Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh hydroalcoholic extract with bioactive compounds, antitumor and photoprotective activity against UVB radiation.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to produce and characterize a hydroalcoholic extract of Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh (Camu-Camu) as well as determine antitumor and photoprotective potential. Data showed that 20 min and 50% ethanol:50% water were the best conditions for extraction in terms of phenolic compounds. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was determined utilizing the DPPH method and obtained an EC₅₀ value of 100.0 ± 3.2 μg/L. The ascorbic acid value detected was 3,504.78 ± 63.5 mg/100 ml using the Balentine method. The MTT cytotoxicity test demonstrated that the extract was not cytotoxic for renal cells of Macaca mulatta (LLC-MK2), but in fact initiated an increase in cell viability to 239.56%. Using the same assay with tumor cells, the extract demonstrated cytotoxic effect for human liver (HuH-7.5) and renal carcinoma (786-0) resulting in a cell viability of 22 and 20%, respectively. Ultraviolet type B radiation induced mortality of LLC-MK2 cells with cytotoxic effect proportional to the concentrations employed; however, the extract of Camu-Camu was able to promote photoprotection, especially in post-treatment with a viability of 38.79% without treatment for 178.8% in the post-treatment. Data demonstrated that the extract of Camu-Camu may be considered an important substance to prevent damage generated by ultraviolet radiation and as an anti-tumor agent.