Eficácia do extrato aquoso de Maytenus rigida Mart. (celastraceae) na lesão gástrica induzida por etanol em camundongos: análise do envolvimento de óxido nítrico, prostaglandinas, receptores opioides e α-2-adrenérgicos

Abstract

Maytenus rigida Mart. (Celastraceae) pupularly known as “bom-homem”, “bom-nome”, “Cabelo de Negro”, “Casca-grossa”, Chapéu de couro” or “pau-de-colher” is a native species in the northeast region of Brazil, used in folk medicine in the tratament of inflammatory diseases, gastrointestinal disorders such diarrhea, dysentery and ulcers, kidney problems, hypertension, impotence and rheumatism. The aim of this work was to demonstrate the possible mechanism (s) of action underlying the gastroprotective effect of aqueous extract (AE) of Maytenus rigida in Swiss mice, in the gastric injury model induced by absolute ethanol. Fasted mice received AE (100, 200 or 400 mg/Kg, p.o.) 1h prior to oral administration of absolute ethanol (0,2 mL/animal). Groups treated with saline and ranitidine were used as controls. The stomachs were macroscopically and microscopically examined. Additionally, different pharmacologixal tools (naloxone, morphine, misoprostol, indomethacin, L-NAME, L-arginine, clonidine or yohimbine) were used in different tests, trying to clarify the possible mechanism (s) of action of AE. The macro and microscopic gastroprotective effect of AE was compared to that showed by ranitidine, on ethanol-induced model (p<0.05); the use of pharmacological tools revealed that the protective effect of AE involves the activation of α-2-adrenergic receptors, opioid receptor and nitric oxide, but do not depends on prostaglandins. The EA has a gastroprotective effects, supporting its traditional use. Its effect is multifactorial, involving the participation of α-2-adrenergic receptors, nitric oxide release and activation of opioids receptors.