Planta Med 2013; 79 - PN98
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1348779

Crude Pterodon pubescens Dichlorometanic Extract's Activity in Freund's Complete Adjuvant Induced Arthritis Assay

R Grando 1, IM Souza 1, K Maia 2, V Helena 3, N Queiroz 2, JE de Carvalho 2, HM Spindola 2, MA Foglio 2
  • 1Biology Institute/CPQBA, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6171, 13083 – 970, Campinas, SP, Brazil
  • 2CPQBA, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6171, 13083 – 970, Campinas, SP, Brazil
  • 3Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 52, 13414 – 903, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, relapsing autoimmune disorder. Pterodon pubescens Benth seeds are commercially available in the Brazilian medicinal plant street market. The crude alcoholic extracts of this plant are used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-rheumatic preparations. The present study evaluated P. pubescens dichlorometanic extract (Pp) employing the Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis assay in rats. The crude extract was tested using 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg oral doses during 21 days treatment. The body weight changes and hematological perturbations induced by CFA were evaluated. The extracts copmposition was previously investigated indicating diterpene furans. Antiarthritic activity was evaluated by inducing CFA. The results demonstrated that on CFA induced arthritis assay the crude extract decreased paw volume (30% compared to control group ANOVA p > 0,05) and increased nociceptive threshold (42,84% compared to control group ANOVA p > 0,005). The extract showed no toxic effect against liver and kidneys demonstrating normal animal growth showing immunosuppressive effect by reducing significant dose-dependent lymphocytes. The present investigation, suggest that Pp extract has an anti-arthritic and sub-acute treatment without causing significant changes in biochemical parameters. However further studies are needed to assess the possible immunosuppressive action of this extract.