Leishmanicidal, Trypanocidal and Antioxidant Activity of Amyrin-Rich Extracts from Cambess.

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 CO and ultrasound-assisted extractions of Uvaia () leaves.

Methods: Leaves from were submitted to supercritical CO (E1) and ultrasound-assisted (E2) extractions. The characterization of extracts was done using GC-MS and HPLC. (promastigotes) and (epimastigotes and trypomastigotes) were treated with crescent concentrations of E1 and E2. After this, parasites were counted and the percentage of inhibition and IC/LC was calculated. Murine macrophages were treated with both extracts for 48 h and after that, the cellular viability was determined and CC 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 with an IC of 5.98 and 9.38 μg/mL to E1 and E2, showing a selectivity index > 30. In trypanocidal tests, an LC of 16.69 and 7.80 μg/mL (trypomastigotes) and IC 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 tests.