Evaluation of Myrcia bella in murine osteosarcoma cells: effect of the crude extract and fractions of ellagitannins and flavonoids

Abstract

Medicinal plants make up part of biodiversity and have been abundantly used since the existence of mankind. They are used in traditional communities as home remedies, being considered the raw material for the manufacture of herbal medicines and other medicines. Among the outstanding medicinal species being recognized in the Cerrado biome is Myrcia bella Cambess (popularly known as "mercurinho"), from the Myrtaceae family. Studies have shown that species of the genus Myrcia have been used in folk medicine as adstringents, diuretics, stagnation of hemorrhages, treatment of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and also against gastric tumor cells. Phytochemical studies of the hydroalcoholic extract of Myrcia bella leaves revealed a large amount of acetylated flavonoid derivatives derived from quercetin and myricetin, as well as tannins derived from ellagic acid and gallic acid. In this way, Myrcia bella has shown a promising potential against several pathological alterations, being necessary the understanding of its action and confirmation of safe concentrations. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of Myrcia bella on tumor cells of osteosarcoma (in vitro). Initially, different concentrations of Myrcia bella leaf extract and some fractions at concentrations 1,0 ¼g/mL; 10,0 ¼g/mL; 50,0 ¼g/mL and 100 ¼g/mL by means of the MTT assay. After determining the concentrations, the migratory potential and the reactive oxygen species of the osteosarcoma cells will be evaluated when in contact with the extract and fractions; and finally, the activity of MMP -2 and -9. The data will be presented in mean and standard deviation (SD) and will be adopted the one-way ANOVA statistical test complemented by the Tukey test, and Kruskal-Wallis test complemented by the Dunn test, when appropriate. (AU)