Antioxidant Capacity of Chuquiraga Spinosa Less. "Huamanpinta" and Prevention of Carrageenan-Induced Inflammation in Mice

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant capacity of Chuquiraga spinosa extracts and prevention of carrageenan-induced inflammation in mice. Methodology: Experimental design: plant species, erythrocytes and male BALB C53 mice, were considered as biological material. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated in 50%, 70%, 96% and aqueous ethanolic extracts by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl reduction, malondialdehyde inhibition in oxidized erythrocytes with H₂O₂ and correlating with polyphenol content equivalent to gallic acid/gram dry extract. Inflammation was evaluated by inoculating carrageenan 2% in "subcutaneous air bag" of mice: 1) White, 2) carrageenan, 3) dexamethasone 2 mg/kg, 4-6) ethanolic extract 70% doses 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively; determining nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, total proteins, albumin, leukocytes in exudate and histological changes. Results: Alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, phenolic compounds, tannins, carbohydrates, triterpenes, steroids and sesquiterpene lactones were identified; aqueous extract presented greater reduction of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (CI50 = 58.99 μg/mL), ethanolic extract 70% presented greater inhibition of malondialdehyde in erythrocytes (CI50 = 16.44 nm/mL); It was observed that the higher the amount of polyphenols, the greater the reduction of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (r=-0.909) and the greater the inhibition of malondialdehyde (r=-0.781). With 500 mg/kg of 70% ethanolic extract there was greater anti-inflammatory effect inhibiting malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, albumin, total proteins and leukocytes in 55.55%, 81.92%, 41.20%, 31.51% and 32.45% (p<0.01) respectively and less infiltration of leukocytes and lymphocytes in air sac membrane. Conclusion: The extracts of aerial parts of Chuquiraga spinosa showed antioxidant capacity correlated to polyphenol content. The 70% ethanolic extract prevented inflammation in mice in a dosedependent manner.