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Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind and among its traditional uses are the calming effects. However, few studies explored its effects on the central nervous system (CNS). In this study we further proceed with structural elucidation of polysaccharides from chamomile tea. A highly substituted 4-O-methyl-glucuronoxylan (fraction SN-50R) was purified and chemically characterized, presenting Xyl:GlcA ratio of 1.7:1, Mw of 500 kDa and total sugar content of 98%. Its bioactivity on pain and on CNS was explored. Animals treated with SN-50R presented antinociceptive effect and a dose-dependent decrease in the number of crossings in the activity chamber and in the open field test, as well as a significant reduction in the number of marbles buried when compared to control. These results suggest that SN-50R presented sedative and anxiolytic-like effects and may be contributing for the calming effects obtained by chamomile tea ingestion.

Background Sedum dendroideum, popularly known in Brazil as balsam, is traditionally used as a wound healing agent, to treat gastritis, and several other health problems. Some studies have shown that plant polysaccharides may have gastroprotective properties. Purpose Considering the popular use of S. dendroideum and the gastroprotective activity of polysaccharides, the objective of this work was to obtain, to characterize, and to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of a polysaccharide fraction from this plant. Methods Polysaccharides of S. dendroideum were extracted with water by infusion, fractionated by freeze-thawing process and dialyzed at a 100 kDa cut-off membrane, and characterized by monosaccharide composition and NMR analysis. The gastroprotective activity of the pectic polysaccharide fraction RSBAL was evaluated in the ethanol-induced ulcer model in rats, followed by determination of the mucus and glutathione levels in the gastric tissue. Results RSBAL was constituted by a homogalacturonan and a homogalacturonan branched by side chains of arabinans and type II arabinogalactans. It reduced ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, preserving mucus and glutathione levels in the stomach. Conclusion This study demonstrated that polysaccharides could be related to the pharmacological activity of S. dendroideum.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Peptic ulcer is an inflammatory disease that therapeutic options are mainly focused in antisecretory drugs. Sedum dendroideum Moc & Sesse ex DC (Crassulaceae) is employed in folk medicine for the treatment of gastric ulcers. Recently, our group demonstrated that Sedum dendroideum infusion (SDI) is rich in polyphenols (flavonol glycosides, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol) and promoted gastroprotection against acute ulcer models, without changes gastric acid secretion. Aim of the study Here, we follow the investigation of the healing effects of SDI (ED50 = 191 mg/kg) in the chronic gastric ulcer model induced by 80% acetic acid in rats, elucidating underlying mechanisms. Material and methods Rats were orally treated with vehicle (water, 1 mL/kg), SDI (191 mg/kg), omeprazole (40 mg/kg) or sucralfate (100 mg/kg) twice daily for 5 days after ulcer induction. Following treatments, toxicological effects, macroscopic ulcer appearance, microscopic histological (HE, mucin PAS-staining) and immunohistochemical (PCNA and HSP70) analysis, inflammatory (MPO and NAG activity, cytokine levels measurements) and antioxidant (SOD and CAT) parameters were investigated in gastric ulcer tissues. Results Oral treatment with SDI accelerated gastric ulcer healing, maintained mucin content and promoted epithelial cell proliferation. SDI also reduced neutrophil and mononuclear leukocyte infiltration, TNF-α and IL-1β levels and the oxidative stress, restoring SOD and CAT activities in the ulcer tissue. Conclusions The gastric healing effect of SDI was mediated through endogenous protective events as well as due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Our observations support and reinforce the traditional utilize of Sedum dendroideum as a natural nontoxic therapeutic alternative for the treatment of gastric ulcers.

Croton cajucara Benth. is a tree from the Amazon Forest, where it is known as sacaca. Its leaves and barks are used in medicinal preparations to treat different diseases, including gastric ulcers. The crude polysaccharide fraction (CCP), obtained from the hot aqueous extract of C. cajucara leaves, was able to promote gastroprotection on an ethanol induced gastric ulcer model. Therefore, a bioguided fractionation was performed to isolate the active polysaccharide fraction. After freezing-thawing, ultrafiltration and dialyses at 100, 50, and 25kDa cut-off membranes, fraction 25R was obtained. It contained glucose, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose, galacturonic acid and mannose in a 7:5:5:3:1:1 molar ratio approximately, and had a Mw of 42,840g/mol. Methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy indicated that 25R is a very complex polysaccharide fraction containing type I rhamnogalacturonan, arabinan, type I arabinogalactan, type II arabinogalactan, rhamnan, starch and mannan. It was able to reduce ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, through preservation of mucus and GSH levels.

