Richardia brasiliensis Gomes: phytochemical characterization, antiproliferative capacity and in vitro and in vivo toxicity

Richardia brasiliensis, known as poaia branca, is a medicinal species widely distributed throughout Brazil and used in folk medicine. However, studies on its toxicity are practically non-existent, and little is known about its biological activity. This study aimed to investigate its phytochemical compounds, assess its in vitro and in vivo toxicities, and determine its antiproliferative activity. UHPLC-ESI-HRFTMS performed the phytochemical char-acterization, and the antiproliferative activity was analyzed in different tumor cell lines. In vitro toxicity was evaluated in PBMC cells, and in vivo acute and repeated dose toxicity was evaluated according to OECD guidelines. It was identified alkaloids and terpenes as significant compounds. Regarding its antiproliferative activity, the human melanoma strain decreased its viability by about 95%. In vitro toxicity showed that the extracts maintained the viability of PBMCs; however, higher concentrations were able to increase the production of dsDNA quantity. In vivo tests showed no mortality nor signs of toxicity; the alterations found in hematological and biochemical parameters are within the standards for the species. The results indicate that R. brasiliensis has a good effect against the tumor cell line; still, more studies on its toxicity at higher concentrations are needed.

Automated summary

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, in vitro and in vivo toxicities, and antiproliferative activity of Richardia brasiliensis. The study identified alkaloids and terpenes as significant compounds in the plant. The results showed that R. brasiliensis had a good antiproliferative effect against human melanoma cells and exhibited no significant toxicity in in vitro and in vivo tests. Further studies on its toxicity at higher concentrations are needed.