Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Triterpenoid Molecules Isolated from the Leaves of Combretum glutinosum Perr. Ex DC (Combretaceae)

Abstract

Combretum glutinosum Perr. Ex DC (COMBRETACEAE) is a traditional medicinal plant, widely distributed in Senegal and Africa. The aim of that study was to investigate the analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of two triterpenes, betulonic acid (DN7) and cabraleone (DN12), isolated from the leaves of Combretum glutinosum. Experiments were performed in acetic acid-induced contortions in mice and carrageenan rat paw oedema. DN7 (3 mg/kg, per os) and DN12 (3 mg/kg, per os) significantly prevent contortions in mice. The number of contortions is respectively 30±10 and 32±7 versus 72.6±6.64 in control group (p<0.05, n=5). DN7 (3 mg/kg, per os) significantly prevented the increased rat paw oedema (31.84±6.76 vs 92.72±6.05%) (p<0.05, n=5). DN12 (10 mg/kg, per os) induced rat paw oedema prevention similar to that of acetylsalicylic acid (10 mg/kg,per os) administered in the same conditions (29.28±5.88 vs 30.96±7.25%; ns, n=5). The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of triterpenes isolated from C. glutinosum leaves are similar to those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such acetylsalicylic acid, justifying the use of this plant in traditional medicine to manage pain and inflammation.