Topical and Systemic Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Echinodorus macrophyllus (Kunth) Micheli (Alismataceae)

Abstract

Echinodorus macrophyllus leaf has been used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions and kidney dysfunctions. The present study evaluated the effects of leaf ethanolic extract from E. macrophyllus (EEEm) in acute and subchronic models of inflammation. The EEEm was found to cause significant and potent inhibition of carrageenan- and dextran-induced paw edema in rats and marked decreases in the exudate volume and leukocyte migration in rats with carrageenan-induced pleurisy, the vascular permeability increase induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid, and the croton oil-induced topical ear edema in mice. On the other hand, the EEEm was not active in the test model of cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats. Phytochemical analysis with E. macrophyllus leaves revealed the presence of triterpenoids, steroids, flavones, flavonols, and xanthones. Two flavonoids were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction and identified as isovitexin and vitexin. Our results support the traditional use of E. macrophyllus leaves in the treatment of acute inflammatory conditions.

Flavonoid-enriched fraction from Echinodorus macrophyllus aqueous extract exhibits high in-vitro and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity

“…Flavones, flavonoids, xanthones, diterpenes, triterpenes and steroids have been described in E . macrophyllus extracts . In previous studies, we confirmed the presence of polyphenols on E. macrophyllus leaves using techniques described by Marini‐Bettòlo et al .…”

“…[15] Later, several pharmacological effects of the ethanolic extract of E. macrophyllus (EEEm) were also demonstrated, including potent inhibition of carrageenan-and dextran-induced rat paw oedema; decrease of exudate volume and leucocyte migration in rats with carrageenan-induced pleurisy; inhibition of mouse ear oedema induced by topical use of croton oil; and reduction of high vascular permeability induced by intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid. [16] In this work, using the air pouch model of inflammation, it was showed that the fractionation of AEEm provided a more potent anti-inflammatory fraction (Fr20) capable of reducing LTB4 release, protein level and leucocyte migration in exudate, as well as in-vitro NO production and neutrophil migration.…”

“…Moreover, it was observed T‐cell immunosuppression in mice treated orally with aqueous extract of E. macrophyllus (AEEm) for 7 days . Later, several pharmacological effects of the ethanolic extract of E. macrophyllus (EEEm) were also demonstrated, including potent inhibition of carrageenan‐ and dextran‐induced rat paw oedema; decrease of exudate volume and leucocyte migration in rats with carrageenan‐induced pleurisy; inhibition of mouse ear oedema induced by topical use of croton oil; and reduction of high vascular permeability induced by intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid …”

Renoprotective effect of the Echinodorus macrophyllus in induced renal injury

“…Containing flavonoids, they have been used for thousands of years in Eastern medicine, have antioxidant activity and protective function in the treatment of diseases mediated by reactive oxygen species. (19,20) The Echinodorus macrophyllus, described by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, stands out. It is rich in flavonoids, confirmed by the phytochemical analysis of the leaves.…”

“…It is rich in flavonoids, confirmed by the phytochemical analysis of the leaves. (19) In this context, it was observed that the antioxidant action of the Echinodorus macrophyllus phytomedicine attenuated the decrease in renal function and the reduction of levels of peroxides and aldehydes from the lipid peroxidation. Similar results of antioxidant protection of the Echinodorus macrophyllus were found in studies carried out with the model of acute kidney injury induced by gentamicin.…”