Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> The anti-inflammatory activity of <italic>Piper mollicomum</italic> Kunth, traditionally used for various ailments, was analysed by examining its ethanol inflorescence extract and isolated compounds. The extract was analyzed for its composition, yielding three compounds (C1, C2, and C3) identified by NMR and GC-MS. <italic>In vitro</italic> , the effects on cytokine (TNF, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-10) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and neutrophil chemotaxis were assessed in LPS-stimulated macrophages (RAW 264.7) macrophages and neutrophils. The efferocytosis assay was performed as one of parameters of inflammation resolution. The extract anti-inflammatory activity was also tested using a hypersensitivity model induced by LPS (100 ng/paw) allied to the analysis of TNF and IL-1β levels in inflamed tissue. Both the extract and its compounds significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine and NO production, inhibited neutrophil migration, and promoted efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils. The extract also alleviated LPS-induced hypersensitivity in mice, without affecting post-incisional pain. <italic>Piper mollicomum</italic> extracts and its isolated compounds exhibit promising anti-inflammatory properties by modulating key inflammatory mediators. These findings suggest their potential for therapeutic use in managing inflammatory diseases, warranting further investigation into their mechanisms of action and clinical applications. </p>