Desenvolvimento de membranas hidrofílicas incorporadas com extrato hidroalcóolico de Jatropha gossypiifolia L

Abstract

Ancient knowledge about the use of medicinal plants has been passed down through generations, and even with advancements in pharmacological treatments, the use of these plants remains a reality, especially in communities with limited resources. Jatropha gossypiifolia L., known as "pinhão-roxo," is recognized for its wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Given these properties, the idea emerged to explore the extract of this plant in association with polymeric membranes that also have wound healing activity. The objective of this study was to obtain the hydroethanolic extract of pinhão-roxo, evaluate its antioxidant activity, quantify the levels of flavonoids and total phenols in the extract, and obtain and characterize the polymeric membranes associated with the extract. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH method, while quantification of total phenols and flavonoids in the extract was performed using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. The results revealed a significant antioxidant power ranging from 61.04% to 75.19% in the pinhão-roxo extract, as well as a satisfactory concentration of phenolic compounds at 4.16% and flavonoids at 3.5%, respectively, confirming its richness in bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Additionally, the polymeric membranes associated with the plant extract exhibited favorable physicochemical characteristics, such as flexibility and controlled swelling capacity of 2.181%. In conclusion, the results of this study highlighted the potential of polymeric membranes impregnated with the hydroethanolic extract of the plant for various therapeutic and biotechnological applications. The exploration of natural products as therapeutic alternatives and sources of bioactive compounds offers promising and relevant perspectives for improving people's health and quality of life.