Chemical composition, antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activity of the fruits of Mimusops coriacea (A.DC) Mig (Sapotaceae) that grows in Ecuador

Context: Mimusops coriacea (Sapotaceae) is traditionally used to treat inflammation of the urethra, cystitis, diarrhea, and dysentery, among others. In Ecuador it is used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, however the phytochemical and pharmacological information is scarce. Aims: To evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activity of the M. coriacea fruits in two stages of ripening. Methods: An extraction with hexane by Soxhlet of the oils of the seeds of green and mature fruits was carried out. Saponifiable and unsaponifiable fractions were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained by maceration from the green and ripe whole fruits and were tested by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant capacity by FRAP, DPPH and ABTS and anti-inflammatory activity using the plantar edema model by carrageenan were evaluated. Results: In the saponifiable fractions, four fatty acids were identified (majority 9-octadecenoic acid) and in the unsaponifiable ones four compounds were assigned to green fruits and nine to mature fruits, the majority being squalene and urs-12-en-24-oico, 3-oxo-methyl ester, respectively. By LC-MS 31 compounds were identified, associated with phenolic compounds and triterpenic saponins. The extracts showed Fe3+ reducing capacity and antiradical activity, the green fruit extract was the most active (IC50s = 4.99 μg/mL and 246.80 μg/mL, DPPH and ABTS, respectively). The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was demonstrated with inhibition percentages greater than 50% by using indomethacin as reference drug. Conclusions: The results provide the first findings of the phytochemical and bioactive potential of the M. coriacea species that grows in Ecuador.