BACKGROUND

Casearia sylvestris Sw. is widely used in popular medicine to treat inflammatory conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic crude extract (HCE) taken from Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae).

RESULTS

The effect of the HCE from this plant (3-300 mg/kg) on the reduction of inflammatory response to carrageenan was investigated in pleurisy in rats (intrapleural, 2% in 0.2 mL) or paw edema in mice (intraplantar, 300 μg/20 μL, right hind paw). The plant anti-inflammatory action was assessed by its capability in inhibiting cell migration, enzymatic activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and production of nitrite/nitrate or edema. The in vitro antioxidant activity of this extract against lipid peroxidation and damage to proteins was assessed as possible pathways to contribute as anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema (739.3 ± 11.9 μm) was reduced by HCE (30 mg/kg: 462.8 ± 28.38 μm) to similar extents as dexametasone (365.1 ± 16.7). In pleurisy, treatment of the animals with HCE (100mg/kg: 0.010 ± 0.001 mU/mg of protein) also reduced MPO activity augmented by carrageenan (0.020 ± 0.001 mU/mg of protein) as well as leukocytes migration (carrageenan: 17.8890 ± 2.3900 leukocytes/mL, HCE 100mg/kg: 7.0880 ± 9631 leukocytes/mL). Significant effects were also observed in animals treated with different doses of HCE in biochemical tests for oxidative stress analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of HCE from Casearia sylvestris Sw. suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of this plant in treatment of inflammatory conditions.