Essential Oil From the Wood of Clarissa racemosa: Chemical Characterization, In Vitro Evaluation of Biological Activities, a Promising Phytopharmaceutical.

Abstract

This study characterized the essential oil from Clarisia racemosa wood and assessed its biological properties. The extraction yield was 0.41 ± 0.01% (w/w), with GC-MS analysis identifying 35 components dominated by piperitone (41.28%), [E]-ethyl cinnamate (15.09%), and camphor (14.56%). In silico analyses predicted good pharmaceutical properties, including high intestinal absorption (> 90%). Antioxidant tests revealed low radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ > 700 µg/mL). The oil exhibited low cytotoxicity in mammalian cells (IC₅₀ ≥ 437 µg/mL) and minimal hemolysis (< 5%). It demonstrated significant antiparasitic activity against Leishmania amazonensis (IC₅₀ = 85-97 µg/mL) and Trypanosoma cruzi (IC₅₀ = 75-93 µg/mL), moderate effects against Plasmodium falciparum, and schistosomicidal activity against Schistosoma mansoni, showing favorable selectivity (up to 11.7). Antimicrobial effects were limited. Immunologically, the oil mildly modulated immune responses, increasing IL-4 and IL-10, reducing nitric oxide, and moderately raising ROS and mitochondrial potential. Thus, C. racemosa oil is a promising multi-target candidate with antiparasitic, immunomodulatory properties, and low toxicity, promoting sustainable utilization within Amazonian bioeconomy strategies.