Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) extract modulates Mapk and mucin pathways in intestinal inflammation

Publication date: 1 March 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 213
Author(s): C.A.R.A. Costa, A.E.V. Quaglio, L.C. Di Stasi
Ethnopharmacological relevancePfaffia paniculata is an endemic Brazilian plant traditionally used against fatigue, stress, inflammation and low immune system as well as with proven intestinal anti-inflammatory activity.Aim of the studyTo evaluate intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of P. paniculata on the mRNA abundance of Hsp70, Heparanase, Mapk1, Mapk3, Mapk6, Mapk9, Muc1, Muc2, Muc3, Muc4, and NF-κB, as well as the mucin content in colonic samples.Material and methodsIntestinal inflammation was induced by TNBS and rats were divided into groups that received vehicle or 25, 50, 100, or 200mg/kg of P. paniculata extract, p.o., started 2h after inflammation induction and continued daily for 7 days. At the end of the procedure, the animals were killed and their colon samples were obtained for RT-qPCR analysis and mucin histochemical study with PAS/Alcian blue stain. The inflammatory process was confirmed with colon macroscopic analysis and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity.ResultsP. paniculata at 200mg/kg significantly decreased macroscopic damage score, extension of lesion and colonic MPO activity. Besides, P. paniculata at a dose of 25mg/kg was also able to significantly decrease Hsp70, while treatment with 50mg/kg reduced Mapk3 and increased Muc4. At dose of 100mg/kg P. paniculata increased Mapk1, Muc3, Muc4, and decreased Mapk3. Finally, at the 200mg/kg P. paniculata reduced Mapk3. The heparanase, NF-κB, Mapk6, Mapk9, Muc1 and Muc2 mRNA abundances were not altered after P. paniculata treatments.ConclusionIntestinal anti-inflammatory activity of P. paniculata was related to modulation of Mapks and mucin gene expression, as well as mucus secretion in intestinal inflammation.

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