Immunomodulatory, anti-infammatory and antioxidant activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cissus quadrangularis Linn. (Vitaceae) in chronic pain

Abstract

Abstract Cissus quadrangularis Linn. (Vitaceae) is a plant used to treat injured tendons, broken bones, asthma, stomach ache, scurvy and digestive disorders. The present study purposed to evaluate the antihyperalgesic effects (in vivo) and the immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (in vitro) of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cissus quadrangularis (C. quadrangularis). Immunomodulatory (chemiluminescence, cytokines and cell proliferation), anti-inflammatory (protein denaturation, 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase 1 and 2) and antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS and NO) tests were performed in vitro, while the anti- hyperalgesic (vincristine) investigations were conducted in vivo on Wistar rats. The results revealed that extracts developed immunomodulatory activity by inhibiting the production of ROS (intracellular/extracellular), of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 as well as inhibiting cell proliferation, and by stimulating the production of IL-10. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was demonstrated by an inhibition of 5-LOX, protein denaturation and cyclooxygenases 1 and 2. In addition, extracts showed interesting scavenging effects, attesting their antioxidant potential. The extracts administered to the animals (180 and 360 mg/kg) inhibited (p < 0.001) hyperalgesia and allodynia in animals. These extracts also led to the reduction in serum and sciatic nerve levels of TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as to an increase in cell growth factors (NGF and IGF) production of treated animals. These results suggest that extracts of C. quadrangularis use immunomodulatory, anti-infammatory and antioxidant capacity to prevent and/cure painful neuropathy after vincristine administration. C. quadrangularis is therefore a promising natural substance for the management of neuropathic pain.