Reduced cutaneous inflammation associated with antioxidant action after topical application of the aqueous extract of Annona muricata leaves.

Annona muricata L. is used in folk medicine for treatment of diseases related to inflammatory and oxidative processes. This study investigated the effect of the aqueous extract of A. muricata leaves (AEAM) on TPA-induced ear inflammation and antioxidant capacity, both in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of AEAM was measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and lipoperoxidation assays. Cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) release were evaluated in the L929 fibroblasts. Swiss mice were submitted to TPA application and were topically treated with AEAM (0.3, 1 or 3 mg/ear). After 6 h, inflammatory and oxidative parameters were evaluated. Quercetin 3-glucoside, rutin, chlorogenic acid, catechin and gallic acid were identified in AEAM. It also presented antioxidant activity in all in vitro assays used. Incubation with AEAM did not cause cell cytotoxicity but reduced ROS release from fibroblasts. Compared with the control group, treatment with AEAM significantly reduced ear oedema and mieloperoxidase activity in inflamed ears, as well as histological parameters of inflammation. These results were associated with the reduction of total hydroperoxides and modulation of catalase, but not superoxide dismutase activity. These findings show the anti-inflammatory effect of AEAM is associated with antioxidant capacity.

Chrysobalanus icaco L. Leaves Normalizes Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Glucose and Inhibits Weight Gain in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Chrysobalanus icaco L. is a medicinal plant present in the Brazilian coastline and known for its hypoglicemic and antioxidant properties. Here, we assessed the beneficial metabolic effects of the aqueous extract of C. icaco (AECI) leaves in diet-induced obese mice. Swiss mice were fed standard chow (SC used as controls) or high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity. After 10 weeks, mice on each diet were divided into two groups with one group used as control while the other group treated with AECI for 4 weeks resulting in four groups of mice: SC; SC treated with AECI (SC + AECI); HFD; and HFD treated with AECI (HFD + AECI). AECI was administered drinking water at about 200 mg/kg. AECI was able to normalize insulin (13,682 ± 1090 vs. 9828 ± 485 AU, P < .05) and fasting blood glucose (192.8 ± 14.2 vs. 132.3 ± 6.4 mg/dL, P < .05) and inhibit weight gain (39 ± 5.7%) and fat storage in liver (72.60 ± 3.83%, P < .0001), despite the high-fat intake. These findings reinforce the use of AECI in hyperglycemia and highlight the potential extract's effect in preventing weight gain and fat accumulation in liver of diet-induced obese mice.