Triterpenes with anti-inflammatory activity isolated from the bark of the endemic species Maytenus elaeodendroides, Griseb

Abstract

Several species from Maytenus genus (Celastraceae family) show anti-inflammatory activity associated to terpene presence. Thus we intend to isolate and characterize triterpenes having potential anti-inflammatory activity from the bark of Maytenus elaeodendroides Griseb. Isolation, purification and structural elucidation of such compounds were achieved by maceration with petroleum ether/diethyl ether (1:1), followed by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by inhibition of Croton oil- induced ear edema in mice. The triterpenes isolated were: 28-hydroxy-3-oxo-20(29)-lupene, 16-hydroxy-3-oxo-20(29)-lupene (herein found for the first time in the Celastraceae family), 3dihydroxy-20(29)-lupene and acid 3-oxo-20(29)-lupene-28-oic. At certain doses the obtained extract showed an anti-inflammatory effect as potent as that exhibited by diclofenac (reference drug). This is the first time it is reported an anti-inflammatory activity for 16hydroxy-3-oxo-20(29)-lupene. An increase in the anti-inflammatory activity of this last terpene is probably related to the presence of carbonile group in C-3.