Identification of Flavonoids by LC-MS/MS in Leaves Extract From Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) March and Antioxidant Activity in Mice

Background: Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) March resin is accepted as an analgesic, healing, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and gastroprotective agent. However, there are no specific studies on leaves of this plant. Objective: This study identified the chemical composition and biological activity of crude ethanolic extract (EE) and ethyl acetate (EA) fraction from P. heptaphyllum. Methods: Mice were intoxicated with acetaminophen (PCM; 250 mg kg(-1)), and subsequently treated with EE and EA (100 mg kg(-1)) for 7 days via gavage. Plasma analysis and evaluation of liver and kidney homogenates of the animals were performed. Results: The extract and fraction showed the presence of phenols and flavonoids. Three main flavonoids were identified by HPLC-UV, LC-MS/MS fractionation, quercetin-3-beta-D-glycoside, myricetin and quercetin. For total antioxidant potential tests, EE presented EC50 of 75 mg kg(-1) and 100 mu g mL(-1) for EA. ALT, AST and ALP enzymes activity increased in the PCM-exposed plasma, but EA decreased these activities at control levels for ALT and AST. Animal glycemic levels decreased with EE and EA, which may be due to a possible hypoglycemic effect of the plant. In the liver tissue, SOD was unchanged, CAT, GSH and ASA decreased in the PCM group, but EA was able to reverse these effects. TEARS and PC were reduced by both treatments. In the renal tissue, EA fraction recovered the GST activity, GSH levels were restored by EE and EA and PC was reduced by treatments. Conclusion: This antioxidant effect may be due to the presence of the flavonoids identified, which are already well known for their antioxidant properties.

Automated summary

This study identified the antioxidant properties of crude ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction from Protium heptaphyllum. The presence of flavonoids in the extract and fraction may contribute to their antioxidant effects. Results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction was effective in reversing the effects of acetaminophen intoxication on liver and kidney tissues, and may also have hypoglycemic effects.