Clusia minor L. is traditionally used to treat many disorders that including pain and inflammation such as sores and warts. Four extracts from the leaves of plant were prepared: hexane (CMH-A), ethyl acetate (CMH-B), methanol (CMH-C) and ethanol (CMH-E) and the pharmacological (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties) and toxicity effects were examined. Previously, the main constituents from CMH-A extract was revealed. Here, we present the GC/MS analysis of CMH-B and CMH-C. Thirty three compounds were identified in the CMH-B extract and twenty seven compounds in the CMH-C. The presence of D-α-tocopherol and lupeol was relevant in both extracts. The only sterols identified were sitosterol and stigmasterol. All of them showed effective radical scavenger properties in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, being CMH-E extract the most promissory (IC50 = 10.25 µg/mL). CMH-A, C and E extracts, administered topically (0.5–4 mg per ear), significant reduced ear edema induced by croton oil at 4 mg per ear, meanwhile CMH-B that was be able to significant reduce the inflammation at the dose of 2 mg per ear. We evaluated also the cytotoxic activity of the extracts against kidney cells (BHK), colon cancer (CT26), endothelial cancer cells (EA.hy926) and breast cancer (4T1). CMH-B extract showed the most cytotoxicity effect, with IC50 values in the range of 32.01-203.5 µg/mL. In addition, no oral acute toxicity after mice exposure to Clusia minor L. extracts was observed. The results suggest Clusia minor L. may be a good potential source of new bioactive agents for developing medicinal agents.

Context: Smilax purhampuy Ruiz (sarsaparilla) is traditionally used to treat various ailments such as sudorific, diuretic, purifying, hypoglycemic, arthritis, dermatological infections, intestinal, stomach and prostate inflammations, vaginitis and viral diseases. However, the investigations that justify the use of this species are scarce. Aims: To evaluate pharmacognostically and chemically leaves and rhizomes of sarsaparilla, and their antioxidant capacity. Methods: The pharmacognostic analysis of both plant organs was carried out from the determination of their physicochemical parameters, the phytochemical screening, the quantification of phenols and total flavonoids and the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity by three in vitro methods (FRAP, DPPH and ABTS). Results: The leaves and rhizomes of the species showed a similar chemical composition, although some metabolites seem to be found at different concentrations. Although the two organs studied presented antioxidant activity, it was higher in the leaves, which could be associated with the higher content of phenols and flavonoids. Conclusions: The results obtained made it possible to report the quality parameters for the first time and suggest the chemical composition of both organs, showing some differences between them. The evaluation of the antioxidant capacity demonstrated the potential of the species to be used as a natural remedy.