Background: The pharmacological properties of Cinnamomum zeylanicum have been predominantly explored in the context of cardiovascular diseases. Given its well-established anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum barks (HECZ) against isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiotoxicity. Methods: Rats were pre-treated with HECZ (200 - 400 mg/kg, p.o.) or 100 mg/kg of vitamin E for 28 consecutive days, followed by ISO administration (85 mg/kg, s.c.) on days 29 and 30. Hemodynamic, hematological, biochemical, and histological parameters were assessed. Results: Administration of ISO resulted in significant reductions in blood pressure and cardiac antioxidant enzyme activities, along with increased leukocyte counts, enhanced lipid peroxidation, and marked alterations in cardiac marker enzyme levels. This was accompanied by an elevated heart rate, altered serum lipid profiles, increased levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Histopathological analysis revealed death of heart cells and inflammation in the ISO group. However, pre-treatment with HECZ or Vitamin E significantly mitigated these ISO-induced alterations. The histopathological findings corroborated the biochemical results. Conclusion: These findings indicate that HECZ mitigated myocardial injury in ISO-treated rats, showcasing its cardioprotective effects through modulation of cardiac parameters, and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Jateorhiza macrantha (Menispermaceae) is used in folk medicine in Africa for gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders. However, its efficacy against inflammatory pain and associated neuro-oxidative stress remains uncharacterized. This study evaluated the antihypernociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties of J. macrantha aqueous (AEJM) and methanolic (MEJM) leaf extracts in a rat model of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced persistent inflammation. Chronic inflammatory pain was induced in male Wistar rats by intraplantar injection of CFA (50 μL). The test extracts were administered orally (100-400 mg/kg) for 14 days. Mechanical, cold, and thermal nociception were evaluated using Von Frey filaments, acetone test, and hot-plate assay, respectively. Paw edema and rectal temperature were monitored to assess anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were quantified, whereas oxidative stress markers (MDA, CAT, SOD, and GSH) were measured in brain and spinal cord tissues. Moreover, qualitative phytochemical profiling was performed. AEJM and MEJM significantly (p < 0.05-p < 0.001) reduced paw edema and fever, increased paw withdrawal thresholds and thermal latencies. These improvements correlated with a significant downregulation of serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Furthermore, both extracts significantly lowered MDA levels and increased antioxidant defenses (SOD, CAT, and GSH) in the brain and spinal cord. Notably, AEJM restored the locomotor performance compared with diclofenac. Phytochemical analysis showed flavonoids, saponins, steroids and tannins. AEJM and MEJM exert noteworthy anti-inflammatory, antihypernociceptive, and antipyretic effects mediated through the concurrent suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and reinforcement of central antioxidant systems. These scientifically validate its traditional use.

OBJECTIVES:Pain affects about one in every five persons and is considered a major global health burden. Hyphaene thebaica (Arecaceae), is a medicinal plant used in Cameroon, fruit pulp are macerated and orally administered in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including hypertension, pain, and inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the pain-killing effect of fruit pulp extracts of H. thebaica in mice. METHODS:Aqueous (AEHT) and methanol (MEHT) extracts were prepared from fruit pulp of H. thebaica, followed by a qualitative phytochemical analysis. The extracts were given orally at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg in acute pain models such as acetic acid, formalin, hotplate, and capsaicin. Control groups included distilled water (negative), and diclofenac, morphine, ruthenium red, diazepam (positive). Naloxone pretreatment was used to assess opioid pathway involvement. Locomotor and sedative effects were evaluated using rota-rod and open-field tests. Acute toxicity was assessed at 2,000 mg/kg. RESULTS:Phytochemical tests revealed saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and phenols. Both extracts greatly decreased the writhing induced by acetic acid. MEHT inhibited both phases of formalin-induced pain (p<0.01). Both extracts significantly inhibited hotplate-induced nociception (p<0.001), partially reversed by naloxone, except for MEHT. In the capsaicin test, extracts produced a remarkable reduction of paw licking time (p<0.01). No motor coordination alteration or acute toxicity effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS:The findings demonstrated the analgesic activity of AEHT and MEHT, mediated by the stimulation of opioids and blockage of vanilloid receptors pathways.

