Toxicity, antioxidant activity and phytochemical characterization of Coccoloba mollis roots and leaves

Coccoloba mollis is a plant that is used in medicine in Londrina, Brazil. The root extract showed stronger activity against A. salina (68.5 μg/mL) than did the leaf extract (1342 μg mL), and demonstrated good activity when compared with the positive control (16.24 μg /mL). The antioxidant potential (Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl – DPPH) of root and leaf extracts was comparable to that of commonly used BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). In the chemical characterization the compounds identified were a mixture of long chain hydrocarbons, carboxyl esters and 3-taraxerone from leaf ethanolic extract and two anthraquinones (emodin and physcion) from the root one. Phytochemical screening using pharmacognostic methodology revealed the presence of flavonoids and tannins in leaves and roots. Anthraquinones only in the roots. While this analysis resulted negative for alkaloids, coumarins, saponins and simple phenolics. We conclude that the identified emodin and physcion in roots extract, corroborate with the anti-stress action and the use for memory loss attributed by popular use of this medicinal plant in the Londrina region.