Evaluación de la actividad antiinflamatoria y citotóxica in vitro de hojas de Piper peltatum L.

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity in vitro of the hydro-alcoholic extract of leaves of Santamaria (Piper peltatum L.). Preliminarily, the parameters of quality control of the crude drug as well the hydro-alcoholic extract were evaluated. It was identified the most representative phytochemical groups of the plant species by the respective phytochemical screening. The relative amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids present in the hydro-alcoholic extract were determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. In addition, it was evaluated the antioxidant activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract using the method of free radical scavenging (DPPH). Finally, the anti-inflammatory activity and in vitro cytotoxicity were evaluated by a colorimetric method based on the reduction of tetrazolium salts (WTS-1) to formazan on isolated neutrophils. It was determined that Piper peltatum presents in its composition representative phytochemical groups such as: phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, mucilages, resins, quinones, reducing sugars, triterpenes and steroids. In addition, the hydro-alcoholic extract of Piper peltatum contains a considerable amount of total phenols expressed as Gallic acid equivalents 30.36 ± 0.96 mg GAE (Equivalent to Gallic acid) in 0.0125 g of extract, and a moderate amount of flavonoids expressed as quercetin equivalent 5.64 ± 0.13 mg QE (Quercetin equivalent) in 0.01 g extract. With respect to the antioxidant activity, this species presents and IC50 (The half maximal inhibitory concentration) of 3891.67 mg of extract/µmol of DPPH. In relation to the anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of leaves of Piper peltatum L., obtained as result 67.56 ± 0.46% of inflammatory inhibition and 51.22 ± 0.56% of cell viability respectively. In conclusion, it can be determined that the species Piper peltatum L. presents a moderate anti-inflammatory activity although lower than the reference substance (acetylsalicylic acid) and low cytotoxic activity on insolated neutrophils.