Pharmacological evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential and antispasmodic effect of aqueous extract from the brown seaweed,Cystoseiracompressa

Abstract

Introduction: Gastrointestinal (GI) pain is commonly treated with synthetic spasmolytic drugs, including anticholinergics, smooth muscle relaxants,calcium channel blockers, and opioid receptor modulators. However, these treatments often lead to undesirable side effects.Aim: To evaluate the antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory potential of the aqueous extract from the brown seaweed Cystoseira compressa (Comp-AQ).Methods: The antispasmodic activity of Comp-AQ was assessed in vitro using rat duode-num contractions induced by acetylcholine (A/Ch)and barium chloride (BaCl₂). The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vivo using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. A phytochemical screening was performed to identify bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity was assessed via the DPPH radical scavenging assay.Results: Comp-AQ significantly and dose-dependently inhibited A/Ch- and BaCl₂-induced contractions (82.98 ± 1.5% and 84.06 ± 2.16%, respectively), with a relaxation-response profile similar to alverine, suggesting involvement of voltage-dependent calcium channels. In vivo, Comp-AQ reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema, reaching a maximal inhibition of 71.46% at 100 mg/kg after 3 hours. Phytochemical analysis revealed a high content of marine polyphenols and polysaccharides. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ of 30 ± 2.66 µg/mL.Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Cystoseira compressa exhibits antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Further structuralcharacterization is needed to definitively identify the re-sponsible bioactive compounds and to confirm the hypothesis of synergistic effects.