Lychnophora pinaster’s effects on inflammation and pain in acute gout.

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ethanolic extract of aerial parts from Lychnophora pinaster Mart. are used in traditional Brazilian medicine for treating pain, rheumatism and inflammation. Aim of the study: Drugs for the treatment of gout present severe adverse effects, justifying the need to search for new therapeutic options. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the ethanolic extract of L. pinaster and its main constituents in arthritis induced in mice by the injection of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. Materials and methods: Antinociceptive effect was investigated using an electronic pressure-meter nociception paw test in C57BL/6 mice. Anti-gouty arthritis was investigated in mice induced with gout by the injection of MSU crystals into their femur-tibial tissue. Ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Lychnophora pinaster and its main chemical constituents were evaluated as treatment. Results: The ethanolic extract and their main chemical constituents inhibited neutrophil migration, reduced IL-1β and TNF-α concentrations in the inflamed tissue and showed antinociceptive activity. Conclusions: Gouty arthritis effects of the ethanolic extract can be attached to a synergistic effect of terpenes, flavonoids and phenolic acids present in the extract. Results obtained support the use of this extract and its main chemical constituents in the treatment of gout, inflammation, and pain.