STUDY OF ACUTE TOXICITY AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF EXTRACTS FROM SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (PENTAPHYLLOIDES FRUTICOSA (L.) О. SCHWARZ)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity and acute toxicity of liquid extracts obtained from the shoots of shrubby cinquefoil (Pentaphylloides fruticosa (L.) O. Schwarz (Dasiphora fruticosa (L.) Rydb.)), using 40% and 70% ethanol as extraction solvents.

Materials and methods. The objects of the study were liquid extracts of shrubby cinquefoil shoots (Pentaphylloides fruticosa (L.) O. Schwarz), obtained by the percolation method using different extractants: 40 % and 70 % ethanol. Acute toxicity was assessed in outbred white mice weighing 18–22 g, while anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in rats weighing 180–220 g. All animals were housed under standard vivarium conditions (temperature 20–25 °C, humidity
50–70 %, 12-hour light/dark cycle) with free access to water and standard feed. The study was conducted in accordance with international and national requirements for the humane treatment of laboratory animals, with adherence to the principles of the “3Rs,” appropriate housing conditions, and continuous monitoring of the health status of the experimental animals.

Acute toxicity assessment was performed following intragastric administration of the extracts at a dose of 5000 mg/kg. The animals were observed during the first 24 hours and subsequently for 14 days, with behavioral responses, signs of intoxication, changes in general condition, and mortality recorded.

Anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was studied using the formalin-induced rat paw edema model. Edema was induced by subcutaneous injection of 0.1 mL of a 2% formalin solution into the plantar region of the hind paw. Paw volume was measured by the oncometric method using a plethysmometer. The level of anti-inflammatory effect was determined by the degree of edema inhibition compared with the control group. The obtained data were processed using methods of variation statistics. The significance of differences between groups was assessed using Student’s t-test, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results and discussion. Following intragastric administration of shrubby cinquefoil extracts at a dose of 5000 mg/kg, no signs of acute intoxication were observed in white mice. Analysis of the obtained in vivo results of antiexudative activity demonstrated that shrubby cinquefoil extracts exert differential effects on the course of aseptic inflammatory processes in the paws of white rats induced by the administration of 0.1 mL of a 2% aqueous formalin solution, and exhibit pronounced anti-inflammatory activity. Representatives of the genus Pentaphylloides (shrubby cinquefoil) are rich in flavonoids, tannins, and other biologically active compounds that confer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to the extracts. These findings support the fundamental role of phenolic constituents in the modulation of inflammatory processes, which is consistent with our conclusions.

Conclusions. The obtained results indicate that extracts of shrubby cinquefoil (Pentaphylloides fruticosa (L.) O. Schwarz (Dasiphora fruticosa (L.) Rydb.)) combine pronounced anti-inflammatory activity with minimal toxicity, which determines their potential as promising pharmacological agents. In particular, the extract obtained using 40% ethanol as the extractant significantly reduces the manifestations of formalin-induced edema without causing adverse changes in the general condition of the experimental animals or impairing functional parameters of the organism.

The findings confirm the feasibility of further investigation of shrubby cinquefoil extracts as promising sources of biologically active compounds with anti-inflammatory properties and a favorable safety profile. These extracts may be considered as potential components of herbal medicinal products or adjuvant therapies for inflammatory conditions, including those of a chronic course. Further studies should be directed toward elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of action, standardization of the component composition of the extracts, and comprehensive evaluation of their pharmacological efficacy and safety, which will contribute to the scientifically substantiated implementation of these natural substances in pharmaceutical practice.