The current study aims to appreciate curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulation properties through the investigation of its effect on the neutrophil enzymes (MPO and elastase) activities. The toxicity of pure curcumin was studied using three cell types: human neutrophils, NOD mouse Langerhans β cell line (NIT-1), and mouse breast cancer carcinoma cell line (EMT-6). Neutrophil isolation from whole blood was assessed using the histopaque gradient density method. After the MPO and elastase extraction from isolated neutrophils, the modulatory effect of curcumin on the activity of these enzymes was assayed using 3,3′,5,5′- tétramethylbenzidine and le N-Methoxy-Suc-(Ala)2-Pro-Val-p-Nitroanilide as specific substrates, respectively. Also, the Cytotoxic of curcumin was investigated on the EMT6, NIT-1, and neutrophils cells using XTT and trypan blue exclusion assays, respectively. Results indicate that curcumin modulates the neutrophil's activity by inhibiting its enzymes. In effect, curcumin exerts a significant dose-dependent inhibitory effect on both MPO and elastase activities with IC 50 of 14.41± 1.74 μg/ml and 6.06± 3.67 μg/ml. On the other hand, we reveal that curcumin significantly decreases neutrophil viability in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 = 25.60 ± 7.88 μg/ml. Moreover, no significant cytotoxic effect on EMT6 and NIT-1cells lines was shown. The IC 50 of EMT6 breast cancer cell and NIT-1cell lines were higher than 30 μg/ml and 60 μg/ml, respectively. While, doxorubicin, an anti-cancer drug used as a positive control, significantly reduces EMT6 viability with IC 50 of 4.885± 0.063 μg/ml. These results indicate that curcumin has a potential anti-inflammatory effect considering neutrophil viability and some of its activities. Moreover, curcumin has shown selective cytotoxicity toward neutrophils with no prominent cytotoxic effect on EMT6 and NIT-1 cell lines. Given these results, we can think of proposing curcumin for anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory use.

In the present study, we chemically characterised the aqueous leaf extract of Limoniastrum guyonianum by HPLC-TOF/MS and evaluated its effects on fructose-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Wistar rats. MetS groups were given (10% w/v) fructose solution to drink ad libitum for 9 weeks, whereas, normal animals received ordinary water. LG extract was administrated to treated groups by gavage for the last 6 weeks of the experimental period. Fructose feeding as a liquid solution increased body weight, reduced insulin sensitivity, raised blood glucose level and provoked atherogenic dyslipidemia associated with renal oxidative stress and structural damage. Treating MetS rats with LG extract at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg b.w./day considerably ameliorated the fructose-induced alterations. From this study, it was concluded that aqueous leaf extract of L. guyonianum possesses hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant and renoprotective abilities against fructose-induced metabolic syndrome in rats.

Arbutus unedo L. is a plant widely distributed in the Mediterranean basin and North Africa, frequently used in traditional folk medicine to treat diabetes and arterial hypertension. This study aims to evaluate the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of ethyl acetate (EA.E) and n-butanolic (But.E) extracts prepared from leaves of Arbutus unedo. Total phenolic and flavonoids contents were determined spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH•, OH•, H2O2, O•-2, ß-carotene bleaching and AAPH-induced erythrocyte oxidative hemolysis assays. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids in both extracts. The high amount was observed in EA.E which exerted the stronger antioxidant effect, with IC50 values of 3.43 μg/mL, 323.45 µg/mL, 38.40 µg/mL and 11.56 µg/mL, in DPPH•, OH•, O•-2 and H2O2 tests, respectively. Both extracts inhibited β-carotene bleaching, but EA.E is always more potent (92%) than But.E (85%). Furthermore, the EA.E showed the highest protective effect on erythrocyte hemolysis induced by AAPH, with half time hemolysis (HT50) of 122.02 min at 40 µg/mL. Taken together, this study showed that Arbutus unedo leaf extracts possess strong antioxidant potential, which may be attributed to the presence of a high amount of polyphenolic constituents. So, this plant might be exploited as a potential source of natural antioxidant agents for pharmaceutical and food applications. Keywords: oxidative stress, antioxidant, phenolic compounds, Arbutus unedo.

