The Lantana L. genus, Verbenaceae, is a pan tropical flowering plant. Three species naturally growing in Mata Atlantica biome were chosen for this study: L.camara, L . macrophylla aand L.undulata. In folk medicine, these species are indicated to treat bronchitis and mucous secretions. Although L. camara is a well-known plant, little is known about L. macrophylla and L. undulata. The objective of this study was to perform chemical analysis, cytotoxic on Vero cells and antiherpesviral activity of three Lantana species. Phytochemical prospection demonstrated the presence of condensed tanins in all of three species; saponins were found only in L. camara and flavonones, flavonols and xantones, flavones and cathechins were seen only in L. undulata. The presence of oleanolic and ursolic acids in L. macrophylla, lantanolic acid in L. camara was suggested by thin layer chromatography technique. The content of condensed tannins was statiscally higher in L. macrophylla and L. undulata compared to L. camara. The cytotoxic effect to 50% of the cell culture (CE50) and maximal cytotoxic concentration (CMNC) were stablished using tetrazolium technique and morphological evaluation. L. camara (CC50=208.4 μg.mL-1, CMNC=250 μg.mL-1) and L. macrophylla (CC50=2851 μg.mL-1; CMNC=125 μg.mL-1) were less toxic than L. undulata (CC50=5.7 μg.mL-1; CMNC=2.5 μg.mL-1), and L. macrophylla showed the best results for antiviral (83%) and virucidal activity (99.7%). Taking together, results demonstrate the biological potential of Lantana species occurring in Mata Atlantica biome with emphasis to antiherpesvirus action.
