Antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity of the aqueous extract of Myrcia guianensis (Aubl.) DC

Abstract

Introduction: Ethnobotanical studies report that Myrcia guianensis (Myrtaceae), belonging to a group of plants known as pedrá-ume-caá or insulin plant, is used as a tea to treat various diseases, including diabetes, a metabolic disorder that leads to the constant production of free radicals. The objective of this work was to determine the antioxidant capacity and the cytotoxicity of the AEMg. Methods: The content of phenolic compounds in AEMg was determined by colorimetric assays. In vitro tests of the antioxidant capacity of AEMg, in the sequestration of DPPH radicals, in β-carotene bleaching, in the FRAP, as well as in human fibroblast cells of the MRC-5 lineage, were performed. The cytotoxic activity of AEMg was evaluated in assays with eukaryotic cells from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in PBMC. Results: The results showed that the AEMg is rich in phenolic compounds, presenting high antioxidant potential in all the tests carried out, including in human fibroblast cells of the MRC-5 lineage, besides not being toxic to eukaryotic cells. Conclusion: The AEMg, rich in antioxidant compounds and no toxicity, can be used as source of natural antioxidant in the treatment of metabolic diseases to combat free radicals.