Antioxidant Evaluation of the Aqueous Extract of Hulls of Campsiandra laurifolia in Colitis Induced by Acetic Acid in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Due to the ethnopharmacological use of Campsiandra laurifolia (Fabaceae), popularly known as Acapurana, to treat wounds and ulcers, associated with the lack of alternative treatments for intestinal inflammations such as ulcerative colitis (UC), the present work sought to characterize its phytochemical and antioxidant activities, and to evaluate remedial action in experimental colitis with acetic acid. Phytochemical analyzes were performed through qualitative and quantitative colorimetric tests of the main secondary metabolites. In the colitis model, 24 male Wistar rats aged ± 60 days old were used, divided into 4 groups: Control (CO) control + aqueous extract of C. laurifolia 50 mg/kg (CO + A50); Colitis (CL); and Colitis + aqueous extract of C. laurifolia 50 mg/kg (CL + A50). Measurement of sphincter anal pressure and histological tests of the large intestine, lipoperoxidation (LPO), enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and levels of glutathione (GSH) were performed. For statistical analysis, the oxidative stress (OS) results were expressed as means ± standard error, adopting a significance level of p < 0.05. The screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, saponins and tannins in the extract, with high levels of phenolic compounds and tannins, and was related to high antioxidant capacity. In the histological analysis, the CL group presented loss of the crypts, edema and inflammatory infiltrate. The use of C. laurifolia extract restructured the crypts, decreased edema and increased sphincter anal pressure, with a decrease in LPO, SOD, and an increase in GSH. It is suggested that the use of C. laurifolia extract reduces OS due to its antioxidant power conferred by the phenolic compounds present in the extract.

Campsiandra laurifolia Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rats with Ulcerative Colitis

“…Souza et al found a reduction in LPO in the intestine of animals with colitis treated with C. laurifolia, which can be attributed to the composition of the extract rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, since these substances can reduce free radicals due to their free radical scavenger action. 21 The SOD enzyme activity showed a significant increase of 125% in the CL group, compared with the enzyme activity in the control groups. The observed increase in enzyme activity may result from an attempt to reduce the damage caused by the AA.…”

“…The results obtained in the CL þ A group can be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and tannins in the aqueous extract of C. laurifolia, as they are capable of scavenging free radicals reorganizing the intestinal mucosa. 21,30 Analyzing the GSH levels, a significant reduction of 47% in the CL group is observed, compared with the controls. This data corroborates the experimental findings observed in other studies, and the reduction in GSH levels may be due to an increase in OS.…”

“…Additionally, it reduces lipoperoxidation and increases superoxide dismutase activity in rats treated with AA-induced colitis, and given 50 mg/kg of the extract. 21 Based on the results obtained in the study, as mentioned above, we propose investigating whether a dose of 25 mg/kg of the same extract would provide the observed antioxidant effects, and whether it was capable of reducing the expression of inflammatory markers involved in the pathophysiology of UC.…”

“…According to these results, we found the 25 mg/kg dose to be as effective in restoring ASP of rats with colitis as the 50 mg/kg dose used in the study. 21 A significant increase of 173.9% in lipoperoxidation (LPO) in the intestine was measured using the TBARS technique in animals in the colitis group (CL) compared with the control groups. Moreover, ►Fig.…”

“…[16][17][18][19][20] Recently, a study showed that the aqueous extract obtained from the leaves of C. laurifolia has saponins, tannins, and flavonoids, as well as a high content of phenolic compounds and total tannins, a small content of total flavonoids, and a high antioxidant potential, surpassing the potential quercetin antioxidant. 21 Taking into account the high antioxidant potential of the aqueous extract of C. laurifolia already evidenced, as well as the lack of information about its toxicity, we aimed to analyze the antioxidant effect of the 25 mg/kg dose in rats' UC, as well as analyze the expression of inflammatory mediators iNOS and NFκB in these animals.…”