Bioactive, physicochemical and cosmetic potential study of the Arrabidaea chica species

Abstract

The species Arrabidaea chica, which belongs to the Bignoniaceae family, is widely used in folk medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and total phenol and flavonoid content of the freeze-dried hydroalcoholic extract of its leaves. The extraction yielded 15.66%, with a moisture content of 12.25 ± 0.41% and a dry mass of 87.78 ± 0.44%. A relative density of 0.69 ± 0.05 g/mL, a refractive index of 1.36 ± 0.001 and a pH of 6.28 were determined. The levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids were 21.47 ± 0.24 μg EAG/g and 231.65 ± 1.99 μg rutin/g, respectively. The antioxidant activity showed a EC₅₀ of 22.31 μg/mL and an antioxidant activity index of 1.07%. Analysis by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry identified 16 chemical compounds, mainly carboxylic acids. In terms of cytotoxicity, the extract showed a CC₅₀ of more than 500 µg/mL against the L929 cell line, indicating low toxicity. The in vitro sun protection factor classified the extract as having medium protection. These results contribute to validating the traditional use of A. chica, expanding knowledge about its chemical and bioactive profile, as well as encouraging future studies into its therapeutic potential.