OBJECTIVES:Ulcerative colitis, with a complex and poorly understood aetiology, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon. Current therapies present many side effects and lack efficiency. This study aimed to assess the healing properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from the roots of Dracaena arborea on ulcerative colitis induced in rats. METHODS:Acetic acid (4 %) was injected (intrarectal) to induce colitis. Prednisolone (20 mg/kg), aqueous (500 mg/kg) and ethanolic (100 mg/kg) extracts were administered orally. Clinical parameters were measured through stool consistency, relative body mass, mass-to-length ratio, macroscopic alterations of the colon, and serum and haematological parameters. Oxidative stress markers (in both serum and tissue) and anti-inflammatory parameters were evaluated. RESULTS:The results showed that both extracts significantly reduced diarrhea severity, ulcer scores, and prevented the reduction in the colon mass/length ratio. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts significantly increased red blood cell count and haematocrit percentage, as well significantly reducing white blood cell, lymphocyte, monocyte, and granulocyte counts. Regarding oxidative stress markers, in both serum and tissue, the extracts significantly reduced MDA concentrations while increasing GSH concentrations, SOD and catalase activities. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts also significantly reduced NO concentrations and MPO activity. Only the ethanolic extract significantly inhibited TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β production. Additionally, both extracts exhibited reparative effects on intestinal epithelium by activating tissue regeneration mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS:These findings suggest that D. arborea possessed anti-colitis effects in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats.

Background: Allium cepa (Onion) is widely used as a flavored vegetable in various types of foods and against urinary system disorders, ear disorders, and injuries. Syzygium Aromaticum (clove) is used as a local anesthetic, also used against pain, rheumatological, and antioxidant problems. This study aimed to show the protective effects of the aqueous extract of the mixture of Onion and clove in the occurrence of a joint pathology such as osteoarthrosis. Methods: The animals were previously treated for two weeks with the aqueous extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) with the mixture of Allium cepa bulbs and Syzygium aromaticum spices, osteoarthrosis was induced with monoiodacetate (50 µL, intraarticular). Clinical, oxidative stress, inflammation, hematological and histological parameters were evaluated. Results: The mixture of Allium cepa bulbs and Syzygium aromaticum spices (200 mg/kg) protected the animals against the increase of sensitivity (80.78 %) and the swelling in the paw (85.27 %). Pre-treatment with the mixture of Allium cepa bulbs and Syzygium aromaticum spices has significantly protected animals by improving their locomotion. This mixture has prevented the negative variation of hematological parameters. Antioxidant effects were observed with an increase in SOD, CAT activity, GSH concentration, and reduction of MDA, NO levels. The mixture administered orally, preventively showed an anti-inflammatory effect by significantly reducing TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP9 concentrations, and MPO activity. In animals pretreated with the mixture, the knee joint appears healthy, thus showing a protective effect of the extract. Conclusion: The mixture of Allium cepa bulbs and Aromaticum syzygium spices is a constituent worthy of more in-depth study to determine whether it effectively modulates the complex inflammatory pathology of osteoarthritis according to its multiple multi-component actions.

Background: Drypetes gossweileri (Euphorbiaceae) is a medicinal plant used in Cameroon to treat toothache, gastritis, and pain. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-pyretic effects of the aqueous (AEDG) and methanol (MEDG) stem bark extracts in a persistent inflammatory pain model induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) in rats. Methods: Inflammatory pain was induced by intra-plantar injection of 50 µL of CFA into the left hind paw of rats. AEDG and MEDG were given orally (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) for 14 days after CFA administration. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-pyretic effects were respectively measured using a digital caliper (paw edema), von Frey hair filaments (tactile allodynia), and a digital thermometer (fever). These parameters were recorded on 0, 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, and 14th days before and after CFA injection. On day 15, animals were sacrificed, brain and spinal cord collected for the measurement of oxidative stress parameters such as Nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT). Results: Both AEDG and MEDG significantly (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001) increased pain threshold, decreased paw edema and fever in animals along the treatment. NO and MDA were significantly (p<0.001) reduced in dose-dependent manner with MEDG in rats' spinal cord. Furthermore, SOD and CAT activity were significantly and dose-dependently increased in both brain and spinal cord with AEDG and MEDG. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that AEDG and MEDG exhibit anti-inflammatory, antihypernociceptive, and anti-pyretic activities, which may be associated with their modulatory influence on oxidative stress markers. Keywords: antihypernociceptive; anti-inflammatory; antipyretic effects; antioxidative stress; Drypetes gossweileri; stem barks.

