Z Naturforsch C. 2017 Jan 20. pii: /j/znc.ahead-of-print/znc-2016-0053/znc-2016-0053.xml. doi: 10.1515/znc-2016-0053. [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Aristolochia trilobata L. is an aromatic plant, popularly known as "mil-homens", and its essential oil (EO) is generally used to treat colic, diarrhea and dysentery disorders. We evaluated the antinociceptive effect of A. trilobata stem EO and of its major compound, the (R)-(-)-6-methyl-5-hepten-2-yl acetate (sulcatyl acetate:
SA), using acetic acid (0.85%)-induced writhing response and
formalin-induced (20 μL of 1%) nociceptive behavior in mice. We also
evaluated the EO and SA effect
on motor coordination, using the rota-rod apparatus. EO (25, 50 and 100
mg/kg) or SA (25 and 50 mg/kg) reduced nociceptive behavior in the
writhing test (p<0.001). EO (100 mg/kg) and SA (25 and 50 mg/kg)
decreased the nociception on the first phase of the formalin test
(p<0.05). On the second phase, EO (25: p<0.01; 50: p<0.05 and
100 mg/kg: p<0.001) and SA (25 and 50 mg/kg; p<0.001) reduced the
nociceptive response induced by formalin. EO and SA were not able to
cause changes in the motor coordination of animals. Together, our
results suggest that EO has an analgesic profile and SA seems to be one
of the active compounds in this effect.
