Aims: This study aimed to characterize and evaluate leishmanicidal and trypanocidal action as well as cytotoxicity on macrophages and antioxidant ability of extracts, obtained by supercritical CO2 and ultrasound-assisted extractions of Uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis) leaves.
Methods: Leaves from E. pyriformis were submitted to supercritical CO2 (E1) and ultrasound-assisted (E2) extractions. The characterization of extracts was done using GC-MS and HPLC. L. amazonensis (promastigotes) and T. cruzi (epimastigotes and trypomastigotes) were treated with crescent concentrations of E1 and E2. After this, parasites were counted and the percentage of inhibition and IC50/LC50 was calculated. Murine macrophages were treated with both extracts for 48 h and after that, the cellular viability was determined and CC50 was calculated. DPPH method was used to determine the antioxidant capacity of both extracts.
Results: The results of identification showed a great amount of α and β-amyrin in E1 and E2. Both extracts showed growth inhibition of L. amazonensis with an IC50 of 5.98 and 9.38 μg/mL to E1 and E2, showing a selectivity index > 30. In trypanocidal tests, an LC50 of 16.69 and 7.80 μg/mL (trypomastigotes) and IC50 of 5.56 and 34.34 μg/mL (epimastigotes) was reached by E1 and E2. Both extracts showed no toxicity to macrophages and an antioxidant capacity similar to the positive control (tocopherol).
Conclusions: This is the first study demonstrating the activity of an amyrin rich-extract against microorganisms that cause Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, as well as its antioxidant capacity, justifying further studies for future in - vivo tests.
Keywords: Antioxidant activity; Eugenia; Leishmania; Natural extracts; Triterpenoids; Trypanosoma cruzi.