Chemical composition, Evaluation of Antiparasitary and Cytotoxic Activity of the essential oil of Psidium brownianum MART EX. DC

Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis are neglected parasitic diseases that constitute a major public health problem. In the search for new therapeutic alternatives for such pathologies, the essential oil of the leaves of Psidium brownianum Mart ex DC was investigated regarding its chemical composition, antiparasitic, and cytotoxic effects. The chemical composition of the oil was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS), showing two major constituents: Isogermafurene (52.93%) and Germacrone (16.02%). In antiparasitic activity, the oil was tested against the epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi, revealing 57.05% inhibition at the highest tested concentration (1000 mu g/mL). In regard to antiparasitic activity against promastigote forms of Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum, it obtained 92.61% and 84.16% inhibition, respectively, at the highest concentrations (1000 mu g/mL). As for the cytotoxic effects, it showed high cytotoxicity, with IC50 = 328.9 mu g/mL. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) obtained the best result for the promastigote forms of L. braziliensis (IC50 = 37.53 mu g/mL), as well as the selectivity index (SI = 8.76). Such results generate perspectives for new research and may contribute to more effective drug discoveries.

Automated summary

The essential oil of Psidium brownianum Mart ex DC showed significant anti-parasitic activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania braziliensis, and Leishmania infantum. However, it also exhibited high cytotoxicity. These findings suggest potential for further research and drug discovery.