In Vitro Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Potential of Extracts of Hymenaea courbaril L. (Fabaceae)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the phytochemistry and antimicrobial potential of the methanol extracts of the sapwood (EMEHc) and leaves (EMFHc) of Hymenaea courbaril against pathogenic bacteria. Method: For the development, plant products were collected and methanolic extracts of the sapwood and leaves of H. courbaril were prepared, allowing the chemical characterization. In the microbiological tests, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the modifying effect of antibiotics against the standard and multidrug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were determined. Results and Discussion: Chemical characterization revealed the presence of classes of flavonoids, including flavones, flavonols, flanonols, catechins, and xanthones, recognized in both extracts. cEMF and cEHEM demonstrated a synergistic effect in most combinations with antibiotics tested against the bacteria analyzed, suggesting application as a combination therapy. These biological activities were shown to be related to the phytochemical composition identified, since they involve metabolites with proven biological activity.