Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant activity of a Lecythis pisonis Cambess. Specimen (Lecythidaceae)

Abstract

The species Lecythis pisonis (L. pisonis) popularly known as “sapucaia” or “cumbuca de macaco”, is a plant belonging to the family Lecythidaceae. This family has interesting pharmacological activities that have driven researchers to explore their species. Observing the biological potential of the species L. pisonis, this work aimed to trace the chemical profile of its leaves and to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS·+) and cytotoxic activity against Artemia salina Leach larvae. Qualitative tests identified the presence of triterpenes, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, and phenolics in general. The phytochemical investigation of the leaves resulted in the identification of the mixture of triterpenes: epifriedelanol and friedelin (1+2), α-amyrin and β-amyrin (4+5), squalene (3) and ursolic acid (16); the mixture of steroids: stigmasterol and β-sitosterol (6+7); α-tocopherol (8); of the mixture of esters: methyl palmitate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl 9-octadecenoate, 9,12,15-methyl octadecanoate, butyl palmitate, ethyl octadecanoate and butyl octadecanoate (9-15); the mixture of isoquercitrin and astragalin flavonoids (20+21); gallic acid and methyl gallate (17+19); gallic acid (17) and ellagic acid (18). This the first report of the identification of substances 8-15, 17-21 in the leaves of the species L. pisonis. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity of polar extracts revealed a great antioxidant potential, which may be associated with high levels of phenols and total flavonoids. The quantification of proanthocyanidin in the extract in MeOH showed a content of 8.65 mg EC/g of crude extract. The bioassay carried out with A. salina MeOH and MeOH:H2O extracts showed mild toxicity.