Antibacterial activity of extract and fractions from branches of <i>Protium spruceanum</i> and cytotoxicity on fibroblasts

<p>The crude ethanol extract (CEE) and fractions from branches of <i>Protium spruceanum</i> were subjected to antibacterial and cytotoxicity assays. Compounds of the most active fraction were identified by GC-MS and LC-MS. CEE was active against 19 bacteria and the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) showed the lowest minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC 0.3–80.0 mg/mL). Through time-kill assay was observed that EAF induced rapid bactericidal effect against <i>Staphylococcus saprophyticus</i>. The cytotoxicity tests against L929 fibroblasts showed great potential of EAF on the treatment of infections caused by five bacteria (MBC < IC₅₀). The results provide <i>in vitro</i> scientific support to the possible application of branches of <i>P. spruceanum</i> as antimicrobial agent that may contribute for treatment of infections.</p