Antioxidant Activity and Phytochemical Profile of Spondias tuberosa Arruda Leaves Extracts

Spondias tuberosa Arruda (umbuzeiro), a Brazilian semiarid plant, is a species of great economic, social, and ecological importance. In folk medicine, the leaves have been used in the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, stomach and uterine pains, and constipation. In this study, the antioxidant properties of ethyl acetate and methanol leaves extracts were evaluated in vitro using different methods: free radicals elimination by DPPH and ABTS assays, and transition metal reduction by phosphomolybdenium assay. In addition, a phytochemical study was also carried out. The methanolic leaves extracts showed the strongest antioxidant activity and the higher values for total phenolic and flavonoids. The results showed that S. tuberosa leaves have antioxidant activity and this seems to be related to the phenolic content.