From Traditional Amazon Use to Food Applications: Tapirira guianensis Seed Extracts as a Triad of Antiproliferative Effect, Oxidative Defense, and Antimalarial Activity

Tapirira guianensis is a tropical plant from South America widely used by indigenous communities due to its medicinal properties. The seeds are rich in phenolic compounds known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This study investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant potential, cytotoxic effects, and antimalarial properties of hydroethanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous seed extracts. The combination of water and ethanol (1:1) in the extraction proved to be efficient in obtaining bioactive compounds, resulting in the highest phenolic compound content and strong antioxidant activity. In addition, it reduced the viability of cancer cells, protected against damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased chromosomal aberrations, and proved to be highly effective against sensitive and resistant to chloroquine Plasmodium falciparum strains. These data indicate a promising profile of T. guianensis seed extracts in cytoprotective, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and antimalarial properties and point to the need for additional in vivo studies to better understand their mechanisms of action and safety.