Preclinical studies indicate that INFLATIV, an herbal medicine cream containing Pereskia aculeata, presents potential to be marketed as a topical anti-inflammatory agent and as adjuvant in psoriasis therapy

Objectives: A previous study reported that the hexane fraction (HF) obtained from Pereskia aculeata leaves showed promising topical anti-inflammatory activity. Intending its future use in clinical practice, a herbal medicine cream named INFLATIV was developed. Its anti-inflammatory and antipsoriatic potential were investigated. INFLATIV was subjected to preliminary accelerated stability tests and to a degradation profile assessment.

Methods: INFLATIV was prepared at 6% and 12%. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by croton oil single and multiple application challenge in mice. Mouse tail test was used for antipsoriatic potential investigation. Cutaneous atrophy test was performed. Preliminary accelerated stability tests were performed together with a degradation profile by GC-MS analysis.

Key findings: The anti-inflammatory activity shown by INFLATIV was comparable to dexamethasone. However, the skin atrophy caused by that drug was not observed. INFLATIV modified skin parakeratotic differentiation into orthokeratosis, which revealed its antipsoriatic potential. The ingredients used were suitable to carry the bioactives as they were well permeated by the skin. The preliminary accelerated stability tests indicated that INFLATIV 6% is more stable than 12%.

Conclusions: The results demonstrated the relevant therapeutic and marketing potentials of INFLATIV, which is likely to be further evaluated in clinical trials for drug registration process with regulatory agencies.

Keywords: Pereskia aculeata; INFLATIV; anti-inflammatory; bioactives herbal cream; psoriasis.