Eugenia pyriformis Cambess., popularly known as uvaia, is a native Brazilian species belonging to the Myrtaceae family that has attracted pharmacological interest due to its richness in bioactive secondary metabolites. Previous studies have reported antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil obtained from its leaves, reinforcing its therapeutic potential. In this context, the present study aimed to extract and characterize the essential oil from E. pyriformis leaves cultivated in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to evaluate its anti-inflammatory potential through in vitro and in vivo models. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed a predominance of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, mainly γ-muurolene, δ-cadinene, and β-caryophyllene. The oil exhibited significant anti-edematogenic activity in carrageenan-, prostaglandin E₂-, and bradykinin-induced paw edema models in adult female Swiss mice, suggesting modulation of inflammatory mediators, possibly through inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. Conversely, no effect was observed in the compound 48/80-induced model, indicating the absence of activity on histamine- and serotonin-mediated processes. In vitro assays demonstrated that the oil reduced TNF-α and IL-1β gene expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages, confirming its ability to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the essential oil of E. pyriformis exerts anti-inflammatory activity through multiple targets.

Background: Eugenia involucrata DC. is a Brazilian native species of the Myrtaceae family traditionally used in folk medicine and known for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. However, its anti-inflammatory potential remains poorly investigated. Methods: This study characterized the essential oil from E. involucrata leaves and evaluated its anti-inflammatory activity using in vitro and in vivo models. The chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and in murine paw edema models induced by carrageenan, compound 48/80, bradykinin, and prostaglandin E₂. Results: GC–MS analysis identified 23 compounds, representing 91.41% of the oil composition, with predominance of oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The major constituents were globulol (15.71%), α-selinene (13.14%), selin-11-en-4-α-ol (8.31%), cubeban-11-ol (8.04%), and β-elemene (6.78%). The essential oil showed no significant cytotoxicity below 100 micrograms/mL toward RAW 264.7 macrophages and significantly reduced LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-1β gene expression. In vivo, it markedly inhibited paw edema induced by carrageenan, compound 48/80, and bradykinin, but not by prostaglandin E₂. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that E. involucrata essential oil possesses significant anti-inflammatory and anti-edematogenic activity, likely through modulation of early inflammatory mediators involved in acute inflammation.