Extratos vegetais de Anemopaegma arvense e Jacaranda decurrens: quantificação de compostos fenólicos, atividade antimicrobiana, atividade antioxidante e aplicação na síntese verde de nanopartículas

Abstract

The biodiversity of the Brazilian Cerrado represents a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential biotechnological applications. Among the native species of this biome, Anemopaegma arvense, popularly known as catuaba, and Jacaranda decurrens, known as carobinha, were selected. Both belong to the Bignoniaceae family and have a history of use in traditional medicine. Furthermore, scientific interest in studying plant extracts as sustainable alternatives in the biosynthesis of nanoparticles has been increasing, as this approach reduces the use of toxic reagents and makes processes more environmentally viable. Crude extracts were obtained from different parts of Anemopaegma arvense (leaves, roots, and fruits) and from the leaves of Jacaranda decurrens through dynamic maceration assisted by ultrasound, aiming to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds. The analysis revealed a significant presence of phenolic compounds in all extracts, with emphasis on the leaves of Jacaranda decurrens, which showed the highest concentration. Among the parts of Anemopaegma arvense, the leaves demonstrated the highest content of these compounds, followed by the roots and, lastly, the fruits. In antioxidant assays, both by the ABTS radical scavenging method and by reducing power, a dose-dependent behavior was observed, with increased activity as extract concentration increased. The leaf extract of Jacaranda decurrens showed the best antioxidant performance, while the leaves and roots of Anemopaegma arvense also demonstrated relevant activity. Regarding antimicrobial activity, no significant results were observed under the evaluated conditions. However, the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles was successfully achieved, demonstrating the ability of the extracts to act as reducing and stabilizing agents. The results highlight the biotechnological value of Cerrado species, especially concerning antioxidant activity and their application in sustainable nanoparticle synthesis processes, in addition to contributing to the scientific knowledge and application of these native plants.