This work aimed at investigating the phenolic composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethyl acetate (EAE) and butanolic (BuE) extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench. EAE extract showed the highest levels of polyphenols (589.65 +/- 35.58 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (84.78 +/- 8.07 mg QE/g extract). The LC-ESI-MS results indicate various vital phenolics, including isoquercitrin, rutin, ferulic acid and chlorogenic acid. The EAE and BuE extracts (2 mg/ear) exhibited a significant inhibition (p < 0.001) of croton oil-induced ear aedema by 86% and 64%, respectively, and they reduced significantly (p < 0.001) the number of infiltrating leukocytes by 84% and 66% of inhibition, respectively. These extracts inhibited significantly (p < 0.001) the protein denaturation and stabilised the erythrocytes membrane. Besides, both extracts exerted antioxidant effect by scavenging hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anion radicals. Moreover, they exerted a significant protective effect (p < 0.001) against AAPH-induced erythrocyte hemolysis. At 40 mu g/mL, the half hemolysis times were 185.58 +/- 7.45 and 138.50 +/- 1.57 min, respectively. These values are better than those obtained with Trolox (115.47 +/- 0.41 min), used as a reference. Results from this study suggest that H. stoechas may represent a prospective source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-hemolytic properties of Algerian Drimia maritima Baker flower extracts. Determination of phenolic content was carried out to estimate the chemical composition of D. maritima extracts. Antioxidant properties were investigated in all extracts using free radical scavenging activity (against DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide anion), reducing power, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and anti-hemolytic capacity. Phenolic determination revealed that D. maritima flowers contain phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. Ethyl acetate extract showed the highest reducing power and scavenging activity using DPPH and ABTS assays. However, aqueous extract was the most effective against hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion, and lipid peroxidation. The half-time of hemolysis indicates that chloroform extract exhibited the best anti-hemolytic capacity in the AAPH induced hemolysis model. The results of this study suggest that D. maritima could be used as a possible source of antioxidant phenolic compounds and that further determination of these compounds may provide more information on their medicinal value. Keywords: Drimia maritima, phenolic compounds, scavenging activity, reducing power, anti-hemolytic.

Context: Quercus ilex and Pinus halepensis are largely used in Algerian folk medicine as a remedy for different health problems. Aims: To determine the phytochemical composition as well as to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-hemolytic and genoprotective effects of Quercus ilex root bark extract (QIE) and Pinus halepensis young ovulate cones extract (PHE). Methods: Methanolic extracts were prepared by maceration. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids were quantified spectrophotometrically and identified by HPLC analysis. In vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed by determining the DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging activities and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP). Protective effect of the extracts against AAPH-induced erythrocyte hemolysis was assessed. pBluescript M13 (+) plasmid DNA was used as oxidation target to evaluate DNA protective effect of the extracts. Results: Considerable phenolic compounds and flavonoids contents were found in the studied extracts. Catechin and phenolic acids (4-hydoxybenzoic, caffeic, coumaric, ferulic and gentisic acids) were identified in QIE, while catechin and cinnamic acid were identified in PHE. Both extracts scavenge DPPH radical with IC50 values of 5.67 µg/mL and 18.87 µg/mL, respectively. Antioxidant capacity against ABTS radical was 4.13 and 1.15 mM Trolox equivalent/mg extract. The two extracts also showed a considerable ferric reducing ability with 1.98 and 8.55 mM FeSO4/mg extract, respectively. On the other hand, both extracts exerted a significant protective effect against AAPH-induced erythrocyte hemolysis and DNA protective activities were noticed. Conclusions: Quercus ilex and Pinus halepensis extracts are important sources of bioactive compounds possessing important antioxidants, antihemolytic and genoprotective effects.

