Phytochemical composition and antimicrobial and toxicological activity of Spondias mombin L. (jobo)

Introduction: Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae) is used in folk medicine in the semi-arid region of Brazil against a variety of diseases. Objective: Evaluate the phytochemical profile and biological activity of S. mombin ethanolic extract. Methods: Ethanolic extract was obtained from S. mombin bark by turbo-extraction and subjected to phytochemical analysis by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Microbial susceptibility was evaluated by microdilution and toxicity was determined in Artemia salina nauplius. Results: The extract was found to contain polyphenols (34.60 %) and flavonoids (0.2536 %). It was effective against Staphylococcus aureus (125 µg.ml -1 ) and Escherichia coli (500 µg.ml -1 ) with moderate toxicity (CL 50 = 893.62 μg.ml -1 ). Conclusion: The study plant showed antimicrobial potential against S. aureus and E. coli , though further studies should be conducted to evaluate its toxicity and the possibility of its use to produce new drugs. Key words: plant extracts, antimicrobial activity, toxicity.