Volatile compounds of hexane extract from Pterodon pubescens Benth seeds and its significant in vitro potential against different bacterial strains.

Pterodon pubescens Benth is a Brazilian medicinal plant (sucupira, in Brazilian Portuguese). This paper aims to determine the volatile composition and antibacterial activities of hexane extract from P. pubescens seeds (HE-PP). Antibacterial activities were screened by the microdilution broth method in 96-well culture plates and MIC values were expressed as µg/mL. HE-PP was active against several oral bacteria whose MIC values ranged between 12.5 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL and against three mycobacterial strains (MIC = 125 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL). In addition, HE-PP was active against Xanthomonas citri strain (MIC = 100 µg/mL). Cytotoxic activity of the extract was evaluated in human tumour and non-tumour cell lines. HE-PP showed selective cytotoxicity to cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa cells - IC50 = 53.47 µg/mL). Its major constituents were identified by GC-MS and GC-FID: E-caryophyllene, vouacapane, E-geranylgeraniol and dehydroabietol. Results reinforce the biological potential of HE-PP against a broad spectrum of pathogenic and phytopathogenic bacteria.

The Potential of Vouacapanes from Pterodon emarginatus Vogel Against COVID-19 Cytokine Storm.

Purpose: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the search for potential therapeutic responses for various aspects of this disease. Fruits of Pterodon emarginatus Vogel (Fabaceae), sucupira, have been used in Brazilian traditional medicine because of their anti-inflammatory properties, which have been proven in vivo, in vitro, and in silico. Therefore, the aim of this work is to evaluate P. emarginatus oleoresin and isolated diterpenes by in vitro anti-inflammatory models. Methods: In this study, the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of P. emarginatus oleoresin and vouacapanes 6α,19ß-diacetoxy-7ß,14ß-dihydroxyvouacapan (V1), 6α-acetoxy-7ß,14ß-dihydroxyvouacapan (V2), and methyl 6α-acetoxy-7ß-hydroxyvouacapan-17ß-oate (V3) were investigated in HaCaT cells. Results: Oleoresin, V2, and V3 inhibited phospholipase A2 (30.78%, 24.96%, and 77.64%, respectively). Both vouacapanes also inhibited the expression of COX-2 (28.3% and 33.17%, respectively). The production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) was inhibited by oleoresin by 35.47%. However, oleoresin did not interfere with Nrf-2 expression or IL-8 production. Conclusion: The results support the ethnomedicinal use of P. emarginatus oleoresin as an anti-inflammatory herbal medicine, and also highlight P. emarginatus oleoresin and isolated vouacapanes as an attractive therapeutic approach for COVID-19 through the reduction or chronological control of the inflammatory mediators IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), phospholipase A2, and INF-y (indirectly) during the SARS-CoV-2 infection process.

Associations between Integument Color and Physical and Physiological Quality in Pterodon pubescens Seeds.

Pterodon pubescens is a native Brazilian species typical of the cerrado biome, belonging to the Leguminosae-Papilionoideae (Fabaceae) family and popularly known as sucupira branca or faveiro. Its seeds exhibit different integument colors, which may exhibit a direct association to physiological quality related to higher germination percentage rates, vigor, and germination speed index (GSI). Therefore, selection and evaluation methods concerning P. pubescens seed quality are required for the preservation of this species. In this context, the aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between P. pubescens seed integument color and seed quality, through a combination of radiographic imaging and physiological, histochemical and biochemical assays. P. pubescens seeds were obtained from five matrices, and visually classified into four color classes, yellow, light brown, dark brown and black. The coordinates "L", "a" and "b", indicated by the colorimeter and the calculations of the chroma and hue angle values, verified that there was a difference in the color of the seeds, eliminating the subjectivity of the visual classification. Thus, the clearer the integuments, the greater their density, filling and α-amylase and ß-amylase hydrolytic enzyme activities, the latter comprising important germination power indicators, in addition to high ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme activities, responsible for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) elimination. Because of this, lighter colored seeds led to higher vigor, germination and GSI rates. The removal of darker seeds from P. pubescens seed lots guarantees higher germination rates and vigor of new plants in nurseries destined to recompose P. pubescens populations.

The Gender Gap in Brazilian Entomology: an Analysis of the Academic Scenario.

