In silico search of Myrcia tomentosa (Myrtaceae) antineoplastic potential

Abstract

Myrcia tomentosa, popularly known as “guava-brava”, belongs to the Myrtaceae family, widely used in folk medicine to treat various diseases. There already are studies proving the effectiveness of several of its components. However, there are few specific articles on the biological potential of M. tomentosa compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential antineoplastic activity from M. tomentosa. For these, we performed in silico analysis to evaluate pharmacological and toxicological activities, besides the interaction between M. tomentosa molecules with the human targets from redocking analysis. Our results showed that α-cadinol was the highest score molecule between the 11 compounds present in screening analysis. Among its possible actions, antineoplastic activity and interaction with cytochrome P450 19 A1 were found. This cytochrome was related to breast cancer and is the main target of the antineoplastic drugs used in this cancer’s treatment. Therefore, we believe that α-cadinol should be considered in future in vitro and in vivo assays against breast cancer.