Anti-inflammatory and non-toxic effects of Doyerea emetocathartica aqueous extract in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Doyerea emetocathartica is a Cucurbitaceae known as ''cabeça de negro'' and used by North-eastern Brazil and South-eastern Mexico communities to treat rheumatism, inflammation and pain. Despite ethnopharmacological reports, there is currently a lack of evidence about its chemical composition, toxicity and pharmacological effects.

Aim of the study

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of the aqueous extract of D. emetocathartica stems (DEAQ), evaluate its acute oral toxicity, mutagenicity and its anti-inflammatory profile in mice.

Material and methods

The DEAQ chemical composition was evaluated through HPLC-MS/MS. Acute oral toxicity was assessed for 14 days after the oral administration of DEAQ in a single dose of 2000 mg kg⁻¹. The mutagenic assessment was carried out through micronucleus test in mice. The DEAQ anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg kg⁻¹ throught models of carrageenan-induced paw edema, peritonitis and air pouch.

Results

Using HPLC-MS/MS the cayaponoside D₂ was identified as the most abundant compound in DEAQ. Oral DEAQ administration showed no signs of toxicity or mutagenicity. All tested DEAQ doses had anti-edematogenic effects, decreased the migration of total leukocytes and neutrophils and decreased the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β.

Conclusions

The in vivo tests results indicated that DEAQ showed strong anti-inflammatory activity, with possible cayaponoside D₂ involvement, highlighting the absence of toxicity and genotoxicity for the dose and route used. Furthermore, the study provides chemical and pharmacological evidences about the therapeutic use of D. emetocathartica in folk medicine.