Topical anti-inflammatory constituents of lipophilic leaf fractions ofAlchornea floribundaandAlchornea cordifolia

Abstract

The leaves of Alchornea floribunda and Alchornea cordifolia are used traditionally as topical anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, two highly lipophilic fractions AFLF and ACLF isolated from A. floribunda and A. cordifolia leaves respectively were investigated for topical anti-inflammatory effects using xylene-induced mice ear oedema as a model of inflammation. AFLF and ACLF at 5 mg per ear showed significant (p < 0.01) topical anti-inflammatory effect with oedema inhibitions of 64.0% and 79.0% at 2 h, respectively. When compared to indomethacin (5 mg per ear), these fractions showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher topical anti-inflammatory effect. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that AFLF is composed mainly of long chain saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons (18.78%) and their oxygenated derivatives (1.89%); while ACLF is rich in volatile oils eugenol (21.26%) and cadinol (4.76%), and other constituents like, nanocosaine (36.86%) and steroid derivatives, ethyl iso-allocholate (4.59%) and 3-acetoxy-7,8-epoxylanostan-1-ol (15.86%). Analysis of the volatile oil (ACV) extracted from the fresh leaves of A. cordifolia revealed the presence of high concentrations of eugenol (41.7%), cadinol (2.46%), Caryophylene (1.04%), Linalool (30.59%) and (E)-α-bergamotene (4.54%). These compounds could be contributing to the topical anti-inflammatory effects of A. floribunda and A. cordifolia leaf extracts.

Enhancement of disease resistance, growth potential, and photosynthesis in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) by inoculation with an endophytic actinobacterium, Streptomyces thermocarboxydus strain BPSAC147

“…The presence of these compounds in T1 plants suggests that they may function in promoting the growth of tomato plants and also serve as defense-related compounds against fungal pathogens. Methyl stearate, eicosapentaenoic acid, a TBDMS derivative, and ethyl iso-allocholate, which has anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity [69, 70, 71], were identified in T2 plants. Lastly, 2, 4-di-tert-butylphenol, which has antioxidant properties, and astaxanthin, which has inflammation properties, were identified in T3 plants [64, 72].…”

A Bioactivity Versus Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants from Nigeria, West Africa

“…Okoye et al carried out an analysis of the volatile oil extracted from the fresh leaves of A. cordifolia and revealed the presence of high concentrations of eugenol ( 44 : 41.7 %), cadinol ( 45 : 2.46 %), caryophylene ( 56 : 1.04 %), linalool ( 57 : 30.59 %) and ( E )- α -bergamotene ( 59 : 4.54 %). These compounds could be contributing to the topical anti-inflammatory effects of A. floribunda and A. cordifolia leaf extracts [ 86 ]. Okoye and Osadebe had also carried out a bioactivity-guided fractionation of the ethyl acetate fraction of the methanol leaf extract of the plant material, leading to the isolation of a new flavonol glycoside, 3,5,7,3′-tetrahydroxyflavone-3- O - α - L -rhamnoside ( 61 ).…”

Immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides isolated from Alchornea cordifolia

“…For example, extracts obtained by boiling A. cordifolia leaves in water are used as a remedy for stomach ulcers, venereal disease, cough, bronchial troubles, malaria, fever, rheumatic pain, sores, and toothache (Dalziel, 1956; Le Grand A., 1989; Ogungbamila and Samuelsson, 1990; Agbor et al , 2004; Adeshina et al , 2008). In addition, the local and systemic anti-inflammatory properties of various extracts from A. cordifolia have been validated in recent pharmacological studies (Ajali, 2000; Tona et al , 2000; Osadebe and Okoye, 2003; Agbor et al , 2004; Osadebe et al , 2008; Manga et al , 2004; Mavar-Manga et al , 2008; Pesewu et al , 2008; Mesia et al , 2008; Okoye et al , 2011; Ayisi et al , 2011). Thus, A. cordifolia extracts have a very broad spectrum of activity and have also been suggested to be useful for treatment of various microbial infections (Okeke et al , 1999).…”