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Planta Med 2012; 78(7): 681-685
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1298372
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Letters
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Antinociceptive and Antispasmodic Effects of the Essential Oil of Ocimum micranthum: Potential Anti-inflammatory Properties

João Paulo Melo de Pinho1 , Andressa Santa Bríggido Silva2 , Bruno Gonçalves Pinheiro2 , Igor Sombra1 , Joaquim de Carvalho Bayma3 , Saad Lahlou1 , Pergentino José da Cunha Sousa2 , Pedro Jorge Caldas Magalhães1
  • 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
  • 2School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
  • 3School of Chemistry, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
Further Information

Publication History

received January 13, 2011 revised February 16, 2012

accepted February 24, 2012

Publication Date:
12 March 2012 (online)

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Abstract

The antinociceptive and antispasmodic properties of the essential oil of Ocimum micranthum (EOOM) were characterized. In mice, EOOM (15–100 mg · kg−1, p. o.) reduced both the writhing responses induced by acetic acid and the licking-time induced by formalin, being inert on the hot plate test. In rat trachea, EOOM relaxed sustained contractions induced by KCl or carbachol (CCh). Its constituents, (E)- [(E)-MC] and (Z)-methyl cinnamate [(Z)-MC], reproduced several effects of EOOM. Inhaled as aerosol, EOOM prevented tracheal hyperresponsiveness to KCl or CCh in ovalbumin-sensitized animals after antigen challenge. Thus, EOOM exerts peripheral analgesia in nociception of inflammatory origin and has antispasmodic actions on rat airways under an inflammatory environment. Its effects are mainly due to (E)-MC, which makes this substance potentially interesting for studies involving conjunctly smooth muscle cells, nociception, and inflammation. Other EOOM constituents also appear to be involved in its pharmacological actions.

Key words

essential oil - methyl cinnamate - β-caryophyllene - smooth muscle - Ocimum micranthum - Lamiaceae

Supporting Information

References

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Dr. Pedro Magalhães

Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia
Faculdade de Medicina
Universidade Federal do Ceará

R. Cel. Nunes de Melo 1127

Fortaleza, CE, CEP 60430-270

Brasil

Phone: +55 85 33 66 83 34

Fax: +55 85 33 66 83 33

Email: pjcmagal@ufc.br