Análise fitoquímica e caracterização do óleo essencial de folhas e frutos de Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi

Abstract

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi is a native Brazilian species widely distributed and recognized for the presence of secondary metabolites of biological interest. This study aimed to quantify total phenolic and flavonoid contents, relate them to antioxidant activity, and evaluate the yield and chemical composition of the essential oil extracted from the leaves and fruits of the species. Plant material was collected at the Pontal Campus of the Federal University of Uberlândia, dried, ground, and subjected to phytochemical analysis. Total phenolic compounds were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, total flavonoids by spectrophotometric analysis, and antioxidant activity by the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and chemically characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the leaves presented higher contents of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, as well as greater antioxidant activity when compared to the fruits. In contrast, the fruits exhibited a higher essential oil yield. Chromatographic analysis allowed partial identification of the chemical constituents, with a high percentage of unidentified compounds in both samples, indicating analytical limitations. Differences in the chemical profile of essential oils between leaves and fruits were observed, suggesting the influence of the plant organ and environmental factors. These findings indicate that leaves and fruits of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi differ in phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and essential oil profile.