Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Effects of the Essential Oil from Leaves ofXylopia laevigatain Experimental Models

Abstract

Xylopia laevigata(Annonaceae) is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation. Thus, we investigated the possible antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory effects ofX. laevigataleaf essential oil (EOX) in animal models. Our EOX sample showed the presence ofγ-muurolene (17.78%),δ-cadinene (12.23%), bicyclogermacrene (7.77%), andα-copaene (7.17%) as main compounds. EOX presented a strong antioxidant potential according to the DPPH, TBARS, and nitrite production tests. Additionally, pretreatment with EOX, in mice, also significantly produced (P<0.05orP<0.001) antinociceptive effect by reduction of nociceptive behavior (in formalin and writhing tests). The EOX showed c-Fos label in the olfactory bulb, piriform cortex, and periaqueductal gray. Acute administration of EOX exhibited a significant (P<0.01orP<0.001) anti-inflammatory profile in the carrageenan-induced peritonitis and by the carrageenan-induced hindpaw edema tests in mice. Our results provide evidence for the use ofX. laevigataby traditional medicine practitioners in the management of pain and inflammatory disorders.