Chemical Characterization and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Eugenia involucrata Essential Oil: Evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo Experimental Models

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.