In vitro antioxidant and wound healing properties of baru nut extract (Dipteryx alata Vog.) in pulmonary epithelial cells for therapeutic application in chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD)

Baru nuts (Dipteryx alata Vog.) are a native species from Brazil, rich in phenols and other antioxidants, with high socioeconomic value and possible pharmaceutical applications. Here we investigated baru nut ethanolic extract (BNEE) antioxidant and wound healing activities in human NCI-H441 and A549 lung epithelial cell lines for a possible use in conditions related to oxidative stress and wound healing impairments, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). BNEE was characterised with high DPPH free radical scavenging activity and high total phenolics content, amongst them gallic acid, that was identified and quantified by HPLC. BNEE was not cytotoxic at concentrations studied, reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species before and during oxidative stress and increased wound healing in cell monolayers. These are the first steps to investigate the beneficial properties of baru in diseases related to oxidative stress and wound healing impairments such as COPD.