A polysaccharide fraction from Handroanthus heptaphyllus leaves was obtained with a simple and quick purification method. Methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy indicated the presence of a complex polysaccharide fraction mainly constituted by a type II arabinogalactan. This is the first report in literature on structural elucidation of polysaccharides of species from genus Handroanthus. Oral and intraperitoneal administration of the polysaccharide fraction from Handroanthus heptaphyllus (HHSF) protected the gastric mucosa in an acute model of gastric lesion induced by ethanol, preserving gastric mucus. Furthermore, in the indomethacin model, HHSF reduced wounded area and inhibited mucus and GSH depletion. HHSF also accelerated gastric ulcer healing, accompanied by the maintenance of GSH levels. In addition, in an oxidative stress model with human epithelial cell line (Caco-2), HHSF was able to preserve GSH levels and was not toxic to cells. Collectively, these results showed that HHSF has an interesting antiulcerogenic activity and could constitute an interesting option for the treatment of gastric ulcer.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Sedum dendroideum Moc & Sesse ex DC (Crassulaceae) is a medicinal plant employed in Mexican and Brasilian folk medicine as juice or infusion, as remedy for the treatment of different diseases, including gastric disorders. Aim of the study Although some studies carried out with Sedum dendroideum have demonstrated its gastroprotective effect, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the chemical constituents, antioxidant, cytotoxic and mechanisms underlying the gastrointestinal properties of Sedum dendroideum accordingly its traditional use, as fresh leaves tea infusion (SDI). Materials and methods Chemical constituents were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Antioxidant and cytotoxicity were evaluated in in vitro assays. The efficacy of the SDI on macroscopic ulcer appearance, mucus and GSH maintenance on ethanol- and indomethacin-induced ulcer models, gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility were investigated. Results Phytochemical analysis by HPLC–MS revealed the presence of different flavonol glycosides, containing myricetin and quercetin, along with the kaempferol as aglycones. In vitro pharmacological investigation of SDI demonstrated potent antioxidant activity in DPPH assay (IC50: 13.25 ± 3.37 µg/mL) and absence of cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells by MTT method. Oral administration of SDI (ED50 of 191.00 ± 0.08 mg/kg) in rats promoted gastroprotection against ethanol or indomethacin in rats through reinforcement of gastric wall mucus, GSH content and nitric oxide release, without present antisecretory properties. The gastroprotective effect was maintained when SDI (19 mg/kg) was administrated by intraperitoneal route. Furthermore, SDI (150 mg/kg) unchanged the gastric emptying but increase small bowel transit in mice through cholinergic pathways. Conclusions Collectively, this study confirmed that Sedum dendroideum promotes gastroprotection through preventing of endogenous defense mechanisms, represented by mucus and GSH without changes gastric acid secretion. Sedum dendroideum tea infusion features a chemical profile that contributes to the antioxidant and gastric health-promoting effects, supporting the use in folk medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Natural polysaccharides have emerged as an important class of bioactive compounds due their beneficial biological effects. Here we investigated the protective and healing effects of rhamnogalacturonan (RGal) isolated from Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen leaves in an experimental model of intestinal inflammation in mice and in heterogeneous human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2). The findings demonstrated that RGal treatment for 7 days reduced the severity of DSS-induced colitis by protecting mice from weight loss, macroscopic damage and reduction of colon length. When compared to the DSS group, RGal also protected the colon epithelium and promoted the maintenance of mucosal enterocytes and mucus secreting goblet cells, in addition to conserving collagen homeostasis and increasing cell proliferation. In an in vitro barrier function assay, RGal reduced the cellular permeability after exposure to IL-1β, while decreasing IL-8 secretion and claudin-1 expression and preserving the distribution of occludin. Furthermore, we also observed that RGal accelerated the wound healing in Caco-2 epithelial cell line. In conclusion, RGal ameliorates intestinal barrier function in vivo and in vitro and may represent an attractive and promising molecule for the therapeutic management of ulcerative colitis.

Arctium lappa L., popularly known as burdock, is a medicinal plant used worldwide. The antiulcer and gastric-acid antisecretory effects of ethanolic extract from roots of Arctium lappa (EET) were already demonstrated. However, the mechanism by which the extract reduces the gastric acid secretion remains unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the antisecretory mode of action of EET.The effects of EET on HThe incubation with EET (1000 µg/ml) partially inhibited HOur results reinforce the gastric antisecretory properties of preparations obtained from Arctium lappa, and indicate that the mechanisms involved in EET antisecretory effects include a moderate reduction of the H

Diabetic gastroparesis is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, which mainly affects women. Previous studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress is involved in its onset and development. This study evaluated the role of vitamin C on diabetes-associated gastric dysmotility. Female rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were treated with vehicle (water, 1 mL/kg, p.o.), vitamin C (300 mg/kg/day, p.o.), or insulin (6 IU/day, s.c.). Gastric emptying, in vitro gastric contractility, and biochemistry parameters were analyzed at the end of the treatment (i.e. 8 weeks after the diabetes induction). Vitamin C reversed the delayed gastric emptying of diabetic rats to normal levels, and avoided the changes in the contractile responses to acetylcholine (0.1 nM–1 µM), but not to 5-hydroxytryptamine (0.1 nM–1 µM), in the pylorus and fundus from diabetic rats. Moreover, the contraction evoked by KCl (40 mM) in the fundus, but not in the pylorus, was intensely increased in diabetic rats treated with vitamin C. Notably, the vitamin C reestablished the reduced glutathione levels by 77% and decreased the reactive oxygen species content by 60% in the gastric tissue from diabetic rats. Despite the effects on gastric motility, vitamin C treatment did not change the fasting glycaemia or the glycated hemoglobin of diabetic rats. Unsurprisingly, insulin treatment normalized all parameters evaluated. Vitamin C exhibited a remarkable beneficial effect on gastric emptying dysfunction in diabetic rats, which was mediated by attenuation of oxidative stress and maintenance of the cholinergic contractile responses in fundus and pylorus.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Piper tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae) is medicinally used as an analgesic and as a treatment for gastric complaints. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective and antisecretory properties of the dichloromethane fraction of the fruit of Piper tuberculatum (DFPT) and piplartine, a compound isolated from the DFPT, in rats. Materials and methods Gastric ulcers were induced in fasted rats by oral administration of absolute ethanol and then mucus content and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. Mechanisms underlying the antisecretory action were studied through gastric H + ,K + -ATPase activity of highly purified rabbit gastric microsomes and pylorus ligature method in rats. Results In the acute toxicity test the values of estimated LD 50 for oral and intraperitoneal administration of DFPT were 1.6266 and 0.2684 g/kg, respectively. The DFPT (ED 50 =29 mg/kg, p.o.) and piplartine (4.5 mg/kg, p.o.) promoted gastroprotection against acute lesions induced by ethanol, effect that could be related with the maintenance of GSH levels in the gastric mucosa. However, only DFPT stimulated gastric mucus secretion. In vitro , the DFPT and piplartine inhibited the H + ,K + -ATPase activity and, in vivo DFPT and piplartine also reduced basal gastric acid secretion, as well as that stimulated by pentagastrin. Conclusions These results demonstrate that DFPT and piplatine cause marked gastroprotective effects accompanied by the increase and maintenance of gastric mucus and GSH levels, as well as a reduction in gastric acid secretion through the gastrinergic pathway.

We evaluate the curative efficacy of the ethanolic extract (EET) of roots from Arctium lappa (bardana) in healing of chronic gastric ulcers induced by 80% acetic acid in rats and additionally studies the possible mechanisms underlying this action. Oral administration of EET (1, 3, 10 and 30mg/kg) reduced the gastric lesion area in 29.2%, 41.4%, 59.3% and 38.5%, respectively, and at 10mg/kg promoted significant regeneration of the gastric mucosa, which was confirmed by proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry. EET (10mg/kg) treatment did not increase the gastric mucus content but restored the superoxide dismutase activity, prevented the reduction of glutathione levels, reduced lipid hydroperoxides levels, inhibited the myeloperoxidase activity and reduced the microvascular permeability. In addition, EET reduced the free radical generation and increased scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals in vitro. Furthermore, intraduodenal EET (10 and 30mg/kg) decreased volume and acidity of gastric secretion. Total phenolic compounds were high in EET (Folin-Ciocalteau assay) and the analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that the main compounds present in EET were a serie of hydroxycinnamoylquinic acid isomers. In conclusion, these data reveal that EET promotes regeneration of damaged gastric mucosa, probably through its antisecretory and antioxidative mechanisms.

Ethanol is a psychoactive substance highly consumed around the world whose health problems include gastric lesions. Baccharis trimera is used in folk medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. However, few studies have evaluated its biological and toxic effects. To validate the popular use of B. trimera and elucidate its possible antiulcerogenic and cytotoxic mechanisms, a hydroethanolic extract of B. trimera (HEBT) was evaluated in models of gastric lesions. Rats and mice were used to evaluate the protective and antiulcerogenic effects of HEBT on gastric lesions induced by ethanol, acetic acid, and chronic ethanol consumption. The effects of HEBT were also evaluated in a pylorus ligature model and on gastrointestinal motility. The LD50 of HEBT in mice was additionally estimated. HEBT was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance, and a high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint analysis was performed. Oral HEBT administration significantly reduced the lesion area and the oxidative stress induced by acute and chronic ethanol consumption. However, HEBT did not protect against gastric wall mucus depletion and did not alter gastric secretory volume, pH, or total acidity in the pylorus ligature model. Histologically, HEBT accelerated the healing of chronic gastric ulcers in rats, reflected by contractions of the ulcer base. Flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids were detected in HEBT, which likely contributed to the therapeutic efficacy of HEBT, preventing or reversing ethanol- and acetic acid-induced ulcers, respectively. HEBT antiulcerogenic activity may be partially attributable to the inhibition of free radical generation and subsequent prevention of lipid peroxidation. Our results indicate that HEBT has both gastroprotective and curative activity in animal models, with no toxicity.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Salvia officinalis L. has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for gastric disturbances and inflammatory processes. This study investigated the toxicological, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroalcoholic extract (HE) from leaves of Salvia officinalis and its isolated compounds in mice. Materials and methods Mice were treated with HE before the induction of nociceptive response by chemical agents (acetic-acid, formalin, glutamate, capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde). Total leukocytes and plasma extravasation induced by acetic acid and paw oedema induced by glutamate, capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde were also measured. The antinociceptive effect of carnosol and ursolic acid/oleanolic acid were evaluated on formalin and cinnamaldehyde models. Results In the acute toxicity test the value of estimated LD50 for HE was 44.7579 g/kg. Oral administration of HE (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) inhibited the number of writhings, total leukocytes and plasma extravasation induced by acetic acid. In the formalin test, HE reduced both neurogenic and inflammatory phases, effect that was affected by naloxone. The glutamate-, capsaicin- and cinnamaldehyde-induced nociception and paw oedema were reduced by HE at doses that did not affect the locomotor activity of mice in the open field test. Carnosol (10 mg/kg) and ursolic acid/oleanolic acid (30 mg/kg) inhibited the inflammatory phase of formalin and the nociception and mechanical allodynia induced by cinnamaldehyde. Conclusions These results demonstrate that HE presents significant anti-inflammatory and also antinociceptive effects on chemical behavioral models of nociception that involves an opioid mechanism. In addition, carnosol and ursolic acid/oleanolic acid contained in this plant appears to contribute for the antinociceptive property of the extract, possibly through a modulatory influence on TRPA1-receptors. However, further studies regarding the precise site and the mechanism of action of HE and carnosol and ursolic acid/oleanolic acid merited exploring further.

We used multiple pain models to investigate the effects of (-)-linalool, a monoterpene alcohol present in the essential oil of plants, on chronic inflammatory and neuropathic hypersensitivity in adult Swiss mice. Inflammatory or neuropathic hypersensitivity was induced by intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL), respectively. Twenty-four hours after CFA injection, we used Von Frey filaments and acetone-evoked cooling to evaluate tactile and thermal hypersensitivity, respectively. A single i.p. injection of (-)-linalool (50 or 200 mg/kg) administered 30 minutes before testing reduced CFA-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Similarly, (-)-linalool reduced acetone-evoked hypersensitivity up to 4 hours after treatment. Compared with vehicle, (-)-linalool produced a marked reduction in CFA-induced paw edema. (-)-Linalool also reduced mechanical hypersensitivity induced by PSNL 7 days after injury. Multiple (-)-linalool treatments given chronically (twice a day for 10 days; 50 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced mechanical hypersensitivity induced by CFA and PSNL. This multidose strategy did not cause tolerance. We also reasoned that (-)-linalool might reduce nociceptive behavior in response to direct administration of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, we injected the cytokines IL-1β (.1 pg/site) and TNF-α (1 pg/site) intrathecally. (-)-Linalool inhibited the biting response induced by IL-1β and TNF-α. Perspective The article adds information about antinociceptive properties of (-)-linalool in chronic inflammatory and neuropathic hypersensitivity. It also indicates that (-)-linalool might be potentially interesting in the development of new clinically relevant drugs for the management of persistent pain.

Previous studies from our group investigated the antinociceptive property of amyrin octanoate, a synthetic compound derivative from natural precursor alpha, beta-amyrin, against nociceptive response induced by acetic acid and formalin. Here, we investigated some of the mechanisms of action underlying the antinociceptive effects of amyrin octanoate. Amyrin octanoate given intraperitoneally (0.001-1 mg /kg) or intrathecally (10-1000 ng /site) caused dose-dependent and long-lasting inhibition of acetic acid-induced visceral nociception, with mean ID(50) values of 0.003 (0.001-0.005) mg/kg and 122.4 (60.8-246.6) ng/site, respectively. In the capsaicin- and glutamate-induced paw licking, amyrin octanoate caused significant and dose-dependent inhibition of both nociceptive responses, with ID(50) values of 1.36 and 0.04 mg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, amyrin octanoate also reduced significantly the nociception caused by intrathecal injection of glutamate, substance P and capsaicin, with inhibitions of 36+/-11%, 67+/-10% and 78+/-5%, respectively. The antinociception caused by amyrin octanoate in the acetic acid test was significantly attenuated by neonatal pretreatment of mice with capsaicin, but seems to involve mechanisms independent of G(i/o) protein, opioidergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic and cholinergic system, since it was not affected by pertussis toxin, naloxone, yohimbine, mecamylamine or atropine. In addition, amyrin octanoate reduced thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia induced by bradykinin and phorbol myristate acetate in rats, without affecting similar responses caused by prostaglandin E(2). Taken together, the present results shown that octanoate amyrin produces antinociceptive and antihyperalgesic effects, through an interaction with capsaicin-sensitive fibers and the inhibition of the PKC signaling pathway.

In order to obtain polysaccharides from green and black teas (Camellia sinensis), commercial leaves were submitted to infusion and then to alkaline extraction. The extracts were fractionated by freeze-thawing process, giving insoluble and soluble fractions. Complex arabinogalactan protein from the soluble fractions of both teas (GTPS and BTPS) were determined by methylation analysis and (1)H/(13)C-HSQC spectroscopy, showing a main chain of (1→3)-β-Galp, substituted at O-6 by (1→6)-linked β-Galp with side chains of α-Araf and terminal units of α-Araf, α-Fucp and α-Rhap. A highly branched heteroxylan from the insoluble fractions (GTPI and BTPI) showed in methylation analysis and (1)H/(13)C-HSQC spectroscopy the main chain of (1→4)-β-Xylp, substituted in O-3 by α-Araf, β-Galp and α-Glcp units. Evaluating their gastroprotective activity, the fractions containing the soluble heteropolysaccharides from green (GTPS) and black teas (BTPS) reduced the gastric lesions induced by ethanol. Furthermore, the fraction of insoluble heteropolysaccharides of green (GTPI) and black (BTPI) teas also protected the gastric mucosa. In addition, the maintenance of gastric mucus and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels was involved in the polysaccharides gastroprotection.

Green tea is an infusion of unfermented leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (Theaceae), traditionally used for the treatment of obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and gastric complaints. This study evaluated the mechanisms involved in the gastric ulcer healing of the hydroalcoholic extract from green tea (GEt), its ethyl acetate fraction, (GEAc) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) using the model of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats. The chronic gastric ulcer was induced by application of 80 % acetic acid on serosal mucosa of rats. After 7 days of oral treatment with GEt and GEAc, the ulcer area, mucin content, inflammatory parameters (MPO and NAG), and antioxidant system (GSH and LOOH levels, SOD and GST activities) were evaluated. In vitro, the scavenging activity of GEt and GEAc were also measured. The antisecretory action was studied on the pylorus ligature method in rats. Oral treatment with GEt and GEAc reduced significantly the gastric ulcer area induced by acetic acid. The gastric ulcer healing was accompanied by increasing of mucin content, restoration of GSH levels and SOD activity, and reduction of MPO and LOOH levels. In addition, GEt and GEAc reduced the DPPH free radicals in vitro. Furthermore, the oral treatment of animals with GEt and GEAc did not alter the gastric acid secretion or cause signs of toxicity. Collectively, these results showed that GEt had a pronounced antiulcer effect, possibly through maintenance of mucin content and reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, the compounds present in its ethyl acetate fraction could be responsible for the extract activity.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in acupuncture is a low-power laser applied to acupoints for providing luminous energy, capable to produce photobiological induction that results in biochemical, bioelectric, and bioenergetic effects. ST36 (Zusanli) is a point of acupuncture commonly used for treatment of several pathological alterations, such as inflammation, acute pain, and gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of LLLT (830 nm, 4 J/cm(2)) in ST36 acupoint through the model of carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice and the possible mechanisms involved. Female Swiss mice were treated with LLLT in ST36 before the paw edema induction, which was measured by means of a digital micrometer and the temperature through a high-resolution digital thermograph. After this, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were quantified. In another set of experiments, the paw edema was induced by bradykinin, histamine, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). LLLT in ST36 acupoint significantly inhibited the edema formation for 4 h after the carrageenan injection and reduced the paw temperature in 10 %. Furthermore, LLLT also reduced the levels of ROS (55 %) and LOOH (50 %) but, however, did not alter the GSH levels. LLLT in ST36 reduced the paw edema induced by bradykinin (30 min, 6 %, 60 min, 7 %), histamine (30 min, 11 %), and PGE2 (90 min, 10 %, 120 min, 16 %). In conclusion, these results prove that LLLT in ST36 acupoint produces a relevant anti-inflammatory effect, reducing edema, temperature, and free radicals levels in mice paw.

A rhamnogalacturonan (RGal) isolated from Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen administered by oral route showed gastroprotective activity against acute lesions induced by ethanol. In this study, we investigated the gastric ulcer healing effect of RGal and its mechanisms of action. Intraperitoneal treatment of animals with RGal protected the gastric mucosa against acute lesions induced by ethanol, with participation of gastric mucus. Furthermore, in the chronic ulcer model, oral administration of RGal accelerates the gastric ulcer healing, accompanied by increasing of cellular proliferation and gastric mucus content, reducing inflammatory parameters and oxidative stress. In addition, the repeated 7 days-treatment of animals with RGal did not show alterations of clinical and behavioral symptoms, body and organs weights or plasmatic biochemical parameters. Collectively, these results showed that RGal has an interesting antiulcerogenic activity and could constitute an attractive molecule of interest for the development of new antiulcer agents.

A structural characterization of polysaccharides obtained by aqueous extraction of ripe pulp of the edible exotic tropical fruit named tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) was carried out. After fractionation by freeze–thaw and α-amylase treatments, a fraction containing a mixture of highly-methoxylated homogalacturonan and of arabinogalactan was obtained. A degree of methylesterification (DE) of 71% and a degree of acetylation (DA) of 1.3% was determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy and spectrophotometric quantification, respectively. A type I arabinogalactan was purified via Fehling precipitation and ultrafiltration through 50 kDa (cut-off) membrane. Its chemical structure was performed by sugar composition, HPSEC, methylation, carboxy-reduction and 13C NMR spectroscopy analysis. Intraperitoneal administration of the arabinogalactan did not reduce the nociception induced by intraplantar injection of 2.5% formalin in mice, but significantly reduced the number of abdominal constrictions induced by 0.6% acetic acid, indicating that fraction has an antinociceptive effect on the visceral inflammatory pain model.

Prunes are the dried fruits from Prunus domestica. After the purification steps, two homogeneous polysaccharides were characterised, SF-50R and SF-50E and contained Ara:Gal:Rha:GalA in 47.8:31.5:10.7:10.0 and 39.6:50.3:5.1:5.0 molar ratios, respectively. Methylation analysis and 13C NMR spectroscopy indicated that both fractions are constituted by rhamnogalacturonans with type I arabinogalactans as side chains, differing mainly in the proportions of the rhamnogalacturonan backbone, in the length of the (1 → 4)-β-galactan chain and in the proportion of the arabinan side chain. Crude water extract (PWH) and fraction SF-50E were evaluated for their gastroprotective properties against ethanol-induced acute gastric lesions in rats. Oral administration of PWH (3 and 10 mg/kg) reduced the gastric lesion area by 67 ± 11% and 60 ± 12%, respectively, while fraction SF-50E (10 and 30 mg/kg) inhibited the lesion area by 84 ± 12% and 83 ± 12%, respectively. These results indicated that prune’s polysaccharides act as gastroprotective agents in rats.

The potential gastroprotection of polysaccharides (SP) isolated from mate (Ilex paraguariensis) leaves of different growth stages, under different sunlight conditions and of processing methods were evaluated. The SP consist of type I arabinogalactan (AG1) containing a (1→4)-linked β-Galp chain, with substituents of arabinosyl units at O-6. This arabinogalactan seems to be attached to rhamnosyl units from a RG1, via 1→4 linkage. Oral administration of SP1, SP9, SP10, SP11 and SP12 inhibited the gastric lesions induced by ethanol in rats. Altogether, the present data indicate the therapeutic role of mate polysaccharides against gastric lesion and propose its use or of its crude plant extract as a phytotherapic medicine.

The plant Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K.Jansen (Asteraceae), locally known as jambu, is widely used in Legal Amazon in local dishes and in folk medicine. A polysaccharide (SC) was isolated from this plant, following aqueous extraction, which contained uronic acid, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, and glucose in a 15:2:1:1:0.5 molar ratio and had a M(w) 226,000 g/mol. Methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy indicated that SC is a rhamnogalacturonan composed of a long chain of →4)-6-OMe-α-D-GalpA-(1→, interspersed with some α-L-Rhap residues, partly substituted by side-chains of type II arabinogalactans. SC significantly inhibited ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats with an ED₅₀ of 1.5 mg/kg, indicating that SC acts as gastroprotective agent.

Tabebuia avellanedae (syn. Handroanthus impetiginosus) is popularly known as 'ipe-roxo' and has been used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory and in the treatment of ulcers, bacterial and fungal infections. This study evaluated the gastric ulcer healing property of the ethanolic extract (EET) of barks from Tabebuia avellanedae and investigated the mechanisms that may underlie this effect. Rats were treated with EET (twice a day for 7 days) after induction of chronic gastric ulcers by 80% acetic acid. Following treatment, histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed in gastric ulcer tissues. Oral administration of EET (100 and 300 mg/kg) significantly reduced the gastric lesion induced by acetic acid in 44 and 36%, respectively. Histopathological evaluation demonstrated a contraction of gastric ulcer size, increase of mucus layer (periodic acid-Schiff stained mucin-like glycoproteins) and cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry) in animals treated with EET (100 and 300 mg/kg). The results demonstrate that EET significantly accelerates healing of acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in rats through increase of mucus content and cell proliferation, indicating a potential usefulness for treatment of peptic ulcer diseases.

After industrial processing, one-third of sugarcane culms is converted into residual bagasse. The xylan-rich hemicellulose components of the bagasse were extracted with hot aqueous alkali (AX-CRUDE). Approximately 82% of the extracted hemicelluloses was precipitated with ethanol (AX-PET). Both AX-CRUDE and AX-PET contained an arabinoxylan as confirmed by 13C NMR and methylation analysis. Fraction AX-PET was fed to female Wistar rats with ethanol-induced gastric lesions. Oral administrations of 30, 100, and 300mg/kg reduced the gastric lesion area by over 50%, and replenished ethanol-induced depletion of glutathione. The polysaccharide also increased mucus production by over 70%, indicating its cytoprotective action on experimentally induced gastric ulcers. These findings are significant, since a biologically active compound can be extracted in high yields from an abundant, readily available residue.

Achillea millefolium L. is a member of the Asteraceae family that is commonly referred to as “yarrow” and has been used in folk medicine against several disturbances including skin inflammations, spasmodic and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as hepato-biliary complaints. Aim of the study In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of a hydroalcoholic extract from the Achillea millefolium (HE) for gastroprotective properties and additional mechanism(s) involved in this activity. Material and methods Rats were treated with HE and subsequently exposed to both acute gastric lesions induced by ethanol P.A. and chronic gastric ulcers induced by 80% acetic acid. Following treatment, glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. The activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed in animals with acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers. Results Oral administration of HE (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) inhibited ethanol-induced gastric lesions by 35, 56 and 81%, respectively. Oral treatment with HE (1 and 10 mg/kg) reduced the chronic gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid by 43 and 65%, respectively, and promoted significant regeneration of the gastric mucosa after ulcer induction denoting increased cell proliferation, which was confirmed by PCNA immunohistochemistry. HE treatment prevented the reduction of GSH levels and SOD activity after acetic acid-induced gastric lesions. In addition, HE (10 mg/kg) inhibited the MPO activity in acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers. Conclusions The results of the present study indicate that the antioxidant properties of HE may contribute to the gastroprotective activity of this extract.

A glucuronoarabinoxylan (CNAL) was extracted with 1% aq. KOH (25°C) from Cocos nucifera gum exudate. It had a homogeneous profile on HPSEC-MALLS-RI (Mw 4.6 × 10(4)g/mol) and was composed of Fuc, Ara, Xyl, GlcpA (and 4-O-GlcpA) in a 7:28:62:3 molar ratio. Methylation data showed a branched structure with 39% of non-reducing end units, 3-O-substituted Araf (8%), 3,4-di-O- (15%), 2,4-di-O- (5%) and 2,3,4-tri-O-substituted Xylp units (17%). The anomeric region of CNAL (13)C NMR spectrum contained 9 signals, indicating a complex structure. The main chain of CNAL was characterized by analysis of a Smith-degraded polysaccharide. Its (13)C NMR spectrum showed 5 main signals at δ 101.6, δ 75.5, δ 73.9, δ 72.5, and δ 63.1 that were attributed to C-1, C-4, C-3, C-2 and C-5 of (1→4)-linked β-Xylp-main chain units, respectively. CNAL exhibited gastroprotective effect, by reducing gastric hemorrhagic lesions, when orally administered (1 and 3mg/kg) to rats prior to ethanol administration.

Tamarillo ( Solanum betaceum ) is a tropical exotic fruit whose polysaccharides were extracted from the ripe pulp. After various purification steps, homogeneous fractions (designated PTW, STK-1000R and PF) were analyzed by sugar composition, HPSEC, methylation and NMR spectroscopy analysis. The results showed that the fraction PTW consisted of a linear arabinan with (1 → 5)-linked α- l -arabinofuranosyl units. Fractions designated as STK-1000R and PF contained galactoarabinoglucuronoxylans, with (1 → 4)-linked β- d -Xyl p residues in the backbone, carrying branches exclusively at O -2. The polysaccharide in STK-1000R is less branched than that in the PF fraction (∼20.0% and 36.5%, respectively), with side-chains formed by (1 → 5)-linked α- l -Ara f residues and (1 → 4)-linked α- d -Glc p A residues and with non-reducing end units formed by α- l -Ara f , β-Ara p , β- d -Gal p , α- d -GlcpA and 4- O -Me-α- d -Glc p A. Intraperitoneal administration of the STK-1000R fraction in mice significantly reduced the number of abdominal constrictions induced by 0.6% acetic acid and the inflammatory phase of nociception induced by 2.5% formalin, indicating that that fraction has an antinociceptive effect on inflammatory pain models.