Pharmacological and phytochemical investigations of different parts of Calophyllum brasiliense (Clusiaceae).

Continuing our search for antinociceptive agents from natural sources, this study analyzed the antinociceptive effects of some fractions obtained from different parts (roots, flowers and fruits) of Calophyllum brasiliense, a Brazilian medicinal plant used to treat several diseases, including inflammation and pain. For this purpose, the writhing and formalin induced-pain models in mice were used. We also analyzed the chemical composition of these different parts and tested two pure compounds isolated from chloroform fraction (roots) identified as friedelin (1) and 1,5-dihydroxyxanthone (3), by direct comparison with authentic samples. The results showed that some fractions and both compounds exhibited considerable antinociception properties, particularly against the writhing test, and that these are more potent than acetyl salicylic acid and acetaminophen, two reference drugs used here for comparison.