Evaluation of the cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of Caryocar brasiliense supercritical carbon dioxide extract

BACKGROUND: Caryocar brasiliense Camb (Pequi) is a typical Brazilian Cerrado fruit tree. Its fruit is used as a vitamin source for culinary purposes and as a source of oil for the manufacture of cosmetics. C. brasiliense supercritical CO(2) extracts exhibit antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus and also possess antioxidant activity. This study was designed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of the supercritical CO(2) extract obtained from the leaves of this species. METHODS: In vitro cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of C. brasiliense supercritical CO(2) extracts were assessed using a tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (XTT) and Neutral Red methods. RESULTS: We found that the C. brasiliense (Pequi) extract obtained by supercritical CO(2) extraction did not present cytotoxic and phototoxic hazards. CONCLUSIONS: This finding suggests that the extract may be useful for the development of cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical products.