Analgesic effect, phytochemical characterization and toxicological analysis of ethanolic extract of Pereskia lychnidiflora leaves

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the analgesic effect of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Pereskia lychnidiflora, the prospection of secondary metabolites and the toxicologic analysis. Materials and Methods. Analgesic activity was evaluated by testing acetic acid and formalin in NIH mice at a concentration of 30, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, using Ibuprofen control at 200 mg/kg and distilled water as the target. Secondary metabolites were prospected using the thin layer chromatography method and the toxicity of the extract was evaluated in vivo according to the maximum dose of 2,000 mg/kg body weight. Results. Phytochemical prospecting determined the presence of alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes, and sterols as major chemical constituents. The ethanolic extract of Pereskia lychnidiflora was found to have an analgesic activity similar to ibuprofen. No signs of toxicity were observed in the experimental mice and the extract is classified as non-toxic with a DL50 greater than 2,000 mg/kg. Conclusions. The ethanolic extract of Pereskia lychnidiflora has an anti-inflammatory analgesic effect that could be conditioned by the presence of alkaloids, tannins, and sterols (terpenoids) present in this species and can be classified as non-toxic.