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O uso de plantas medicinais como alternativa terapêutica é crescente na medicina popular. A espécie Miconia albicans, popularmente conhecida como canela de velho, está sendo consumida em várias regiões do país, por apresentar ação anti-inflamatória. Este trabalho avaliou os constituintes fenólicos e a qualidade de cinco amostras de chás de M. albicans, adquiridos em ambientes comerciais da cidade de Jaraguá do Sul. Comparou-se informações de seus rótulos e determinou-se a presença de matérias estranhas, de microrganismos, o teor de umidade e de cinzas totais. A caracterização de compostos fenólicos das amostras foi realizada através HPLC-LC-ESI-MS/MS. A toxicidade foi avaliada com larvas de Artemia salina. Algumas amostras apresentaram irregularidades no que tange as especificações de rótulos das embalagens. Os resultados de controle de qualidade da matéria-prima vegetal demonstraram estar em conformidade com as especificações descritas na Farmacopeia Brasileira. Foi observado o mesmo padrão de compostos fenólicos nas cinco amostras, assim como o perfil fitoquímico condizente com a espécie em estudo, Miconia albicas. As amostras são potencialmente citotóxicas, tendo uma DL50 menor que 1000 µg/mL. Portanto, sugere-se que sejam realizados estudos adicionais dos benefícios farmacológicos e efeitos toxicológicos da espécie visando maior segurança aos usuários.

Eugenia involucrata DC. (Myrtaceae), popularly known as “cereja-do-Rio-Grande”, is a native tree from Brazil, popularly used as a hypoglycemiant. Crude hydroalcoholic extract (CHE) and fractions (insoluble (FI), dichloromethane (FDM), ethyl acetate (FEA) and butanol (FBu)) of leaves were assessed to determine the phenolic chemical composition by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. 10 compounds were identified, being 7 new for this species: rutin, isoquercitrin, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, mandelic acid, naringenin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside and salicylic acid. Extract and fractions showed inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase (AchE) enzyme (best result: IC50 = 44.19 µg mL−1, for FEA) and α-glucosidase (α-Glu) (best result: IC50 = 31.25 ± 0.15 µg mL−1, for CHE). The observed antioxidant and inhibitory activity on the AchE and α-Glu is due to, at least in part, the presence of phenolic compounds in the samples.

The studies on natural compounds to diabetes mellitus treatment have been increasing in recent years. Research suggests that natural components can inhibit alpha-glucosidase activities, an important strategy in the management of blood glucose levels. In this work, for the first time in the literature, the compounds produced by Ganoderma lipsiense extracts were identified and evaluated on the inhibitory effect of these on alpha-glucosidase activity. Four phenolic compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) to crude extract from G. lipsiense grown in red rice medium (RCE) and synthetic medium (SCE), being syringic acid identified in both extracts. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed fatty acids and their derivatives, terpene, steroid, niacin, and nitrogen compounds to SCE, while RCE was rich in fatty acids and their derivatives. Both extracts demonstrated alpha-glucosidase inhibition (RCE IC50 = 0.269 ± 8.25 mg mL−1; SCE IC50 = 0.218 ± 9.67 mg mL−1), and the purified hexane fraction of RCE (RHEX) demonstrated the highest inhibition of enzyme (81.1%). Studies on kinetic inhibition showed competitive inhibition mode to RCE, while SCE showed uncompetitive inhibition mode. Although the inhibitory effects of RCE and SCE were satisfactory, the present findings identified some unpublished compounds to G. lipsiense in the literature with important therapeutic properties.

Bryophyllum delagoense (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Druce, native to Madagascar, is popularly known as “abyssian cactus” and popularly used in folk medicine as an analgesic and healing agent. The study methodology was divided into the phytochemical study: fractionation and identification of phenolic compounds by HLPC-ESI-MS/MS from the methanolic extract (ME), and fractions (DCMF and EAF) of leaves of B. delagoense, and biological activity with acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibition of extracts and fractions by in vitro enzymatic techniques. Twenty-seven phenolic compounds were identified, being the highest concentration of syringic acid (87.848 mg g−1). The DCMF fraction showed the best biological activity for inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme (0.125 mg mL−1).

Considering the economic potential of secondary metabolites, researches have been focusing several strategies in order to explore and enhance the accumulation of these metabolites in plant matrices in a broad context. One of those strategies is the development of suitable methodologies for the determination of some elicitors, such as salicylic acid (SA). Since literature presents only a few analytical methods for the quantification of SA in plants, this study developed, validated and evaluated these metabolite contents in Polygala species using capillary zone electrophoresis with ultraviolet-visible detection. The background electrolyte (BGE) consisted of 15 mmol L−1 of hydroxymethyl-aminomethane and 30 mmol L−1 of 2-hydroxy-isobutyric acid, pH = 3.9. The BGE was chosen using a rational procedure to increase selectivity and reduce migration time. The method presented rapid performance, migration time less than 0.76 min for salicylic and phthalic acid (internal standard), precision results for peak area were better than 2.9% (intra-day) and 2.8% (inter-day) and the responses for the analytes were linear (range of 1-5 mg L−1), with limits of detection and quantification of 0.2 and 0.6 mg L−1, respectively. The developed method was applied for 39 samples of plant extracts.

Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes mellitus are contemporary diseases of great concern. Phenolic compounds are linked to several health benefits and could lead to novel strategies to combat these ailments. The objective of this study was to evaluate by electrophoretically-mediated microanalysis the potential inhibitory activity of the fruit juices from Plinia cauliflora (“jaboticaba”) and Eugenia uniflora (“pitanga”) toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α-glucosidase, target enzymes in strategies for the treatment of these diseases. The phenolic profiles of the samples were also investigated. Jaboticaba and pitanga juices inhibited 85.90 ± 1.73 and 52.67 ± 1.24% of AChE activity at 5 mg mL−1, and 57.91 ± 2.60 and 69.47 ± 2.89% of α-glucosidase activity at 1 mg mL−1, respectively. Total phenolic content of the juices were 303.54 ± 28.28 and 367.00 ± 11.42 mgGA L−1, respectively. The observed inhibitory activity can be explained, at least in part, by the presence of the phenolic compounds.

The essential oils of Eugenia uniflora L. (EuEO), Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) (PcEO) and Syzygium cumini (L.) (ScEO), of the Myrtaceae family, were analyzed in gas chromatography with mass spectrometry in order to identify their volatile components, as well as their in vitro leishmanicidal, antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. A total of 34 compounds were identified from EuEO. The major compounds found in EuEO were germacrone (8.52%), spathulenol (8.20%), α-selinene (7.50%) and (Z)-β-elemenone (4.88%). PcEO contained 52 compounds, with the major compounds being (E)-cariophene (14.69%), β-bisabolene (9.36%), (E, E)-α-farnecene (8.07%) and globulol (7.86%). ScEO contained 38 compounds, with the major compounds being α-pinene (21.20%), globulol (15.30%), eugenol (11.20%), and α-terpineol (8.88%). Our results demonstrated that EuEO, PcEO and ScEO, tested against Leishmania amazonensis, affected promastigote growth in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 of EuEO, PcEO and ScEO were 0.99, 0.46 and 8.78 μg/mL, respectively, while the IC50 of Amphotericin B was 0.60 μg/mL. All the EO of the species evaluated presented moderate inhibitory activity, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) variation of 100 to 400 μg/mL for the following bacteria tested: Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus salivarius, Actinomyces naeslundii, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Prevotella nigrescens and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Our results showed that the IC50 values for the treated tumor cell lines ranged from 76.5 to 106.2 μg/mL for EuEO and 76.6 to 116.2 μg/mL for PcEO. ScEO was not tested on the tumor cell lines because it presented an IC50 > 400 μg/mL on normal cell lines. These results highlight the variability of the chemical composition of essential oils and the high potential of their bactericidal and leishmanicidal activities.

In this study, the profile of the bioactive compounds of sapucaia nut (Lecythis pisonis Cambess) and its by-products have been investigated. The phenolic profile by LC-ESI-MS/MS, the total phenolic content, the condensed tannins and the antioxidant activity of the sapucaia nut and shell were determined. 14 phenolic compounds were identified in the sapucaia nut extract, primarily phenolic acids and flavonoids. Catechin, epicatechin, myricetin, ellagic acid and ferulic acid presented significant correlation to the antioxidant activity. The sapucaia shell contained 22 phenolic compounds, 13 of which were quantified. The sapucaia shell extract showed a high content of total phenolic compounds, a high condensed tannins content, and high antioxidant activity. The higher antioxidant activity of the shell can be associated with a higher content of phenolics. Overall, it can be concluded that the sapucaia nut is a raw material rich in phenolic compounds that present high antioxidant activity. The nuts and the cake may be used as a promising raw material for the food industry, while the shells could be an alternative source of natural antioxidants. Further use in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry may also be envisaged.

