Phytochemical analysis and antinociceptive properties of the seeds of Garcinia achachairu

Arch Pharm Res. 2012 Mar;35(4):623-31. doi: 10.1007/s12272-012-0405-3. Epub 2012 May 3.

Abstract

In a search for new and effective analgesic substances from the Brazilian biodiversity, the present study evaluates the chemical composition and antinociceptive potential of the methanol extract and a pure compound obtained from the seeds of Garcinia achachairu Rusby (Clusiaceae). The methanolic seed extract was directly subjected to purification by column chromatography and the purification was monitored by thin-layer chromatography. The main isolated compound was identified as Guttiferone A by comparison of conventional spectroscopic data (IR, NMR-(1)H and (13)C) to the literature data which was isolated for the first time from this plant. When evaluated in the acetic acid-induced nociception model in mice, the methanolic seed extract had an ID(50) (Inhibitory dose) of 13.1 (11.23-14.91) mg/kg and a maximal inhibition of 72 ± 4%. In the same model, Guttiferone A had an ID(50) of 4.54 (3.29-6.24) mg/kg and a maximal inhibition of 73 ± 5%. The methanolic seed extract and Guttiferone A were also active in pain models induced by formalin, capsaicin, glutamate and carrageenan. These data suggest that the antinociceptive effect of Guttiferone A partly depends on its interference with the synthesis or activity of the cytokine TNF-α, the keratinocyte-derived chemokine KC, and/or PGE(2). These data support, at least in part, the use of G. achachairu in folk medicine and suggest that this plant is an important source of compounds with a suitable profile for development as new and effective medicinal agents to treat pain processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic* / chemistry
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic* / isolation & purification
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic* / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Benzophenones* / chemistry
  • Benzophenones* / isolation & purification
  • Benzophenones* / therapeutic use
  • Chromatography, Thin Layer
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Garcinia / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pain / chemically induced
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Seeds / chemistry

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Benzophenones
  • guttiferone A