Abstract

Background: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a phytopathogenic fungus from Sclerotinaceae family. This fungus parasitizes approximately 400 species of plants of great economic importance, such as soybean and beans. In this study, the anti-inflammatory properties of extracts, fractions, and isolated compound ergosterol peroxide were investigated. The hexane fraction and 1 inhibited croton oil-induced ear edema. In addition, ergosterol peroxide also inhibited neutrophil recruitment in the myeloperoxidase assay, demonstrating that ergosterol peroxide exerts anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting the activity of both COX and LOX pathways. Moreover, these results provide new knowledge regarding S. sclerotiorum as a source of extracts and bioactive compounds.

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and its in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.

Methods: The crude extract, fractions, and ergosterol peroxide of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were evaluated by croton oil-induced ear edema quantification of MPO (myeloperoxidase enzyme).

Results: The crude extract and hexane fraction exhibited edema inhibition of 50.5 and 70.6%, respectively. The ergosterol peroxide isolated from the hexane bioactive fractions exhibited significant inhibition of ear edema, indicating inhibition of the COX pathway. In addition, ergosterol peroxide inhibited neutrophil recruitment.

Conclusion: The extract and fractions, as well as the isolated compound of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, exhibited anti-inflammatory potential.

Keywords: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, anti-inflammatory activity, MPO, ergosterol peroxide, COX pathway, LOX pathway.