Ethnopharmacological relevance: Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng is a medicinal specie often used in Brazil, especially in Northeast Region, for the treatment of several diseases including inflammations and cancer.
Aim of the study: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities of the hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of P. amboinicus in an attempt to determine whether the medicinal uses are supported by pharmacological effects.
Materials and methods: Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by carrageenan-induced paw edema method. The antitumor effect was evaluated in an in vivo experimental study, using the following tumors: Sarcoma-180 and Erlich ascite carcinoma.
Results: There were statistically significant decreases (p<.05) of edema paw in at the doses of 150, 250 and 350 mg/kg (i.p.) of the hydroalcoholic extract of P. amboinicus. Similarly, the administration of P. amboinicus at the doses of 100, 150, 250 and 350 mg/kg (i.p.) inhibited the growth of sarcoma-180 and Ehrlich ascite carcinoma tumors in mice.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of P. amboinicus possesses anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities, supporting the folk use of this medicinal specie.