Pereskia aculeata Miller leaves present in vivo topical anti-inflammatory activity in models of acute and chronic dermatitis. (15th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pinto, Nícolas de Castro Campos; Machado, Danielle Cunha; da Silva, Josiane Mello; Conegundes, Jéssica Leiras Mota; Gualberto, Ana Cristina Moura; Gameiro, Jacy; Moreira Chedier, Luciana; Castañon, Maria Christina Marques Nogueira; Scio, Elita
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 173(2015)
• Page Start: 330
• Page End: 337
• Publication Date: 2015-09-15
• Subjects: Sitosterol -- PubChem CID -- 222284 -- taraxasterol -- PubChem CID -- 115250 -- Campesterol -- PubChem CID -- 173183 -- Taraxerol -- PubChem CID -- 92097 -- Stigmasterol -- PubChem CID -- 5280794 -- Phytol -- PubChem CID -- 9018; Pereskia aculeata -- Skin inflammation -- Edema -- Phytosterols -- Herbal medicine; Ethnopharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosie -- Périodiques; Herbes -- Périodiques; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.07.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-8741

Abstract

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance : The leaves of Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae), known as Barbados gooseberry, are used in Brazilian traditional medicine as emollients and to treat skin wounds and inflammation. This study investigated the topical anti-inflammatory activity of the hexane fraction (HF) obtained from the methanol extract of the leaves of this species in models of acute and chronic ear dermatitis in mice. Material and methods : Mice ear edema was induced by topical application of croton oil, arachidonic acid, capsaicin, ethyl-phenylpropiolate and phenol; and by subcutaneous injection of histamine. Ear biopsies were obtained to determine the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines by ELISA assay. Histopathological analysis was also performed to evaluate the HF activity in croton oil multiple application test. In addition, acute dermal irritation/corrosion test in rats was accomplished. HF chemical characterization was performed by GC–MS analysis. Results : HF intensively reduced the inflammatory process induced by all irritant agents used, except for arachidonic acid. This activity is related, at least in part, to the reduction of IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines levels. Moreover, when the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone was used, HF failed to respond to the croton oil application.The results strongly suggested a glucocorticoid-like effect, which was reinforced by the presence of considerable amounts of sterol compounds identified in HF. The acute dermal irritaton/corrosion test showed no signs of toxicity. Conclusions : This study showed that the acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activity of P. aculeata leaves is very promising, and corroborates to better understand their ethnopharmacological applications. Graphical abstract: