In vivo topical anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of the fixed oil of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. seeds

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCaryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae), popularly known as pequi, is important source of food and used in the folk medicine as wound healing, anti-inflammatory and for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract, rheumatic and muscular pains and gastric ulcer.Aim of the studyTo evaluate the effects of fixed oil of Caryocar coriaceum (FOCC) on the topical inflammation and cutaneous wound healing.Materials and methodsFOCC was purchased commercially and used at 6%, 12%, 25%, 50% and 100% on model of ear edema induced by xylene and ointments formulations at 6% and 12% on wound excision model in mice. Skin lesions were evaluated by planimetry and histological analysis.ResultsFOCC was capable of reducing inflammation in a dose-dependent fashion. FOCC in nature (100%) inhibited the ear edema in 38.01% and 39.20% at time 15 min and 1 h, respectively, after induction of inflammation, when compared to the positive control. The topical administration of FOCC ointment 12% showed a significantly reduction of unhealed wound area, with increased percentage of wound contraction (96.54%) on day 7 when compared to the other groups. The results of histological evaluation supported the outcome of excision wound model.ConclusionCaryocar coriaceum inhibits the topical inflammation and accelerate cutaneous wound repair.

Graphical abstractSeveral Caryocar species (Caryocaraceae) are used in Brazil as source of food and in folk medicine as wound healing, anti-inflammatory and to treat many types of afflictions, such diseases of the respiratory tract, rheumatic and muscular pains and gastric lesions. Fruit pulp and seed oils of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. have been applied on skin wounds, in the form of dressings, for the purpose of healing. In order to evaluate the action spectrum of Caryocar coriaceum and validate its widespread use, pharmacological studies were performed regarding topical inflammation and skin wound healing in mice, using the seed fixed oil of Caryocar coriaceum fruit.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide