Modulation of topical inflammation and visceral nociception by Vanillosmopsis arborea essential oil in mice

Abstract Vanillosmopis arborea Baker is a native tree from Chapada do Araripe located in Crato city, state of Ceara, being a potential source of essential oil containing α-bisabolol. The study examined the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the essential oil from Vanillosmopsis arborea bark (EOVA). The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated on acute models of dermatitis induced by Croton oil, arachidonic acid, phenol and capsaicin, respectively, in mouse ear. EOVA was assessed in established mouse models of visceral nociception. Mice were pretreated orally with EOVA, and the pain-related behavioral responses to several noxious agents were analyzed. Similar to dexamethasone and indomethacin, topically applied EOVA potently inhibited the dermatitis. EOVA was effective in all models of visceral nociception. In mustard oil model, the antinociception produced by 200 mg/kg EOVA was found to be L-NAME-, glibenclamide-, ondasetron-, yohimbine and ruthenium red-resistant. Mice showed no significant alterations in either locomotion frequency, indicating that the observed antinociception is not a consequence of motor abnormality. Collectively, the present results suggest that EOVA may be a potent anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive agent.