This work studied the anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts (HAEs) from Erythrina velutina Willd. (Ev) and E. mulungu Mart. ex Benth. (Em) in the carrageenan- and dextran-induced mice hind paw edema models. These medicinal plants belonging to the Fabaceae family are used in some Brazilian communities to treat pain, inflammation, insomnia and disorders of the central nervous system. In the present work, the extracts were administered orally in male mice at the doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg. In the carrageenan-induced test, only Em showed anti-inflammatory activity, decreasing the paw edema, at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. No effect was observed with Ev in this model. On the other hand, in the dextran model, Ev demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect, showing decrease of the paw edema at the 1, 2, 3, 4 and 24th h. Em (200 or 400 mg/kg) presented anti-inflammatory effect at the 2, 3 and 4th h after administration of dextran, as compared to control. In conclusion, the work showed that Ev and Em present anti-edematous actions, which possibly occurs by distinct mechanisms. While Ev seems to interfere especially in inflammatory processes in which mast cells have an important role, Em exerts greater activity in the inflammatory process that depends mainly on polymorphonuclear leucocytes. However, further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanism of action of the species investigated.

Diante da deficiente assistência farmacêutica brasileira, alguns estados no país vêm realizando a implantação de Programas de Fitoterapia na atenção primária à saúde. Com o objetivo de conhecer o perfil de utilização e prescrição dos fitoterápicos desenvolvidos no município de Maracanaú (CE), foram entrevistados 226 pacientes atendidos nas Unidades de Saúde da Família, cujas prescrições medicamentosas continham fitoterápicos. A prevalência de fitoterápicos nas prescrições foi de 20,6%. Nestas, foram encontrados 10 dentre os 15 fitoterápicos produzidas no município, entre cápsulas, pomadas, géis, tinturas e xarope. As principais indicações terapêuticas dos fitoterápicos foram para as afecções respiratórias, cutâneas e para o diabetes mellitus. Observou-se, desta forma, um cenário favorável ao Programa Farmácias Vivas de Maracanaú. No entanto, vale ressaltar que estudos posteriores se tornam necessários para garantir o controle de qualidade, bem como a eficácia e segurança dos fitoterápicos.

Currently in Brazil, some herbal therapy programs are being developed in primary healthcare services to supply the communities lacking basic medicines. To investigate the use and prescription of herbal medicines in the city of Maracanú, State of Ceará, Brazil, 226 patients with prescriptions containing herbal medicine were interviewed in Family Health Care Units and their drugs prescription were analyzed. The prevalence of herbal medicines in the prescription was 20.6%. Among the 15 herbal medicines produced in city, 10 were among the prescriptions reviewed, such as capsules, ointments, gels, dyes and syrup. The herbal medicines were mainly indicated for the treatment of respiratory problems skin conditions, and diabetes mellitus. Data support the use of herbal therapy in primary health care in Maracanaú. However, it is important to emphasize that there is a need to conduct further study on the efficacy and safety of these herbal medicines, as well as on their quality control.