Phytochemical study of the fruits from Styrax ferrrugineus Ness et. Mart. (Styracaceae) and evaluation of the schistosomicidal activity

• Grant number: 13/06164-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2013
• End date: June 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Patricia Mendonça Pauletti
• Grantee: Thaís de Almeida Silva
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria Adjunta de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade de Franca (UNIFRAN). Franca , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The genus Styrax belongs to Styracaceae and comprises around 130 species. Previous chemical studies of S. ferrugineus revealed the accumulation of lignans and triterpenes. The benzofuran lignans, homoegonol, and eugenol, had mainly antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, which highlights the importance of studying this species. In this project, we aim to perform a chemical study of the fruits from S. ferrugineus and evaluate the schistosomicidal activity. It is important to mention that the preliminary assay with the crude fruits methanol extract of this species showed schistosomicidal activity at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/mL. Thus, the main objective of this project is to identify natural compounds with schistosomicidal activity and also contribute to the project "Phytochemistry study and evaluation of the schistosomicidal activity from plants of the genus Styrax." (AU)