Myristic acid reduces skin inflammation and nociception

This study evaluated the inhibitory effect of myristic acid (MA) on models of inflammation and nociception. The in vitro anti‐inflammatory activities of MA were assessed on LPS‐stimulated macrophages, membrane stabilization assay, and inhibition of protein denaturation, whereas the inhibitory activity of MA on in vivo inflammation was assessed on TPA‐induced ear edema using acute and chronic assays in mice. The inhibitory effect of MA on nociception was assessed using three in vivo models. MA exerted in vitro anti‐inflammatory activity by the increase (58%) in the production of IL‐10 in LPS‐stimulated macrophages. In the in vivo assay, MA showed good anti‐inflammatory effects on the acute (ED50 = 62 mg/kg) and chronic (ED50 = 77 mg/kg) TPA‐induced ear edema. The antinociceptive activity of MA was related to the participation of the nitrergic system in the formalin‐induced paw licking test. Practical applications Previous studies with different plant extracts containing MA, as one of their major components, have demonstrated anti‐inflammatory and antinociceptive actions. However, the anti‐inflammatory and antinociceptive actions of myristic acid have not been previously reported. The results suggest that MA induced anti‐inflammatory effects in LPS‐stimulated macrophages through the participation of IL‐10. The antinociceptive effects of MA are attributed to the participation of the nitrergic system.