Anti-inflammatory activity of 4′,6,7-trihydroxy-5-methoxyflavone from Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L.G.Lohmann

Abstract

Fridericia chica, Bignoniaceae, is a tropical tree-creeper used as a traditional remedy for a number of diseases, highlighting inflammation. Our objective was to corroborate the popular anti-inflammatory use of the hydroethanolic extract from the leaves (HEFc) and of its isolated 4′,6,7-trihydroxy-5-methoxyflavone (5-O-methylscutellarein) [1], described here for the first time. Quantitative analysis indicated 8.77 ± 0.23 mg/g of this compound in the extract. Neither HEFc nor [1] was cytotoxic in vitro. In LPS-induced peritonitis in mice, oral pre-treatment with HEFc or [1] led to decreased leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity and a reduction in the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-1β). Also, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was enhanced following treatment with [1]. Overall, these results validate the traditional use of Fridericia chica as anti-inflammatory, and indicate that the compound 5-O-methylscutellarein may participate in this effect.

Keywords:

• Fridericia chica
• Arrabidaea chica
• leaf extract
• cytotoxicity
• anti-inflammatory activity
• 4′,6,7-trihydroxy-5-methoxyflavone
• 5-O-methylscutellarein

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the CNPq/Bionorte [grant no. 551737/2010-7], INAU/CNPq/MCTI [no. 704792/2009], and FAPEMAT [no. 205978/2011]. Antonio Macho receives a post-doctoral fellowship from CAPES.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflicts of interest were reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the joint fundings CNPq/Bionorte [grant no. 551737/2010-7], INAU/CNPq/MCTI [no. 704792/2009], and FAPEMAT [no. 205978/2011]. Antonio Macho receives a post-doctoral fellowship from CAPES.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq); Rede de Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Amazônia Legal (Bionorte); Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Mato Grosso (FAPEMAT); Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Áreas Úmidas (INAU); Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (MCTI); Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES).