DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIMICROBIAL PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS BASED ON EXTRACTSOF SPECIES FROM THE GENUS Uncaria.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66104/0gbp9k90Keywords:
Antimicrobial, Phytotherapy, Cat's-clawAbstract
The genus Uncaria, belonging to the Rubiaceae family, has about 60 species, mainly distributed in tropical regions, with many species traditionally used for certain types of infections and as anti-inflammatories, obtained from decoctions of leaves, branches, and roots. This work aimed to chemically characterize the leaf extract of a species of the genus Uncaria, present in the flora of Maranhão, and to develop a topical product based on these leaves, with antimicrobial and antifungal action. Branches of the Uncaria species were found in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, and identified in the Ático Seabra Herbarium – UFMA. The dried and pulverized leaves were subjected to an extraction process of maceration with 70% ethanol, using a hydromodulus of 1:5 (w/v), for 10 days, with frequent extraction, obtaining a 23.1% extract yield. Chemical characterization was performed through phytochemical tests and polyphenol dosage. The formulations mentioned were prepared in cream form at three concentrations, 5%, 10%, and 15%, from the dry hydroalcoholic extract, and were subjected to evaluation of antimicrobial activity against standard strains of the yeast fungus Candida albicans (ATCC 90028), gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218), and a gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), in addition to undergoing preliminary stability tests. Phytochemical screening of the dry extract revealed the presence of phenols, alkaloids, coumarins, saponins, steroids, and flavonoids, as well as a phenol content of 480.9 mg GAE/g. Formulations based on this extract showed good antimicrobial activity, particularly against Candida albicans, and guaranteed stability for 14 days. The 10% concentration cream proved more effective against the tested strains and remained stable at room temperature and in the refrigerator.
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