Propriétés anti-inflammatoires et anti-lithiasiques des extraits méthanoliques des feuilles et des fruits d’Urtica pilulifera L.

Abstract

The present study was devoted to evaluate the in vitro anti-lithiasis properties and the in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extracts of the fruits (Fr.E) and leaves (F.E) of Urtica pilulifera. The obtained results showed that E. F is richer on total polyphenols and flavonoids. The orally pretreatment of rats with 200 or 400 mg/kg of E. Fr prevents significantly the paw edema induced by carrageenan from the 4th hour with an inhibition percent of 65% and 75% respectively. These effects are higher than that of the E. F, but similar to those of aspirin used as standard. Similarly, the local treatment of mice with 2mg/ear of F. E or Fr.E inhibited ear inflammation induced by croton oil with 75% and 86% respectively. These values are better than those obtained with indomethacin (74%), used as reference. On the other hand, both extracts inhibit the crystallization of calcium oxalate by 50% and 36.73% of the E. Fr and E. F respectively. The obtained results showed that the extrats of Urtica pilulifera possess considerable anti-inflammatory and anti-lithaisis effects, and represent an important source of bioactive compounds which support the traditional medicinal use of this plant.