Antiedematogenic and antinociceptive effects of leaves extracts from Protium spruceanum Benth. (Engler)

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance In traditional medicine, gums and oil-resins from Protium species have been used for many diseases, however, there are no reports of studies of Protium spruceanum ’ leaves. Materials and methods The antiedematogenic and antinociceptive effects of crude ethanol extract (EEB) from leaves of P. spruceanum and its fractions were evaluated in biological models. The fractions were obtained with hexane (FHEX) and methanol (FMEOH). Rat paw edema induced by carrageenan, writhing test, formalin test, hot plate test and the toxicity of EEB were performed. Results Phytochemical analysis has shown the presence of α and β -amyrins as major constituents of FHEX. Promising results of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity were found for EEB, FHEX and FMEOH. Also were observed the EEB at 6000 mg/kg showed no toxicity. Conclusions One might suggest that the activities of FHEX are due to the presence of α and β -amyrins and contributes to the biological activities of EEB.