In vitro antioxidant and anticholinesterase screening of five plant species collected from the Discovery Coast, Bahia, Brazil

Although most of the species Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants, Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P.Wilson, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi, and Tragia volubilis L. are not native to Brazil, they have been adapted and widely-used in folk medicine and spiritual rituals in the Discovery Coast region of Bahia. Within this context, considering the need for knowledge of the pharmacological properties of plants and awareness of the influence of environmental factors, this study was conducted. This study therefore investigated the phenolic composition, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase (Anti-AChE) properties of plant extracts collected from the area known as the Discovery Coast, in Porto Seguro, Bahia, Brazil. In addition, this study presented data on biological investigations described in the literature in order to contribute to scientific knowledge and gather evidence that validates the plants used in traditional medicine. Anti-AChE was strongly indicated in the extracts with higher antioxidant activity. Also, the results suggest that the higher phenolic content of the extracts may be responsible for their antioxidant and Anti-AChE activity. Although many results from the biological activities in the literature converge on some popular applications for the plants, further studies are still required to corroborate their therapeutic effectiveness as well as provide technical clarifications regarding their use, preparation, and purpose.