Toxicity and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Agave sisalana Extract Derived from Agroindustrial Residue

Abstract

Background: In several countries, the leaf juice of Agave sisalana (also known as sisal) is widely used topically, especially as an antiseptic, and orally for the treatment of different pathologies. However, in Brazil, which is the largest producer of Agave sisalana, its residue, which represents the majority of its weight, has been thrown away. For this reason, the determination of the pharmacological and toxicological potentials of sisal residue and its possible therapeutic use is seen as a way to contribute to the sustainable development and social promotion of the largest producer of sisal in Brazil, the interior of Bahia State, which is among the poorest areas in the country. Given the scarcity of available scientific studies on the pharmacological and toxicological properties of sisal residue juice, this study aimed to promote the acid hydrolysis of this juice to potentiate the anti-inflammatory effect already described in the literature. Furthermore, it aimed to evaluate the toxicological profile of the hydrolyzed extract (EAH) and to determine its acute toxicity, as well as its side effects on the reproductive aspects of rats. Method: The anti-inflammatory effect of EAH was evaluated in vitro using the induction of hemolysis by hypotonic solution and in vivo in rats using the carrageenan-induced paw edema test and the xylene-induced ear edema test. The acute toxicity, resulting from a single-dose administration, was investigated for some manifestation of toxic symptoms related to motor control and consciousness in rats. At a concentration of 100 mg/kg, by repeated doses, the reproductive toxicity effects of EAH in rats were assessed. Results: In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was positive using the human red blood cell membrane stabilization method. In both in vivo tests used to assess the anti-inflammatory activity, EAH (at three doses) significantly inhibited edema when compared to the control group. At a dose of 50 mg/kg, EAH exhibited a greater effect than indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with known activity. In vivo toxicological studies have shown that EAH does not present toxic effects when administered orally in a single dose, up to 1000 mg/kg. Finally, EAH promoted a gonadotoxic effect and increased the embryonic mortality rate after implantation. Conclusions: It is suggested that the anti-edematogenic effect of the acid hydrolysis extract from sisal juice is due to the high concentration of steroidal sapogenins. Therefore, this extract can be considered a potential new anti-inflammatory or even an important sapogenin source for the development of steroidal glucocorticoids. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the chemical composition of sisal juice. Regarding toxicology studies, EAH did not show cytotoxic and clastogenic potentials, but it presented a powerful reproductive toxic effect in rats.

Review of Subgrade Soil Stabilised with Natural and Synthetic Fibres

“…This plant originally comes from Mexico and is now grown in various parts of the world for its valuable fibre. Sisal fibres are known for their strength, durability, versatility, and are suitable for a wide range of applications such as soil stabilisation (Costa et al, 2023;Hidayati Jamil & Yulianti, 2019;Munakaampe et al, 2017). The chemical composition of sisal is shown in Table 5.…”

Toxicological Profile and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Mucoadhesive Gel from Residues of Agave sisalana and Punica granatum

“…This releases several vasoactive and chemotactic mediators that drive the healing process by attracting inflammatory cells to the wound region [1]. Many types of cell from the immunological system actively participate in inflammatory processes, with macrophages being one of these types of cell [4][5][6]. Known as phagocytes, this type of cell is deeply related to innate immunity and, in association with other leukocytes, produces chemical mediators that promote the inflammatory cascade [7].…”

“…Among these metabolites, saponins stand out, with hemolytic, molluscicides, anti-helminthic, spermicide, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Furthermore, steroidal saponins are used by the industry as a base for corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, while saponin-rich plants are used in traditional medicine for inflammation treatment [5][6][7].…”

“…The fiber, present in sisal leaves, is mainly used in the manufacture of ropes, strings, and carpets, but this corresponds to approximately 5% of its weight, with all the vegetal saponin-rich residue being discarded. Differently, in several countries, the juice of Agave sisalana leaves has great ethnopharmacological importance because it is used as an antiseptic in the topical treatment of skin diseases as well as a poultice on wounds [5,8].…”

“…In Brazil, especially in the northeast, the bark of pomegranate is popularly used in the treatment of mouth and throat inflammation [10]. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies with different parts of the plant have demonstrated its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory proprieties [5,8].…”