Cissus quadrangularis Linn. (C. quadrangularis, Vitaceae) is a plant reported to treat injured tendons, broken bones, asthma, stomach ache, scurvy, and digestive disorders. The present study evaluated the antihyperalgesic effects of ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis Linn. Vincristine sulfate (100 μg/kg, i.p.) was administered in rats for 10 days with 2 days break to induce painful peripheral neuropathy. Mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia tests were performed to assess the threshold of painful neuropathy. Calcium levels in the sciatic nerve, oxidant stress markers, and levels of GABA and 5-HT were also determined in the brain and spinal cord after 15 days. Ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis (180 and 360 mg/kg) and pregabalin (50 mg/kg) were administered for 15 consecutive days. The results revealed that the extract significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited hyperalgesia and allodynia in animals after vincristine administration. The extract decreased total calcium levels in the sciatic nerve, MDA levels while increasing GSH activity, 5-HT level, as well as GABA levels in the brain and spinal cord. The results of this study suggest that the ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis uses antioxidant capacity, calcium inhibitory action, and neuromodulation of GABA and 5-HT to prevent the development of painful neuropathy after vincristine administration. This demonstrates that C. quadrangularis is a promising molecule for the management of peripheral neuropathic pain induced by anticancer drugs.

OBJECTIVES:This work was carried out with a view to determining the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of the aqueous lyophilized extract of Markhamia lutea. METHODS:In vitro proteinases inhibition, albumin denaturation, hemolysis of red blood cells by heat, inhibition of the proton pump H+/K+ATPase, FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assays were performed. In vivo, cold water immersion-induced ulceration and methylene blue-induced ulceration was used to determine the anti-ulcer properties of the lyophilizate (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg). RESULTS:In vitro, the lyophilizate (400 μg/mL) significantly inhibited protein denaturation (66.65 %), hemolysis of red blood cells (56.54 %), proteinase activity (69.22 %); then the IC50 was 26.31 μg/mL on proton pump activity. It has also developed a strong ferric reducing antioxidant power (EC50=52.96 mmol FeSO4/g) as well as free radicals scavenging activity (EC50=22.38 μg/mL). In vivo, the aqueous lyophilizate (200 and 300 mg/kg) protected the gastric mucosa (70.68 and 79.00 % protection respectively) and reduced (p<0.05) acetylcholine, calcium and corticosterone concentrations. A decrease in malondialdehyde level, an increased glutathione level and an increased in catalase and SOD activities were recorded. In the methylene blue test, it significantly increased gastric fluid pH, while reducing gastric volume and improving hematological parameters in ulcer animals. In addition, the histological sections show that the aqueous lyophilizate of M. lutea protected the gastric mucosa from the deleterious effects of stress. CONCLUSIONS:The aqueous lyophilizate of M. lutea has anti-ulcer properties thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-secretory properties.

In traditional Cameroonian medicine, to relieve many inflammations, parts of Vernonia guineensis, are very widely used. This study considered the evaluation of acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory properties of the hydroethanolic extract of the roots of Vernonia guineensis. In an acute toxicity study, 250, 2500, and 5000 mg/kg were administered orally to mice in a single dose, and general behavior, adverse effects, and mortality were monitored. In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory tests were performed, and then histological, serum, hematological, and oxidative stress parameters have been evaluated. In an acute toxicity, all groups revealed neither mortality nor any significant alteration in behavior; only drowsiness, sedation, and lethargy were observed at 5000 mg/kg. For in vitro tests, the extract inhibited anti-inflammatory activity. In the formalin test, at 250 mg/kg, the extract inhibited edema with a percentage of 56.41% (4th hour) in an acute treatment and 74.44% (10th day). Joint edema was reduced by 67.24% (24th hour) in a single treatment and by 74.25% (7th day) in repeated treatment. The extract caused an increase in red blood cell, hemoglobin, and serum protein levels and reduced the white blood cells as well as the activities of alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase. The extract modulated oxidative stress parameters in the brain, spinal cord, liver, and kidneys. The extract protected the joint by reducing the bone and cartilage erosion. The present work highlights the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antianemic properties of the hydroethanolic extract of the roots of Vernonia guineensis, which supports its empirical use in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory pathologies.

