Revisão sistemática das atividades anti-inflamatória e analgésica das espécies vegetais nativas do Cerrado brasileiro: araticum (Annona crassiflora) e cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica)

Abstract

Inflammation and pain are important physiological changes that act as defense mechanisms in animals, being expressed when there is potential tissue damage. In cases of persistence of these processes, the individual may present functional impairment of the organs, as well as episodes of hyperalgesia and allodynia. In these cases, pharmacological intervention is necessary. There are many anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic drugs available, however most of them cause important adverse effects, for example, on the cardiovascular, renal and gastrointestinal systems. Thus, it is essential to search for new compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic pharmacological action, effective and safe. In this sense, the Brazilian flora with its rich biodiversity represents an important niche for such substances. In the Cerrado biome, among several native plant species, Annona crassiflora (araticum) and Eugenia dysenterica (cagaita) stand out, which have been used in complementary and traditional Brazilian medicine in the treatment of different comorbidities, such as inflammation and pain. The botanical constituents of these species were used in the development of several studies in the literature that demonstrate the importance of these species as a source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. That said, this study aimed to investigate possible antiinflammatory and/or analgesic effects of A. crassiflora and E. dysenterica plants, based on a systematic review of the available scientific literature. These results may contribute to new research proposals, aimed at identifying molecules with potential use as active principles of new drugs that are effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases both in human and veterinary medicine.