Elisandra Scapin^*

scapin@uft.edu.br

*Curso de Engenharia Ambiental, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências do Ambiente – Ciamb, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia – BIONORTE, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Palmas, Tocantins, CEP 77001-090, Brazil.

Brazilian biodiversity, particularly from the Legal Amazon, represents a strategic source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic and cosmetic potential. Our research group has focused on underexplored native species, emphasizing chemical characterization, biological activity evaluation, and the aplication of sustainable methodology. Hancornia speciosa Gomes exhibited high levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and strong antioxidant activity in leaves, stem, and bark. These extracts were applied in lauryl-free shampoo formulations, which showed physicochemical stability, functional properties, and potential as green phytocosmetics¹. In Cariniana rubra, ultrasound-assisted extraction of the bark resulted in high yields and elevated phenolic content, confirmed by chromatographic analyses. Extracts displayed significant antioxidant activity, reinforcing the efficacy of sustainable methodologies and their potential as cosmeceuticals. Extracts from Dipteryx alata leaves, obtained by ultrasound and Soxhlet methods, revealed flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, and alkaloids, along with notable antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against oral microorganisms³. These findings highlight its applicability in dentistry and cosmetics, promoting the sustainable use of this culturally and economically important species³. Couroupita guianensis leaf extracts contained phenolics such as caffeic acid, rutin, and quercetin, associated with antioxidant and antibacterial properties against oral pathogens, indicating promise for oral health phytotherapeutics. Parkia platycephala, an endemic Cerrado species and a symbolic tree of Tocantins, exhibited remarkable antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities in extracts from its bark, flowers, and seeds. Compounds such as gallic acid, ferulic acid, and flavonoids were identified, suggesting potential for neuroprotective agents targeting Alzheimer’s disease⁵. Collectively, these studies reinforce the value of Brazilian biodiversity as a platform for innovation in health, cosmetics, and biotechnology. They also emphasize the importance of adopting green extraction methodologies to enhance yields, reduce environmental impacts, and foster a sustainable bioeconomy in the Legal Amazon.

Keywords: Mangaba, Phytochemical profiling, Jequitibá Vermelho, Green extraction methods, Amazonian biodiversity.

References: ¹PANONTIN, J. F. et al. Chemical composition, antioxidant activity and development of a facial serum formulation from the extract of Hancornia speciosa. Natural Product Research, v. 36, n. 1, p. 1-9, 2022. ²BIGGI-MACIEL, A. et al. Efficient extraction of phenolic compounds from Cariniana rubra Gardener ex Miers from the Legal Amazon: ultrasound-assisted optimization, chemical characterization, and antioxidant potential. Chemistry & Biodiversity, p. 1-15, 2025. ³SCAPIN, E. et al. Phytochemical analysis, toxicity and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of leaves of Dipteryx alata Vogel. Brazilian Journal of Biology, v. 84, e278004, p. 1-10, 2024. ⁴AUGUSCO, M. A. C. et al. Extracts from the leaf of Couroupita guianensis (Aubl.): phytochemical, toxicological analysis and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against oral microorganisms. Plants, v. 12, n. 2327, p. 1-17, 2023. ⁵FERNANDES, R. M. N. et al. Parkia platycephala from Cerrado: phytochemical bioprospecting, toxicity and in vitro bioactivities of bark and flower extracts. Brazilian Journal of Biology, v. 83, e275733, p. 1-10, 2023.

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