Phytochemical screening and analgesic profile of the lyophilized aqueous extract obtained from Chrysobalanus icaco leaves in experimental protocols

Context: Chrysobalanus icaco L. (Chrysobalanaceae) has been used for the treatment of abdominal pain and cramps. Objective: Assess the chemical and pharmacological profile of the lyophilized aqueous extract from C. icaco leaves (AEC). Materials and methods: Chromatographic methods were used to assess compounds from AEC. Mice were treated with vehicle (control group) or AEC (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg, p. o.) (group with 7-8 mice) and the analgesic profile was assessed employing the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, hot plate tests and hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan (CG) or tumour necrosis factor-alpha. The animal motor performance was assessed using rota-rod and grip strength tests. Results: The chromatographic profile of AEC demonstrated the presence of terpenoid compounds. The acute pretreatment with AEC, at all doses, produced a significant (p< 0.01) inhibition of painful bahaviour (11.4 +/- 3.6; 10.3 +/- 2.8; 11.3 +/- 2.2) when compared to the control group (24.7 +/- 4.7) in acetic acid-induced writhing test. In the formalin test, AEC were effective in the second phase (p< 0.01) (57.2 +/- 10.3; 56.3 +/- 9.2; 54.7 +/- 8.9) when compared to control group (121.9 +/- 18.5). No response was observed in the hot plate test. The higher dose of AEC produced a significant (p< 0.01 or p< 0.05) inhibitory effect on the mechanical hyperalgesia test. AEC did not affect the motor performance of the mice. Discussion: The terpenoids from AEC are known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. So, these results corroborate the experiments using the AEC in inflammatory pain protocols. Conclusion: Our results suggest that AEC act against inflammatory pain.