Comparative Study on the Effects of Eryngium Sp. Extracts in an Acute Inflammation Model in Rat

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of the tinctures obtained by the aerial parts of three indigenous Eryngium species (Eryngium planum, E. campestre and E. maritimum) by an acute inflammation model in rats. The anti-inflammatory properties of saponins, coumarins, flavonoids, caffeic acid and plant sterols are well – known. Previous data on Eryngium species reported the anti-exudative effects of E. planum saponins and of the rhizome extract of E. maritimum suggesting their participation to the vascular response associated to the acute stage of inflammation. Another paper revealed that an E. campestre extract was able to inhibit cytokine-stimulated, iNOS-dependent synthesis of nitric oxide in murine cells. The aerial parts of Eryngium planum, E. campestre and E. maritimum (Apiaceae) were extracted in ethanol 70 for 10 days to afford a 20% tincture (T). Experiments were carried out on 5 groups of 8 adult male Wistar rats (150-170g). The turpentine oilinduced acute inflammation model in rats was assessed. Turpentine oil was administrated to all animals (i.m., 6 mL/Kg.) in order to induce the inflammation. After 15 minutes, animals were treated intraperitoneally by groups: group P , C, M 20% tincture of E. planum/E. campestre/E. maritimum (200 mg dried plant material/Kg) diluted in sterile saline, group I (inflammation control group) sterile saline and group D diclofenac (20 mg/Kg) used as a standard NSAID. Effects were evaluated comparatively by measuring serum nitrites and nitrates, total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant activity (TAR), index of oxidative stress (IOS), total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count. All data were evaluated statistically by Anova test (P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant). All tested extracts decreased significantly the oxidative stress by increasing of TAR. All extracts decreased significantly the total leukocytes count by reducing the neutrophils and monocytes. NO synthesis was decreased by all tested Eryngium extracts. Among tested extracts, E. maritimum had the best antiinflammatory, while Eryngium planum showed the best antioxidant activity.