Abstract:The species of the genus Lychnophora, Asteraceae, are popularly known as "arnica" and are native from Brazilian savana (Cerrado). They are widely used in Brazilian folk medicine as anti-inflammatory, to treat bruise, pain, rheumatism and for insect bites. For evaluation of acute toxicity, the ethanolic extract was given to albino female and male mice. In open-field test, the extract of Lychnophora trichocarpha (Spreng.) Spreng. (0.750 g/kg) induced a significant inhibition of the spontaneous locomotor activity and exploratory behavior of the animals were observed 1 and 4 h after administration. In traction test, the same dose reduced the muscular force 1 h after administration. The exploratory behavior reduced significantly in the group that received 0.50 g/kg, 1 and 4 h after administration of the extract. The animals that received the doses of 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 g/kg did not show any change of blood biochemical parameters comparing to control group and showed some histopathological changes such as congestion and inflammation of kidney and liver. The dose of 1.5 g/kg caused the most serious signs of toxicity. Histopathological changes observed was hemorrhage in 62.5% and pulmonary congestion in 100% of the animals. Brain and liver congestion was found in 62.5% of the animals.

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The aerial parts of Lychnophora trichocarpha Spreng. (Asteraceae) are used macerated in water or ethanol to treat inflammation, pain, rheumatism, contusions, bruises and insect bites in Brazilian traditional medicine. In this study, anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract from aerial parts of L. trichocarpha and its ethyl acetate fraction was investigated. Sesquiterpene lactones, lychnopholide (Lyc) and eremantholide C (EreC), isolated of ethyl acetate fraction, were also assayed for in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Topical treatment with ointments containing ethanol extract, its ethyl acetate fraction and sesquiterpene lactones significantly reduced carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema. In vitro assays demonstrated that Lyc inhibited interferon -γ/lipopolysaccharide -stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in J774A.1 macrophages and increased production of IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine. The reduction of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production by EreC was accompanied by an increased production of IL-10 in a concentration-dependent manner in J774A.1 macrophages. The anti-inflammatory effect of Lyc seems to involve the inhibition of production of NO and increased production of IL-10. The mechanism of the effect of EreC on the reduction of carrageenan-induced paw oedema may be attributed to inhibition of production of TNF-α and stimulation of IL-10 production. The results corroborate the use of ethanol extract from Lychnophora trichocarpha in folk medicine for anti-inflammatory action and indicate that the topical route is suitable for use.

species have several uses in folk medicine, including their use to treat inflammation and rheumatism. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the ethanolic extract of leaves from and isolated compounds could be useful to decrease serum uric acid levels and restrain the gout inflammatory process. The compounds-amyrin, -amyrin, sitosterol, and stigmasterol were isolated from the ethanolic extract. Rutin and caffeic acid were identified in the ethanolic extract by HPLC analysis. The anti-hyperuricemic effect, liver xanthine oxidoreductase inhibition, and anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract and isolated compounds were evaluated on hyperuricemic mice and on paw edema induced by monosodium urate crystals in mice. The ethanolic extract of leaves from-amyrin, and stigmasterol were able to reduce serum uric acid levels in hyperuricemic mice through inhibition of liver xanthine oxidase activity and significantly decreased the paw edema induced by monosodium urate crystals. The antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract and its ability to inhibit xanthine oxidase were also evaluated . The ethanolic extract of leaves from showed significant antioxidant activity in the three evaluated assays. Results were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 5.01. One-way ANOVA followed by Student's Newman-Keul's test was used to determine the significant differences between groups. The results show that the ethanolic extract of leaves from -amyrin, and stigmasterol can be promising agents for the treatment for gouty arthritis, hyperuricemia, and inflammation. Stigmasterol,-amyrin, and rutin contribute to the observed effects of the ethanolic extract of leaves from .

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