OBJECTIVES:In this study, we determined the gastroprotective and ulcer-healing effects of extracts (aqueous and methanolic) of Nauclea pobeguinii stem-back.METHODS:Gastroprotective and healing activity were evaluated following a HCl/ethanol and an indomethacin-induced acute ulcers models; acetic acid, pylorus-ligature, pylorus ligature/histamine and pylorus ligature/acetylcholine-induced chronic ulcers models.RESULTS:It emerges from this study that, at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, the extracts significantly reduced the various ulceration parameters. Compared to negative control male rats, the aqueous (100 mg/kg) and methanolic (400 mg/kg) extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii inhibited the ulcers induced by HCl/ethanol by 80.76 % and 100 % respectively, as well as ulcers induced by indomethacin by 88.28 % and 93.47 % respectively. Animals that received 200 mg/kg of both extracts showed a significant reduction in the levels of monocytes, lymphocytes, nitric oxide, MDA and a significant increase in the activities of SOD and catalase. Histological analysis showed repaired mucous epithelium at all doses of both extracts. Aqueous and methanol extracts inhibited ulceration indices by 89.33 % and 88.53 % for pylorus ligature, 83.81 % and 61.07 % for pylorus ligature/acetylcholine and 87.29 % and 99.63 % for pylorus ligature/histamine respectively. Both extracts protected the stomach lining with percentages inhibition of 79.49 % and 81.73 %, respectively in the ethanol test. The extracts induced a significant increase in mucus mass (p<0.001).CONCLUSIONS:The aqueous and methanol extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii healed ulcers thanks to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-secretory and cytoprotective properties.

Abstract Objectives Markhamia lutea (M. lutea, Bignoniaceae) is mainly found in tropical/neotropical regions of America, Africa and Asia. The plant’s leaves, stems or roots are used to treat anaemia, bloody diarrhoea, parasitic and microbial infections. This study evaluates anti-inflammatory properties (in vitro) of Markhamia lutea and their curative effects on paclitaxel-induced intestinal toxicity (in vivo). Methods The anti-inflammatory potential of Markhamia lutea was tested over cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enzymes (cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase). While in vivo, intestinal toxicity was induced for 10 days by oral administration of paclitaxel (3 mg/kg, 0.05 mL). Animals in each group were further treated with aqueous (300 mg/kg) and ethanolic (300 mg/kg) leaves extracts of Markhamia lutea during 7 days and clinical symptoms were recorded, hematological, biochemical and histological analysis were subsequently performed. Results In vitro, aqueous (250 μg/mL) and ethanolic (250 μg/mL) extracts of Markhamia lutea inhibited the activities of cyclooxygenase 1 (56.67 % and 69.38 %), cyclooxygenase 2 (50.67 % and 62.81 %) and 5-lipoxygenase (77.33 % and 86.00 %). These extracts inhibited the production of intracellular ROS, extracellular ROS and cell proliferation with maximum IC50 of 30.83 μg/mL, 38.67 μg/mL and 19.05 μg/mL respectively for the aqueous extract, then 25.46 μg/mL, 27.64 μg/mL and 7.34 μg/mL respectively for the ethanolic extract. The extracts also inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6) and stimulated the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). In vivo, after administration of paclitaxel, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Markhamia lutea significantly reduced the weight loss, the diarrheal stools and the mass/length intestines ratio of the treated animals compared to the animals of the negative control group. Biochemically, the extracts lead to a significant drop in serum creatinine and alanine aminotransferase levels, followed by a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase. In addition to bringing the haematological parameters back to normal values after disturbance by paclitaxel, the extracts caused tissue regeneration in the treated animals. Conclusions In vitro, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Markhamia lutea showed anti-inflammatory properties (inhibition of COX1, COX2, 5-LOX activities, inhibition of ROS production and cell proliferation); in vivo, the same extracts showed curative properties against intestinal toxicity caused by paclitaxel.

