Antinociceptive, hypoglycemic and spasmolytic effects of Brickellia veronicifolia

Introduction: Brickellia veronicifolia (Kunth) Gray (Asteraceae) (BV) is broadly commercialized for treating gastrointestinal diseases (stomach aches, biliary colics and dyspepsia), arthritis, diabetes and painful inflammatory complaints.

Aims of the study: In order to complete the preclinical pharmacological profile of BV, first the antinociceptive effect of an organic extract (BVE) and isolated metabolites on the hot plate and writhing tests was assessed.

Experimental: Then, their potential hypoglycemic effects were analyzed in normoglycemic and diabetic rats; in addition, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Finally, the spasmolytic activity of BVE was assessed in vivo using the gastrointestinal motility test (GMT) in mice.

Results: The results revealed that BVE (100-600 mg/kg), 6-methoxysalicylic acid (1), 2-methoxybenzoic acid (2), benzyl-2,6-dimethoxybenzoate (3), and taraxasteryl acetate (4) showed significant analgesic effects. Compounds 2 and 3 were the most active (1-100mg/kg) in the hot plate and writhing tests, respectively. In the antidiabetic assays, BVE (100mg/kg) showed an important hypoglycemic action. Furthermore, at the same dose, it provoked a significant postprandial decrease of blood glucose level after 30 min of a glucose challenge. Finally, the GMT in mice revealed the spasmolytic activity in vivo of BVE (31.6 mg/kg).

Conclusion: The overall information tends to support the vernacular uses of the plant.