Vol. 15 No. 87 (2026)
Articles

Phytochemical profile and physicochemical characterization of the endemic vine Tynanthus croatianus (Bignoniaceae) in Costa Rica

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  • German Madrigal Redondo,
  • Jeniffer Sandí Flores,
  • Maynor Carranza Varela,
  • Gustavo Carazo Berrocal
German Madrigal Redondo
University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
Author Biography

Master’s degree in Quality Control of Medicines and Master’s degree in Intellectual Property, Pharmaceutical Research Institute (INIFAR), Pharmacy School, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.

Jeniffer Sandí Flores
University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
Author Biography

Bachelor´s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Research Institute (INIFAR), Pharmacy School, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.

Maynor Carranza Varela
University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
Author Biography

Master's Degree in Natural Resource Management and Production Technologies, Pharmaceutical Research Institute (INIFAR), Pharmacy School, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.

Gustavo Carazo Berrocal
University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
Author Biography

Master's degree in Analysis and Quality Control of Medicines, Pharmaceutical Research Institute (INIFAR), Pharmacy School, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2025.87.01.4

Published 2026-03-01

Keywords

  • T. croatianus,
  • phytochemical profile,
  • secondary metabolites,
  • extracts,
  • therapeutic potential.

How to Cite

Madrigal Redondo, G., Sandí Flores, J., Carranza Varela, M., & Carazo Berrocal, G. (2026). Phytochemical profile and physicochemical characterization of the endemic vine Tynanthus croatianus (Bignoniaceae) in Costa Rica. Amazonia Investiga, 15(87), 38–47. https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2025.87.01.4

Copyright (c) 2026 German Madrigal Redondo, Jeniffer Sandí Flores, Maynor Carranza Varela, Gustavo Carazo Berrocal

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Traditional medicine utilizes species of the Bignoniaceae family to treat diabetes, malaria, and leishmaniasis. However, Tynanthus croatianus, an endemic vine from Costa Rica, lacks comprehensive phytochemical studies validating its potential therapeutic use. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the secondary metabolites in T. croatianus stems using solvents of varying polarity and to determine the physicochemical properties of the aqueous extract. Methods: Stem samples were collected in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Extracts were prepared via maceration using distilled water, ethanol (96%), methanol, and chloroform. Qualitative phytochemical screening (Dragendorff, Shinoda, etc.) and physicochemical analyses (pH, specific gravity, UV-Vis spectroscopy) were performed. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenes, gallic tannins, catechins, and steroids across all extracts. Notably, alkaloids were detected in ethanolic and methanolic phases but were absent in aqueous extracts. The aqueous solution exhibited an acidic pH (5.61) and a specific gravity of 0.9977. UV-Vis analysis indicated the presence of low-molecular-weight compounds, likely sugars and terpenes. Conclusion: T. croatianus possesses a diverse metabolic profile rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial candidates. These findings provide a scientific baseline supporting its ethnopharmacological potential and justifying future in vitro and in vivo bioactivity assays.

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