AÇÃO ANTI-INFLAMATÓRIA E ANALGÉSICA DO ÓLEO DE ANDIROBA (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) EM MODELO EXPERIMENTAL DE OSTEOARTRITE

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is one of the most limiting chronic diseases, often resulting in pain and functional impairment of affected joints. In this context, medicinal plants represent a therapeutic alternative due to their well-documented traditional use as antiinflammatory and analgesic agents, such as Carapa guianensis Aubl. (andiroba). The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacological effects of C. guianensis seed oil in an experimental model of osteoarthritis in rats. The oil was analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify its major components and was administered orally, by gavage, at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. Osteoarthritis was induced in the right knee of the animals using sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA). The animals were subjected to behavioral tests, including forced locomotion (Rotarod test), spontaneous pain assessment (Von Frey test), and weight distribution (Weight Bearing test), to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of the oil. In addition, radiological examinations and histological analyses of the knee joint were performed. The major compounds identified in the andiroba oil by GC-MS were palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid. The oil exhibited antiinflammatory, antinociceptive, and chondroprotective effects in the experimental model. Behavioral tests demonstrated that higher doses improved locomotion and the use of the affected limb. Radiological and histological analyses confirmed preservation of joint structure, reduction of subchondral bone sclerosis, and decreased presence of marginal osteophytes, particularly at the highest treatment dose. Differences in treatment response between sexes were also observed. Thus, C. guianensis (andiroba) oil represents a promising bioproduct for the development of new therapeutic approaches for osteoarthritis.