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Cenostigma bracteosum Hydroethanolic Extract: Chemical Profile, Antibacterial Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Gel
Addison R Almeida1, Francisco A S D Pinheiro2,3, Marília G M Fideles3
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal CEP 59072-970, Brazil.
Cenostigma bracteosum, a Caatinga plant, yields an extract with antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This hydroethanolic leaf extract, formulated into stable gels, shows no cytotoxicity, offering potential for skin applications.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Cenostigma bracteosum (catingueira) is a plant native to the Brazilian Caatinga biome, with significant local knowledge but limited formal scientific reporting.
- This study addresses the need for scientific validation of C. bracteosum's potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize a hydroethanolic extract from C. bracteosum leaves.
- To formulate and evaluate carbopol gels containing the C. bracteosum extract.
- To assess the cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of the extract and its gel formulations against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Main Methods:
- Hydroethanolic extraction of C. bracteosum leaves using an ultrasonic bath.
- Phytochemical analysis of the extract via ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS).
- Formulation and characterization (pH, conductivity, spreadability, rheology) of carbopol gels with 1% and 3% extract.
- Cytotoxicity assessment using MTT assay on MC3T3-E1 and L929-CCL1 cell lines.
- Antibacterial activity evaluation using the agar diffusion method.
Main Results:
- The C. bracteosum extract exhibited antibacterial activity against both S. aureus and E. coli.
- No cytotoxicity was observed for the extract at concentrations up to 100 μg/mL against tested cell lines.
- UHPLC-MS/MS analysis identified 18 metabolites, primarily phenolic acids, flavonoid glycosides, and a biflavonoid.
- The carbopol gel formulations demonstrated stability over a 30-day period.
Conclusions:
- The hydroethanolic extract of C. bracteosum leaves possesses significant antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli.
- The extract is non-cytotoxic, supporting its safety for potential topical applications.
- The developed gel formulation is stable and suitable for skin application, highlighting C. bracteosum as a promising source for dermatological agents.
