Antioxidant, cytotoxic and antimutagenic activities of 7-epi-clusianone obtained from pericarp of Garcinia brasiliensis

This paper describes the investigation of the cytotoxic and antioxidant activities and in vivo mutagenic/antimutagenic potential of different concentrations of the hexane extract (EHP) and isolated molecule 7-epi-clusianone (MI) of Rheedia brasiliensis. The in vitro antioxidant activity of MI was investigated by monitoring the reduction of radical scavenging and metal chelating activity of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil). Cytotoxic activity was assessed by measuring the mortality of brine shrimp in the presence and absence of the compounds. The mutagenic, antimutagenic and cytotoxic effects of these compounds were evaluated by a micronucleus test. During the antioxidant activity assessment, the 7-epi-clusianone was significantly higher than that of EHP at all concentrations in three assays. From the results obtained with the assessment of cytotoxic activity, all samples had a mortality rate (LC50 < 100 mg/mL) lower than the positive control (thymol). The results of the micronucleus test revealed that MI at 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg b.w. is antimutagenic. In conclusion, these results suggest that in the future, the EHP and MI could be used as prophylactic agents in cancer prevention.

► R. brasiliensis hexane extract (EHP) did not show mutagenic effect in mice. ► R. brasiliensis 7-epi-clusianone demonstrated protection against mutagenic effects. ► 7-epi-clusianone at 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg b.w. is antimutagenic. ► 7-epi-clusianone shown might contribute to an anticarcinogenic effect.