Affiliation:
1. Departamento de Produtos Naturais e Alimentos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941–902 Brazil
2. Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro DIPEQ Rua Pacheco Leão 915 Rio de Janeiro RJ 22460–030 Brazil
3. Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo (USP) Av. do Café, s/n. Ribeirão Preto SP 14040–903 Brazil
Abstract
AbstractSecretory structures in plants play a crucial role in producing bioactive compounds. Despite the potential of the Swartzia genus, comprehensive studies in this context are still scarce. Swartzia is a legume tree (Fabaceae) that occurs in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a biodiversity hotspot, and includes species such as Swartzia flaemingii. Therefore, we aim to achieve: (1) identify and characterize the key secretory sites responsible for saponin production in S. flaemingii leaflets; (2) confirm the presence of saponins in S. flaemingii leaves by comparing them with known chemical profiles of other Swartzia species; (3) assess the potential hemolytic and cytotoxic effects of crude leaf extracts. Our investigation unveils the presence of phenolic idioblasts, mucilage cells, and articulate laticifers, which play pivotal roles in defense and adaptation. Notably, we report the first‐ever ultrastructural details of laticifers in a legume species. Additionally, oleanane‐type saponins were identified in the leaves, giving insights into the chemotaxonomic profile of Swartzia. The crude extracts show low cytotoxicity levels, showcasing as a promising alternative source of saponins. This investigation reinforces the importance of conserving plants in threatened regions like the Atlantic Forest, a global biodiversity hotspot facing substantial anthropogenic pressures.
Subject
Molecular Biology,Molecular Medicine,General Chemistry,Biochemistry,General Medicine,Bioengineering