Sabicea brasiliensis Wernham: Antioxidant Activity, Proliferative Effect and Modulation of Vascular Adenine Nucleotides Metabolism

Aims: Study addressed the antioxidant activity (AA) of Sabicea brasiliensis roots crude extract (CE), ethyl acetate (EAF), and hydro-methanolic (HMF) fractions, and its impact on cell viability and adenine nucleotide hydrolysis in vascular A7r5 cells.

Materials and Methods: AA of CE, EAF and HMF were determined by the inhibition of the DPPH and ABTS radicals. Total phenolic content was evaluated by Folin-Ciocalteau. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay at different concentrations (62.5; 125; 250 and 500 μg·mL-1) of EAF and HMF after 24, 48 and 72 h. Ectonucleotidase activities were evaluated by colorimetric methods after 48 h EAF or HMF treatment.

Results: The highest AA was observed for CE (76%), followed by EAF (46%) and HMF (23%). Phenolic content followed the same pattern. After 48 h, EAF increased A7r5 vascular cells viability by 40%, 40%, 62% and 25% at distinct concentrations, respectively; while HMF augmented it by 50% (500 μg·mL−1). Finally, after 48 h EAF (500 μg·mL−1) decreased about 50% of ATP and ADP metabolism while HMF inhibited 56 and 59% the hydrolysis of NPP substrate (at 125 and 250 μg·mL−1).

Conclusion: Study confirmed the high AA of S. brasiliensis, which influences vascular cells proliferation and purines metabolism, pointing to potential cellular pathways that may support the popular use of this plant.