Nauclea pobeguinii (N. pobeguinii) is a plant used in African medicine to treat many gastroduodenal diseases. In this study, we determined the gastro-protective mechanisms and anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) properties of N. pobeguinii extracts. Wound healing activity (acetic acid test), anti-secretory properties (pyloric ligation, pyloric ligation/acetylcholine and pyloric ligation/histamine tests) and cytoprotective effects (ethanol test) were assessed in female rat, the anti-Helicobacter pylori (agar well diffusion method) was also evaluated. At doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, the extracts reduce (p < 0.001) the various ulceration parameters. In the acetic acid test, the extracts (200 mg/kg) reduced ulcerated areas by 99.23% (aqueous) and by 98.47% (methanol), levels of monocytes, lymphocytes, nitrogen, malondialdehyde and increased (p < 0.001) superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Histological analysis showed repair of the mucosal epithelium at all doses of both extracts. Aqueous and methanol extracts inhibited ulceration indices by 99.68 and 99.33% (pyloric ligation), 83.81% and 61.07% (pyloric ligation/acetylcholine), 97.49% and 98.50% (pylorus ligation/histamine); they increased (p < 0.001) the mucus mass and uterine mass. In vitro, the different H. pylori isolates were sensitive to both extracts; the aqueous extract showed strong anti-urease activity, a large diameter of the inhibitory zone and a better minimum inhibitory concentration. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of N. pobeguinii healed ulcers through their estrogen-modulating anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-secretory and cytoprotective properties. The aqueous extract of N. pobeguinii could be a good solution for the treatment of this infection.

In the treatment of cancer, patients that receive anti-cancer drugs such as Vincristine develop peripheral neuropathic pain. Scyphocephalione A is a new bioactive compound isolated from Scyphocephalium ochocoa (Myristicaceae), a medicinal plant traditionally used in African countries. Recently, an in vitro study has shown its anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities on MCF-7 cell line of mammary carcinoma. The purpose of the present study was to assess the in vitro anti-inflammatory and in vivo anti-nociceptive activities of Scyphocephalione A. In vitro tests were carried out on cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase activities, and on protein denaturation; while in vivo tests were performed on acute and chronic pain models. It was noticed that Scyphocephalione A (1000 µg/ml), inhibits proteins denaturation, cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase activities respectively by 74.21%, 75.80% and 64.43%. The dose 50 mg/kg of Scyphocephalione A, inhibits acetic acid (63.43%, p < 0.001) and formalin (42.12%, p < 0.001) within first phase and 67.53% (p < 0.001) within second phase)-induced pains. At the same dose, Scyphocephalione A significantly inhibited mechanical and heat hyperalgesia, as well as cold allodynia induced by vincristine. In addition, the compound restored haematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters which were altered following Vincristine administration. These results suggest that Scyphocephalione A is endowed with anti-inflammatory potential and antinociceptive properties. Therefore, Scyphocephalione A can be classified as a promising molecule for the management of peripheral neuropathic pain triggered by anti-cancer drug.

Objective: To evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus. Methods: Monoarthritis was induced by an injection of 0.3 mL zymosan A (0.9% NaCl, v/v) in the right posterior knee joints of rats. Then, joint diameter and pain threshold were determined. Polyarthritis was induced by an intracaudal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant and rats were treated from day 14 post 1st complete Freund's adjuvant injection until 28 day. The clinical, hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. In addition, histological analysis of the knee joint was perfomed in both tests. Results: The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus at a dose of 500 mg/kg ameliorated zymosan A-induced monoarthritis, as evidenced by reduced joint diameter, increased pain threshold, as well as improved joint architecture. In addition, both extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus markedly increased body weight and pain threshold, while reducing paw edema in polyarthritic rats. They also led to a marked decrease in platelets and white blood cells (P < 0.05), as well as a significant increase in red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit (P < 0.05). The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase activities, while increasing serum protein levels (P < 0.05) with no significant variation in creatinine level. Moreover, both extracts increased catalase and glutathione activities (P < 0.05), and inhibited malondialdehyde and nitric oxide production (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001) in the liver and kidneys. Histological analysis of the joints showed that both extracts triggered tissue reparation. Conclusions: Distemonanthus benthamianus could be used as a potential candidate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

