Contribution ofα,β-Amyrenone to the Anti-Inflammatory and Antihypersensitivity Effects ofAleurites moluccana(L.) Willd.
The aim of the study was to analyze the constituents of the dichloromethane fraction obtained fromA. moluccanaand also to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties ofα,β-amyrenone isolated fromA. moluccanain mice. The dichloromethane fraction was evaluated by gas chromatography and submitted to purification. The mixture ofα,β-amyrenone was isolated and then evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw-oedema or pleurisy and CFA-induced arthritis models in mice. Five triterpenes,α,β-amyrenone, glutinol, andα,β-amyrin were isolated from dichloromethane fraction ofA. moluccanaleaf extract. The mixture ofα,β-amyrenone, dosed orally, was able to reduce mechanical hypersensitivity and paw-oedema induced by carrageenan, interfering with neutrophil migration. Similar results were observed in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy model. Repeated administration of the compounds was also effective in reducing the mechanical sensitization and oedema developed in the arthritis model induced by CFA. In conclusion, the results demonstrate thatα,β-amyrenone interferes in both acute and chronic inflammatory processes. We can infer that these effects involve, at least in part, a reduction in the neutrophil migration. Therefore, it seems reasonable to suggest thatα,β-amyrenone could represent a new therapeutic tool for the management of painful and inflammatory diseases, especially those presenting a chronic profile.