Zuccagnia punctata cav.: phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacology

VATTUONE, M.A.; SOBERÓN, J.R.; SGARIGILA, M.A.; QUIROGA, E.N.; SAMPIETRO, D.A.

Natural Antioxidants and Biocides from Wild Medicinal Plants

CABI Publishing

Lugar: New Dehli; Año: 2013; p. 178 - 187

Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Fabacea, Caesalpinioideae), popular names ?Pus-Pus?, ?Jarilla Macho?, ?Jarilla Pispito?, ?Laca?, is a traditional medicinal plant in tropical and subtropical regions. It is present in arid and semiarid regions between 700-2700 m.a.s.l.(meters above sea level). Z.punctata is a monotype species of an endemic xerophyl plant currently found in the phytogeographic region of ?Monte? in Argentina. A number of metabolites with useful biological activities belonging mainly to phenolic and flavonoid groups were isolated from alcoholic extracts of leaves and twigs: 2´,4´-dihydroxy-3´-metoxychalcone, 2´,4´-dihydroxychalcone, 7-hidroxyflavanone, 7-hidroxy-8-methoxyflavanone, 1-methyl-3-(4´-hydroxyphenyl)- propyl caffeate, 1-methyl-3-(3´, 4´-dihydroxyphenyl)-propyl caffeate, 3,7-dihydroxy-flavone, 3,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone. A survey of the literature shows Z. punctata is mainly known for its popular use as food antiseptic, in the treatment of microbial infections, asthma, arthrosis, rheumatism and tumors. Many pharmacological studies have demonstrated the ability of this plant to exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antigenotoxic, cytotoxic, antispasmodic, cardioactive, and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting its traditional use. Extracts of aerial parts and purified metabolites of Z. punctata showed antibacterial activity against multiresistant Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. They also showed a remarkable antifungal activity against soy bean pathogens and yeasts, microfungi and wood-rot causing Basidiomycetes. The oxidation of biological molecules, membranes and tissues induced by oxygen, are related to several pathologies (inflammation, carcinogenesis, aging, photobiological effects, and so forth). The main damaged molecules are DNA, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. The damage to the DNA can be reversible or irreversible, and consequently can be inheritably. The components of Z. punctata extracts showed to inhibit the oxidative damage induced by ter-butylhydroperoxyde and superoxide anion. The two chalcones contained in these extracts (2´,4´-dihydroxy-3´-metoxychalcone, and 2´,4´-dihydroxychalcone) showed a protector effect on the DNA breakdown produced by the UV induced water photolysis, and the lipoperoxydation. Oxidation of biological systems is related to the inflammatory processes. Prostaglandins (PG) are mediators of important roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes related to inflammation, gastrointestinal protection, reproduction, noniception and cancer. Araquidonic acid, the PG precursor, is transformed in PG by the action of cycloogigenase (COX). The action of the non-steroidal antiinflammatories (AINESs) (NEAIs) is the inhibition of COX, to avoid the formation of PG. Componentes of Z. punctata extracts, paticularly chalcones, have the capacity to inhibit the COX. Moreover, they have cytoprotective effect on ethanol-induced gastrointestinal injury in rats. A wide range of clinical applications can be suggested after this analysis.