Leishmanicidal, Trypanocidal and Antioxidant Activity of Amyrin-Rich Extracts from Eugenia pyriformis Cambess

Aims: This study aimed to characterize and evaluate leishmanicidal and trypanocidal action as well as cytotoxicity on macrophages and antioxidant ability of extracts, obtained by supercritical CO(2) and ultrasound-assisted extractions of Uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis) leaves. Methods: Leaves from E. pyriformis were submitted to supercritical CO(2 )(E1) and ultrasound-assisted (E2) extractions. The characterization of extracts was done using GC-MS and HPLC. L. amazonensis (promastigotes) and T. cruzi (epimastigotes and trypomastigotes) were treated with crescent concentrations of E1 and E2. After this, parasites were counted and the percentage of inhibition and IC(50)/LC(50) was calculated. Murine macrophages were treated with both extracts for 48 h and after that, the cellular viability was determined and CC(50) was calculated. DPPH method was used to determine the antioxidant capacity of both extracts. Results: The results of identification showed a great amount of α and β-amyrin in E1 and E2. Both extracts showed growth inhibition of L. amazonensis with an IC(50) of 5.98 and 9.38 μg/mL to E1 and E2, showing a selectivity index > 30. In trypanocidal tests, an LC(50) of 16.69 and 7.80 μg/mL (trypomastigotes) and IC(50 )of 5.56 and 34.34 μg/mL (epimastigotes) was reached by E1 and E2. Both extracts showed no toxicity to macrophages and an antioxidant capacity similar to the positive control (tocopherol). Conclusions: This is the first study demonstrating the activity of an amyrin rich-extract against microorganisms that cause Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, as well as its antioxidant capacity, justifying further studies for future in-vivo tests.