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Bioassay screening of Amazonian plants
Ricardo O Guerrero1, Sharon M Rivera, Sulay Rivera
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067. rguerrero@rem.upr.edu
Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal
|November 19, 2003
Summary
This study screened Amazonian plant extracts for biological activities, finding Piscidia carthagenensis showed high toxicity and several extracts possessed antioxidant and beta-glucosidase inhibitory properties, with potential for new drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Pharmacognosy
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Traditional medicinal knowledge highlights the potential of Amazonian flora.
- Many plant-derived compounds have led to the development of novel pharmaceuticals.
- Exploring biodiversity is crucial for discovering new therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro biological activities of thirty plant extracts from the North West Amazon (Ecuador).
- To investigate ethnobotanical leads for potential medicinal applications.
- To screen for cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-diabetic/obesity, anti-gout, and antibacterial activities.
Main Methods:
- Brine shrimp lethality examination (BSLT) for general bioactivity and cytotoxicity.
- Colorimetric assay using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) for antioxidant properties.
- In vitro inhibition assays for beta-glucosidase, xanthine oxidase, and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Main Results:
- Piscidia carthagenensis exhibited significant lethality in the BSLT (LC50: 21.81 µg/mL).
- Rhus juglandifolia and Clusia venusta leaves demonstrated potent antioxidant activity (ED50: 3.12 and 3.61 µg/mL, respectively).
- Several extracts, including Piper reticulatum and Inga heteroptera, showed notable beta-glucosidase inhibition; Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive, while Gram-negative bacteria were resistant.
Conclusions:
- Amazonian plant extracts hold significant potential for the discovery of new therapeutic compounds.
- Further investigation is warranted to isolate and identify the active principles from bio-positive plants.
- Continued exploration of tropical plant reserves is essential for pharmaceutical innovation.