Pharmacological evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential and antispasmodic effect of aqueous extract from the brown seaweed, Cystoseira compressa

Abstract

Introduction: Gastrointestinal (GI) pain is commonly treated with synthetic spasmolytic drugs, including anticholinergics, smooth muscle relaxants, calcium channel blockers, and opioid receptor modulators. However, these treatments often lead to undesirable side effects. Aim: To evaluate the antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory potential of the aqueous extract from the brown seaweed Cystoseira compressa (Comp-AQ). Methods: The antispasmodic activity of Comp-AQ was assessed in vitro using rat duode-num contractions induced by acetylcholine (A/Ch) and barium chloride (BaCl2). The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vivo using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. A phytochemical screening was performed to identify bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity was assessed via the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Results: Comp-AQ significantly and dose-dependently inhibited A/Ch-and BaCl2-induced contractions (82.98 ± 1.5% and 84.06 ± 2.16%, respectively), with a relaxation-response profile similar to alverine, suggesting involvement of voltage-dependent calcium channels. In vivo, Comp-AQ reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema, reaching a maximal inhibition of 71.46% at 100 mg/kg after 3 hours. Phytochemical analysis revealed a high content of marine polyphenols and polysaccharides. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 30 ± 2.66 µg/mL. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Cystoseira compressa exhibits antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Further structural characterization is needed to definitively identify the re-sponsible bioactive compounds and to confirm the hypothesis of synergistic effects.