The ethanol extract of Leonurus sibiricus L. induces antioxidant, antinociceptive and topical anti-inflammatory effects

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Leonurus sibiricus L. (Lamiaceae), popularly known as motherwort, or “erva-de-macae” or “rubim” in Brazil, is a plant used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, but few studies have evaluated this anti-inflammatory activity or other activities that may be relevant. Aim of the study This study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant, antinociceptive and topical anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanol extract of L. sibiricus (EELs). Materials and methods Chromatographic analysis, determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant assays were performed, while the formalin test and ear inflammation induced by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) were performed in mice. Results We observed that total phenolic and flavonoids content in EELs were respectively 60.1 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of extract and 15.4 mg of catechin equivalent/g of extract. Chlorogenic, caffeic, p -coumaric and ferulic acids, as well as quercetin were identified in EELs. This extract also led to the consumption of the radicals 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and nitric oxide, increased the ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and inhibited the spontaneous or FeSO 4 -induced in vitro lipid peroxidation. In the formalin test, oral pretreatment with EELs (400 mg/kg) reduced (p Conclusions These results indicate that EELs has antioxidant, antinociceptive and topical anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the use of this plant in folk medicine.