Atividade biológica e efeito antioxidante de lipossomas obtido de extrato de folhas de Protium heptaphyllum no tratamento da obesidade e mutagênese induzidos por ciclofosfamida

Abstract

The study of natural substances has aroused great interest in the scientific community, especially due to their potential benefits for human health. Among these substances, Protium heptaphyllum (P. heptaphyllum), popularly known as breu-branco, stands out for its bioactive properties, with emphasis on the leaves, which are rich in compounds such as flavonoids and triterpenes. These components have shown promising effects in combating inflammatory processes, antioxidants and in the management of metabolic diseases, such as obesity — a condition that involves complex mechanisms of oxidative stress. One of the most innovative approaches to enhance the therapeutic effects of bioactive compounds involves the use of liposomes, delivery systems that increase the bioavailability and stability of substances. Liposomes are spherical vesicles composed of one or more layers of phospholipids, capable of encapsulating compounds such as P. heptaphyllum extract, maximizing their effectiveness in combating oxidative and inflammatory damage. Obesity is often associated with oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant capacity. This stress plays a central role in the development of several comorbidities, such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the use of cyclophosphamide, an immunosuppressive agent, in experimental models can intensify oxidative and inflammatory effects, creating an ideal scenario to test the efficacy of natural substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the studies analyzed, in addition to a literature review on P. heptaphyllum, experimental models were used that induced obesity in animals through a high-calorie diet, followed by treatment with the ethyl acetate fraction of the P. heptaphyllum leaf extract encapsulated in liposomes. Furthermore, the chemoprotective action of the ethyl acetate fraction of P. heptaphyllum extract, encapsulated in liposomes, against oxidative damage caused by cyclophosphamide was investigated, allowing a comprehensive evaluation of the protective effects of the treatment. The results of these studies indicate that the use of P. heptaphyllum, especially in the liposome-encapsulated form, may play a significant role in attenuating the effects of oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolic disorders associated with obesity and cyclophosphamide-induced stress. The combination of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of flavonoids, potentiated by liposomes, reveals a promising strategy in combating the negative effects of metabolic and immunosuppressive conditions.