Evidence of Bioactive Compounds from Vernonia polyanthes Leaves with Topical Anti-Inflammatory Potential

Abstract

<i>Vernonia polyanthes</i> 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 <i>V. polyanthes</i> 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 <i>N</i>-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) enzymes were also performed. Rutin, luteolin, and apigenin were identified in EAEVP. Topically applied HEVP and EAEVP significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05, <i>p</i> < 0.01 or <i>p</i> < 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 (<i>p</i> < 0.05, <i>p</i> < 0.01 or <i>p</i> < 0.001). The results suggest that <i>V. polyanthes</i> leaves are effective against cutaneous damage, which support its traditional use and open up new possibilities for the treatment of skin disorders.