Anti-nociceptive and anti-oedematogenic properties of the hydroethanolic extract of Sidastrum micranthum leaves in mice

Sidastrum micranthum (A. St.-Hil.) Fryxell, Malvaceae, grows in the northeastern region of Brazil, where the leaves of this species are traditionally used to treat coughs, bronchitis or asthma. Male Swiss mice (20-22 g) were tested in models of acute pain (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, tail flick and formalin test), oedema assessment test (paw oedema test) and model for evaluation of spontaneous motor performance (open field test). The hydroethanolic extract of S. micranthum was administered orally at doses of 50–500 mg/kg. In addition were administered water, vehicle, morphine 5.01 mg/kg (evaluation of pain and motor performance) and dexamethasone 2.25 mg/kg (evaluation of oedema formation). The extract showed a significant effect at all doses in the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test and at the second phase of the formalin test, while in the first phase of this test and in the paw oedema test only at the highest dose (500 mg/kg). In the formalin and paw oedema tests, the extract had a potentiation of the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects by pretreatment with L-NAME and reduction of the effect by pretreatment with L-arginine. The extract was not toxic after oral administration (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg).