PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF LEAVES FROM SESBANIA VIRGATA (CAV.) PERS.

ABSTRACT

Pharmacological activities in vivo of the Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Pers. lyophilized leaf juice (Sv-SL) were studied. Oral administration of 0.5 to 2 g/kg of Sv-SL to rats and mice induced ptosis, reduced spontaneous motility and dyspnoea despite that the LD₅₀ value was found to be 11.30 (10.04 ↔12.71) g/kg. Treatment in mice with Sv-SL (1 and 2 g/kg) did not alter the latency and increased sleeping time induced by sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/kg, i.p.). Antinociceptive activity of Sv-SL was evaluated by nociception assays of acetic-induced writhing and by formalin tests. Antiinflammatory activities were evaluated by tests of croton oil or carrageenin induced edemas, in ear and paw of mice, respectively. Sv-SL (1 and 2 g/kg) caused a dose-related reduction of writhing responses. At the same dose, Sv-SL caused: a) inhibition of 91 and 89%, respectively in the formalin test (2nd phase); b) reduction of 58 and 61%, respectively in ear edema induced by croton oil and c) decrease of 24 and 31%, respectively in paw edema induced by carrageenin. Thus, S.virgata was able to decrease the reaction to pain stimuli and to inhibit the inflammatory edema.

KEY WORDS:
Sesbania virgata; toxicity; antinociceptive; antiinflammatory activities.