Phytochemical compounds and biological activities of Schinus areira (L.) leaves and fruits

LUIS RODRIGUEZ SILVA; LILIANA SOLEDAD CELAYA; CARMEN INES VITURRO

Rev.Fac.Nal.Agr.Medellín

Universidad Nacional de Medellín

Lugar: Medellín; Año: 2014 vol. 2 p. 672 - 674

0304-2847

In order to improve the knowledge on its metabolite profile and biological properties, two different polar extracts (decoction and hydroethanolic) of S. areira fruits and leaves collected in Jujuy (Argentina) were studied. Phenolic compounds and organic acids were determined by HPLC/DAD and HPLC/UV. 17 Phenolics and 9 organic acids were identified. In general way, decoction from leaves and fruits presents a greater richness in these metabolites. The antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-glucosidase and antibacterial activities were checked by in vitro assays. A concentration-dependent activity was noticed against DPPH, superoxide and nitric oxide radicals. Leaves extracts were the most active against all radicals. The same effect was observed in both cholinesterase inhibitory assays. Antibacterial capacity was investigated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, being more effective against the first one. Additionally, alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity was also evaluated, leaves extracts showed great antidiabetic potential. The bioactivities observed may be due, at least partially, to the presence of the metabolite determined in the present study. The results suggest that the extracts may be interesting to use as pharmaceutical incorporations and food additive due to its antiradical, antibacterial and antidiabetic activity. As far as we know, this is the first study assessing these biological activities, phenolics and organic acid composition of S. areira fruits and leaves.