Evaluation of the antioxidant, antiproliferative and antimutagenic potential of araca-boi fruit (Eugenia stipitata Mc Vaugh - Myrtaceae) of the Brazilian Amazon Forest

Eugenia stipitata is a fruit from Amazonia rich in terpene, volatile compounds, fiber, and vitamin C. The fruit is recognized for its high antioxidant activity and has attracted much attention due to their potential health benefits to humans. The total polyphenols, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antimutagenic and antigenotoxic activities of E. stipitata ethanolic extract were investigated. Total polyphenols were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and showed 184.05 +/- 8.25 mg GAE/100 g. The radical scavenging activity was DPPH (IC50) 0.69 +/- 0.23 mu g/mL and TAC-ORAC(FL) 371.98 mu mol.TE/100 g. The extract was evaluated for its ability to inhibit the growth of tumor cell lines and had not complete cystostatic effect against any of the tested cell lines. Antimutagenic and antigenotoxic activities were investigated by micronucleus test and comet assay in mice, respectively. Ethanolic extract of E. stipitata showed higher antimutagenic and antigenotoxic properties at the highest concentration tested (300 mg/kg of body weight). In conclusion, these results suggest that this fruit could be used as a preventive agent against cancer. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.