Identificação de flavonoides da espécie Wissadula periplocifolia (L.) C. Presl (Malvaceae) com potencial leishmanicida

Abstract

The plant Wissadula periplocifolia (L.) C. Presl, popularly known as ‘yellow malva’ or ‘malvavisco’, is a species of the Malvaceae family used popularly to treat snake and bee stings. Recent researches have demonstrated its gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory capacity. The mentioned species has been studied by our research group, and the identification of triterpenes, steroids, amides, phenolic compounds, simple flavonoids, glycosylated and sulfated has been reported. Considering the ethnopharmacological relevance of the species and the diversity of its secondary metabolism, this research aims to continue the phytochemical study and investigate the anti-leishmanial activity of isolated substances from W. periplocifolia. The phytochemical study of the aerial parts was carried out through chromatographic and spectroscopic methods, allowing the identification of two flavonoid compounds: acacetin and 5,8-dihydroxy-7,4’-dimethoxyflavone, previously identified from the species W. periplocifolia. The substances were evaluated for their activity against Leishmania braziliensis, showing promising leishmanicidal activity. Considering the richness and diversity of flavonoids produced by the species, quantification of total flavonoids in the extract was carried out using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. From the quantification of total flavonoids, the value of 12.9870 mg of RE/g of ethanol extract of W. periplocifolia was determined. The data obtained in the present work confirm that the species W. periplocifolia is a great producer of bioactive flavonoids, with potential for the development of drugs with leishmanicidal activity.