The phytochemical investigation of the dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) extract of the stem bark of Scyphocephalium ochocoa, led to the isolation of one new dibenzofuran derivative, named scyphocephalione A (1), along with three other compounds, including epicatechin (2), gentisic acid (3) and myo-inositol (4). The structures of all the compounds were established with help of spectroscopic data including IR, UV, MS, 1 D- and 2 D-NMR, as well as by comparison with previously reported data in literature, and chemical modification. All the compounds were obtained from the genus Scyphocephalium for the first time. The anti-inflammatory activity (using chemiluminescence technique) of the crude extract and compound 1, together with NO inhibition (using ELISA), TNF-alpha (using ELISA) and MCF-7 cells cytotoxicity effects (using MTT assay) of compound 1 were assessed. From the results obtained, compound 1 could be considered as a promising chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Cissus quadrangularis Linn. (Vitaceae) is a plant used to treat injured tendons, broken bones, asthma, stomach ache, scurvy and digestive disorders. The present study purposed to evaluate the antihyperalgesic effects ( in vivo ) and the immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties ( in vitro ) of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cissus quadrangularis ( C. quadrangularis ). Immunomodulatory (chemiluminescence, cytokines and cell proliferation), anti-inflammatory (protein denaturation, 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase 1 and 2) and antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS and NO) tests were performed in vitro, while the anti- hyperalgesic (vincristine) investigations were conducted in vivo on Wistar rats. The results revealed that extracts developed immunomodulatory activity by inhibiting the production of ROS (intracellular/extracellular), of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 as well as inhibiting cell proliferation, and by stimulating the production of IL-10. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was demonstrated by an inhibition of 5-LOX, protein denaturation and cyclooxygenases 1 and 2. In addition, extracts showed interesting scavenging effects, attesting their antioxidant potential. The extracts administered to the animals (180 and 360 mg/kg) inhibited (p < 0.001) hyperalgesia and allodynia in animals. These extracts also led to the reduction in serum and sciatic nerve levels of TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as to an increase in cell growth factors (NGF and IGF) production of treated animals. These results suggest that extracts of C. quadrangularis use immunomodulatory, anti-infammatory and antioxidant capacity to prevent and/cure painful neuropathy after vincristine administration. C. quadrangularis is therefore a promising natural substance for the management of neuropathic pain.

An ulcer is an erosion of the gastric mucosa that occurs following an imbalance between the aggression and protective factors and/or an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). About 90-100% of duodenal ulcers and 70-80% of gastric ulcers are caused by H. pylori. The objective of this work was to evaluate in vitro the anti-H. pylori activity and then the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of aqueous and methanol extracts of Alstonia boonei. The anti-H. pylori tests (CMI and antiureasic activity) were determined using the agar well diffusion method, the microbroth dilution method, and the measurement of ammonia production by the indophenol method; the anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated by inhibition of proteinases, denaturation of albumin, production of NO by macrophages, cell viability, and hemolysis of red blood cells by heat; then, the antioxidant properties were evaluated by the FRAP method (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) test. The results show that the best trapping of the DPPH radical was obtained with the methanol extract (EC50 = 8.91 μg/mL) compared to the aqueous extract (EC50 = 19.86 μg/mL). The methanol extract also showed greater iron-reducing activity than the aqueous extract and vitamin C. Furthermore, at the concentration of 200 μg/mL, the methanol extract showed a percentage (96.34%) strains of H. pylori higher than that of the aqueous extract (88.52%). The MIC90 of the methanol extract was lower than that of the aqueous extract. The methanol extract showed a higher percentage inhibition (85%) of urease than the aqueous extract (73%). The methanol extract at a concentration of 1000 μg/mL showed the greatest ability to inhibit proteinase activity, albumin denaturation, and red blood cell hemolysis; on the other hand, maximum cell viability and greater production of nitrite oxide by macrophages were obtained with the aqueous extract. Aqueous and methanol extracts of Alstonia boonei possess anti-H. pylori which would probably be linked to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The greatest common and devastating complication of diabetes is painful neuropathy that can cause hyperalgesia and allodynia. It can disturb psychosocial functioning by increasing levels of anxiety and depression. This work was designed to evaluate the antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic-like effects of the aqueous and methanol extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii stem-bark in diabetic neuropathy induced by streptozotocin in mice. Diabetic neuropathy was induced in mice by the intraperitoneal administration of 200 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to provoke hyperglycemia. Nauclea pobeguinii aqueous and methanol extracts at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg were administered by oral route, and their effects were evaluated on antihyperalgesic activity (Von Frey filaments, hot plate, acetone, and formalin tests), blood glucose levels, body weight, serum, sciatic nerve proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and sciatic nerve growth factor (IGF and NGF) rates, depression (open field test, forced swimming test, tail suspension test), and anxiety (elevated plus maze, light-dark box test, social interaction). Oral administration of Nauclea pobeguinii stem-bark aqueous and methanol extracts (150 and 300 mg/kg) produced antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic-like effects in STZ-induced diabetic neuropathic mice. Extracts also triggered a decrease in glycaemia and increased body weight in treated animals. They also significantly ( p <0.001) reduced tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 and significantly ( p <0.001) increased nerve growth factor (NGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in sciatic nerves. The results of this study confirmed that Nauclea pobeguinii aqueous and methanol extracts possess antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic activities and could be beneficial therapeutic agents.

