Caracterização, toxidade e aspectos funcionais do extrato de Jucá (Libidibia ferrea): atividades anti-inflamatória e antioxidante

Abstract

Functional foods are foods that, in addition to nourishing, promote a positive effect on the health of those who consume them, part of these foods is derived from plants. There are many plant species that have little explored food potential (PANC) and can be used in functional food. Species such as jucá (Libidibia ferrea) are rich in functional compounds of interest such as polyphenols, compounds with recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we evaluated the safety and functional potential of Libidibia ferrea dry extract (ESLF). The extract was physicochemically characterized. Toxicity was investigated in mice, according to methodologies proposed by the OECD. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through the scavenging of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. The anti-inflammatory effect of ESLF or methyl gallate (major active of the plant) was investigated through an in vivo model - paw edema induced by carrageenan (Cg) in mice; and in vitro – human neutrophil and microglial cells. ESLF has 27% polyphenols, including three flavonoids (apigenin, orientin and isoorientin) and two phenolic acids (ellagic acid and methyl gallate), with methyl gallate being the major compound (38.15 μg/mg). The daily dose of ESLF (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) for 28 days did not cause the death of mice or change hematological and biochemical parameters of the blood associated with renal, hepatic and carbohydrate metabolism functions. Except for the reduction in platelet numbers at doses of 30 and 300 mg/kg compared to control after 28 days of daily treatment with ESLF. Histological analysis (ESLF repeated doses) showed an elevation of cell mitoses in liver tissue with increasing dose administered. ESLF showed a scavenging effect on hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Treatment of animals with ESLF (200 mg/kg, v.o.) significantly reduced the volume of Cg-induced paw edema in mice, as well as MPO concentration, TNF-α production, lipid peroxidation, but did not interfere in the levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH). ESLF and methyl gallate were not toxic to neutrophils and microglia, and showed an anti-inflammatory effect, expressed by the reduction of ROS by chemiluminescence, of MPO, NO and/or IL-6 activity. ESLF showed an antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effect comparable or superior to green tea extract (reference antioxidant; phenol content: 15%). ESLF has a higher phenol content than green tea, showed low toxicity and promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. ESLF bioactivity is associated at least in part with the presence of methyl gallate, and is associated with reduced production of ROS, cytokines and accumulation of cells in the inflammatory focus. The ESLF proved to be a potential PANC that could help in the prevention or control of inflammatory diseases with a high social impact, such as neurodegenerative ones.