Saline extract of Pilosocereus gounellei stem has antinociceptive effect in mice without showing acute toxicity and altering motor coordination

• Published in: Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology 2018-06, Vol.95, p.289-297
• Main Authors: de Oliveira, Alisson Macário, de Luna Freire, Micaelle Oliveira, da Silva, Wliana Alves Viturino, Ferreira, Magda Rhayanny Assunção, Paiva, Patrícia Maria Guedes, Soares, Luiz Alberto Lira, de Medeiros, Paloma Lys, de Melo Carvalho, Bruno, Napoleão, Thiago Henrique
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cactaceae; Flavonoids; Inflammatory pain; Neurogenic pain; Toxicological survey
• ISSN: 0273-2300; 1096-0295
• DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.04.004

People broadly use medicinal plants although their safety and efficacy are often neglected. Several Cactaceae plants are used for medicinal purposes, but Pilosocereus gounellei (xique-xique) has been little studied for their pharmacological properties. In this study, a saline extract from Pilosocereus gounellei stem was evaluated for acute toxicity, effects on motor function, and antinociceptive activity in mice. Thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the presence of flavonoids and reducing sugars. No death of mice was noted with oral treatments at 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. Body weight gain, food intake, and water consumption were not affected with treatment at 2000 mg/kg. The number of segmented leukocytes was higher in the treated mice than in control, and reduced serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides were detected after both extract treatments. No histological alterations in the liver, heart, lung, kidney, and spleen were detected. Open field and rotarod tests showed that the extract did not affect motor function and exploratory activity. Antinociceptive activity was detected in acetic acid-induced writhing, tail-immersion, and formalin tests, indicating interference with both non-inflammatory and inflammatory pain. In conclusion, the P. gounellei extract has antinociceptive activity in mice without showing toxicity and altering motor coordination. •Saline extract from P. gounellei stem contained flavonoids and reducing sugars.•The extract did not affect motor function and exploratory activity of mice.•No histological alterations in the liver, heart, lung, kidney, and spleen were detected.•Reduced serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides were detected in extract treatments.•Antinociceptive activity was detected against both non-inflammatory and inflammatory pain.