Biological potentialities and chemical composition of Tarenaya aculeata roots and stems

Plant extracts are rich in secondary metabolites responsible for numerous biological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, antibacterial and photoprotective potentials, toxicity and chemical composition of extracts and fractions of stems and roots of Tarenaya aculeata. Phytochemical analyses were performed at qualitative and quantitative levels to evaluate the classes of secondary metabolites. The sun protection factor (SPF) and antioxidant potentials were determined spectrophotometrically, the antibacterial activity was tested against seven bacteria and the toxicity was evaluated using Artemia salina assay. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and saponins. The levels of phenolic compounds, tannins and alkaloids, SPF and antioxidant potentials showed greater results in the stem (SF) and root (RF) fractions in relation to the stem (SE) and root (RE) extracts. All samples exhibited a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, with MIC values ​​ranging from 31.25 to 250 μg mL-1. SE, SF and RF caused mortality in A. salina larvae, with LC50 of 347.06, 34.71 and 85.39 μg mL-1, respectively, whereas RE was non-toxic. Thus, T. aculeata is rich in bioactive secondary metabolites, although further studies will be needed to characterize its chemical constituents and investigate their adverse effects.