Bioactive Compound Contents and Antioxidant and Photoprotective Activities of Eugenia dysenterica (mart.) DC.

Eugenia dysenterica (Mart.) DC. is a tree species native to the Brazilian Cerrado, popularly known as “cagaita” or “cagaiteira.” The species is part of the Cerrado bee flora, and its leaves and bark are used in folk medicine to combat heart problems and treat diarrheal diseases, diabetes, and jaundice. The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and photoprotective potential and determine the content of total phenolic compounds in the ethanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves and bark of a specimen of E. dysenterica. The antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH• and ABTS•+ free radical scavenging assays, and the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) in vitro was evaluated by the spectrophotometric method. Phenols, flavonoids, and total tannins were measured by spectrophotometry in the visible region. The extracts showed high antioxidant activity and photoprotective potential. The results indicate these activities are possibly related to the considerable levels of phenolic compounds found in the samples. Therefore, E. dysenterica extracts are promising for use in phytocosmetic formulations with antioxidant and photoprotective properties.