Anti-inflammatory effect of Uncaria tomentosa in an experimental model of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis

Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is an adverse effect resulting from the use of cyclophosphamide (CFS). Previous studies has demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activities of the plant Uncaria tomentosa (Rubiaceae). The aim of this work is investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Uncaria tomentosa (UT) in an experimental model of CH induced with CFS. Experimental protocols were registered on the Institutional Ethics Committee under number 10724196–0/04. Swiss female mice (n=10) were treated with aqueous extract of UT 2% ad libitum for 9 days. On the 10th day, the animals were treated again with UT (200mg/kg by gavage) 1h before, 3, 6 and 9h after the administration of CFS (400mg/kg i.p.). The control group received only the aqueous vehicle, orally. Animals were sacrificed 12h after the administration of CFS. The bladders of animals were removed to determine their wet weight (PUV) and scored macroscopically according to Gray's criteria. CFS was able to induce hemorrhagic cystitis. However, the treatment with UT significantly reduced the PUV in 30.5% compared to control group (130,1%) (p<0.05). Moreover, bladders from UT group showed less edema (0 [0–1]) compared to control group (1 [1–2]) (p<0.05). These findings demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract from Uncaria tomentosa in the model of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. New approaches are being taken to elucidate the possible mechanisms involved.