Análise de risco toxicológico dos extratos de folha e raiz de Clitoria Guianensis (AUBL.) Benth var. Guianensis: contribuições para a medicina tradicional

Abstract

Clitoria guianensis (Aubl.) Benth var. guianensis is used for wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and sexual stimulant purposes, as indicated by regional ethnobotanical studies. Its use predominates in the central-southern region of the State of Tocantins and the northern region of the State of Goiás. Belonging to the phylum Tracheophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Fabales, family Fabaceae, genus Clitoria, species Clitoria guianensis, it is a plant frequently employed by riverside, quilombola, and indigenous communities, although its efficacy, dosage, and potential side effects lack scientific support. The collected plant materials were divided by plant parts, weighed fresh (278g of root and 640g of leaves) and dry (240g of root and 630g of leaves), followed by grinding in a mill. 100g of dry root extract and 100g of leaves were selected to proceed to the ethanolization stage, using the maceration method with 99.5% alcohol, 900ml for the root and 900ml for the leaf. Rotavaporation was performed, resulting in 620ml of concentrated root extract and 725ml of leaves. The next step consisted of lyophilization at 40°C and a vacuum of 1,300 mmHg, resulting in lyophilized powder, with 25g for leaves and 7.5g for root, to carry out the proposed tests. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) tests were carried out with the bacteria Escherichia coli (Gram- negative), Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), and the fungus Candida albicans. Toxicity tests were performed with lettuce sprouts and the crustacean Artemia salina, in addition to the osmotic fragility test with human erythrocytes. Microorganisms were cultured in specific media. The MIC results suggest no significant inhibitory activity against the bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and the fungus Candida albicans, even at high concentrations of leaf and root extracts. In the bioassay with Lactuca sativa, the potential effects of Clitoria guianensis extracts on root growth and development were evaluated. Although the results are not yet available, this method provides valuable information about the impacts of the tested substances on plant development, fundamental for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental and human health protection. Regarding the toxicity profile to Artemia salina, the tests demonstrated an extremely high LC50, suggesting low toxicity of the diluted extracts. Concerning the osmotic fragility evaluation, a similarity in the stability pattern of the erythrocytes was observed, even at different extract concentrations. In summary, this study suggests that, despite the traditional use of Clitoria guianensis for various therapeutic purposes, the plant extracts showed little antimicrobial activity and low toxicity in experimental models. The results indicate the need for further research to clarify the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of Clitoria guianensis, validating its traditional applications and promoting sustainable practices in agriculture and health.