Phytochemical evaluation and biological activities of the exocarp extract from the fruit of Protium spruceanum

Abstract

Protium spruceanum known as “breu branco” is a medicinal plant species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hydroethanolic extract of the exocarp of the mature fruit of Protium spruceanum regarding its phytochemical groups and biological activities. The fruits were collected and the extract produced by static maceration in a 70% hydroethanol solution. The analyzes carried out were for organoleptic, physicochemical, regarding the yield of the extract obtained, relative density, pH, refractive index and optical rotation, and for biological assays, the extract was tested for photoprotection activity in UV-Vis, antifungal activity on Candida and antibacterial on Staphylococcus, Salmonella and Escherichia by disk assay (mm). The extract was light brown and aromatic. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of organic acids, reducing sugars, phenols, purines, catechins and double olefins. The yield was 16.99%, relative density 0.965 g mL^-1, pH 5.26, refractive index 1.3987 n_D and optical rotation -99.8°. In photoprotection activity, the extract exhibited activity at UVC wavelength. In the antifungal activity, potential inhibition was obtained for C. guilliermondii and C. tropicalis and for antibacterial inhibition for strains of S. aureus, E. coli, and S. serovar Enteritidis. The exocarp extract of the ripe fruit of Protium spruceanum showed a potential biological effect.