# Phytochemical and Biological Evaluation of Leaves, Stems, and Roots of Schinus weinmanniifolia Mart. Ex Engl

## TL;DR

This study explores the phytochemical and biological properties of Schinus weinmanniifolia, finding it has antioxidant, photoprotective, and antimicrobial effects without harmful side effects.

## Contribution

The study is the first to comprehensively evaluate the bioactive properties of Schinus weinmanniifolia and identify specific compounds like syringic acid and rutin.

## Key findings

- Ethanolic extracts from S. weinmanniifolia showed strong antioxidant activity, outperforming BHT in scavenging radicals.
- The extracts exhibited photoprotective and antimicrobial effects against Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts.
- No hemolytic potential or cytotoxicity was observed in Vero cells at active concentrations.

## Abstract

The genus Schinus L. includes plants used in folk medicine with important pharmacological effects. However, little is known about Schinus weinmanniifolia Mart. ex Engl. This study evaluated the antioxidant, photoprotective, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of its ethanolic extracts and identified bioactive compounds. Phytochemical analysis confirmed saponins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins in leaves, stems, and roots extracts. Syringic acid, epicatechin, and rutin were identified using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector. The leaves extract showed the lowest IC50 in the DPPH method, and all extracts effectively scavenged ABTS radicals, outperforming BHT. All extracts demonstrated sun protection and antimicrobial action against Gram‐positive bacteria and yeasts but lacked antiprotozoal activity. They showed no hemolytic potential or cytotoxicity in Vero cells at active concentrations. These findings highlight S. weinmanniifolia as a promising focus for future investigations aimed at further exploring its bioactive properties.

Ethanolic extracts from leaves, stems, and roots of Schinus weinmanniifolia Mart. ex Engl. were evaluated for phytochemical composition and biological activities. The extracts exhibited antioxidant, photoprotective, and antimicrobial activity, without hemolytic effects or cytotoxicity at active concentrations. Syringic acid, epicatechin, and rutin were identified in the extracts.