Preclinical validation of the topical anti-inflammatory effect of five medicinal plants

Introduction: the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of conditions such as tonsilitis, headaches, aphtas, insect bites and arthritis, has been reported in Cuba and other Caribbean countries. Pain and inflammation are among the signs and symptoms of these conditions. There are not enough studies about the preclinical validation of the preparations used. Objectives: evaluate the preclinical anti-inflammatory effect of preparations from five medicinal plants of traditional use: Bidens pilosa L. (romerillo), Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) S. (lemon), Hyptis verticillata J., Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) and Musa x paradisiaca L. (banana). Methods: the Croton oil ear edema test model was used in male albino OF-1 mice (20-25 g), 6 animals per group. Juice from fresh aerial parts of Bidens pilosa (romerillo) and from the fruit of Citrus aurantifolia (lemon), 30 % decoctions of dry aerial parts of Hyptis verticillata, fresh leaves of Morinda citrifolia (noni), and fresh leaves of Musa x paradisiaca (banana), 10 μL, were topically applied on both sides of the ear being treated. Dexamethasone 0.1 mg/ear was used as positive control. Results: Citrus aurantifolia juice preparations and the 30 % Morinda citrifolia and Musa x paradisiaca decoctions reduced Croton oil ear edema with a high inhibition percentage. Bidens pilosa juice and the 30 % Hyptis verticillata decoction did not reduce edema formation significantly. Conclusions: experimental results support the preclinical validation of the antiinflammatory activity of Citrus aurantifolia juice and the 30 % decoctions of Morinda citrifolia and Musa x paradisiaca, as well as their traditional use. Bidens pilosa juice and the 30 % decoction of Hyptis verticillata are not validated.