However, there is a large variability of the antioxidant activity according to their polyphenol concentration, which is related to the floral spices from which the pollen originates and geographical origin.Some fatty

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the chemical constituents and antioxidant potential of Santolina chamaecyparissus polyphenolic extract (SCPE). Materials and Methods: The extract containing phenolic compounds, was extracted with ethyl acetate and luteolin-7-O-glucoside was separated and purified using flash chromatography on silica gel column. This isolated compound was identified according to its physicochemical properties and spectral data (UV, LC-TOF-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 2D NMR). In vitro antioxidant activity of the isolated compound and SCPE was investigated using DPPH center dot, ABTS+, reducing power, superoxide anion radical scavenging and beta-carotene bleaching assays. Results: Results showed that SCPE and luteolin-7-O-glucoside exhibited significant antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of SCPE was comparable to that of luteolin-7-O-glucoside. Luteolin-7-O-glucoside was isolated for the first time from Santolina chamaecyparissus polyphenolic extract. Conclusion: Results of the present investigation clearly indicate that SCPE and isolated compound (luteolin-7-O-glucoside) have powerful antioxidant capacity against various antioxidant systems in vitro.

Context: Hertia cheirifolia L. (Asteraceae), a perennial shrub widely distributed in Northern Africa, is traditionally used to treat inflammatory disorders. Objective: The protective effect of methanol (Met E) and aqueous (Aq E) extracts of Hertia cheirifolia against DNA, lipid and protein oxidation was investigated. Materials and methods: Different concentrations (50–1000 μg/mL) of Hertia cheirifolia aerial part extracts were examined against DNA, lipid and protein oxidation induced by H2O2 + UV, FeSO4, and Fe3+/H2O2-ascorbic acid, respectively. The DPPH•, metal ion chelating, reducing power and β-carotene bleaching tests were conducted. Results: Both extracts were rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins, and were able to scavenge DPPH• with IC50 values of 138 and 197 μg/mL, respectively. At 300 μg/mL, Aq E exerted stronger chelating effect (99%) than Met E (69%). However, Met E reducing power (IC50 = 61 μg/mL) was more than that of Aq E (IC50 = 193 μg/mL). Both extracts protected from β-carotene bleaching by 74% and 94%, respectively, and inhibited linoleic acid peroxidation. The inhibitory activity of Aq E extract (64%) was twice more than that of Met E (32%). Interestingly, both extracts protected DNA against the cleavage by about 96–98%. At 1 mg/mL, Met E and Aq E restored protein band intensity by 94–99%. Conclusions: Hertia cheirifolia exhibits potent antioxidant activity and protects biomolecules against oxidative damage; hence, it may serve as potential source of natural antioxidant for pharmaceutical applications and food preservation. This is the first report on the protective activity of this plant against biomolecule oxidation.

Objective: This report is an attempt to study the phenolic composition of Rubus fruticosus (RFE) and Zizyphus vulgaris (ZVE) methanol extracts and evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in-vitro and in-vivo. Methods: Total phenolic and total flavonoids contents of extracts were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-TOF/MS. The antioxidant activities were evaluated in vitro using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. The effect of RFE and ZVE on DNA cleavage induced by H2O2 UV-photolysis was also investigated. The antioxidant effect of RFE and ZVE was tested in vivo using the blood total antioxidant capacity test in mice. On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in vivo using two models of acute inflammation ear edema and vascular permeability. Results: The phytochemical analysis of these extracts showed that RFE possesses higher polyphenolic and flavonoid content than ZVE. in the same way RFE exerted the highest antioxidant capacity with IC 50 value of 14 µg/ml in DPPH assay, 1.58 mmol of Trolox E/mg extract and 3.39 of mmol FesO4/mg extract in ABTS, and FRAP assay respectively. The studied extracts showed a concentration-dependent protective effect on DNA cleavage induced by H2O2 UV-photolysis. The daily oral administration of 200 mg/kg of RFE or ZVE during three weeks showed an improvement of the blood total antioxidant capacity; the HT50 values were151.45 min and 146.72 min for the groups treated with RFE and ZVE, respectively versus 122.5 min for the control group. The topical application of 2 mg/ear of RFE inhibited the croton oil-induced ear edema by 75.72%, while the inhibition exerted by ZVE was 64.24%. These inhibitions were higher than that of indomethacin, used as a reference. Moreover, the oral administration of 400 mg/kg of RFE inhibited significantly (33.57%) acetic acid induced vascular permeability in mice. However, this effect was lower than this of indomethacin. The inhibition effect exerted by ZVE was not significant. Conclusion: The results obtained in this investigation showed that RFE possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential in comparison with ZVE, which may be attributed to the presence of polyphenolic phytoconstituents.

