Toxicological and pharmacological effects of Eugenia brasiliensis Lam. (Myrtaceae) leaves in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Eugenia brasiliensis Lam., popularly known as grumixama or Brazilian cherry, is widely used in folk medicine with astringent, diuretic, energizing, anti-rheumatic, and anti-inflammatory properties.Aim of the study: Despite its traditional use, detailed toxicological studies of Eugenia brasiliensis are few. Thus, in the current study, we evaluate the toxicological effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Eugenia brasiliensis (HEEb) and its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity.Materials and methods: We used male, and female Swiss mice. Acute toxicity study was performed following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guideline 425, and subacute toxicity was assessed following OECD guideline 407. We observed behavioral responses, in addition to hematological, biochemical, and histological evaluations. The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of HEEb were assessed using the Carrageenan-induced mechanical allodynia and paw edema model. Mechanical allodynia, levels of inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative damage were evaluated.Results: The treatment with HEEb was not able to generate important toxicological alterations. Moreover, doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg of HEEb were able to reduce mechanical allodynia, paw edema, and inflammatory cy-tokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6), decrease malondialdehyde and increase superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in the paw.Conclusions: This study demonstrated that HEEb does not present important toxic effects. Additionally, an important antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential were observed.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the toxicological effects of Eugenia brasiliensis and its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity. The results showed that the extract did not have significant toxic effects and exhibited important antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential.