Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect of plant extracts from Miconia pseudocentrophora, Brachyotum ledifolium, and Fuchsia loxensis in rats

Abstract

Miconia pseudocentrophora, Brachyotum ledifolium, and Fuchsia loxensis are some of the Ecuadorian ancestral medicines, a heritage passed down through generations for treating various ailments, including inflammation. This pioneering study delves into the ethnopharmacological properties of extracts from these plants' leaves, stems, and fruits collected in their native Ecuadorian habitats. The ethanolic and chloroform sub-extracts underwent meticulous quality assessment, with the ethanolic extract efficiency yielding between 78.6-98.5%. Phytochemical screening uncovered various secondary metabolites, encompassing flavonoids, alkaloids, quinones, triterpenes, and reducing sugars. In vivo evaluation at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 hours of treatment, utilizing a rat paw-edema model, demonstrated a significant reduction in inflammation volume comparable to naproxen sodium. The maximum effect was observed after 3 hours of treatment. Miconia's chloroform sub-extract exhibited superior performance, achieving a 54% inhibition of inflammation, followed by Brachyotum and Fuchsia, both with 52%. These findings support the traditional medicinal efficacy of these plants and underscore the need for further exploration, holding considerable promise for the pharmaceutical industry. Keywords: ethnopharmacology, anti-inflammation, percentage inhibition, carrageenan-induced model, phytochemical screening.