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Ellagitannins and triterpenoids extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus stem bark extracts: Protective effects against
Laura Micheli1, Valentina Ferrara1, Titilayo Akande2
1Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-NEUROFARBA-Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex joint disease characterized by persistent pain. Unfortunately, current pharmacological therapies are unsatisfactory and characterized by side effects, reason why new strategies are needed. We tested the efficacy of different classes of compounds, ellagitannins and olean-type triterpenoids, contained in Anogeissus leiocarpus extract (Combretaceae family) in comparison to ellagitannins of Castanea sativa extract in a rat model of osteoarthritis induced by the intra-articular injection of sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA). The decoction of stem bark of A. leiocarpus AL-DEC-TOT (300 mg/kg; 4.8% triterpenoids; 11.0% tannins), the butanol extract AL-BuOH-EXT (120 mg/kg; triterpenoids 20.9%; tannins 6.4%) and its correlated aqueous residue AL-Res-H2 O (300 mg/kg; triterpenoids 0.7%; tannins 8.7%) and the decoction of C. sativa, CS-DEC-TOT, (240 mg/kg; triterpenoids 0.65%; tannins 10.8%) were orally administered for two weeks starting from the day of the damage. Behavioural tests highlighted that all stem bark extracts of A. leiocarpus counteracted hypersensitivity development, reduced spontaneous pain, and improved motor skills. Histologically, AL-DEC-TOT, AL-BuOH-EXT and AL-Res-H2 O were effective in preventing joint alterations. In conclusion, all the extracts were effective demonstrating that both olean-type triterpenoid and ellagitannin fractions have anti-hypersensitivity and restorative properties running the stem bark extracts of A. leiocarpus as a candidate in the treatment of OA.
Insights
Extracts from Anogeissus leiocarpus stem bark effectively treated osteoarthritis (OA) in rats by reducing pain and joint damage. Both ellagitannin and triterpenoid compounds showed therapeutic potential for OA treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Natural Product Chemistry
- Rheumatology and Osteoarthritis Research
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disease causing persistent pain, with current treatments offering limited efficacy and significant side effects.
- There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies to manage OA effectively and safely.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Anogeissus leiocarpus (Combretaceae family) extracts, rich in ellagitannins and olean-type triterpenoids, against osteoarthritis in a rat model.
- To compare the therapeutic potential of A. leiocarpus extracts with ellagitannins from Castanea sativa.
Main Methods:
- Osteoarthritis was induced in rats via intra-articular injection of sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA).
- Various extracts of A. leiocarpus (AL-DEC-TOT, AL-BuOH-EXT, AL-Res-H2O) and Castanea sativa (CS-DEC-TOT) were administered orally for two weeks.
- Efficacy was assessed using behavioral tests for pain and motor function, alongside histological examination of joint tissues.
Main Results:
- All tested A. leiocarpus stem bark extracts significantly counteracted hypersensitivity, reduced spontaneous pain, and improved motor skills in the OA rat model.
- Histological analysis confirmed that AL-DEC-TOT, AL-BuOH-EXT, and AL-Res-H2O extracts were effective in preventing joint damage.
- Both ellagitannin and olean-type triterpenoid components within the A. leiocarpus extracts demonstrated anti-hypersensitivity and restorative properties.
Conclusions:
- Anogeissus leiocarpus stem bark extracts exhibit significant anti-osteoarthritis effects, including pain relief and joint protection.
- The findings support the potential of A. leiocarpus extracts, owing to their ellagitannin and triterpenoid content, as a promising therapeutic candidate for osteoarthritis treatment.
