Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh hydroalcoholic extract with bioactive compounds, antitumor and photoprotective activity against UVB radiation.

The objective of this study was to produce and characterize a hydroalcoholic extract of Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh (Camu-Camu) as well as determine antitumor and photoprotective potential. Data showed that 20 min and 50% ethanol:50% water were the best conditions for extraction in terms of phenolic compounds. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was determined utilizing the DPPH method and obtained an EC50 value of 100.0 ± 3.2 μg/L. The ascorbic acid value detected was 3,504.78 ± 63.5 mg/100 ml using the Balentine method. The MTT cytotoxicity test demonstrated that the extract was not cytotoxic for renal cells of Macaca mulatta (LLC-MK2), but in fact initiated an increase in cell viability to 239.56%. Using the same assay with tumor cells, the extract demonstrated cytotoxic effect for human liver (HuH-7.5) and renal carcinoma (786-0) resulting in a cell viability of 22 and 20%, respectively. Ultraviolet type B radiation induced mortality of LLC-MK2 cells with cytotoxic effect proportional to the concentrations employed; however, the extract of Camu-Camu was able to promote photoprotection, especially in post-treatment with a viability of 38.79% without treatment for 178.8% in the post-treatment. Data demonstrated that the extract of Camu-Camu may be considered an important substance to prevent damage generated by ultraviolet radiation and as an anti-tumor agent.