In vivo study of the anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities of leaves from Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng (Lamiaceae).
BACKGROUND
Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng is a medicinal specie often used in Brazil, especially in Northeast Region, for the treatment of several diseases including inflammations and cancer.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities of the hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of P. amboinicus in an attempt to determine whether the medicinal uses are supported by pharmacological effects.


METHODS
Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by carrageenan-induced paw edema method. The antitumor effect was evaluated in an in vivo experimental study, using the following tumors: Sarcoma-180 and Erlich ascite carcinoma.


RESULTS
There were statistically significant decreases (p<.05) of edema paw in at the doses of 150, 250 and 350 mg/kg (i.p.) of the hydroalcoholic extract of P. amboinicus. Similarly, the administration of P. amboinicus at the doses of 100, 150, 250 and 350 mg/kg (i.p.) inhibited the growth of sarcoma-180 and Ehrlich ascite carcinoma tumors in mice.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of P. amboinicus possesses anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities, supporting the folk use of this medicinal specie.
Gurgel
Ana Pavla A Diniz
AP
Department Pharmacological Science, Federal University of Pernambuco, 1235 Cidade Universitária, Recife, 50740521 Pernambuco, Brazil. apavla@yahoo.com.br
da Silva
Jackeline G
JG
Grangeiro
Ana Ruth S
AR
Oliveira
Danielli C
DC
Lima
Cynthia M P
CM
da Silva
Aldo C P
AC
Oliveira
Rinalda A G
RA
Souza
Ivone A
IA
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002286:Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor / Q000188:drug therapy; D002351:Carrageenan; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D031346:Plectranthus; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012510:Sarcoma 180 / Q000188:drug therapy
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D010936:Plant Extracts; D002351:Carrageenan