Pharmacological properties of Anagallis arvensis L. ("scarlet pimpernel") and Anagallis foemina Mill. ("blue pimpernel") traditionally used as wound healing remedies in Navarra (Spain).
BACKGROUND
Anagallis arvensis and Anagallis foemina are traditionally used in Navarra (Spain) for dermatological purposes regarding wound healing properties. In some cases they are also used to threat internal infections although they are known to be toxic at high doses.


OBJECTIVE
Due to lack of studies, we decided to evaluate the potential of the plants as wound healing remedies measuring antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties using in vitro procedures.


METHODS
Antimicrobial effects were studied against four bacteria and one fungus. Anti-inflammatory properties were measured in terms of COX-1 and -2 inhibition as well as superoxide radical scavenging capacity.


RESULTS
Both species exerted antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The methanolic extract obtained from Anagallis arvensis seemed to produce the highest inhibition in Candida albicans (MIC=0.31 mg/ml). Inhibition of COX-1 and -2 was also stronger for methanolic extracts whereas aqueous were revealed as better free radical scavengers.


CONCLUSIONS
The study reveals that both species possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities related to their ethnomedicinal uses.
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea sn, 31080 Pamplona, Spain. ilopez@usj.es
Víctor
V
López
Anna K
AK
Jäger
Silvia
S
Akerreta
Rita Yolanda
RY
Cavero
Maria Isabel
MI
Calvo
D031823:Anagallis / Q000737:chemistry*; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000494:pharmacology; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013030:Spain; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D010936:Plant Extracts