Biological potential of seed oil of Rubus glaucus Benth (blackberry)

Extracts from different parts of plants have phytochemical properties that have been used to maintain or improve human health. This study evaluated the antibacterial potential and cytotoxicity of Rubus glaucusBenth. seed oil. The disk diffusion assay was used to assess antibacterial activity against five ATCC bacterial strains and three clinical strains. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were determined by microdilution and MTT assay, respectively. Antihemolytic activity was assessed by spectrophotometry, and blood cells and lymphocytes were analyzed by microscopy. Ocular and dermal irritation were evaluated using specific models. The oil showed mild antibacterial activity, with no effect against Staphylococcus aureusor multidrug-resistant strains. It significantly inhibited hemolysis (p<0.001) without causing lymphocyte toxicity (p<0.01), or ocular or dermal damage. The analyses suggest its possible use in cosmetics, therapeutics or food due to its content of tocopherols and polyunsaturated fatty acids.