title: Morinda citrifolia Linn leaf extract possesses antioxidant activities and reduces nociceptive behavior and leukocyte migration.
abstract: Herbal drugs have been used since ancient times to treat a wide range of diseases. Morinda citrifolia Linn (popularly known as "Noni") has been used in folk medicine by Polynesians for over 2,000 years. It is reported to have a broad range of therapeutic effects, including effects against headache, fever, arthritis, gingivitis, respiratory disorders, infections, tuberculosis, and diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antibacterial properties of the aqueous extract from M. citrifolia leaves (AEMC). Antioxidant activity was observed against lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radicals. The antinociceptive effect of AEMC was observed in the acetic acid-induced writhing test at the higher dose. Moreover, AEMC significantly reduced the leukocyte migration in doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg and showed mild antibacterial activity. Together, the results suggest that properties of M. citrifolia leaf extract should be explored further in order to achieve newer tools for managing painful and inflammation conditions, including those related to oxidant states.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mairim Russo
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Serafini
authors.forename: Rodrigo Correia
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Adriana Gibara
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Guimarães
authors.forename: João Paulo Almeida
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Dos Santos
authors.forename: Alan Diego
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: da Conceicão Santos
authors.forename: Izabel Almeida
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.forename: Daniel Pens
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Gelain
authors.forename: Paulo Cesar
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: de Lima Nogueira
authors.forename: Lucindo José
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Quintans-Júnior
authors.forename: Leonardo Rigoldi
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Bonjardim
authors.forename: Adriano Antunes
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: de Souza Araújo
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical / Q000494:pharmacology; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D051379:Mice; D032066:Morinda / Q000737:chemistry*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D019800:Phenol / Q000494:pharmacology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D013858:Thiobarbiturates / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013858:Thiobarbiturates; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D019800:Phenol; C029684:thiobarbituric acid