Phytochemical composition and antimicrobial and toxicological activity of Spondias mombin L. (jobo)

Resumen

Introduction: Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae) is used in folk medicine in the semi-arid region of Brazil against a variety of diseases.
Objective: Evaluate the phytochemical profile and biological activity of S. mombin ethanolic extract.
Methods: Ethanolic extract was obtained from S. mombin bark by turbo-extraction and subjected to phytochemical analysis by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Microbial susceptibility was evaluated by microdilution and toxicity was determined in Artemia salina nauplius.
Results: The extract was found to contain polyphenols (34.60 %) and flavonoids (0.2536 %). It was effective against Staphylococcus aureus (125 µg.ml^-1) and Escherichia coli (500 µg.ml^-1) with moderate toxicity (CL₅₀ = 893.62 μg.ml ^-1).
Conclusion: The study plant showed antimicrobial potential against S. aureus and E. coli, though further studies should be conducted to evaluate its toxicity and the possibility of its use to produce new drugs.

Key words: plant extracts, antimicrobial activity, toxicity.