Phytochemical and Biological Evaluation of Leaves, Stems, and Roots of Schinus weinmanniifolia Mart. Ex Engl.

The genus Schinus L. includes plants used in folk medicine with important pharmacological effects. However, little is known about Schinus weinmanniifolia Mart. ex Engl. This study evaluated the antioxidant, photoprotective, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of its ethanolic extracts and identified bioactive compounds. Phytochemical analysis confirmed saponins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins in leaves, stems, and roots extracts. Syringic acid, epicatechin, and rutin were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector. The leaves extract showed the lowest IC₅₀ in the DPPH method, and all extracts effectively scavenged ABTS radicals, outperforming BHT. All extracts demonstrated sun protection and antimicrobial action against Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts but lacked antiprotozoal activity. They showed no hemolytic potential or cytotoxicity in Vero cells at active concentrations. These findings highlight S. weinmanniifolia as a promising focus for future investigations aimed at further exploring its bioactive properties.