Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) extract modulates Mapk and mucin pathways in intestinal inflammation

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Pfaffia paniculata is an endemic Brazilian plant traditionally used against fatigue, stress, inflammation and low immune system as well as with proven intestinal anti-inflammatory activity. Aim of the study To evaluate intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of P. paniculata on the mRNA abundance of Hsp70, Heparanase, Mapk1, Mapk3, Mapk6, Mapk9, Muc1, Muc2, Muc3, Muc4, and NF-κB, as well as the mucin content in colonic samples. Material and methods Intestinal inflammation was induced by TNBS and rats were divided into groups that received vehicle or 25, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg of P. paniculata extract, p.o., started 2 h after inflammation induction and continued daily for 7 days. At the end of the procedure, the animals were killed and their colon samples were obtained for RT-qPCR analysis and mucin histochemical study with PAS/Alcian blue stain. The inflammatory process was confirmed with colon macroscopic analysis and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Results P. paniculata at 200 mg/kg significantly decreased macroscopic damage score, extension of lesion and colonic MPO activity. Besides, P. paniculata at a dose of 25 mg/kg was also able to significantly decrease Hsp70, while treatment with 50 mg/kg reduced Mapk3 and increased Muc4. At dose of 100 mg/kg P. paniculata increased Mapk1, Muc3, Muc4, and decreased Mapk3. Finally, at the 200 mg/kg P. paniculata reduced Mapk3. The heparanase, NF-κB, Mapk6, Mapk9, Muc1 and Muc2 mRNA abundances were not altered after P. paniculata treatments. Conclusion Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of P. paniculata was related to modulation of Mapks and mucin gene expression, as well as mucus secretion in intestinal inflammation.