Estudo químico e avaliação da atividade antimalárica dos galhos de Piranhea trifoliata

The objective of this work was to carry out the chemical study of Piranhea trifoliata (Picrodendraceae) branches and to evaluate their antimalarial potential. Two collections were performed in the State of Para. The material was dried, ground and extracted with dichloromethane (DCM), methanol (MeOH) and water (H2O). The DCM and MeOH extracts were subjected to comparative thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis and showed characteristics mainly of terpenes. From the phytochemical study of the second collection DCM extract, it was isolated: friedelan-3-one and the second collection MeOH extract was isolated: the squalene triterpene, and the mixture of the stigmasterol and β-sitosterol steroids. Regarding antimalarial activity, MeOH extracts and phases were evaluated in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum, and MeOH extracts from the 1st and 2nd collections were considered active (IC50 = 13.7 µg/mL; IC50 = 5.8 µg/mL, respectively). This work contributed to the biological and chemical knowledge of the species Piranhea trifoliata and Picrodendraceae family, this being the first report of biological activities for the species under study.