Abstract
In Brazil the Caatinga biome is formed by endemic species with numerous applications in medicine, cosmetics and agrochemicals. However, only 8% of the country’s plant species are chemically evaluated annually. Thus, the work aimed to determine the free amino acid composition and phenolic substances of Caatinga plant species extracts, their antioxidant activity and the potential use of these compounds in the control of A. alternata in citrus. Leaf extracts from fourteen native plant species were evaluated for free amino acid contents; total and individual polyphenols; total flavonoids and antifungal susceptibility test. The relationship between the contents of the compounds detected in each plant extract with its antioxidant capacity and antifungal activity, has not yet been fully clarified. However, it is a fact that the extract of Cleome hassleriana constitutes a source rich in free amino acids. It is also verified that the extracts of Mimosa tenuiflora and Caesalpinia ferrea are efficient alternatives in the control of Alternaria alternata in citrus, because they present similar results for this purpose, and in the evaluation of their compositions in free amino acids, phenolic substances and antioxidant activity.
Highlights
The global trade in herbal medicines is around US $ 83 billion
Studies aimed at the identification of total bioactive components and individual phenolic compositions derived from plants have provided numerous applications in medicine, cosmetics and agrochemicals (Uysal et al, 2017)
Valine and Methionine, were detected exclusively in this species, whereas Tryptophan was observed only in C. hassleriana and C. ferrea (extracts 1 and 10 (Table 2). This is relevant because it indicates that the extract of C. hassleriana can constitute a rich source in amino acids, capable of acting as precursors in the biosynthetic compound synthesis
Summary
The global trade in herbal medicines is around US $ 83 billion. 25% of the industrialized compounds are derived from plants (Palhares et al, 2015). In Brazil, it is estimated that this market generates approximately US$ 160 million per year (Rodrigues, 2016), the relevant Brazillian flora holds 67% of the world’s plants only 8% of the plant species are chemically evaluated yearly (Lima et al, 2016). The Caatinga biome is recognized by botanical biodiversity. It is formed by endemic species with pharmacological potential that can revolutionize several industrial areas (Silva et al, 2015a). Studies aimed at the identification of total bioactive components and individual phenolic compositions derived from plants have provided numerous applications in medicine, cosmetics and agrochemicals (Uysal et al, 2017)
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