Ilex paraguariensis extract as an alternative to pain medications

Pain is a common and distressing symptom of many diseases and its clinical treatment generally involves analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. This study evaluated the toxicity of A. St.-Hil. (Aquifoliaceae) aqueous extract (leaves, petioles and branches) and its performance in a nociceptive response. Hepatotoxicity, psycho-stimulant test and evaluation of enzyme markers for liver damage were also tested. Chromatographic analysis by UPLC-MS demonstrated a series of isomeric monocaffeoylquinic acids, isomers of dicaffeoylquinic acid, flavonol glycosides, and saponins. Phase I and II of nociception were obtained for meloxicam, dexamethasone and aqueous extract. extract concentration was negatively correlated ( = –0.887) with alanine aminotransferase ( < 0.05) in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity test, indicating hepatoprotective activity of this extract. extract also presented analgesic properties equivalent to drugs that already have proven efficacy. Notably, the administration of multiple doses of extract was considered safe from the therapeutic point of view.