Avaliação da atividade anti-inflamatória e antitumoral dos extratos de Solidago chilensis, Aristolochia cymbifera e Piper umbellatum

Abstract

Medicinal plants are a great source for the development of new medicines. In this context, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity of Solidago chilensis (G10, G11, G12), Aristolochia cymbifera (G13) and Piper umbellatum (G14) extracts. These plant species were selected based on their extensive use in folk medicine for the treatment of burns, rheumatic and inflammatory diseases, such as sedatives, antipyretics, among others. As a methodology, the extracts were first tested for their cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 cells (MTT method). The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was determined by the production of nitric oxide (GRIESS method) and the cytokines TNF-α and MCP-1 (ELISA method). Once the most promising extract was determined, its action was evaluated on the production of other proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-12), as well as on the expression of costimulatory molecules, cell proliferation and production of IFN-. The influence of the extract on the inflammatory process was also determined in vivo using the ear edema model. Antitumor activity was determined in murine (4T1) and melanoma (B16) murine cell lines by the MTT method. As a result, in the non-toxic concentrations, the G14 extract was the only one able to reduce the production of NO, TNF-α and MCP-1, being thus selected for the subsequent tests. This extract also inhibited the production of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-12, the expression of CD40 and CD80 costimulators, as well as reducing splenocyte proliferation and IFN-γ production. In the in vivo assay, G14 extract was effective in reducing edema, inflammatory infiltrate, IL-1β, IL-6 and MCP-1 production as well as the myeloperoxidase enzyme. Similar results were found in the in vitro tests performed as 4-nerolidylcaltechol, the major compound present in the G14 extract. In relation to the antitumor activity, G12 extract was the most outstanding, reducing the survival of the two strains studied by up to 50%. The results show that both the G14 extract and the 4-NC compound were effective in reducing the inflammatory process while the G12 extract was highlighted by reducing the survival of tumor cells.