Anti-scratching activity of Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret in acute and dry skin models

The few effective itch treatments in clinical use have attracted attention to plants as possible sources of new drugs. This study investigated the chemical profile, toxicity, and mechanisms involved in the anti-scratching effect of leaf extract of Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret (ACEAs). No signs of toxicity were observed in the toxicological tests performed on Artemia salina and mice. Chemical composition of ACEAs included several phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols, and flavonols. ACEAs treatment clearly diminished scratching behaviour induced by substance P, trypsin, and histamine (ID50 = 2.8 ± 0.76 mg/kg). Results indicate the possible participation of NK-1, PAR-2/PAR-4, H1/H4, TRPV1, TRPA1, and PKC receptors. In the proof-of-concept acetone/ether/water (AEW) dry skin model, ACEAs drastically decreased the scratching behaviour. This is the first report showing the anti-scratching action of ACEAs in acute and chronic itch models, which can be considered as a potential source of new phytomedicines.