Análise fotoquímico e avaliação da toxicidade do extrato hidroalcóolico das folhas de Momordica charantia L. frente á Artemia salina

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants represents a significant source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential and is widely practiced in traditional medicine. Among these species, Momordica charantia L. popularly known as melão-de-são-Caetano (bitter melon) stands out for the hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties described in the literature. This study aimed to conduct a phytochemical analysis and toxicological evaluation of the hydroalcoholic extract from Momordica charantia L. leaves. The leaves were collected in the rural area of Santana do Piauí, cleaned, shade-dried, ground, and macerated in 70% ethyl alcohol to obtain the concentrated crude extract. Phytochemical screening was performed using qualitative tests to identify flavonoids, steroids and triterpenes, saponins, phenols, and tannins. The results showed the presence of steroids/triterpenes, saponins, phenols, and tannins, whereas tests for flavonoids were negative—possibly due to external factors such as compound degradation, storage conditions, environmental variations affecting the plant, and limitations of the method employed. A toxicity assay using *Artemia salina* was conducted at various extract concentrations (62.5, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 µg/mL), revealing a dose-dependent relationship between concentration and nauplii mortality. The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) was estimated at approximately 128,6 µg/mL, indicating moderate toxicity and significant biological activity for the extract. In conclusion, the hydroalcoholic extract of Momordica charantia L. leaves exhibits a diverse phytochemical composition and significant biological potential, highlighting the need for further studies to provide detailed chemical characterization and toxicological evaluation using more specific models.