Extracts and fractions of Croton L. (Euphorbiaceae) species with antimicrobial activity and antioxidant potential

• Published in: Food science & technology 2021-03, Vol.139, p.110521, Article 110521
• Main Authors: da S Rocha, André R.F., Sousa, Herbert G., do Vale Júnior, Erasmo P., de Lima, Francisca L., Costa, Anabela S.G., de Araújo, Alyne R., Leite, José Roberto S.A., Martins, Francielle A., Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P., Plácido, Alexandra, Filho, Francisco S.S., Lago, Eliana C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antimicrobial activity; Antioxidant activity; Croton betaceus; Croton lundianus; Folk medicine; Hexane fraction
• ISSN: 0023-6438; 1096-1127
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.110521

The growing microbial resistance to antibiotics and the adverse effects of the frequent use of antimicrobials in oral medicine require products as natural therapeutic alternatives. Croton betaceus and C. lundianus can be viable for in-depth studies in search of new bioproducts. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of ethanol extract and leaf fractions of Croton spp. The disk diffusion assay, FRAP and DPPH, were used for antimicrobial and antioxidant analysis, respectively. In addition to phytochemical prospecting and toxicity testing. Secondary metabolites with biological activities were found. Researched extracts and fractions have the potential to inhibit the growth of oral pathogens (Gram-positive, Gram-negative and yeast) in different concentrations. Enterococcus faecalis is the most susceptible to the extract. All fractions showed antioxidant potential. The hexane fraction (BHX and LHX) of both species can inhibit the growth of pathogens in low concentrations, and has a high antioxidant power. The fractions of the extracts of C. betaceus and C. lundianus have important biological activities that can be applied in the development of new antimicrobials for industry and other biotechnological applications. [Display omitted] •Croton species have relevant biotechnological applications.•First verification of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in Croton betaceus and C. lundianus.•The fractionation of plant extracts allows the verification of antagonistic compounds.•The polarity of the solvents in the extraction process influences biological activity.•They inhibited gram negative and positive bacteria, and yeast in vitro.