Avaliação do potencial anti-inflamatório tópico do extrato metanólico da Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (Cecropiaceae)

Abstract

Cecropia pachystachya, also known as embaúba, umbaúba, imbaúba, embaúva is used in folk medicine for the treatment of asthma, cough, high blood pressure, as well as inflammation. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory effect of the methanol extract of C. pachystachya (EMCP) and to investigate the possible mechanisms involved in this activity. Ear edema provoked by the application of croton oil (single and multiple application), arachidonic acid, phenol, EPP and capsaicin to mice was used to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory value of the topical use of EMCP. Topical applications of these irritants were made to the right ears of animals that were pre-treated with acetone (control), dexamethasone or indomethacin (positive control), and EMCP. Our results indicated that EMCP demonstrated significant topical anti-inflammatory activity reducing inflammation related to ear edema caused by croton oil (single and multiple application), arachidonic acid, phenol and EPP. However, EMCP did not significantly reduce the edema caused by capsaicin. Histological analysis showed that EMCP also has chronic anti-inflammatory activity. The results suggest that the EMCP has topical anti-inflammatory activity and indicate that one of its mechanisms of action involves the inhibition via the AA. Another important factor is that EMCP probably acts by more than one mechanism, since it was so effective against the response triggered by phenol, and against the response triggered by TPA. And can also be exerting its action by acting on mediators, as effectively demonstrated the EPP model and its antioxidant action. In addition, the demonstrated action in the process becomes chronic C. pachystachya a plant with potential to be used in the development of dermocosmetic formulations intended for the treatment of various dermatological conditions. However, additional studies are needed to confirm the mechanism of action by which this plant exerts its effects, as well as studies to prove the safety of its topical use in humans.