Planta Med 2006; 72 - P_128
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-949928

Sustainable use of the Brazilian biodiversity: Chemical and pharmacological prospection on higher plants

V Wagner 1 AR Monteiro Souza Brito 2 et al
  • 1São Paulo State University
  • Instituto de Química de Araraquara. CP 355, CEP 14801–970, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
  • 2Campinas State University – Instituto de Biologia, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil

Our research deals with the investigation of plant species with anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, analgesic, immuno-stimulating, genotoxic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. We have investigated several plant species, like Davilla elliptica, Strychnos pseudoquina and Byrsonima fagifolia. We performed the aforementionated biological assays and then we fractionate the active extracts in order to recognize their chemical composition, using chromatographic and spectrometric techniques. D. elliptica presented activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MIC 62.5 ug/mL); S. pseudoquina presented moderate activity against gastric ulcers, which might be due to the presence of an indole alkaloid whose structure roughly resembles that of omeprezole; B. fagifolia presented significant activity against gastric ulcers. Therefore, Brazilian plants may be used as a potential source for compounds with biological activity. Acknowledgements: Biota-Fapesp Program, CNPq.

Acknowledgements: Biota-Fapesp Program, CNPq