# Functional Evaluation, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Haemolytic Capacity of Calathea lutea (Bijao) and Calathea inocephala (Shutupipanga) Leaves

## TL;DR

This study evaluates the health benefits of two Amazonian plant leaves, finding they have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm properties.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the biotechnological potential of Calathea lutea and Calathea inocephala leaves for sustainable use.

## Key findings

- C. lutea has high iron, vitamin C, and tartaric acid content.
- C. inocephala contains significant lutein and pheophytin b.
- Extracts inhibit multidrug resistance and biofilm formation in bacteria.

## Abstract

Amazonian communities traditionally use plant leaves to wrap food; however, there is little information available on the species and their health benefits. This study aimed to characterise the physicochemical properties of the samples, including pH, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, moisture content, ash, and mineral composition determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Major bioactive compounds, including vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, chlorophylls and derivatives, and phenolic compounds, were determined by liquid chromatography. The antioxidant potential was examined using ABTS and DPPH, antimicrobials (bacteria and fungi), biofilm inhibition (bacteria), and the haemolytic activity of Calathea lutea and Calathea inocephala leaves was evaluated. C. lutea showed high iron (2930.0 mg/100 g DW), vitamin C (4.6 mg/100 g DW), and tartaric acid (722.3 mg/100 g DW). C. inocephala showed high lutein (83.5 mg/100 g DW) and pheophytin b (177.5 mg/100 g DW). Major phenolics included caffeic acid (16,996.3 mg/100 g DW). Extracts at 1 mg/mL inhibited multidrug resistance in Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium and showed strong antibiofilm activity against Listeria monocytogenes. The antioxidant activity was 4.6 mmol TE/100 g DW in the DPPH method, and the compound was haemocompatible at concentrations below 600 µg/mL. These findings highlight its biotechnological potential and importance for sustainable community use.