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Antinflammatory effect and chemical composition of bursera graveolens Triana & Planch. branch oil (palo santo) from Ecuador

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: Bursera graveolens Triana & Planch. species, commonly called palo santo, is an indigenous plant from Ecuadorian and Peruvian coasts. OBJECTIVES: to contribute to the phytochemical and pharmacological study of B. graveolens species from San José de Ancon, Santa Elena province, Ecuador. METHODS: 50% hydroalcoholic extract from dry branches was used. The phytochemical study was based on a combined system of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the antinflammatory effect was determined in the model of ear edema induced by Croton oil in albino OF1 mice. RESULTS: phytochemical screening showed the existence of essential oils, triterpen-steroids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, quinones, antocyanidines, saponins and reducing compounds. The structures of eleven essential oil components from branches were determined whereas sesquiterpene called viridiflorol turned out to be the main component with 70,82%; this is the first time that this compound is reported in this species. The hydroalcoholic extract (25 μL applied at each side of the treated ears) significantly inhibited the inflammation compared with the effect of benzydamine. CONCLUSIONS: hydroalcoholic extracts showed antinflammatory effect under experimental study conditions and the chemical composition of branch oil from B. graveolens from Ecuador was determined.