Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Hen-riettea succosa (Aubl.) DC. leaves

Abstract

Henriettea succosa is a tree species consumed in abundance by birds, however, there is no report on its phytochemical profile and biological activity. This study performed the phytochemical screening and the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of H. succosa leaves. The hexane (Hex), ethyl acetate (AcOEt) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of the leaves were evaluated for chemical composition by Thin Layer Chromatography and spectrophotometric analysis; the antimicrobial activity was determined by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Microbicide Concentration (MMC); antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, determination of the reducing power and the phosphomolybdenum complex reduction assay. The photoprotor action of the extracts was also evaluated. The results showed a higher content of phenolic compounds (444.08 ± 0.020 mg EAG/g) and tannins (414.37 ± 0.16 mg EAG/g) in the MeOH extract, which was effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia marcescens, with MIC of 1 mg/ ml and CMM of 2 mg/ml. The MIC and MMC of AcOEt for Micrococcus luteus was 1 mg/mL, this was also considered the minimum concentration necessary for the Hex extract to act on the S. aureus strain. The MeOH extract showed greater antioxidant activity by the DPPH (79.09%) and reducing power (327.2 ± 0.00 mg EAA/g) methods, while the AcOEt extract showed greater activity by the phosphomolybdenum method (40.5%). However, none of the extracts showed a photoprotective effect against UV radiation. In summary, this study revealed that the leaves of H. succosa have secondary metabolites with bactericidal potential, in addition to antioxidant action.