title: The role of adrenal corticosteroids in the anti-inflammatory effect of the whole extract of Harpagophytum procumbens in rats.
abstract: This study was carried out to evaluate whether the anti-inflammatory response in rats to the whole extract of Harpagophytum procumbens is a consequence of adrenal corticosteroid release. Carrageenan-induced inflammatory responses in the hindpaws were evaluated in control, sham-operated and adrenalectomized rats. The extract was administered orally (by gavage) or intraperitoneally, 30min prior to injury stimulus. Blood samples were then collected, and the number of circulating leukocytes was estimated. Pretreatment with the whole extract of H. procumbens reduced the intensity of inflammatory response in normal, sham-operated and adrenalectomized animals. When administered orally, the extract was ineffective. The reduced number of circulating leukocytes observed following intraperitoneal injection of the extract characterized adrenal hyperactivity. The inhibitory effect of the whole extract of H. procumbens on acute inflammatory response in the rat, when administered intraperitoneally, does not depend on the release of adrenal corticosteroids.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Inflammation, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Maringá - PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Catelan
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Belentani
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Marques
authors.forename: E R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Caparroz-Assef
authors.forename: R K N
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Cuman
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Bersani-Amado
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002351:Carrageenan; D031684:Harpagophytum; D007249:Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D010936:Plant Extracts; D002351:Carrageenan