Phytochemical constituents and antifungal and antibacterial activities of <em>Zanthoxylum riedelianum</em> Engl trunk bark extract

Abstract

Introduction: Zanthoxylum riedelianum is a species of tree species typical of the Brazilian Cerrado domain, belonging to the family Rutaceae.

Objective: To evaluate the qualitative phytochemical constitution and the antifungal and antibacterial activities of the ethanolic extract of the bark of the trunk of Z. riedelianum.

Methods: Trunk bark was obtained from trees in Cerrado sensu stricto. The analysis of phytochemicals was performed on different colorimetric and precipitation reagents. Antifungal activity against Candida and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus, Escherichia and Salmonella sp. were performed at different concentrations of extract.

Results: Phytochemistry revealed the presence of several groups of special metabolism of the trunk bark of Z. riedelianum, and potential antifungal effect on C. tropicalis, C. Guilliermondii and C. Krusei. In addition, it showed good antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. serovar Enteritidis.

Conclusions: The ethanolic extract of the bark of the trunk of Z. riedelianum exhibited potential antifungal and antibacterial activity against strains of medical interest. These activities contrast with the numerous phytochemical groups present in the extract. Further studies should be conducted quantitatively evaluating phytochemical groups and other biological activities on ethanolic extract from the trunk bark of Zanthoxylum riedelianum.