This work aimed to carry out a study of Apodanthera congestiflora by investigating its chemical composition and pharmacological potential. From the dichloromethane phase (Dic-Ac) of the A. congestiflora stems, three compounds were identified: cayaponoside C_5b (Ac-1), cabenoside C (Ac-2) and fevicordin C₂ glucoside (Ac-3), being last identified for the first time as a natural product. These compounds were obtained by chromatographic methods and their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic analysis of IR, MS and NMR. In the quantification of Dic-Ac, it was possible to observe the presence of 7% of cayaponoside C_5b. Dic-Ac showed significant toxicity for in vivo tests, with macroscopic and biochemical changes. The anti-inflammatory activity of Dic-Ac was investigated using the paw edema model. A decrease in inflammatory signs was observed in the first 5 h and the most effective dose in reducing edema with was 7.5 mg kg⁻¹ (66.6%). Anti-tumor activity of Dic-Ac was evaluated by Ehrlich’s carcinoma model, which showed inhibition rate of 78.46% at 15 mg kg⁻¹ dosage. The phytochemical investigation, together with the biological tests carried out in this study, demonstrated that A. congestiflora is a promising species in the search for therapeutics, since it contains substances with high pharmacological potential in its composition.

Immunosuppressed individuals, including those undergoing cancer treatment, are more vulnerable to fungal infections, such as oral candidiasis, impacting their quality of life. Given the limitations of current therapies, the discovery of new antifungal agents, including those of natural origin, is crucial for the proper managing of these infections. We investigated the phytochemical profile and antifungal activity of both the essential oil and crude ethanolic extract (CEE) obtained from Eugenia luschnathiana against reference strains and clinical isolates of Candida from oncology patients. Toxicological characterization was also conducted. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ¹H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) were used for phytochemical analysis. Antifungal evaluation was conducted to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC); evaluation of potential mechanisms of action; activity on a fungal biofilm; evaluation of the cytotoxic effect on human keratinocytes of the HaCat lineage by the MTT method; determination of lethality for Artemia salina larvae. GC-MS identified a predominance of sesquiterpenes in the essential oil, notably (E)-Caryophyllene. The ¹H NMR spectrum identified aliphatic, osidic, and aromatic compounds in the crude ethanolic extract. The essential oil showed no antifungal activity. However, the CEE exhibited fungicidal activity, with MIC and MFC ranging from 1.95 µg/mL to 3.90 µg/mL. The antifungal effect was affected by sorbitol, indicating a possible mechanism targeting fungal cell wall structures. At low concentration (19.5 µg/mL), the CEE inhibited 62,78% of C. albicans biofilm. The CEE demonstrated a promising toxicity profile, with an LC₅₀ of 142.4 µg/mL against Artemia salina. In conclusion, the CEE from Eugenia luschnathiana exhibited potent antifungal activity, likely through cell wall disruption, biofilm inhibition, and a favorable toxicity profile for further exploration.

Cenostigma pluviosum var. peltophoroides, known as “sibipiruna,” is a plant rich in polyphenols used in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal disorders. The study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of the crude ethanolic extract of the stem bark (CEECP), evaluating its in vivo toxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity and anti-inflammatory activity. The plant material was macerated in 95% ethanol for 72 h, and the solvent was removed by rotary evaporation to obtain CEECP. Chemical characterization was performed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS in negative mode. In vivo approaches were performed using male/female Swiss albino mice. Acute toxicity was assessed at a single high dose of 2000 mg/kg. Mutagenicity was investigated by the micronucleus test and genotoxicity by the comet assay, both at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in carrageenan-induced paw edema and peritonitis models, at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis showed the presence of hydrolyzable tannins, phenolic acid heterosides, and biflavonoids. The safety profile of the CEECP was demonstrated for the first time, with no evidence of acute toxicity, mortality, mutagenicity, or genotoxicity at the tested doses. The extract significantly reduced paw edema in a dose-dependent manner at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, with inhibition rates of 65.78% and 73.12%, respectively, and also decreased leukocyte migration in the peritonitis model by 61.81% and 72.79% at the same doses. These findings indicate the CEECP as a source of pharmacologically relevant phytocompounds and, most notably, demonstrate its pronounced anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, the extract exhibited a favorable safety profile in the toxicological evaluations, highlighting the extract as a promising anti-inflammatory agent.