Physalis angulata concentrated ethanolic extract suppresses nociception and inflammation by modulating cytokines and prostanoids pathways

Abstract

Physalins are seco-steroids with a variety of pharmacological activities already described. In this study the pharmacological properties of a standardized concentrated ethanolic extract from Physalis angulata (CEEPA), rich in physalins B, D, F and G, were studied in models of pain and inflammation in mice. Inflammatory mediators were measured by radioimmunoassay and Real-Time PCR in mice paws after the CFA stimuli. Systemic administration of CEEPA produced antinociceptive effect on the writhing test and formalin test. In the writhing test, physalins B, D, F and G showed that the antinociceptive effect of CEEPA is more potent than that of these purified compounds. In addition, CEEPA reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2 and iNOS mRNA in the CFA-induced paw inflammation. Likewise, CEEPA decreased the TNF-α, IL-1β and PGE₂ paw levels. In conclusion, CEEPA induces antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, with improved pharmacological potency relative to pure physalins, associated to modulation of cytokine and cyclooxygenase pathways.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Anti-inflammatory
• antinociception
• immunomodulation
• physalins
• herbal drug extracts

Non-standard abbreviation:

• CEEPA - concentrated ethanolic extract from Physalis angulata

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado da Bahia-FAPESB [grant numbers PNX-0009/2009; PIE 0019/2007]; Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) and Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ).