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Aim: Since other species of the Bignoniaceae Family presented of antispasmodic activity, it was decided, by chemotaxonomic criterion, to determine the antispasmodic activity of the leaves of Arrabidaea brachypoda. Methodology: the segments of the rat jejunum were suspended in glass vats containing specific saline solution, at an appropriate temperature, and after stabilization period, were stimulated by a contractile agent to observe the inhibitory or relaxing effect of EHFAB. Results: EH-FAB showed the presence of 10 compounds, mainly rutin and it has an antispasmodic activity as it inhibits the phasic component and relaxes the tonic component of the contraction in isolated rat jejunum. To assess the mechanism of antispasmodic action, cumulative curves to the CCh were performed in which a non-competitive antagonism was observed, due to a displacement of the control curve to the right and reduction of the maximum contraction effect (Emax). Afterward, the participation of the calcium and/or potassium channels was evaluated by increasing the extracellular potassium, and it was observed that the EH-FAB relaxed the rat jejunum, suggesting the participation of the Ca2+ channels. To corroborate that hypothesis, the EH-FAB was tested against cumulative curves to Ca2+ in a free depolarizing solution of Ca2+, and it was observed that there was a shift of the curve to the right with a reduction in Emax. Conclusions: EH-FAB presents antispasmodic activity in isolated rat jejunum and it is suggested to block the influx of Ca2+ through voltage-gated calcium channels, signaling the therapeutic potential for the treatment of colic and/or diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our research group previously characterized the antioxidant and gastroprotective effects of Struthanthus marginatus (Loranthaceae), a medicinal herb used in Brazil as a healing agent. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the chemical composition of aqueous extract of S. marginatus (AESm), as well as the mechanisms underlying its gastroprotective and ulcer healing properties using different protocols in mice. Materials and Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry/diode array detection analyses to evaluate the chemical composition of AESm were conducted. The antisecretory activity (basal or stimulated) was determined using the pyloric ligature method. The gastroprotective action of nitric oxide and sulfydryl groups (–SH groups) were evaluated using ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. The healing ability was evaluated using an acetic acid-induced chronic ulcer. Results: Chromatographic analyses of AESm permitted to identify several compounds, including 3-trans-caffeoylquinic acid (3-trans-CGA), quercetin, and kaempferol as the major constituents. Oral treatment of animals with AESm (500 mg/kg/day) reduced the severity of ethanol-induced gastric damage similar to omeprazole and in a more pronounced manner than 3-trans-CGA. Such effect was significantly reduced in animals pretreated with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. In addition, AESm inhibited gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated mice stimulated with histamine or pilocarpine similar to atropine or cimetidine, respectively. A decrease in acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers similar to that promoted by cimetidine was also observed. Conclusion: The results show that S. marginatus is rich in flavonoids and that these compounds contribute directly to the gastroprotective and ulcer healing effects of this herb. The inhibition of gastric secretion is the possible gastroprotective mechanism. Abbreviations Used: AESm: Aqueous Extract of S. marginatus; 3-trans-CGA= 3-trans-caffeoylquinic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pluchea quitoc DC. (Asteraceae), a medicinal plant known as "quitoco," "caculucage," "tabacarana" and "madreβcravo," is indicated for inflammatory conditions such as bronchitis, arthritis and inflammation in the uterus and digestive system. Objective: This study evaluated the analgesic and antiβinflammatory activities of the triterpenes compounds obtained from P. quitoc aerial parts. Materials and Methods: The triterpenes compounds β amyrin, taraxasterol and pseudoβtaraxasterol in a mixture (T); ββamyrin, taraxasterol and pseudoβtaraxasterol acetates in a mixture (Ta); ββamyrin, taraxasterol, pseudoβtaraxasterol acetates in a mixture with ββamyrin, taraxasterol and pseudoβtaraxasterol myristates (Tafe) were analyzed in the models of nociception and inflammation. The evaluation of antinociceptive activity was carried out by the acetic acidβinduced writhing and tailβflick tests while leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity was used for antiβinflammatory profile. Results: The oral administration of T or Tafe (40 mg/kg and 70 mg/kg) and Ta (70 mg/kg) to mice reduced acetic acidβinduced writhing. The tailβflick response of mice was not affected by T or Tafe (40 mg/kg). T or Tafe (40 mg/kg) and Ta (70 mg/kg) also inhibited peritoneal leukocyte infiltration following the injection of carrageenan. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the antiβinflammatory and peripheral antinociceptive activity of the triterpenes ββamyrin, taraxasterol and pseudoβtaraxasterol that were decreased when these were acetylated; while the acetylated triterpenes in mixture with myristyloxy triterpenes improved this activity. These compounds seem, at least in part, to be related to the plant's reported activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]