Chemical profile and anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroethanolic extract of Cochlospermum regium (Schrank) Pilg. xylopodium.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cochlospermum regium is widely distributed in the Brazilian Cerrado, where its xylopodium is traditionally used to treat inflammatory disorders. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroethanolic extract of C. regium xylopodium (HECr) using in vivo and in vitro models and characterized its phytochemical profile. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES: A 70% hydroethanolic extract was prepared from the xylopodium and subjected to phytochemical analysis. In vivo assays were conducted in male Swiss mice treated with HECr (25, 100, or 400 mg/kg) and evaluated in acetic acid-induced vascular permeability and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis models. Total and differential leukocyte counts, and cytokine levels were determined in peritoneal fluid. In vitro, RAW 264.7 macrophages were used to assess cytotoxicity, nitric oxide (NO) production, and inflammatory cytokine release after LPS stimulation.

RESULTS

Phytochemical analysis identified myricetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside, quinic acid, and quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside as major constituents. HECr significantly reduced Evans blue extravasation in the vascular permeability assay. In LPS-induced peritonitis, HECr decreased total leukocyte and neutrophil migration, reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels, and increased IL-10 concentrations compared with vehicle-treated controls. In LPS-stimulated macrophages, HECr (1–20 µg/mL) reduced IL-1β and NO production, decreased TNF-α at lower concentrations, increased IL-13 levels, and showed no cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

HECr exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity, likely mediated by modulation of vascular permeability, leukocyte recruitment, cytokines, and NO, supporting its traditional use and potential therapeutic application.