Avaliação da citotoxicidade de extratos de Pereskia aculeata por meio do bioensaio com Artemia salina e suas potenciais aplicações biotecnológicas.

Abstract

Medicinal plants represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential, widely used by traditional populations and increasingly investigated by modern

science. Among these species, Pereskia aculeata Miller—commonly known as ora-pro- nóbis—is a native Brazilian plant recognized for its high nutritional value and

pharmacological properties. Despite its widespread popular use, studies assessing its safety and potential toxic effects remain limited, particularly regarding cytotoxic activity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of Pereskia aculeata extract using the Artemia salina Leach bioassay—a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable method for preliminary toxicity screening. A stock solution was prepared by dissolving 1 mL of the extract in 150 mL of artificial seawater, resulting in a final concentration of 1000 μg/mL. Serial dilutions were then made to obtain concentrations of 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, and 10 μg/mL, enabling the determination of the median lethal concentration (LC50) and the observation of dose- and time-dependent toxic effects over 24 and 48 hours. The data suggest that the extract exhibits low short-term toxicity, with significant mortality observed only at the highest concentration (1000 μg/mL). Lower concentrations resulted in no mortality, preventing LC50 calculation through conventional interpolation methods for the 24-hour exposure. However, prolonged exposure or higher concentrations may induce relevant cytotoxic effects. Literature review on the nutritional and biochemical composition of P. aculeata revealed high levels of protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidant compounds, such as phenolics and flavonoids, supporting its functional food potential and role in food security. Genetic analysis also highlighted genomic traits that contribute to the plant’s environmental resilience and adaptability, including genes related to the biosynthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites. This study broadens the scientific understanding of Pereskia aculeata, underscoring its nutritional richness and pharmacological potential, and emphasizes the need for further in vivo and cellular model studies to ensure its safe and effective use. Ultimately, this work contributes to the valorization of traditional knowledge and the responsible integration of biotechnologically promising plant species into human health applications.