Antiedematogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Essential Oil from the Fruits of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae) in Animal Models

Piper tuberculatum, traditionally known in Brazil as 'pimenta-d'arda,' 'pimenta-longa,' or 'pimenta de macaco,' has been used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat inflammatory symptoms. Considering this species' significant essential oil content, the present study aimed to evaluate the anti-edematogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of the crucial oil Piper tuberculatum (EOPT) in vivo. To this end, Swiss mice (Mus musculus) of both sexes were treated orally with the EOPT at 50, 100, and 250 mg/Kg. The rotarod and open field evaluated the potential activity in the central nervous system. At the same time, formalin and abdominal writhing tests were carried out to perform the pharmacological screening of the essential oil. Next, the anti-edematogenic effect was assessed using paw edema models induced by carrageenan, dextran, histamine, and arachidonic acid. The anti-inflammatory activity was then characterized in peritonitis (acute) and granuloma (chronic) models. The EOPT treatment at the highest dose (250 mg/kg) showed no indication of central activity. All the EOPT doses (50, 100, and 250 mg/kg) had analgesic effects associated with anti-inflammatory mechanisms in screening models. Accordingly, the treatment (EOPT 100 mg/Kg) inhibited the inflammatory process in acute and chronic models. In conclusion, EOPT has analgesic, antiedematogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting its potential use in developing anti-inflammatory drugs.