Abstract
BackgroundSpondias tuberosa is a plant that produces a fruit crop with high economic relevance at Brazilian Caatinga. Its roots and leaves are used in folk medicine.MethodsChemical composition of a hexane extract from S. tuberosa leaves was evaluated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Antioxidant potential was investigated by DPPH and ABTS assays. Antifungal action on Candida species was evaluated determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC50) and putative mechanisms were determined by flow cytometry analysis. In addition, hemolytic activity on human erythrocytes was assessed and the concentration required to promote 50% hemolysis (EC50) was determined.ResultsPhytochemical analysis by TLC showed the presence of flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, saponins and terpenes. The HPLC profile of the extract suggested the presence of gallic acid (0.28 ± 0.01 g%) and hyperoside (1.27 ± 0.01 g%). The representative 1H NMR spectrum showed saturated and unsaturated fatty acids among the main components. The extract showed weak and moderate antioxidant activity in DPPH (IC50: 234.00 μg/mL) and ABTS (IC50: 123.33 μg/mL) assays, respectively. It was able to inhibit the growth of C. albicans and C. glabrata with MIC50 of 2.0 and 0.078 mg/mL, respectively. The treatment of C. glabrata cells with the extract increased levels of mitochondrial superoxide anion, caused hyperpolarization of mitochondrial membrane, and compromised the lysosomal membrane. Weak hemolytic activity (EC50: 740.8 μg/mL) was detected.ConclusionThe results demonstrate the pharmacological potential of the extract as antioxidant and antifungal agent, aggregating biotechnological value to this plant and stimulating its conservation.
Highlights
Spondias tuberosa is a plant that produces a fruit crop with high economic relevance at Brazilian Caatinga
The phytochemical analysis by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) of the hexane extract from S. tuberosa leaves showed the presence of flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, saponins and terpenes
The first peak probably corresponded to gallic acid, in comparison with retention time of the standard (10.23 min; Fig. 1A, b)
Summary
Spondias tuberosa is a plant that produces a fruit crop with high economic relevance at Brazilian Caatinga. Its roots and leaves are used in folk medicine. In the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil (known as Caatinga) there are several kinds of plants employed in popular culture for the treatment of human diseases. Spondias tuberosa Arruda, popularly known as “umbuzeiro” or “imbuzeiro”, is an endemic plant of Caatinga, adapted to survive and produce fruits even under hydrical and salt stress [4]. The high tannin content and the presence of natural antioxidants give to S. tuberosa fruits a functional appeal [10]. Hydroethanolic extract of leaves from S. tuberosa containing chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin and isoquercitrin demonstrated anti-inflammatory action [11]. Methanolic extract of the leaves showed in vitro activity against several strains of Gram-negative bacteria [2]
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