Physicochemical characterization of the powder from Eugenia stipitata McVaugh ssp. sororia McVaugh (Myrtaceae) leaf

Abstract

Brazilian biodiversity is recognized as one of the most expressive in the terrestrial biosphere. The Eugenia stipitata plant, known as araçá-boi, belongs to the Myrtaceae family composed of more than 130 genera and 4.000 species of green shrubs and trees throughout the year. However, for the plant to be used in medicinal form, there is a need to establish the parameters for the quality control of plant raw material and dry extract. In this sense, the present work aimed to contribute to the physical and chemical study of E. stipitata leaves. The plant was collected in the municipality of Porto Velho-RO, thus making a desiccant that was deposited in a herbarium. The physical-chemical procedures were performed at the Organic Chemistry Laboratory of the Federal Institute of Science and Technology - IFRO, Campus Porto Velho-RO. Qualitative tests for the identification of the main classes of secondary metabolites were based on specific methodologies of Phytochemistry. Later, the extractive solution of the leaves of E. stipitata passed through the relative density, determining the potential of ionic hydrogen (pH). In addition, total ash and the granulometry of the vegetable raw material were determined. The data obtained indicate the presence of groups of substances normally associated with different biological activities and which may justify the medicinal use of the species. In addition, these groups agree with those observed in other species representing the Myrtaceae family. Therefore, future studies are needed that can contribute to obtain relevant information about the standardization and quality control of the raw material of this species.