A Novel Antinociceptive Sulphated Polysaccharide of the Brown Marine Alga Spatoglossum Schroederi

Abstract

Sulfated polysaccharides (SP) of brown algae (Phaeophyta) are composed mainly of α-L-fucose, being classified as fucans, with recognized role in inflammation but not in nociception, which was already described for SP obtained from red algae. Here the SP of the brown marine alga S. schroederi (named Ss-SP) was isolated and assayed for the antinociceptive effect. Ss-SP was isolated by DEAE-cellulose, analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and evaluated in nociception models (Formalin, Hot plate, Von Frey) using Swiss mice (20-25g). Anion exchange chromatography provided four major fractions being F1 (Ss-SP) that of highest metachromatic activity and sugar content. Ss-SP inhibited both phases of the formalin test. In the first phase the paw licking (55.2±8.07s) was reduced by 45% (30.5±6.51s) and 40% (32.85±8.66s) at 0.1 and 1 mg/kg, respectively. In the second phase, Ss-SP was also inhibitory about 39%, but only at 1 mg/kg (83.0±15.70s) compared to formalin (136.8±10.27s). This inhibitory effect suggests a mixed mechanism similar to morphine, which was not confirmed in the hot plate test, a model of pain associated with central neurotransmission. However, Ss-SP reduced the animal reaction in response to stimulation withVon Frey filament at the 2nd and 3rd h (20.8±6.86% versus carrageenan: 47.9±5.83%; 33.3±7.71% versus carrageenan: 62.5±9.83%). Accordingly, the paw edema induced by carrageenan (0.08±0.01g) was potently reduced in 45.35% by Ss-SP pre-treatment (0.02±0.003g), corroborating the anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated for brown seaweed polysaccharides. In conclusion our data revealed for the first time the antinociceptive effect of Ss-SP which could be used as a new source of analgesic substances.

Seaweeds in Human Health

“…Isolated sulfated polysaccharides of the brown algae Spatoglossum schroederi presented an antinociceptive effect in formalin, hot plate, and von Frey tests in mice (Farias et al, 2011). Similar results were obtained by Rodrigues et al (2012) with sulfated polysaccharides obtained from the green seaweed Caulerpa cupressoides.…”

Evaluation of Anti-Nociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of a Heterofucan from Dictyota menstrualis

“…The fucan of Spatoglossum schröederi , the only other fucan where an analgesic effect was analyzed, also showed peripheral antinociceptive effect [15]. These data suggest that fucans act as peripheral anti-nociceptives.…”

“…These fucans exhibit antiproliferative [12], anti-adhesive [13] and antithrombotic activities [14]. Recently, Farias and colleagues [15] demonstrated that one of the fucans from S. schröederi presents anti-nociceptive activity. At best, we know this is a unique study that analyzed the anti-nociceptive activity of fucans.…”

Marine algal natural products with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties

“…Fucoidan is known to enhance the probiotic effects of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) by immunomodulation of an anti-allergic response [81]. Fucans from Lobophora variegata [82], Sargassum vulgare [83], and Spatoglossum schroederi [84] also have both anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects.…”