Assessment of cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of Hymenaea courbaril L. stem barks extract

Abstract

Cerrado is Brazil’s second largest biome, and its fauna and flora are rich in biodiversity. As a result, many plants are being studied to find new viable drugs. Among the species of interest is Hymenaea courbaril, commonly known as “jatobá”. In this scenario, the extract’s standardization and the execution of in vitro studies are crucial steps before investigating its applicability in human beings. This study aimed to obtain a standardized liquid extract of Hymenaea courbaril stem bark and analyze its phytochemical, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic profiles. The extract proved viable in RAW 264.7 cells and inhibited the bacterial growth of a methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical isolate. After High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) screening, peaks suggestive of catechin and epicatechin were found. In silico analysis of these flavonoids indicated an LD50 of 10000 mg/kg, fulfillment of Lipinski’s criteria, and both were classified as druglike, with a safety level of 6. In conclusion, the standardized liquid extract of Hymenaea courbaril stem bark is non-toxic and rich in catechin and epicatechin. It has antimicrobial action against Staphylococcus aureus, opening up prospects for in vivo studies.