Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic crude extract from Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance Casearia sylvestris Sw. is widely used in popular medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. Aim of the study To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic crude extract (HCE) taken from Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae). Methods and 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 (100 mg/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 100 mg/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. Conclusion 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.