Abstract

MORON RODRIGUEZ, Francisco et al. Phytochemical screening, analgesic and antiinflammatory properties of Costus pictus D. Don. decoction. Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2008, vol.13, n.4, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1028-4796.

INTRODUCTION: Costus pictus D.Don (Mexican reed) is a species for decorative purposes and the decoction of leaves and fresh stems is traditionally used for urinary disorders like infections, lithiasis and renal colic in Cuba. OBJECTIVES: to identify the main groups of secondary metabolites and to validate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of a decoction of fresh leaves and stems from C. pictus. METHODS: the main groups of secondary metabolites present in the decoction were identified by a phytochemical screening. The decoction was evaluated in pharmacological models of cotton-induced granulomas in rats; 0,75 % acetic acid-induced cramps (0.1 mL/10 g intraperitoneal) and removal of the tail submerged into water at 55 °C in mice; the orally administered doses were 0.5; 1 and 5 g of fresh vegetable material/kg of body weight. RESULTS: the decoction disclosed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, lactonic compounds and coumarins, saponins, and reducing sugars. It significantly reduced the painful response both models, but there was no antinflammatory effect on cotton-induced granuloma. CONCLUSIONS: the results contributed to validate the traditional use of C. pictus fresh leaves and stems in order to relieve the pain caused by renal diseases.

Keywords : Costus pictus; anti-inflammatory; analgesic; phytochemical screening.