Abstract

Calliandra haematocephala (Leguminosae) is a native species found in tropical America. This plant is widespread and cultivated with ornamental purposes in gardens and parks. Previous studies with other species of this genus confirmed some pharmacological properties, such as antiinflammatory, anticonvulsant, immunomodulatory, and mainly antiulcerogenic activity. Phytochemical investigations have been carried out on the constituents of this genus and demonstrated the presence of tannins, flavonoids and saponins. In order to confirm the ethnopharmacological use of this species, a phytochemical screening was performed with a butanolic extract and its gastroprotective and immunoadjuvant properties were evaluated. The gastroprotective effects were analyzed by measuring acute gastric lesions induced by acidified ethanol, using cimetidine as reference compound. The immunoadjuvant activity was evaluated against ovalbumin antigen, since the delayed type hypersensitivity reaction was measured as an in vivo assay of cellular immune response. In both experiments, the results of the biological properties were corroborated, which justifies the use of this plant in traditional medicine as stomach protector and immunomodulatory.

Key words: Calliandra haematocephala, gastroprotective effects, immunoadjuvant activity.