Anti-inflammatory activity of flavone and some of its derivates from Virola michelli Heckel

The phytochemical study using Virola michelli Heckel (Myristicaceae) leaves allowed the isolation of a flavone named titonine (7,4'-dimethoxy-3'-hydro xyflavone). Titonine was further submitted to methylation and acetylation r eactions yielding a 7,3',4'-trimethoxyflavone and a 7,3'-dimethoxy-4'-acety lflavone, respectively. These compounds were evaluated for both anti-inflam matory and analgesic activity. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in rats using the paw edema test with carrageenin, while the analgesic act ivity was determined in mouse using the writhing test method. The different animal groups were treated with three compounds (10 mg/kg -i.p.) thirty mi n prior to stimuli application. The inhibition levels obtained for each com pound were 22, 41 and 68%, respectively. Using the writhing test, oral dose s of 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg of natural flavone reduced the acetic acid-induced contortions in a dose-dependent manner. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland L td. All rights reserved.