GC/MS Analysis and Bioactive Properties of Extracts Obtained from Clusia Minor L. Leaves

Clusia minor L. is traditionally used to treat many disorders that including pain and inflammation such as sores and warts. Four extracts from the leaves of plant were prepared: hexane (CMH-A), ethyl acetate (CMH-B), methanol (CMH-C) and ethanol (CMH-E) and the pharmacological (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties) and toxicity effects were examined. Previously, the main constituents from CMH-A extract was revealed. Here, we present the GC/MS analysis of CMH-B and CMH-C. Thirty three compounds were identified in the CMH-B extract and twenty seven compounds in the CMH-C. The presence of D-α-tocopherol and lupeol was relevant in both extracts. The only sterols identified were sitosterol and stigmasterol. All of them showed effective radical scavenger properties in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, being CMH-E extract the most promissory (IC50 = 10.25 µg/mL). CMH-A, C and E extracts, administered topically (0.5–4 mg per ear), significant reduced ear edema induced by croton oil at 4 mg per ear, meanwhile CMH-B that was be able to significant reduce the inflammation at the dose of 2 mg per ear. We evaluated also the cytotoxic activity of the extracts against kidney cells (BHK), colon cancer (CT26), endothelial cancer cells (EA.hy926) and breast cancer (4T1). CMH-B extract showed the most cytotoxicity effect, with IC50 values in the range of 32.01-203.5 µg/mL. In addition, no oral acute toxicity after mice exposure to Clusia minor L. extracts was observed. The results suggest Clusia minor L. may be a good potential source of new bioactive agents for developing medicinal agents.