Antimicrobial, antioxidant and chemical properties of native plants from the coccoloba genus.
Board Location: #140
Discipline: Chemical Sciences
Subcategory: organic
Session: 2
Karina M. Vega Escobar - University of Puerto Rico-Humacao
Co-Author(s): Pedro J. Sanchez Hernandez
The genus Coccoloba consists of 120 species and is one of the most interesting among the polygonaceae botanical family. Many of these plants are widely used in traditional folk medicine and are reported to exhibit properties such as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antimicrobial activities, evidencing the presence of secondary metabolites with beneficial biological activities. The widely distributed Coccoloba uvifera has been documented to contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antitumor properties that include flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins, phenols, and terpenes (Abu El Wafa et al., 2023; Bailey et al., 2011). Based on this information and the fact that we have a range of native Coccoloba species unique to our geographical location, we decide to investigate their biological and chemical properties. For this study we selected two native plants to analyze. Using the Antimicrobial Discovery Kit, we observed significant bacterial growth inhibition against oral bacteria. Preliminar DPPH antioxidant assay demonstrated activity in a flower alcoholic extract (40ug/ml-552ug/ml) and in a young leaf alcoholic extract (40ug/ml-640ug/ml). Considering these preliminary results, we can support the hypothesis that these plants may contain potentially interesting and bioactive secondary metabolites. To characterize these chemical compounds, we prepared ethanolic and chloroform-methanol (1:1) extracts of different parts of the plants. Analytical techniques such as Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and 1D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (¹H and ¹³C) were employed to survey into the chemical complexity of the mixtures and to identify functional groups present in the active crude extracts. We were able to identify functional groups including carboxylic acids, aldehydes, aromatic and oxygenated. The long-term purpose of this project is to identify and isolate the bioactive compounds present in our crude extracts. Our next steps consist in conducting experiments such as the Shinoda Test to detect flavonoids, the Liebermann-Burchard Test for terpenes and the Folin-Ciocalteu Method for phenolic compounds. Projects like this are vital for documenting the properties of plants found in nature, as they may serve as alternatives to medications that often come with numerous side effects. By exploring and validating these natural remedies, we can contribute to the development of safer, more effective treatment options and enhance our understanding of plant-based solutions in healthcare.
References:
Abu El Wafa, S. A., A Seif-Eldein, N., Anwar Aly Taie, H., & Marzouk, M. (2023). Coccoloba uvifera Leaves: Polyphenolic Profile, Cytotoxicity, and Antioxidant Evaluation. ACS omega, 8(35), 32060–32066.
Bailey, C., Christian, K. R., Pradhan, S., Nair, M. G., & Christian, O. E. (2011). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Coccoloba uvifera (Seagrapes). Researchtrends.net.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): PR-LSAMP,
Faculty Advisor: Ileana I. Rodriguez Velez, ileana.rodriguez5@upr.edu
Role: I developed this investigation from the beginning alongside my mentor, actively contributing to every part of the research process. From making fieldwork to collect the endemic Coccoloba plant in Puerto Rico to preparing extracts, optimizing Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) systems, conducting Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and performing DPPH assays to evaluate antioxidant activity, I have been involved in every stage. This hands-on approach has allowed me to refine my skills in experimental design, analytical techniques, and problem-solving while deepening my knowledge of natural product chemistry.