RMN como ferramenta para avaliar a influência da sazonalidade no perfil metabolômico de Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC. (Myrtaceae)

Abstract

Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC., a species of the Myrtaceae family, is widely used as a phytotherapeutic agent for the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative processes. Studies on its chemical composition indicate a complex metabolic profile rich in bioactive phenolic compounds, which vary significantly under the influence of environmental factors. Evaluating the metabolic profile in relation to seasonality is challenging, as variations can occur qualitatively and/or quantitatively, making it necessary to use versatile and reproducible analytical techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). In this context, the present study aimed to verify, through NMR associated with multivariate analyses, the impact of seasonality on the metabolic profile and the antioxidant, antiviral, and antiglycant potentials of different extracts from Eugenia punicifolia leaves. The metabolic profiles were obtained using NMR and HPLC-DAD-MS. PCA and PLS-DA analyses were performed using ¹H NMR spectra. The pharmacological properties of the extracts were evaluated in relation to cell viability, free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH•and ABTS•+), inhibition of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) formation, and Zika virus infection. The chemical profile analysis allowed the identification of 19 compounds belonging to the classes of organic acids, flavonoids, and carbohydrates. Through PCA analysis, along with the validated PLS-DA model, it was possible to classify the samples based on the collection period (dry, rainy, and transition), enabling the identification of how environmental factors play a crucial role in regulating the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds. The analysis of antioxidant, antiglycant, and antiviral potentials highlighted that the extraction system is a determining factor in the observed response, with samples collected during the rainy season and extracted using the methanol:ethanol:water (MEW) system showing the best results. Therefore, this study provides significant findings on the metabolic and pharmacological profile of Eugenia punicifolia leaves while offering a foundation for optimizing collection periods to achieve higher yields of bioactive compounds.