and 15.4mg of catechin equivalent/g of extract. Chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric and ferulic acids, as well as quercetin were identified in EELs. This extract also led to the consumption of the radicals 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and nitric oxide, increased the ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and inhibited the spontaneous or FeSO4-induced in vitro lipid peroxidation. In the formalin test, oral pretreatment with EELs (400mg/kg) reduced (p<0.001) the licking/biting time in the second phase, but not in the first phase. In the ear inflammation induced by TPA, the concomitant topical administration of EELs (0.3 − 3mg/ear) significantly reduced the edema, myeloperoxidase activity, levels of tumoral necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β and lipoperoxidation, as well as increased FRAP in ear tissue when compared to vehicle-treated ears.ConclusionsThese results indicate that EELs has antioxidant, antinociceptive and topical anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the use of this plant in folk medicine.

Graphical abstract

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