Determination of Polyphenols and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Erythroxylum Emarginatum (Erythroxylaceae)

Abstract

Our work was part of the search for new active molecules in the inflammatory process to relieve pain more effectively. Erythroxylum emarginatum is a plant distributed in tropical regions of South America, Africa, and Madagascar. The phytochemical screening has shown that the bark of stems contained more full of polyphenols than the leaves. Erythroxylum emarginatum is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, its use in the treatment of bronchial affections and especially during asthma. The comparative study of Erythroxylum emarginatum bark of stems aqueous and ethanolic extracts with diclofenac on induced inflammation of rat paw by carrageenan revealed anti-inflammatory properties of both extracts. In effect at doses of 200 mg/kg of body weight, both extracts have anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of diclofenac dosed at 25mg/kg body weight. These results would justify the use of Erythroxylum emarginatum bark of stems by people to prevent inflammatory processes in arthritis and asthma.