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Dual anti-inflammatory activity of Trichilia emarginata (Meliaceae) and insights from UPLC-HRMS chemical profiling
Rafaela de Lima Moreira1, Albert Katchborian-Neto1,2, Miller Santos Ferreira1
1Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Abstract:
The genus Trichilia (Meliaceae) produces bioactive compounds with insecticidal, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to the limitations of conventional anti-inflammatory drugs, Trichilia emarginata, native to Brazil's Atlantic Forest, offers a promising source of novel phytochemicals. Leaves were extracted and fractionated using chromatographic methods, and chemical profiling was conducted by UPLC-HRMS. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated ex vivo in human whole blood through inhibition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) release. Fractions CHLO and HAL showed significant dual inhibition compared to the control: PGE2 decreased by 48% (CHLO) and 41% (HAL), while LTB4 decreased by 61% and 48%, respectively (ANOVA, Dunnett's test, p < 0.05). Limonoids, triterpenes and steroid derivatives were identified in CHLO and ACT fractions, whereas phenolic compounds, notably chlorogenic acids, predominated in HAL and the crude extract, highlighting T. emarginata as a promising source of anti-inflammatory metabolites.