ABSTRACT The protective activity of methanolic (Met E) and aqueous (Aq E) extracts of Globularia alypum L. (G. alypum) against DNA, lipid and protein oxidative damage was investigated. Moreover, the scavenging, chelating, and reducing power activities of the extracts were also evaluated. Phytochemical analysis was performed to determine phenolic compounds. Results showed that Met E and Aq E were rich in phenolic compounds, and were able to scavenge DPPH˙ with IC50 values of 48.61 µg/mL and 51.97 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, both extracts were able to chelate ferrous ions. At 300 μg/mL, the chelating activity was 97.53% and 91.02%, respectively. The reducing power of these extracts was also remarkable and concentration dependent. At 100 µg/mL, both extracts inhibited lipid peroxidatin by only 42.45% and 4.03%. However, the DNA oxidation damage was inhibited dose-dependently in the presence of G. alypum extracts. At 1 mg/mL, both extracts suppressed DNA cleavage by 83%-84%. The protein oxidation was also inhibited by G. alypum extracts. At 1 mg/mL, Aq E and Met E protected BSA fragmentation by 77%-99%. The overall results suggest that G. alypum extracts exerted antioxidant activity and protect biomolecules against oxidative damage; hence it may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Santolina chamaecyparissus ethanol (SCE) and aqueous (SCA) extracts against paracetamol-induced liver damage in male rats. In this study, SCA and SCE (30, 150 or 300 mg/kg body weight) was administered daily for 7 days in experimental animals. Liver injury was induced chemically, by paracetamol administration (3 g/kg b.w.). The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using biochemical parameters like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and histopathological study. Furthermore, polyphenols and flavonoids content was determined by colorimetric methods. Obtained results demonstrated that the treatment with SCA and SCE significantly (P<0.01) prevented chemically induced increase in serum levels of hepatic enzymes. The inhibitory effect was close to that of silymarin 100 mg/kg, used as standard. Histopathological examination showed that SCE and SCA protected against hepatocytic necrosis. Phytochemical analysis revealed that SCE and SCA are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. The present study revealed that S. chamaecyparissus exhibits hepatoprotective activity and it can constitute a promising natural source to develop novel therapeutic drugs for treating liver disorders.

The need for antioxidant agents, which can prevent oxidative stress, has become a major priority. Saharan plants could constitute a reservoir of effective biomolecules useful as antioxidants. Genista saharae, wich is anendemic plant of Algeria,is a leafless spontaneous fabaceae called Tellegit by local people. As it is known to be a source of chemical compounds which are characterized by antioxidant properties, this medicinal shrub is used in traditional pharmacopoeia. The originality of the present study consists in scrutinizing the phytochemical composition and evaluating the antioxidant activity of aerial parts of aqueous extract of Genista Saharae (AEG) in conditions corresponding to its traditional use. Phytochemical screening was performed to assess the qualitative chemical composition of (AEG) using precipitation and coloration reactions. In addition, the total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and β carotene contents were determined by using spectrophotometric methods. Finally, AEG was assayed to determine its antioxidant activities using 3 methods: DPPH, reducing power and β carotene bleaching tests. The results reveal the presence of several biomolecules in AEG such as phenolics compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, steroids and saponins. Besides, the quantitative analysis show a considerable total phenolics, tannins and β carotene contents. In sum, it was found that EAG possess a high antioxidant activity against bleaching of β carotene, which justifies its use by traditional healers.Consequently, Genista Saharae is a good source of antioxidants. Its good antioxidant activity may be explained by the occurence of tannins or other phenolic compounds such as terpenoids, β carotene and saponins.

