The fruits of Xylopia sericea, known as "embiriba", are popularly used for medicinal purposes, and as a condiment in food preparation [1]. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of the essential oil extracted from its fruits. The oil (OXS) was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger type apparatus. The inflammation was induced in Swiss mice by topical application (20µL/ear) of croton oil 2.5% on the right ear of each mouse [2]. On the left ear was applied the vehicle (acetone). After 15 min, the animals (n = 8) received the following topical treatments: acetone, dexamethasone (0.1 mg) or OXS (0.5 mg). After 6h, theywere euthanized and identical punch biopsies were obtained from both ears. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Newman-Keuls test. The chemical composition of OXS was already described in details. The sesquiterpenes spathulenol (16.42%), guaiol (13.93%), and germacrene D (8.11%) were the major constituents [3]. The results were expressed as difference in weight between the ears: 6.2±0.7 mg for vehicle; 0.7±0.6 mg (%I 88.1) for dexamethasone, and 2.8±1.6 mg (%I 54.2) for OXS, demonstrating the significant anti-inflammatory activity (p<0.001) of the oil. The antioxidant activity already reported [3] may be contributing to this action. The results evidenced the potential of the essential oil of X. sericea in the treatment of skin inflammation.
Sponsors: This work was supported by the grants from FAPEMIG, CAPES and CNPq.
[1] Di Stasi LC, Hiruma-Lima CA. Plantas medicinais na Amazônia e Mata Atlântica. UNESP; 2002
[2] Romay C, Ledón N, González R. Inflamm Res 1998; 47: 334-338
[3] Mendes RF, Pinto NCC, Silva JM, Silva JB, Hermisdorf RSC, Fabri R, Chedier LM , Scio E. J Pharm Pharmacol 2017; 69:341-348