Phytochemical study and antioxidant activity of Dalbergia ecastaphyllum

Abstract The chemical profile of Dalbergia ecastaphyllum has been indicated as the botanical origin of Brazilian red propolis, an apicultural product with proven therapeutic properties. However, few studies have investigated this plant species. This study evaluated and compared microbiological quality, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity of stem and leaf samples of D. ecastaphyllum. The samples were collected in February 2015, in the southern region of the state of Bahia, Brazil. We performed the microbiological analyses, determined the contents of fatty acid, total phenol and flavonoid, and identified the chemical profile and antioxidant activit. Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and sulfite reducing clostridial spores were not detected in the samples. Acids of the family ω3 were recorded in the stems and ω6 in the leaves. The leaves presented better nutritional quality of the fraction, better antioxidant capacity in the tests by the DPPH method and β-carotene bleaching. There were 49 chemical compounds, of which 38 belonged to the class of flavonoids. The results indicate that stems and leaves of D. ecastaphyllum have biological properties. Leaves particularly are better for functional food formulation and as natural antioxidant.