Original Articles: 2016 Vol: 8 Issue: 8
Bioactivities of extracts from Eugenia uniflora L. branches
Abstract
Bioactivities of extracts from Eugenia uniflora L. branches were investigated using in vitro and vivo tests. Dried and powdered from E. uniflora branches were exhaustively extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol by static maceration obtaining the hexane (HE), ethyl acetate (EAE) and ethanol (EE) extracts. Phytochemical screening and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. The antioxidant activity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1- pycrilhydrazin (DPPH) and iron reducing power tests. For evaluate the antinociceptive activity, acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and hot plate assays were performed, while the anti-inflammatory activity by paw edema method. Flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, terpenes and sterols were revealed in the extracts. HE, EAE and EE presented expressive levels of total phenolic and flavonoids and a promising antioxidant effect. Doses of HE, EAE or EE (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg) decreased the number of writhes and the phases of paw licking time. The analgesic effect on central level was confirmed by the increase in reaction time on hot plate. EAE and EE (200 and 400 mg/kg) and HE (400 mg/kg) showed a reduction of paw edema after 4 h of carrageenan application. Therefore, E. uniflora presented important biological properties that may be associated with the chemical constituents and corroborate the medicinal uses of this species.