Anti-inflammatory activity of 4′,6,7-trihydroxy-5-methoxyflavone from Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) LGLohmann

Fridericia chica, Bignoniaceae, is a tropical tree-creeper used as a traditional remedy for a number of diseases, highlighting inflammation. Our objective was to corroborate the popular anti-inflammatory use of the hydroethanolic extract from the leaves (HEFc) and of its isolated 4 ',6,7-trihydroxy-5-methoxyflavone (5-O-methylscutellarein) [1], described here for the first time. Quantitative analysis indicated 8.77 +/- 0.23 mg/g of this compound in the extract. Neither HEFc nor [1] was cytotoxic in vitro. In LPS-induced peritonitis in mice, oral pre-treatment with HEFc or [1] led to decreased leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity and a reduction in the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF alpha and IL-1 beta). Also, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was enhanced following treatment with [1]. Overall, these results validate the traditional use of Fridericia chica as anti-inflammatory, and indicate that the compound 5-O-methylscutellarein may participate in this effect. [GRAPHICS] .