Diabetic neuropathy, which affects 7 to 9% of the world’s population and that is usually accompanied by anxiety and depression, is chronic pain that results from impaired function of the central or peripheral nervous system. This study aimed at evaluating the antihypernociceptive, antiallodynic, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects of Dissotis thollonii extracts. Diabetic neuropathy was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (200 mg/kg) in mice. The aqueous and ethanol extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg) were administered orally. Hyperalgesia (thermal and chemical), allodynia (mechanical and thermal), anxiety (high plus labyrinth, light-dark box, and social interaction), and depression (open field test, suspension test tail, and forced swimming test) were evaluated, and then the levels of some cytokines and growth factors were determined. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of Dissotis thollonii demonstrated significant antihypernociceptive (inhibition of hyperalgesia and allodynia), anxiolytic, and antidepressant activities in mice made diabetic by STZ. The extracts also significantly inhibited (p<0.001) the levels of TNF- α , IL-1 β , and IL-6 in the blood as well as the levels of TNF- α , IL-1 β , IL-6, IGF, and NGF in the sciatic nerve. This study shows that the extracts of Dissotis thollonii have antihypernociceptive and neuroprotective effects which could be linked to the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors in the blood and the sciatic nerve.

Distemonanthus benthamianus (Caesalpiniaceae) is a plant from the Cameroon pharmacopoeia very widely used in the treatment of many pathologies among which are gastrointestinal disorders. The main purpose of this study was to assess the healing properties of gastric ulcer from the methanolic extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus and its mechanisms of action. The healing properties of gastric ulcers (chronic ulcer model induced by ethanol and indomethacin) were evaluated in vivo in adult male rats, while the mechanisms of action were evaluated in vitro by anti-inflammatory assay (protein denaturation, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase assays) and immunomodulatory assay (ROS production (using technical chemiluminescence), cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) production (using ELISA), proliferation of T cells (using liquid scintillation counter), and cytotoxicity (using MTT assay)). The methanolic extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus inhibited protein denaturation (75.63%) and the activities of cyclooxygenase (78.92%) and 5-lipoxygenase (81.54%). The extract also significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited intracellular and extracellular ROS production and T cell proliferation and reduced significantly (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 production. At all doses (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg), the extract significantly reduces the ulceration index and the area of ulceration and significantly increases the mass of gastric mucus. In addition, the extract significantly decreases the level of MDA, significantly increases the activities of catalase and glutathione, and then improves the hematological parameters in sick animals. Histological micrographs show that in the presence of the extract, there is advanced reepithelialization with recovery of the ulcerated epithelium. Thus, the extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus has healing properties against gastric ulcers which are associated with its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects.