Abstract
Vernonia polyanthes Less. (Asteraceae), popularly known as “assa-peixe”, is a plant species used in Brazilian traditional medicine for the treatment of cutaneous damage, cicatrization, inflammation, and rheumatism. Based on these ethnopharmacological findings, the current study evaluated the topical anti-inflammatory effects of the hexane (HEVP) and ethyl acetate (EAEVP) extracts from V. polyanthes leaves in experimental models of skin inflammation. Chemical characterization was carried out by HPLC–UV/DAD analysis. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using Croton oil-, arachidonic acid (AA)-, phenol-, ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP)-, and capsaicin-induced ear edema models in mice. Histopathological evaluation and measurements of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) enzymes were also performed. Rutin, luteolin, and apigenin were identified in EAEVP. Topically applied HEVP and EAEVP significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) reduced edema induced by five different irritants at the doses tested (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ear). Histopathological analysis revealed a reduction of edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and vasodilation. In addition, the enzymes activity (MPO and NAG) in the ear tissues was reduced by the topical treatment of HEVP and EAEVP (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 or p < 0.001). The results suggest that V. polyanthes leaves are effective against cutaneous damage, which support its traditional use and open up new possibilities for the treatment of skin disorders.
Highlights
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and a highly metabolic tissue that serves as the protective layer for internal organs, since it provides the first line of defense against injury and aggressive environmental agents [1,2]
Our results showed that HEVP and EAEVP were active against Croton oil-induced ear edema by reducing the inflammatory parameters (Figures 3A, 4A and 5, and Table 1) triggered by this agent
Our results showed that HEVP and EAEVP significantly reduced the phenol-induced edema (Figures 3C and 4C) in a dose-dependent manner to dexamethasone
Summary
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and a highly metabolic tissue that serves as the protective layer for internal organs, since it provides the first line of defense against injury and aggressive environmental agents [1,2]. These agents, such as microorganisms, parasites, particles, irritants, and pollutants, are potent activators of inflammation that disturb homeostasis and promote several dermatological pathologies [3,4]. Allergic skin diseases, unspecified dermatoses, leprosy, seborrhea, and related diseases were identified [12]. It is evident the importance of the search for new and alternative therapeutic options for the care of different skin conditions
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