Protective effect of Chresta martii extract against indomethacin-induced gastric lesions in mice

Abstract

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.

Study of the Gastroprotective Effect of Extracts and Semipurified Fractions ofChresta martiiDC. and Identification of Its Principal Compounds

“…A previous study using a hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of C. martii (100 or 400 mg/kg; p.o.) showed significant gastroprotective activity in an ulcer model induced by indomethacin, with inhibition indices of 54.66 and 81.30, respectively [ 14 ]. Our results demonstrate superior gastroprotective activity with EACm (100 or 200 mg/kg; p.o.)…”

“…(79.89% and 80.83%, resp.) taking into consideration the fact that the second dose of EACm was 50% less than the highest dose used by Silva et al [ 14 ]. The best performance observed in our work was due to the extractive process and choice of solvent.…”

“…There is a scarcity of studies that assess the phytochemical profile, at the level of identifying the principal compounds, for C. martii . Such work was pioneered by Silva et al [ 13 , 14 ] in identifying two sesquiterpene lactones directly from a hydroalcoholic extract. The present study documents for the first time identification of two flavones (3′,4′-dimethoxyluteolin and chrysoeriol) from the genus Chresta , with relevant evidence for them being the agents responsible for the gastroprotective effect seen in C. martii , given that this investigation occurred through direct monitoring between gastroprotective pharmacological activity and processes of extraction, purification, and identification of compounds.…”

“…to be used as the default physiological group. The doses of extracts were chosen taking into consideration the prior determination of LD 50 (results not presented) and by comparison with the dose used by Silva et al [ 13 , 14 ] for the same plant species and model of ulcer. The animals were euthanized six hours after the ulcerogenic procedure.…”

“…Until now, only two studies, using an experimental model of gastric ulcers, have been published reporting the gastroprotective activity of a hydroalcoholic extract of C. martii . One of the studies identified a compound belonging to the class of terpenes (sesquiterpene lactone) [ 13 , 14 ]. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective activity of different organic extracts and semipurified fractions of C. martii in experimental models of gastric ulcers induced by indomethacin or ethanol in Swiss Webster mice and identify the class and chemical structure of the principal compounds coming from the product with the best gastroprotective activity.…”