Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil of Eugenia candolleana DC., Myrtaceae, on mice

• Published in: Revista brasileira de farmacognosia Vol. 19; no. 4; pp. 883 - 887
• Main Authors: Guimarães, Adriana G., Melo, Mônica S., Bonfim, Rangel R., Passos, Luiz O., Machado, Samísia M.F., Ribeiro, Adauto de S., Sobral, Marcos, Thomazzi, Sara M., Quintans-Júnior, Lucindo J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Farmacognosia 01.12.2009
• Subjects: PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY; carrageenan-induced pleurisy; acetic acid-induced writhing; Eugenia candolleana DC; formalin; peritonite aguda induzido por carragenina; antinociceptiva; formalina; antiinflamatória; antinociceptive activity; anti-inflammatory activity; contorções por ácido acético
• ISSN: 0102-695X; 1981-528X
• DOI: 10.1590/S0102-695X2009000600016

Eugenia candolleana DC. (Myrtaceae), commonly known as "murta" or "murtinha", is a plant species without any chemical or pharmacological study described in the literature. It has been popularly used for the treatment of pain and fever. This report aimed to investigate the possible antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil extracted from fresh leaves of Eugenia candolleana DC. (EOEc) in rodents. Following intraperitoneal injection, EOEc (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) reduced the number of writhes significantly in a writhing test and the number of paw licks during phase two of formalin test (p < 0.001). However, administration of EOEc did not alter the time of reaction in hot plate test. Furthermore, EOEc inhibited (p < 0.01) the carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity. These results indicate antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of EOEc probably mediated via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis or other peripherally pathway.