Anti-inflammatory effects and acute toxicity of hydroethanolic extract of Jacaranda decurrens roots in adult male rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata Farias and Proença (Bignoniaceae) is a species traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, until this moment, there is no scientific evidence of these effects.
Aim of Study: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of hydroethanolic root extract of Jacaranda decurrens in rats and to determine the safe of this plant after acute exposure.
Materials and Methods: The acute toxicity of Jacaranda decurrens root extract (EJD) was evaluated by oral administration to male rats as single doses of 0; 500; 1000 or 2000 mg/kg body weight. General behavior and toxic symptoms were observed for 14 days. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in carrageenan-induced inflammatory paw edema and myeloperoxidase activity in male rats.
Results: No signs of acute toxicity were observed, indicating that the LD(50) is greater than 2000 mg/kg. EJD (100 and 300 mg/kg) significantly reduced edema formation and at higher dose, the reduction was similar to dexamethasone. A significant decrease in myeloperoxidase activity was also observed.
Conclusions: The present study shows that Jacaranda decurrens extract has anti-inflammatory properties in rats without causing acute toxicity. These properties observed may be due to the presence of bioactive constituents such as ursolic acid.
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