Polysaccharide rich fractions from barks of Ximenia americana inhibit peripheral inflammatory nociception in mice Antinociceptive effect of Ximenia americana polysaccharide rich fractions

Abstract

tXimenia americana L., Olacaceae, barks are utilized in folk medicine as analgesic and anti-inflammatory.The objective was to evaluate the toxicity and antinociceptive effect of polysaccharides rich fractions fromX. americana barks. The fractions were obtained by extraction with NaOH, followed by precipitation withethanol and fractionation by ion exchange chromatography. They were administered i.v. or p.o. beforenociception tests (writhing, formalin, carragenan-induced hypernociception, hot plate), or during 14 daysfor toxicity assay. The total polysaccharides fraction (TPL-Xa: 8.1% yield) presented 43% carbohydrate(21% uronic acid) and resulted in two main fractions after chromatography (FI: 12%, FII: 22% yield). FIIshowed better homogeneity/purity, content of 44% carbohydrate, including 39% uronic acid, arabinoseand galactose as major monosaccharides, and infrared spectra with peaks in carbohydrate range for COO−groups of uronic acid. TPL-Xa (10 mg/kg) and FII (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) presented inhibitory effect in behaviortests that evaluate nociception induced by chemical and mechanical, but not thermal stimuli. TPL-Xa didnot alter parameters of systemic toxicity. In conclusion, polysaccharides rich fractions of X. americanabarks inhibit peripheral inflammatory nociception, being well tolerated by animals.