Phytochemical and analgesic profile of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts froM Aristolochia constricta Griseb

Introduction: Aristolochia constricta is widely spread in Ecuador and has traditionally been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anticancer and emmenagogue activity; however, scientific information is scarce. Objective: Determine the chemical composition and analgesic activity of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts from A. constricta.Methods: An aqueous extract was prepared by decoction and another hydroalcoholic extract by maceration, which were chemically characterized by the quantification of phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates and proteins, by the methods of Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum trichloride, bromocresol green, phenol -sulfuric and Bradford, respectively. The analgesic activity of the extracts was evaluated at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, using the acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice. Results: In the quantitative determinations, significant differences were perceived, with the content of each metabolite being higher in the hydroalcoholic extract. Both extracts significantly decreased the number of abdominal contortions produced by acetic acid, highlighting the hydroalcoholic extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg with an analgesic effect similar to acetylsalicylic acid used as reference drug. Conclusions: The results provide the first findings on the analgesic potential of A. constricta and make a contribution to the study of its chemical composition