Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with gastroprotective effect of semi–purified fractions and isolation of pure compounds from Mediterranean gorgonian Eunicella singularis

ObjectiveTo explore anti-inflammatory activities of organic extract and its semi-purified fractions (ethanol, acetone, methanol/dichloromethane) from the Mediterranean gorgonian Eunicella singularis.MethodsThe anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were evaluated, using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model and the acetic acid writhing test in mice. The gastroprotective activity was determined using HCl/EtOH induced gastric ulcers in rats. The purification and structure elucidation of compound(s) from the more effective fraction were determined by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods and in comparison with data reported in the literature.ResultsThe fraction F–EtOH showed an important anti-inflammatory activity associated with significant analgesic and gastroprotective properties. The purification and structure elucidation of compound(s) from this fraction lead to the identification of one diterpenoid and four sterols.ConclusionsThese results suggested that components from the active fraction can be used to treat various anti-inflammatory diseases.