Pharmacology and Ethnopharmacology

Biography

Biography: Aline Oliveira da Conceição

Abstract

The Brazilian biodiversity and medicinal plants potential is worldwide known. In the latest years our research group has been studying some of medicinal northeast plants biological potential, giving special attention to Genipa americana L. (Rubiaceae), a fruit tree and a traditional medicine. Popularly known as “Jenipapo” (Brazil) this plant is native from Brazil and Central America. In Brazil is found in the tropical savanna and in several forest formations throughout Brazil, including the northeast area. All aereal parts of Genipa americana are used in traditional medicine besides its usage as liquor during the Saint John’s party and source of ink to tattoo the body. In vitro studies from fruits ethanolic extract presented a significant antiproliferative state related to inhibition and reactivation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in trophoblast-like cells. Antibacterial and antimicotic activity study from fruits, stems, and leaves ethanolic extracts demonstrated a specific antibacterial action against E. coli and Staphylococcus species. Cell viability testes from ethanolic extracts from leaves, fruits, and stems showed low cytotoxicity to Vero cells. Also, this plant showed to be an important source of metabolites against animal herpesvirus. Taking together, G. americana biological activity is promising as scientific proved medicinal plant with low toxicity, encouraging in vivo tests.