The anti-inflammatory and the antioxidant activities of methanol (ME) and aqueous (AE) extracts of Anacyclus clavatus were evaluated.Phenolic constituents in the extracts were screened.Croton oil-induced ear edema in mice, carrageenan-induced paw edema and pleurisy in rats were evoked.The antioxidant effect was tested by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ion chelating, lipid peroxidation tests.Both extracts are rich in phenolic compounds.The application of 2 mg per ear of ME or AE inhibited ear edema by 84 and 83 %, respectively.The oral treatment of rats with 200 or 400 mg kg -1 of ME reduced paw edema by 64 and 74%, respectively, whereas the inhibition by AE was by 65 and 80%, respectively.At 400 mg kg -1 , the extracts decreased exudation and neutrophil migration into the pleural cavity by 64 and 66%, respectively, while the inhibition by AE was 42 and 55%, respectively.On the other hand, ME exerted scavenging activity higher than AE, while the AE chelating activity was more than that of ME.However, both extracts had similar inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation.In general, A. clavatus may be used as a source of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents.

Abstract Context: Santolina chamaecyparissus L. (Asteraceae) is an aromatic plant wide spread in the Mediterranean region. It is used in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: The effects of S. chamaecyparissus aqueous extract (SCAE) and polyphenolic extract (SCPE) on human polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) degranulation, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and microbicidal capacity were examined in vitro. Materials and methods: Aqueous and polyphenolic extracts were prepared from S. chamaecyparissus leaves. The elastase release was used as a marker for measuring PMN degranulation, while chemotaxis was performed using a 48-microwell chemotaxis chamber. The phagocytosis and the microbicidal capacity were evaluated using fresh cultures of Candida albicans. Results: The treatment of neutrophils with different concentrations (10–200 µg/ml) of SCAE and SCPE caused a significant (p < 0.001) and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on elastase release in fMLP/Cytochalasin B (CB)-stimulated neutrophils. Indeed, 100 µg/ml of SCAE exerted an inhibitory effect of 51.97 ± 6.2%, whereas SCPE at the same concentration abolished completely PMN degranulation. Moreover, both extracts inhibited markedly (p < 0.01) fMLP-induced chemotactic migration. At 200 µg/ml, SCAE and SCPE exerted an inhibitory effect of 54.61 ± 7.3% and 57.71 ± 7.44%, respectively. In addition, a decline in both phagocytosis and microbicidal capacity against Candida albicans was observed when PMNs were exposed to 100 and 200 µg/ml of SCAE or SCPE. Conclusion: The exerted effects on neutrophil functions support the anti-inflammatory activity and show new mechanisms of action and effectiveness of S. chamaecyparissus leaf extracts. This plant may be considered as an interesting source of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents.

The present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and the antioxidant properties of Algerian Santolina chamaecyparissus (S. chamaecyparissus) ethanol (SCE) and aqueous (SCA) extracts. The local treatment of ear mice by 2 mg S.chamaecyparissus decreased significantly (p < 0.001) the croton oil-induced ear edema. The inhibition exerted by SCA (31%) was less than that exerted by SCE (41%). Furthermore, S.chamaecyparissus extracts inhibited significantly (P < 0.001) the acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions in mice. At 400 mg/kg, SCE was more potent (38.05%) than SCA (34.86%). The treatment with 1 mg/pouch of SCE and SCA reduced significantly (P < 0.001) the number of migrated leukocytes to 5.12 ± 0.48 × 106 cells/mL and 5.60 ± 0.56 × 106 cells/mL of exudates, respectively, compared to the control group. On the other hand, SCE and SCA showed a significant DPPHE™ scavenging activity. The best scavenging activity was exerted by SCA with IC50 = 35.27 ± 3.24 μg/mL flowed by SCE with IC50 = 41.06 ± 0.94 μg/mL. Moreover, both extracts were able to chelate ferrous ions. However, SCA was more potent in chelating ferrous ions (IC50 = 73.51 ± 2.94 μg/mL) than SCE (507.43 ± 12.44 μg/mL). The reducing power exerted by SCE was stronger (IC50 = 49.12 μg/mL) than that of SCA (IC50 = 57.03 μg/mL). Taken together, S. chamaecyparissus extracts exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. So, this plant could be exploited as a potential source of natural compounds to treat inflammatory and oxidative stress disorders.

