Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory efficacy of Passiflora edulis

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of the aqueous extract of Passiflora edulis forma flavicarpa Degenerer leaves in the air pouch inflammation model induced by carrageenan, histamine or substance P, in mice. An aqueous extract was prepared by infusion and lyophilized. Part of the extract was fractionated with n-butanol, resulting in the butanolic and aqueous residual fractions. The anti-inflammatory activities of the lyophilized extract and these two derived fractions were evaluated. In the inflammation induced by carrageenan, aqueous extract (100 mg/kg, i.p.), butanolic fraction (50 mg/kg, i.p.), aqueous residual fraction (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited the leukocyte, neutrophil, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels (p < 0.05). The aqueous extract and butanolic and aqueous residual fractions, but not dexamethasone, decreased macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) levels (p < 0.05). Only dexamethasone inhibited mononuclear cells (p < 0.01). In the inflammation induced by histamine, the aqueous extract, butanolic and aqueous residual fractions, and dexamethasone inhibited total and differential leukocytes (p < 0.01). In the inflammation induced by substance P, the aqueous extract, butanolic and aqueous residual fractions, and dexamethasone also inhibited total leukocytes and mononuclears (p < 0.01). Neutrophils were only inhibited by aqueous extract, butanolic fraction, and dexamethasone (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the active principle(s) present in the P. edulis aqueous extract and its two fractions showed pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting cell migration, proinflammatory cytokines, enzymes and mediators.