Hydromethanolic fraction from Abatia americana (Salicaceae) inhibits T24 bladder cancer cell line and the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes with high selectivity.

Abatia americana is a Brazilian species that has yet to be the subject of scientific investigation. However, it represents a potential source of new antibacterial and anticancer drugs, given it belongs to the Salicaceae family. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential biological activities and chemical composition of this species. The chemical characterisation was conducted using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using the sulforhodamine B method and the antibacterial activity was determined through a microdilution assay. Within the fractions obtained, namely hexane (HF), ethyl acetate (EF), butyl alcohol (BF), and hydromethanolic (HMF), 37 compounds were identified. The fractions showed better antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Those with greater polarity (HMF; BF) showed better results, with lower minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and higher selectivity index. They also demonstrated cytotoxic and antiproliferative action for T24 tumour lineage. Among the fractions, the most promising is the HMF fraction, which showed satisfactory selectivity and did not inhibit normal cell proliferation. This is also the first time that biological effects have been reported for this species.