Chresta martii (Asteraceae) is a plant found in the Xingó region (semi-arid area) in Northeastearn Brazil, and is recognized by the local population as a traditional herb used to treat gastric diseases. This is the first report of the chemical composition, acute toxicity, and gastroprotective effect in mice of the hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) from the aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Chresta martii. Animals received HAE doses from 10 to 2000 mg/kg, i.p. or 50 to 3000 mg/kg, p.o.) and were observed over 48 h for toxicity signs and mortality; sub-chronic toxicity was evaluated through 14 days treatment with once-daily HAE doses (400 mg/kg, p.o.). The gastroprotective effect of HAE was demonstrated on the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model after the administration of extracts. Data comparison of ulcer index averages between saline and HAE (100 or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) groups showed significant (P < 0.01) inhibition (71.73 and 76.72 %, respectively) of indomethacin-induced gastric lesions. Histological analyses showed significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of leukocyte migration in HAE-treated groups. A fingerprint of the HAE obtained by HPLC/UV/MS analysis showed major peaks characteristic of sesquiterpene lactones. Compound 1 was isolated and elucidated as a new natural product. Its capacity to prevent leukocyte chemotaxis was demonstrated in vitro, corroborating the pharmacological effects observed for C. martii HAE.

Hoodia gordonii is a plant species used traditionally in southern Africa to suppress appetite. Recently, it has been associated with a significant increase in blood pressure and pulse rate in women, suggesting sympathomimetic activity. The present study investigated the possible antidepressant-like effects of acute and repeated (15 days) administration of H. gordonii extract (25 and 50 mg/kg, po) to mice exposed to a forced swimming test (FST). Neurochemical analysis of brain monoamines was also carried out to determine the involvement of the monoaminergic system on these effects. Acute administration of H. gordonii decreased the immobility of mice in the FST without accompanying changes in general activity in the open-field test during acute treatment, suggesting an antidepressant-like effect. The anti-immobility effect of H. gordonii was prevented by pretreatment of mice with PCPA [an inhibitor of serotonin (5-HT) synthesis], NAN-190 (a 5-HT1A antagonist), ritanserin (a 5-HT2A/2C antagonist), ondansetron (a 5-HT3A antagonist), prazosin (an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), SCH23390 (a D1 receptor antagonist), yohimbine (an α2-adrenoceptor antagonist), and sulpiride (a D2 receptor antagonist). A significant increase in 5-HT levels in the striatum was detected after acute administration, while 5-HT, norepinephrine and dopamine were significantly elevated after chronic treatment. Results indicated that H. gordonii possesses antidepressant-like activity in the FST by altering the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic systems.

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