Anti-asthmatic activity of standardized hydro-ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl in a murine model

Author(s)

Guimaraes, Camila Carla ; Sandy, Camila Mira ; Figueira, Rebeca ; Goncalves, Mirani da Rocha ; Crevelin, Eduardo Jose ; Cardoso, Pedro Henrique ; Fabro, Alexandre Todorovic ; Carmona, Fabio ; Borges, Marcos de Carvalho ; Soares Pereira, Ana Maria

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology; v. 302, p. 11-pg., 2023-02-10.

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Verbenaceae) has been used in Brazilian traditional medicine to treat asthma and other respiratory diseases. Aims of the study: To investigate the effects of different doses of standardized hydro-ethanolic (SCH) and aqueous (SCA) extracts of aerial parts of S. cayennensis using a murine ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model.Materials and methods: The major constituents of the plant extracts were identified and standardized by ultra -performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Balb/c mice were challenged with OVA solution and treated concomitantly by intraperitoneal injection of standardized SCH or SCA extracts at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg concentrations. OVA-challenged control animals were treated with either dexamethasone (OVA-DEX) or saline solution (OVA-SAL). After challenge, we assessed in vivo bronchial hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation (number of cells), peribronchial inflammation (histological analysis) and production of OVA -specific IgE and interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 (ELISA).Results: Acteoside, isoacteoside, and ipolamiide were the major constituents of SCH and SCA. The respective concentrations of acteoside in SCH and SCA were 78 and 98 mu g/mL, while those of ipolamiide were 30 and 19 mu g/mL. Treatment with 200 mg/kg of SCH or SCA decreased IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in lung homogenates. These reductions were accompanied by a lower influx of inflammatory cells (eosinophils, lymphocytes, and macro-phages) to the airways and lungs. In addition to the anti-inflammatory effects, administration of SCA, but not SCH, ameliorated the parameters of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and decreased levels of circulating OVA -specific IgE.Conclusion: The results presented herein demonstrate for the first time the anti-asthmatic activity of S. cayennensis extracts in a murine model, thereby supporting the ethnopharmacological uses of the plant. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/20600-4 - Study of asthma prevention and treatment with the administration of viable and heat-killed Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a murine model of allergic asthma
• Grantee: Marcos de Carvalho Borges
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants