Promising Anti-Inflammatory Species from the Lecythidaceae Family: An Integrative Review

Lecythidaceae species are known worldwide for their ability to produce edible nuts of high nutritional value, such as Brazil nuts, and are also used in traditional medicine in countries across America, Asia, and Africa. The potential of these species has aroused interest in their chemical composition, nutritional properties, and biological activities, with emphasis on anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive actions. The objective of this review was to summarize data regarding the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Lecythidaceae species, identify the most promising bioactive agents, and elucidate their potential mechanisms of action. This integrative review was conducted by comprehensively searching the main electronic databases for scientific articles, with no restriction on publication date, that were available in full. Based on this survey, thirty-four articles were identified, covering twelve Lecythidaceae species with anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive actions evaluated in in vitro and in vivo models and randomized clinical trials. Studies encompass extracts, fractions, nuts, and isolated compounds, among which the extracts and fractions of Barringtonia angusta Kurz, Couroupita guianensis Aubl., Lecythis pisonis Cambess., and Petersianthus macrocarpus (P. Beauv.) Liben demonstrated potent inhibition of inflammatory mediators through suppression of gene expression in vitro and in vivo, acting via blockade of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (KN-κB) signaling pathway. This finding highlights a relevant molecular mechanism by which Lecythidaceae species may exert their anti-inflammatory potential and supports further studies focused on isolating active fractions and elucidating possible synergistic effects. Ethnopharmacological and chemical composition data are also presented and discussed within the scope of their biological applications, highlighting the therapeutic potential of Lecythidaceae species and identifying promising candidates for future development of novel anti-inflammatory phytopharmaceuticals.