Caracterização fitoquímica do extrato de Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen e desenvolvimento de unidade de entrega nutracêutica para o tratamento sintomático da síndrome da ardência bucal

Abstract

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic disorder characterized by a burning sensation or pain in the oral mucosa, yet without defined etiology and treatment, and represents a morbid condition that often impairs the quality of life of those affected. Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen has several bioproperties, such as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective activities, which may make it a promising nutraceutical source for the treatment of BMS. This work aimed to analyze the phytochemical profile of A. oleracea extract treated with activated charcoal and to develop a nutraceutical delivery unit for the symptomatic treatment of BMS. The ethanol extract of A. oleracea flowers was obtained by maceration in ethanol at 95° GL (EEB), and treated with 4% active charcoal (EEBT). The EEBT phytochemical profile was analyzed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MSn). The analytical standard was obtained through the isolation of spilanthol, from the EEBT, by High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to a Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) and its structure was confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The quantification of spilanthol in the extracts (EEB and EEBT) was analyzed through the construction of an analytical curve by HPLC-DAD, using the analytical standard and samples. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the interactions of spilanthol and alkylamides identified in the EEBT with the TRPV1 and CB2 target receptors described in the pathogenesis of BMS. The nutraceutical formulation was produced based on gelatine and anticariogenic sweeteners, incorporated with A. oleracea EEBT. A 5.2% yield for EEBT was obtained, and its phytochemical profile revealed the presence of nine alkylamides, especially spilanthol, in addition to the presence of phenolic compounds. EEBT exhibited a significant increase in spilanthol content compared to EEB, from 28.33 mg/g to 117.96 mg/g. Molecular docking pointed to a possible behavior of alkylamides as TRPV1 partial agonists and CB2 agonists, suggesting possible antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. The A. oleracea EEBT presented a phytochemical profile and molecular behavior, which may support the development of a nutraceutical formulation, as a possible alternative for the symptomatic treatment of BMS.