title: Evaluation of the cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of Caryocar brasiliense supercritical carbon dioxide extract.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Caryocar brasiliense Camb (Pequi) is a typical Brazilian Cerrado fruit tree. Its fruit is used as a vitamin source for culinary purposes and as a source of oil for the manufacture of cosmetics. C. brasiliense supercritical CO2 extracts exhibit antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus and also possess antioxidant activity. This study was designed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of the supercritical CO2 extract obtained from the leaves of this species.
  
  
  METHODS
  In vitro cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of C. brasiliense supercritical CO2 extracts were assessed using a tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (XTT) and Neutral Red methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that the C. brasiliense (Pequi) extract obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction did not present cytotoxic and phototoxic hazards.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This finding suggests that the extract may be useful for the development of cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical products.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (FCM-UNICAMP), Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126 Campinas, SP, Brasil. liufbarbosa@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: Lilian F B
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Amaral
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moriel
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Foglio
authors.forename: Priscila G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Mazzola
mesh_terms: D016475:3T3 Cells; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D001938:Brazil; D020448:Ericales / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects*; D005638:Fruit; D051379:Mice; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D018515:Plant Leaves
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts