Analgesic and Anti-Arthritic Potential of Methanolic Extract and Palmatine Obtained from Annona squamosa Leaves

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Aguero Ito, Caren Naomi ; Santos Procopio, Elisangela dos ; Balsalobre, Natalia de Matos ; Machado, Lucas Luiz ; Silva-Filho, Saulo Euclides ; Pedroso, Taise Fonseca ; de Lourenco, Caroline Caramano ; Oliveira, Rodrigo Juliano ; Arena, Arielle Cristina ; Salvador, Marcos Jose ; Leite Kassuya, Candida Aparecida

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PHARMACEUTICALS; v. 17, n. 10, p. 17-pg., 2024-10-01.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Annona squamosa is used in folk medicine to treat pain and arthritis. Palmatine is an alkaloid isolated from several plants, including A. squamosa leaves. The aim of the present study was to investigate the analgesic, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory potential of the methanolic extract of A. squamosa (EMAS) and palmatine. Methods: The chemical profile of EMAS was evaluated by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization coupled to mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI/MS). EMAS and palmatine were evaluated in carrageenan-induced pleurisy, zymosan-induced joint inflammation, formalin-induced nociception, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in experimental models in mice. A cytotoxicity test of EMAS and palmatine was performed using a methylthiazolidiphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) bromide assay. Results: The analysis of the chemical profile of the extract showed the presence of palmatine, liriodenine, and anonaine. Oral administration of EMAS and palmatine significantly reduced leukocyte migration and oxide nitric production in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy model. EMAS and palmatine reduced mechanical hyperalgesia, leukocyte migration, and edema formation in the joint inflammation induced by zymosan. In the formalin test, palmatine was effective against the second-phase nociceptive response, mechanical hyperalgesia, and cold allodynia. In addition, palmatine reduced mechanical hyperalgesia induced by TNF. EMAS and palmatine did not demonstrate cytotoxicity. Conclusions: The present study showed that A. squamosa and palmatine are analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents, and that the anti-hyperalgesic properties of palmatine may involve the TNF pathway. Palmatine may be one of the compounds responsible for the anti-hyperalgesic and/or anti-arthritic properties of this medicinal plant. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/06407-3 - Chemical and biotechnological study of Sinningia (Gesneriaceae) and evaluation of photoinduzed biological effect for PDT
• Grantee: Alessandra Freitas Serain
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 15/03726-8 - Integrated chemical and biological study in the search for bioactive substances in plants* and development of analytical procedures. *(Amaranthaceae, Gesneriaceae, Myrtaceae e Annonaceae)
• Grantee: Marcos José Salvador
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/17436-9 - Microbiological investigation, growing conditions and metabolic potential in the search for bioactive natural products in endophytic fungus AC-1 isolated from Annona Cacans
• Grantee: Alvaro José Hernández Tasco
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 09/05992-6 - Natural photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy: chemical-pharmacological search in plants and analytical procedures
• Grantee: Marcos José Salvador
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/09693-5 - Use of microbiome technologies and bioassays for the search for new bioactive compounds in plants and symbionts: implications for metabolic responses, molecular diversity and bioactivity
• Grantee: Marcos José Salvador
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants