Preliminary in vitro evaluation of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. leaf and bark extracts as antioxidants

Summary. Caryocar coriaceum Wittm ( C. coriaceum ) has been traditionally used as wound healing and for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. This study was carried out to evaluate in vitro antioxidant activity of the tree leaf and fruit bark extracts from C. coriaceum. The extracts exhibited a similar and significant DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and were effective in reducing and chelating iron. Indeed, the extracts diminished lipid peroxidation ferrous-induced and reactive species overproduction calcium-induced in liver homogenate. The extracts did not modify the levels of superoxide radical in liver mitochondria treated with antimicin A. The extract samples presented significant content of total phenols. Our findings showed that the extracts from species C. coriaceum were strong antioxidants in vitro and point that they might be useful as potent sources of natural bioactive compounds for further in vivo studies. Industrial Relevance. This study demonstrated, for the first time, the in vitro antioxidant action of leaf and bark fruit extracts from species C. Coriaceum . The extracts were able to scavenge free radicals, modulate iron redox state and inhibit lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. In addition to the pharmacological activities already documented toward fruit known as Pequi, the results obtained here highlight leaves and fruit barks as important antioxidant agents and sources of phenolic compounds, characteristics that potentiate the relevance of species C. Coriaceum as functional/nutraceutical food. Keywords : Caryocar coriaceum Wittm; pequi; antioxidant activity; oxidative stress