Background & Aims: Myeloperoxidase exocytosis and production of hydrogen peroxide via the neutrophil superoxide generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase contribute to efficient elimination of bacteria. Cirrhosis impairs immune functions and increases susceptibility to bacterial infection. We recently showed that neutrophils from patients with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis exhibit a severe impairment of formylpeptide receptor (fPR)-mediated intracellular signaling and superoxide production. Here, we performed ex vivo studies with these patients' neutrophils to further investigate myeloperoxidase release, bactericidal capacity and signaling events following fPR stimulation by the formylpeptide formyl-met-leu-phe (fMLP).Methods: Myeloperoxidase release was studied by measuring extracellular myeloperoxidase activity. Activation of signaling effectors was studied by Western blot and their respective contribution to myeloperoxidase release studied using pharmacological antagonists.Results: fMLP-induced myeloperoxidase release was strongly impaired in patients' neutrophils whereas the intracellular myeloperoxidase stock was unaltered. The fMLP-induced phosphorylation of major signaling effectors, AKT, ERK1/2 and p38-MAP-Kinases, was also strongly deficient despite a similar expression of signaling effectors or fPR. However, based on effector inhibition in healthy neutrophils, AKT and p38-MAPK but not ERK1/2 upregulated fMLP-induced myeloperoxidase exocytosis. Interestingly, patients' neutrophils exhibited a defective bactericidal capacity that was reversed ex vivo by the TLR7/8 agonist CL097, through potentiation of the fMLP-induced AKT/p38-MAPK signaling axis and myeloperoxidase release.Conclusions: We provide first evidence that neutrophils from patients with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis exhibit a deficient AKT/p38-MAPK signaling, myeloperoxidase release and bactericidal activity, which can be reversed via TLR7/8 activation. These defects, together with the previously described severe deficient superoxide production, may increase cirrhotic patients' susceptibility to bacterial infections. (C) 2015 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CONTEXT:Hertia cheirifolia L. (Asteraceae) is traditionally used in Northern Africa to treat various inflammatory infections. However, few studies on this plant have been reported. OBJECTIVE:The anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extract of H. cheirifolia leaves was investigated using different experimental models. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Phytochemical analysis was performed to determine phenolic compounds. Acute toxicity of the extract (2000 mg/kg) was examined in Swiss albino mice for 14 days, before croton oil-induced ear oedema in mice, carrageenan-induced paw oedema in Swiss albino rats, cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats and carrageenan-induced air pouch in mice were conducted. The IL-1β and TNF-α release from concanavalin A-stimulated monocytes was measured by ELISA. RESULTS:Methanol extract of H. cheirifolia is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. Cinnamic acid and rutin represent the major constituents. Methanol extract up to 2000 mg/kg did not produce any toxic effects. Topical application of 2 mg/ear of the extract produced 78.7% of inhibition on ear swilling. Oral pre-treatment of rats with 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract inhibited paw oedema by 70% and 89%, respectively. At 200 mg/kg, granuloma dry and wet weights were reduced by 41.85% and 61.72%, respectively. Moreover, the treatment with methanol extract at 1 mg/kg exerted 62.7% of inhibition on leucocytes migrated into the ear pouch. TNF-α and IL-1β release was reduced by 69% and 78%, respectively, with 1 μg/mL of the extract. CONCLUSION:Methanol extract of H. cheirifolia possesses a strong anti-inflammatory activity and may be considered an interesting source of effective anti-inflammatory compounds.