Evaluation of the Biological Activities of <i>Dinizia excelsa</i> Wood Essential Oil: A Potential Phytotherapeutic Agent

Dinizia excelsa, an Amazonian tree from the Fabaceae family, is valued for its wood, yet its biological potential is underexplored. This study analyzed its essential oil (EO), revealing 48 compounds, notably pulegone (25.3%), α-cedrol (12.87%), and thymol (11.5%). Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) parameters indicated good oral bioavailability and low toxicity. The oil exhibited moderate antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 124.87 µg/mL) and low cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ > 88 µg/mL), with hemolysis below 5%. It promoted cell proliferation and increased CD8+ lymphocytes, with antitumor activity ranging from IC₅₀ = 19.0-57.9 µg/mL, particularly effective against HCT-8 (IC₅₀ = 19.0 µg/mL). The oil showed antimicrobial action against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 512 µg/mL) and trypanocidal effects against Trypanosoma cruzi (IC₅₀ = 34.34 µg/mL) and Leishmania amazonensis (IC₅₀ = 33.79 µg/mL). It also reduced the motility of adult schistosomes by 81.25% at 200 µg/mL. D. excelsa EO has pharmaceutical potential for anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antiparasitic applications, enhancing Amazonian biodiversity.