<i>In vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity and free radical scavenging potential of leaves extract from <i>Anadenanthera colubrina</i>

Abstract

The present study highlights the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities from <i>Anadenanthera colubrina</i> leaves ethanolic extract (EEAc) and its phytochemical profile. The chemical profile of EEAc was determined and <i>in vitro</i> free radical scavenging potential, cell viability in RAW 264.7 and <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated. The analysis of EEAc showed several phenolic compounds such as tannins and phenolic acids. The high antioxidant potential observed is possibly due to its high phenolic content. The EEAc (500 mg kg^-1) showed an <i>in vivo</i> effect at the same level of dexamethasone; <i>in vitro</i>, at 50 μg mL^-1, inhibited approximately 80% of nitric oxide production concentration, showed an inhibition of more than 50% of TNF-α production and presented high cell viability. The results show that <i>A. colubrina</i> leaves are an important source of phytochemicals that possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.