Bioactive Potential of Hymenaea stigonocarpa and Hymenaea courbaril on Root Growth of Allium cepa

Abstract

The genus Hymenaea includes species widely used in food, traditional medicine, and as agricultural bioinputs, although data on their toxic and cytotoxic effects remain limited. This study evaluated the influence of Hymenaea courbaril (jatobá-da-mata) and Hymenaea stigonocarpa (jatobá-do-cerrado) on the root growth of Allium cepa. Roots were exposed to three concentrations (0.03, 0.06, and 0.09 mg/mL) of ethanolic leaf extracts for 72 hours, using distilled water as a negative control and paracetamol (0.8 mg/mL) as a positive control. Root growth and morphology were analyzed, and data were subjected to a t-test (p ≤ 0.05). H. courbaril showed no significant difference at 0.03 mg/mL but caused a progressive reduction in root growth at 0.06 and 0.09 mg/mL, indicating toxic and cytotoxic effects. Conversely, H. stigonocarpa significantly stimulated root growth at all concentrations, suggesting bio-stimulant potential. These findings indicate that H. courbaril should be used with caution due to its toxicity at higher concentrations, while H. stigonocarpa demonstrates promising bioactive properties. This study reinforces the importance of toxicological and physiological assessments to ensure the safe and sustainable use of Hymenaea species in food, medicine, and agriculture.