Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.: in vitro investigation on anti-Helicobacter pylori and anti-inflammatory activities of oleoresin and fruit methanolic extract

Abstract

Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. has been used in the traditional medicine of Brazil for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions, including infections, wounds and inflammation. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of C. langsdorffii bark oleoresin and a methanolic extract of the fruit for their anti-Helicobacter pylori (HP) activity and gastroprotective effects. We analyzed the in vitro anti-HP activity against three HP strains: CCUG 39500 (cagA+) and two clinical isolates, G21 and 10 K (cagA + and cagA–, respectively). The effect of C. langsdorffii products on IL-6 release in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was also evaluated. Finally, the toxicity of the samples was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Both the samples showed an interesting anti-HP activity, acting on different virulence strains, with the oleoresin reaching a minimum bactericidal concentration of 98 μg/ml against cagA– strain. Moreover, an interesting reduction in IL-6 release was observed, which could be helpful for reducing HP-induced inflammation, thus, preventing complications such as ulcer and irritation of the gastric mucosa. Toxicity was not observed up to 2000 µg/ml. Even if more studies must be conducted, this work supports the use of C. langsdorffii in the management of HP-related gastric disorders.

Keywords:

• Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.
• copaiba
• Helicobacter pylori
• IL-6
• gastritis
• ethnopharmacology
• medicinal plants
• antimicrobial

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Prof. Calamai, University of Florence, for his help in chemical analysis and for his kind support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.