Phytochemical and Antinociceptive, Anti‐Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Studies of Smilax larvata (Smilacaceae)

Abstract

The tea of aerial parts of Smilax larvata Griseb. (Smilacaceae) has been ethnopharmacologically used in Southern Brazil due to its anti-inflammatory action. In this study, ethanolic and organic extracts from aerial parts of S. larvata were phytochemically and pharmacologically characterized. The phytochemical analysis of EtOAc extract of S. larvata revealed the presence of three flavonoids, drabanemoroside, kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, and kaempferol, the first two being isolated for the first time in this genus, two phenolic compounds p-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid, and alkaloids. In vitro assays demonstrated a potential antioxidant property of SLG. The treatment with SLG induced a significant reduction of the formalin-evoked flinches in rats, an effect reversed by opioid antagonist naloxone. Treatment with SLG also induced a significant increase in the hot plate latency and a decrease of intestinal motility by 45%. No effect was observed over nociceptive responses induced by a TRPA1 agonist mustard oil or over acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Together, our data suggested that SLG has an in vivo antinociceptive effect, which seems to be associated with the opioid system activation. These findings support previous claims of medical use of Smilax larvata in the treatment of pain conditions.

Smilax glabra Rhizoma affects the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of methotrexate by increasing the P-glycoprotein mRNA expression in rats after oral administration

“…In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the present study demonstrated for the first time the potential benefits of co-administration of MTX with SGR. Co-administration of SGR may be beneficial for therapy of lung cancer and splenic carcinoma, osteosarcoma, and liver diseases, but may reduce the therapeutic effect of treating cancer in the digestive tract, systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriasis (50)(51)(52)(53)(54). The herb-drug interaction may be associated with the activity change of transporters.…”

Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Bixin, a Carotenoid Extracted from the Seeds of Bixa orellana

“…To evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of bixin, the paw edema was induced by intra-plantar injection of carrageenan (Cg; Sigma-Aldrich; purity: approximately 52 %), at the dose of 200 µg/paw in 0.1 mL of saline, according to previously described by Hirota et al [42]. Briefly, 4 experimental groups were designed (n = 8 rats/each): negative control group orally (p.…”

“…The potential antinociceptive effect of bixin was firstly evaluated in the formalin test according to Hirota et al [42] with modifications. Briefly, 50 min after oral treatment with vehicle (corn oil; 1 mL/kg) or bixin (15 or 30 mg/kg), rats (n = 7-9 each group) were acclimated in the formalin test apparatus (an inverted glass funnels 290 mm wide and 410 mm high) for 10 min.…”

“…The writhing test was performed following the procedures previously described by Hirota et al [42]. For this, 50 min after oral treatment with vehicle (corn oil; equivalent volume; p.…”

Potential Phytochemicals of Smilax zeylanicafor Treatment of Brain Disorders

“…Smilax species, which are found in tropical and subtropical areas, are widely used in herbal medicine from around globe, including Brazil, for the prevention of rheumatism and syphilis, as well as a diuretic. 8,9 Smilax zeylanica has been shown to be a food source for Asiatic elephants. 10 Many other biological functions of Smilax species extracts already have been discovered, including anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antifungal, estrogenic, antiestrogenic, diuretic, and antihyperuricemic properties.…”