Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Tabernaemontana catharinensis

Abstract

In this work we describe the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and toxic activities as well as the phytochemical profile of the ethanol extract from Tabernaemontana catharinensis A. DC. (Apocynaceae) stem bark. Analgesic evaluation was carried out against chemical and thermal stimuli. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated on carrageenan-induced edema in rats and toxicological studies (LD50) were conducted in mice. Phytochemical analyses were performed by standardized methodology. In an analgesic assay, acetic acid-induced writhings were significantly inhibited by extract doses of 37.5mg/kg (40.97%), 75mg/kg (77.70%) and 150mg/kg (88.98%). A central analgesia was also observed using T. catharinensis extract at all doses tested, particularly noticed at 60 and 90min following administration. The extract significantly reduced edema development by 30.35% (37.5mg/kg), 34.46% (75mg/kg), and 56.42% (150mg/kg) when assessed 180min following carrageenan intraplantar injection, demonstrating an effective anti-inflammatory action. The LD50 value was 2200mg/kg. Phytochemical analyses of ethanol extract from Tabernaemontana catharinensis stem bark showed the presence of alkaloids and terpenoids, which may be responsible for the observed pharmacological activities described in this work. © 2009 Informa UK Ltd.