Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Effects of the Essential Oil from Leaves of Xylopia laevigata in Experimental Models

Abstract EN

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 of X.

laevigata leaf essential oil (EOX) in animal models.

Our EOX sample showed the presence of γ-muurolene (17.78%), δ-cadinene (12.23%), bicyclogermacrene (7.77%), and α-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 < 0.05 or P < 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 < 0.01 or P < 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 of X.

laevigata by traditional medicine practitioners in the management of pain and inflammatory disorders.