Evaluation of the gastroprotective activity of Calliandra haematocephala extracts

Calliandra haematocephala (Leguminosae) is native from Tropical Americas, usually cultivated in gardens for ornamental purposes. Previous studies with other species of this genus confirmed some pharmacological properties, such as antiinflammatory, anticonvulsant, immunomodulatory, and mainly antiulcerogenic activity. Phytochemical investigations have been carried out on the constituents of this genus and demonstrated the presence of tannins, flavonoids and saponins. In order to confirm the ethnopharmacological use of this species, a phytochemical screening was realized with a butanolic extract and its gastroprotective effects were evaluated by measuring acute gastric lesions induced by acidified ethanol, using cimetidine as reference compound. The butanolic extract exhibited a moderate control of gastric lesions (35% of inhibition at 100mg/kg), provoking an inhibition of the development of the hemorrhage and necrotic aspects of tissue injury, however showing lesser activity than the reference compound at the same dosage (50% of inhibition at 100mg/kg). The intensity of gastric ulcers was quantified by the percentage of the injury area in relation to the control group. The results obtained confirm the gastroprotective activity of the butanolic extract of Calliandra haematocephala, which probably interfere with the ulcerogenic mechanism, showing a cytoprotective property, justifying the use of this plant in the traditional medicine.