Análise fitoquímica das raizes e folhas, e morfo-anatômica dos caules e folhas de Urera baccifera Gaudich

Abstract

The plant Urera baccifera Gaudich, known as stinging nettle, had its leaves and roots used to urinary infections and arthritis. Studies about its anti-inflammatory activities already exist, but are few the studies about their chemical constituents. Due the shortage of dates, this study aim to realize an qualitative and quantitative photochemistry analysis, and antioxidant activity of the plant roots and leaves, beyond realize a morphoanatomic and hystochemical study its leaves and stems. In the qualitative analysis were obtained positive results to aminogroups, anthocyanins, anthocyanidins and flavonoids, steroids, phenols with free para positions, coumarins, saponins and organic acids in the leaves and the roots. In the qualitative analysis the plant showed significant values of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids and condensed tannins, mainly in the chloroform fraction of leaves and roots. The crude extract of both part of the plant presented a moderated antioxidant activity. An expressive concentration of oxalic acid was quantified in the roots, indicating toxicity. The morphological analysis of steams and leaves showed stinging, simple tectores and glandular trichomes, cistolits in the epidermis and abundant presence of drusen-type crystals of calcium oxalate besides that elucidate the inner structure of the plant tissues. In the hystochemical tests were presented in the different vegetative organs, substances which form cell walls, reserve substances and secondary metabolites, like phenolic compounds, lipids, terpenoids and cetosteroids, tannins and serotonin. More studies will be realized with Urera baccifera roots, stems and leaves, to elucidate its chemical composition and toxic potential.