Estudo fitoquímico da raiz de Zanthoxylum rhoifolium (Rutaceae)

Abstract

Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. (Rutaceae), popularly known as “mamicade-cadela,” “limãozinho,” or “tinguaciba,” is widely distributed throughout South America and can be found in almost all Brazilian states and biomes. Species of the Zanthoxylum genus contain alkaloids, phenolic compounds (lignans, coumarins, and flavonoids), steroids, and terpenes distributed across roots, stems, branches, and leaves. In this context, a phytochemical investigation is necessary to isolate new metabolites, considering the extensive exploration of the species from both chemical and pharmacological perspectives. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and biological potential of root extracts from Z. rhoifolium. The hexane extract, obtained by cold maceration, was subjected to fractionation by open-column chromatography (CC), preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Structural elucidation of the isolated compounds was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H and ¹³C NMR, 1D/2D) and mass spectrometry (MS). Four compounds were isolated: the benzophenanthridine alkaloid dihydrochelerythrine and the triterpene lupeol, both previously reported for the species. In addition, two alkaloids not previously found in studies on this species were identified: the quinolinone alkaloid Nmethylatanine and the furoquinoline alkaloid robustine. These findings contribute to the chemotaxonomy of the genus and species and may support future investigations into the pharmacological potential of these molecules.