Chemical composition, antiparasitic activity, and cytotoxicity of fixed oils from Attalea speciosa Mart., Syagrus cearensis Noblick, and Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex R.Keith

Abstract

Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and trichomoniasis are neglected diseases caused by protozoan parasites that affect human and animal health. The species Attalea speciosa Mart., Syagrus cearensis Noblick, and Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex R.Keith are used by traditional communities in Brazil and Bolivia for the treatment of leishmaniasis and other infectious diseases. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antiparasitic activity, and cytotoxicity in vitro and in silico of fixed oils from these palm trees. Phytochemical analysis of fixed oils from A. aculeata (OFAA), A. speciosa (OFAS), and S. cearensis (OFSC) revealed similar composition, with lauric acid being predominant in the three species (41.71–47.21 %). It was demonstrated that OFAA, OFAS, and OFSC did not present trichomonacidal (inhibition ranging from 0 % to 2.06 %) or trypanocidal (inhibition ranging from 10.39 % to 14.14 %) activity. The most relevant results were observed against Leishmania amazonensis (inhibition ranging from 40.39 % to 42.24 %). No cytotoxicity of OFAA, OFAS, and OFSC was observed when evaluated in NCTC 929 fibroblasts. The in silico test showed that the major compound lauric acid also did not present relevant toxicity. Despite not exhibiting antiparasitic activity against strains of Trichomonas vaginalis and Trypanosoma cruzi, the fixed oils of the three species evaluated showed a moderate effect against the pathogen L. amazonensis.