Although women are about half of world's population, they are underrepresented in many sectors including academia and the research scenario in general. Gender gap in Entomology has been pointed out in other publications; however, data for Brazil has never been demonstrated. Here we provide a diagnosis for the Brazilian Entomology scenario in order to contribute to propositions towards disentangling the gender gap in general. We analyzed scientometric data for Brazilian Entomology focusing on gender disparity and on personal perceptions related to the gender gap through an online questionnaire. We detected a pervasive gender bias in which the scissor-shaped curve is the most representative effect of it: women were the majority in lower degree stages but the minority in higher degree stages (permanent positions and positions of prestige and power). We also observed mentorship bias and discussed these results in light of intersectionality and the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender differences were perceived differently by the questionnaire respondents considering age, gender, and parenting. With this data and analyses, we have provided elements to stimulate and support change to a healthier and more equitable academic space.

Sucupira Oil-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC): Lipid Screening, Factorial Design, Release Profile, and Cytotoxicity.

Essential oils are odorant liquid oily products consisting of a complex mixture of volatile compounds obtained from a plant raw material. They have been increasingly proven to act as potential natural agents in the treatment of several human conditions, including diabetes mellitus (DM). DM is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia closely related to carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism disturbances. In order to explore novel approaches for the management of DM our group proposes the encapsulation of sucupira essential oil, obtained from the fruits of the Brazilian plants of the genus Pterodon, in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), a second generation of lipid nanoparticles which act as new controlled drug delivery system (DDS). Encapsulation was performed by hot high-pressure homogenization (HPH) technique and the samples were then analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) for mean average size and polydispersity index (PI) and by electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) for zeta potential (ZP), immediately after production and after 24 h of storage at 4 °C. An optimal sucupira-loaded NLC was found to consist of 0.5% (m/V) sucupira oil, 4.5% (m/V) of Kollivax® GMS II and 1.425% (m/V) of TPGS (formulation no. 6) characterized by a mean particle size ranging from 148.1 ± 0.9815 nm (0 h) to 159.3 ± 9.539 nm (at 24 h), a PI from 0.274 ± 0.029 (0 h) to 0.305 ± 0.028 (24 h) and a ZP from -0.00236 ± 0.147 mV (at 0 h) to 0.125 ± 0.162 (at 24 h). The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were 99.98% and 9.6%, respectively. The optimized formulation followed a modified release profile fitting the first order kinetics, over a period of 8 h. In vitro cytotoxicity studies were performed against Caco-2 cell lines, for which the cell viability above 90% confirmed the non-cytotoxic profile of both blank and sucupira oil-loaded NLC.

Protective effect of sucupira oil nanoemulsion against oxidative stress in UVA-irradiated HaCaT cells.

OBJECTIVES: Bioactive molecules derived from natural products combine the ability to absorb UV light and act as antioxidants. We developed an oil-based sucupira (native species of the Brazilian cerrado) nanoemulsion (NE) using a high-energy emulsification method and assessed its effectiveness in vitro. METHODS: An easily scalable high-pressure homogenization method was used to prepare the formulation. NE droplets mean diameter, pH, stability, conductivity and morphology were analysed. Formulation bioactivity was assessed using HaCaT cells. KEY FINDINGS: The formulation presented suitable pH and size for topic administration and was stable for over 90 days upon storage at 4, 25 and 45°C. The NE showed protective effect against oxidative stress and reduced levels of UVA-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. CONCLUSIONS: A novel, stable and easily prepared formulation was obtained for encapsulation of sucupira oil. The protective effect of the formulation by cytokine inhibition in the early stage of the inflammatory process was shown in vitro. Combined with the antioxidant effect by inhibition of reactive oxygen species, the use of sucupira oil NE for prevention and treatment of UVA-induced stress could contribute to decrease the effects of UV radiation on skin ageing.

Inhibitory Effects of Pterodon emarginatus Bean Oil and Extract on Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: Pterodon emarginatus is a tree of the Brazilian Savannah. The beans of this tree are used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory preparations, especially for infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria can cause simple infections or serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, septicemia, and others. OBJECTIVE: This study had the goal of verifying the effect of the essential oil (OE) from P. emarginatus on the inhibition of S. aureus in culture medium, i.e., " in vitro" tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The vegetable material was cut and crushed with a press. The OE was obtained by extraction using hexane, alcohol, and water. The P. emarginatus extracts obtained were used to evaluate the antimicrobial effect on S. aureus (ATCC 25923) by tests of well diffusion, disc diffusion, and microdilution. The strain used in the assays was maintained in brain heart infusion broth and nutrient agar until testing. Afterward, the bacteria were spread on agar plates with Mueller-Hinton agar medium. In the wells and on the paper discs, the OE suspensions were placed in the following volumes: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 80 µL and subsequently they were incubated at 35°C ± 2°C. After 24 h, the number of colony-forming unit was determined. RESULTS: Pure OE and hydroalcoholic extract inhibited the growth of S. aureus, while aqueous extract had no effect on bacterial growth in all microbial methods used. CONCLUSION: Thus, the present study showed the potential of sucupira-based extracts against S. aureus growth, opening new perspectives for the evaluation of these bioactive compounds as phytopharmaceutical products. SUMMARY: Plant extract act as antimicrobials to prevent and reduce bacterial contaminationBeans of Pterodon emarginatus has antibacterial propertiesExtraction with different solvents might implicate on the rate of bacterial deathThe effect of different microbiological methods (well diffusion, disc diffusion and microdilution) was evaluated on reducing CFUThe results showed by MBC that concentrations superior to 10% (v/v) using AC and 7.5% (v/v) using OE were necessary to eliminate colonies formedAccording to data of MIC, at 2.5% of AC and OE was enough to kill S. aureusThe well diffusion technique demonstrated better performance than disc diffusion test for OE and AC extractsHydroalcoholic and oil extracts of sucupira beans had highest effect against Staphylococcus aureusAqueous extract had no effect on bacterial growth in all microbial methods testedThe sucupira-based extracts is a promising source as herbal drug due to therapeutic value Abbreviations Used: OE: Essencial oil; AC: Hydroalcoholic oil extract; AQ: Aqueous extracts; MIC: Minimum inhibitory concentration; MBC: Minimum bactericidal concentration; CFU: Colony formed unit.

Vouacapane diterpenoids isolated from Pterodon and their biological activities

Abstract The Pterodon genus comprises two native species in Brazil, known as "sucupira-branca" or "faveira". Their fruits have long been used in Brazilian natural medicine, mainly for the treatment of infections and inflammations. The pharmacological properties of these fruits have often been linked with vouacapane diterpenoids. This review evaluated the scientific research in the period from 1973 to February 2017, aiming to answer how difficult it still is to develop a scientifically supported product based on Pterodon vouacapanes. Therefore, this paper reviews purification, identification, and quantification methods applied to vouacapane diterpenoids from Pterodon, as well as the performance of these phytochemicals in pharmacological tests described in the literature. Data analysis results support conventional notions that suggest vouacapane diterpenoids from Pterodon have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the studies carried out so far still represent partial assessment of the vouacapane activities and further studies need to be completed. Pterodon diterpenoids have also been associated with larvicidal, leishmanicidal, cardiovascular, and antitumor activities, which reinforces the genus' potential as a source of phytomedicines. Some remaining gaps about the reviewed activities were mentioned, while trends and perspectives for future research were proposed.

Utilization of dynamic light scattering to evaluate Pterodon emarginatus oleoresin-based nanoemulsion formation by non-heating and solvent-free method

Abstract Pterodon emarginatus Vogel, Fabaceae, is a great source of bioactive compounds. The most known and studied herbal derivative from this species is an ambar-colored oleoresin that contains vouacapane diterpenes and volatile terpenoids, such as β-caryophyllene. Some recent papers aimed to generate nanoemulsions using this oleoresin for biological applications. However, they used high-energy methods that elevate costs of the process or heating procedures, which offer the disadvantage of possible volatile substances loss. Thus, as part of our ongoing studies with nanobiotechnology of natural products, especially regarding preparation of nanoemulsions with promising plant-based oils by low cost and low energy methods, we decided to evaluate the ability of non-heating and solvent-free method to generate P. emarginatus oleoresin-based nanoemulsions. Two non-ionic surfactants were used to generate the nanoemulsions by a simple homogenization method with vortex stirrer. Low mean droplet size (<180 nm) and low polydispersity index (<0.200) were observed even after one day of preparation. The low coefficient of variation for the analyzed parameters of different batches and similar profile for droplet size distribution suggested reproducibility of the method. After 30 days, some degree of droplet growth was observed on nanoemulsion prepared with polyethyleneglycol 400 monooleate, while almost no alteration was observed for nanoemulsion prepared with polysorbate 85. Programmed temperature ramp analysis revealed that no major effects on droplet size and polydispersity index were observed, suggesting the robustness of formed nanoemulsions. Thus, the present study shows for the first time the formation of sucupira-based nanoemulsions by a simple, low cost and ecofriendly method. This study opens new perspectives for bioactive evaluation of this novel nano-product.

Pterodon pubescens oil nanoemulsions: physiochemical and microbiological characterization and in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy studies

Abstract Pterodon pubescens (Benth.) Benth., Fabaceae, fruits have been investigated for their anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, and have demonstrated effectiveness in inflammatory conditions. A physiochemical and microbiological stability study was conducted to investigate two nanoemulsion-based delivery systems of two different hydrophilic surfactants (polyethylene glycol-40H castor oil or polyethylene glycol-40 castor oil). The nanoemulsions, containing P. pubescens oil, lecithin, hydrophilic surfactant and water, were analyzed for droplet size distribution, polydispersity index, pH, consistency index, stability against centrifugal force, and active content/vouacapan derivatives. The physicochemical characteristics were followed for 365 days. The nanoemulsion system was evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by using with a peritonitis model, immediately after preparation and after 365 days of storage at 25 °C. The stability study demonstrated that proper storage (25 °C) preserved the characteristics of the nanoemulsion containing 7.5% polyethylene glycol-40H castor oil, 5% lecithin, and 5% P. pubescens oil. Further, it ensured a shelf life of 365 days as a phytotherapeutic formulation. In the peritonitis assay induced by carrageenan, nanoemulsion prepared with polyethylene glycol-40H castor oil (125 mg/kg) reduced leukocyte migration, even after 365 days of storage (25 °C), highlighting its potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, further studies are needed to confirm its clinical effectiveness.

Pterodon emarginatus oleoresin-based nanoemulsion as a promising tool for Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) control.

BACKGROUND: Preparation of nanoformulations using natural products as bioactive substances is considered very promising for innovative larvicidal agents. On this context, oil in water nanoemulsions develop a main role, since they satisfactorily disperse poor-water soluble substances, such as herbal oils, in aqueous media. Pterodon emarginatus, popularly known as sucupira, has a promising bioactive oleoresin. However, to our knowledge, no previous studies were carried out to evaluate its potential against Culex quinquefasciatus, the main vector of the tropical neglected disease called lymphatic filariasis or elephantiasis. Thus, we aimed to investigate influence of different pairs of surfactants in nanoemulsion formation and investigate if a sucupira oleoresin-based nanoemulsion has promising larvicidal activity against this C. quinquefasciatus. We also evaluated morphological alteration, possible mechanism of insecticidal action and ecotoxicity of the nanoemulsion against a non-target organism. RESULTS: Among the different pairs of surfactants that were tested, nanoemulsions obtained with polysorbate 80/sorbitan monooleate and polysorbate 80/sorbitan trioleate presented smallest mean droplet size just afterwards preparation, respectively 151.0 ± 2.252 and 160.7 ± 1.493 nm. They presented high negative zeta potential values, low polydispersity index (<0.300) and did not present great alteration in mean droplet size and polydispersity index after 1 day of preparation. Overall, nanoemulsion prepared with polysorbate 80/sorbitan monooleate was considered more stable and was chosen for biological assays. It presented low LC50 value against larvae (34.75; 7.31-51.86 mg/L) after 48 h of treatment and some morphological alteration was observed. The nanoemulsion did not inhibit acetylcholinesterase of C. quinquefasciatus larvae. It was not toxic to green algae Chlorella vulgaris at low concentration (25 mg/L). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that optimal nanoemulsions may be prepared with different surfactants using a low cost and low energy simple method. Moreover, this prototype proved to be effective against C. quinquefasciatus, being considered an ecofriendly novel nanoproduct that can be useful in integrated control programs of vector control.

Preparation and characterization of microcapsules of Pterodon pubescens Benth. by using natural polymers

An oleaginous fraction obtained from an alcohol extract of the fruit of Pterodon pubescens Benth. (FHPp) was microencapsulated in polymeric systems. These systems were developed using a complex coacervation method and consisted of alginate/medium-molecular-weight chitosan (F1-MC), alginate/chitosan with greater than 75% deacetylation (F2-MC), and alginate/low-molecular-weight chitosan (F3-MC). These developed systems have the potential to both mask the taste of the extract, and to protect its constituents against possible chemical degradation. The influence of the formulation parameters and process were determined by chemical profiling and measurement of the microencapsulation efficiency of the oleaginous fraction, and by assessment of microcapsule morphology. The obtained formulations were slightly yellow, odorless, and had a pleasant taste. The average diameters of the microcapsules were 0.4679 µm (F2-MC), 0.5885 µm (F3-MC), and 0.9033 µm (F1-MC). The best formulation was F3-MC, with FHPp microencapsulation efficiency of 61.01 ± 2.00% and an in vitro release profile of 75.88 ± 0.45%; the content of vouacapans 3-4 was 99.49 ± 2.80%. The best model to describe the release kinetics for F1-MC and F3-MC was that proposed by Higuchi; however, F2-MC release displayed first-order kinetics; the release mechanism was of the supercase II type for all formulations.

Uma fração oleaginosa obtida do extrato etanólico de frutos de Pterodon pubescens Benth (FHPp) foi microencapsulada em um sistema polimérico. Estes sistemas foram desenvolvidos utilizando o método de coacervação complexa, constituído de alginato/quitosana massa molecular média (F1-MC), alginato/quitosana com desacetilação superior a 75% (F2-MC) e alginato/quitosana de massa molecular baixa (F3-MC). Estes sistemas desenvolvidos têm o potencial tanto de mascarar o sabor do extrato, quanto de protegê-lo de possível degradação química. A influência dos parâmetros de formulação e processo foram determinadas por caracterização química, determinação da eficiência de microencapsulação da fração oleaginosa e por avaliação morfológica da microcápsula. As formulações mostraram-se ligeiramente amareladas, inodoras e com sabor agradável. Os diâmetros médios das microcápsulas foram de 0,4679 µm (F2-MC), 0,5885 µm (F3-MC) e 0,9033 µm (F1-MC). A melhor formulação foi F3-MC, considerando-se que apresentou eficiência de encapsulação de 61,01 ± 2,00%, e perfil de liberação in vitro de 75,88 ± 0,45%; o conteúdo dos vouacapanos 3-4 foi 99,49 ± 2,80%. O melhor modelo para descrever a cinética de liberação foi o modelo proposto por Higuchi para F1-MC e F3-MC, entretanto, para F2-MC foi o modelo de primeira ordem, e o mecanismo de liberação foi do tipo super caso II para todas as formulações.

Intoxicação espontânea por Pterodon emarginatus (Fabaceae) em bovinos no estado de Goiás / Spontaneous poisoning of cattle by Pterodon emarginatus (Fabaceae) in Goiás, Brazil

Descreve-se um surto de intoxicação por Pterodon emarginatus em bovinos no Estado de Goiás. De um lote de 84 bovinos que comeram avidamente folhas e os frutos da planta após a queda acidental de uma árvore, todos os animais adoeceram e sete morreram. Os sinais clínicos observados foram eriçamento dos pelos, retração do flanco, apatia profunda, prostração, tremores musculares, ressecamento do focinho, tenesmo, incoordenação, relutância em movimentar-se e decúbito esternal prolongado. As atividades séricas de AST, ALT e GGT e os teores de bilirrubina estavam acentuadamente elevados. As principais alterações macroscópicas consistiam de hepatomegalia e áreas multifocais de necrose no fígado, além de hemorragias no coração, pleura parietal, mesentério, omento, serosa do rúmen, baço, pulmão, subcutâneo e musculatura esquelética intercostal e torácica. Microscopicamente, observou-se degeneração e necrose hepatocelular massiva moderada a acentuada, hiperplasia biliar multifocal moderada e bilestase multifocal leve. Adicionalmente, notou-se degeneração vacuolar multifocal moderada nos túbulos contorcidos dos rins.

An outbreak of poisoning by Pterodon emarginatus in cattle in Goiás, Brazil, is described. Eighty four cattle that accidentally consumed the leaves and fruits from a P. emarginatus tree, fallen in a storm, were affected and seven died. Clinical signs included piloerection, flank retraction, marked apathy, prostration, muscle tremors, muzzle dryness, tenesmus, incoordination, reluctance to move, and prolonged sternal recumbency. AST, ALT, and GGT serum activity, and bilirubin levels were markedly increased. Gross lesions included hepatomegaly, multifocal areas of necrosis in the liver, and hemorrhages in the heart, parietal pleura, mesentery, omentum, ruminal serosa, spleen, lung, subcutaneous tissue, and thoracic and intercostal skeletal muscles. Histologically, moderate to severe, massive hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis with moderate bile duct hyperplasia and mild bile stasis were observed. In addition, moderate multifocal vacuolar degeneration in the convoluted renal tubular cells was noted.

Pharmaceutical properties of 'sucupira' (Pterodon spp. ) / Propriedades farmacêuticas de "sucupira" (Pterodon spp. )

The plant of the genus Pterodon (Fabaceae, Leguminosae), commonly known as 'sucupira' or 'faveira', are disseminated throughout the central region of Brazil and has frequently been used in popular medicine for its anti-rheumatic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In recent years, interest in these plants has increased considerably. The biological effects of different phytoextracts and pure metabolites have been investigated in several experimental models in vivo and in vitro. The literature describes flavonoids, triterpene and steroids, while one paper presented studies with proteins isolated from the genus. This review provides an overview of phytochemical and pharmacological research in Pterodon, showing the main chemical compounds studied to date, and focusing on the relationship between these molecules and their biological activity. Furthermore, this study paves the way for more in-depth investigation, isolation and characterization of the molecules of this plant genus.

As plantas do gênero Pterodon (Fabaceae/Leguminosae), conhecidas popularmente como "sucupira branca" ou "faveira", encontram-se distribuídas pela região central do Brasil e são frequentemente utilizadas na medicina popular por suas propriedades antirreumáticas, analgésicas e antiinflamatórias. Nos últimos anos, o interesse por estas plantas tem aumentado consideravelmente. Os efeitos biológicos dos diferentes fitoextratos e metabólitos puros têm sido investigados em vários modelos experimentais in vivo e in vitro. A literatura descreve flavonóides, triterpenos, esteróides e apenas um trabalho mostra estudos com proteínas isoladas do gênero. Esta revisão apresenta de maneira geral as investigações farmacológicas e fitoquímicas de Pterodon, mostrando os principais compostos já estudados, sua composição química, focando na relação entre estas moléculas e sua atividade biológica. Mais ainda, nós abrimos as portas para maior investigação, isolamento e caracterização de moléculas deste gênero de plantas.

Composição química, atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial e ocorrência de esteróides nas folhas de Pterodon emarginatus Vogel, Fabaceae / Chemical composition, antimicrobial activity of essential oil and the occurrence of steroids in the leaves of Pterodon emarginatus Vogel, Fabaceae

Pterodon emarginatus Vogel, Fabaceae, conhecida popularmente como sucupira-branca, é uma espécie arbórea que possui interesse como planta medicinal e fonte de madeira. Vários estudos com o óleo e extratos dos seus frutos demonstraram atividades cercaricida, antimicrobiana e antiinflamatória. Tendo em vista a importância de P. emarginatus como planta medicinal o presente trabalho analisou a composição química, a atividade antifúngica e antibacteriana do óleo essencial de suas folhas, isolou e identificou compostos do extrato etanólico bruto das folhas. A análise do óleo essencial das folhas permitiu a identificação de 9 hidrocarbonetos sesquiterpênicos, sendo os majoritários o γ-muuroleno (48,79 por cento) e o biciclogermacreno (22,66 por cento). O óleo essencial apresentou atividade frente a bactérias Gram-positivas, sendo inativo sobre isolados clínicos de Candida. O estudo fitoquímico do extrato etanólico das folhas permitiu o isolamento da mistura dos esteróides estigmasterol e β-sitosterol. Todos os resultados obtidos contribuem para a ampliação de informações sobre essa planta amplamente utilizada pela população.

Pterodon emarginatus Vogel, Fabaceae, known as "sucupira-branca", is a tree specie with interest as medicinal plant and source of wood. Several studies with the oil and fruit's extracts have been showed cercaricid, antimicrobial and antiinflamatory activities. The importance of P. emarginatus conducted the present study to realize evaluated antifungal and antibacterial activity of essential oil of their leaves, and isolated some compounds of ethanolic extract of the leaves. The analysis of the essential oil from leaves allowed the identification of nine sesquiterpenics hydrocarbons, with the majority γ-muurolene (48.79 percent) and biciclogermacrene (22.66 percent). The essential oil showed activity against the Gram-positive bacteria, and inactive on clinical isolates of Candida. The phytochemical study of the ethanol extract of the leaves allowed the isolation of the mixture of stigmasterol and β-sitosterol steroids. All results contribute to the expansion of information about this plant widely used by the population.