This study evaluated the effects of different gastrointestinal digestion models in vitro on the bioaccessibility of phenolics and antioxidant activity in jucara frozen pulp. In the sequence, method 3 was applied to jucara fruit in three different stages of maturation (vitrin – reddish fruits, mature – purple fruits, tuira – deep purple fruits). In the method applied, the final pH adopted was 5.0, in order to avoid interference in the assay used to determine the antioxidant activity, and BHT was used to prevent excessive oxidation in the system. In this method, higher values for antioxidant activity were obtained (3574.95–3719.10 μmol L⁻¹ Trolox 100 g⁻¹ pulp) compared with the other two methods tested (1969.14–3034.74 μmol L⁻¹ Trolox 100 g⁻¹ pulp). In relation to jucara fruit, the mature stage was found to be ideal for processing, showing generally higher values of the bioaccessibility for phenolics and antioxidant activity compared to other maturation stages.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Eugenia brasiliensis Lam. (Myrtaceae) is a Brazilian tree distributed throughout Atlantic rain forest, since Bahia until Santa Catarina state, and is popularly known as “grumixaba, grumixameira, cumbixaba, ibaporoiti, and cereja-brasileira”. The bark and leaves of Eugenia brasiliensis are used in folk medicine as adstringent, diuretic, energizing, anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory. This study aimed at investigating the chemical composition, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Eugenia brasiliensis (HEEb). Material and methods Chemical composition of the HEEb was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography/ESI-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of HEEb (30–300 mg/kg) was verified in mice after oral administration by intra-gastric gavage (i.g.) 60 min prior to experimentation. It was investigated whether HEEb decreases visceral pain and leukocyte migration induced by an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of acetic acid (0.6%). We also evaluated whether HEEb decreases nociceptive behavior induced by formalin (including paw edema and temperature), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), histamine, and compound 48/80. Finally, we evaluated the effect of HEEb in the chronic inflammatory (mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity) pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), as well as quantifying the concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in the paw by ELISA method. Results Seven polyphenols were identified in HEEb by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. HEEb treatment alleviated nocifensive behavior and leukocyte migration caused by acetic acid. Moreover, HEEb also reduced the inflammatory pain and paw temperature induced by formalin, as well as it decreased nociceptive behavior induced by histamine and compound 48/80. Finally, acute and repeated treatment of animals with HEEb (100 mg/kg, i.g.) markedly reduced the mechanical and thermal (heat) hypersensitivity, besides decrease paw edema and temperature induced by CFA, and this effect was evident until the day 7. Moreover, repeated treatment with HEEb (100 mg/kg, i.g.) significantly reduced the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the paw when compared to the CFA group. Conclusions This is the first report showing that HEEb presents antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in the visceral and somatic inflammatory pain in mice, possibly involving the inhibition of histamine receptors and pro-inflammatory cytokines activated pathways. Our results are of interest because they support the use of Eugenia brasiliensis as a potential source of phytomedicine for inflammatory diseases and pain.

The ethnobotanical uses of Brazilian plants for different injuries and diseases conjoined with local rich biodiversity represent an important resource for research and development. This study aimed to characterise BDEO and its in vitro activity on the third instar larvae (L3) of Cochliomyia macellaria. Groups of 20 L3 were placed on filter paper impregnated with increasing concentrations of 5–30% (v/v), equivalent to 0.79–4.77 μL/cm2, solubilised in ethanol or acetone. The major constituents of BDEO were β-pinene (9.94%), D-limonene (9.59%), β-nerolidol (7.93%), caryophyllene (7.69%), spathulenol (6.69), α-muurolene (6.74%) and α-pinene (5.31%). Lethal concentrations of 50% for BDEO on C. macellaria (LC50) after 24 and 48 h of exposure were 2.63 and 2.47 μL/cm2 for ethanol and 9.58 and 8.11 μL/cm2 for acetone, respectively. Furthermore, larvae cuticle abnormalities and adult deformity were observed. Our data confirm the effectiveness of BDEO as an ecofriendly product against blowflies.

Herbal formulae with black pepper have been used to cancer treatment. The aim of this work was to evaluate antitumor activity of ethanolic and high pressure extracts produced from black pepper ( Piper nigrum L. cultivar Bragantina). The high pressure extracts were obtained by Supercritical Fluid extraction (SFE) at different conditions. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts showed the presence of piperine and terpenoids. However, the extract at 200 bar and 40 °C (SFE200) had higher piperine content and lowest monoterpenes/sesquiterpenes ratio, compared to others extracts, and also presented more cytotoxicity after 72 h (EC 50 14.40 ± 3.30 μg/ml), probably due the synergy between piperine and sesquiterpenes. The SFE200 contain phytocompounds able to intercalate causing oxidative DNA damage. In vivo treatment with 10 mg/kg/day of SFE200 for isogenic Balb-c mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma showed higher tumor inhibition and increased the survival time compared to ethanolic extract, probably related to the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

The phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and bioaccessibility of the minerals of thirteen honey samples from nine different species of stingless bees ( Meliponinae ) were determined in this study. Twenty-six phenolic compounds were found. The major phenolic compounds were salicylic acid (8.02–94.8 μg 100 g 1 ), p- coumaric acid (4.54–64.3 μg 100 g 1 ), naringin (4.00–32.0 μg 100 g 1 ) and taxifolin (12.0–1920 μg 100 g 1 ). Moreover, the presence of mandelic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, aromadendrin, isoquercetrin, eriodictyol, vanillin, umbelliferone, syringaldehyde, sinapaldehyde and carnosol in stingless bee honeys was reported for the first time. The study also states that the abundant minerals in the samples were potassium (263–4980 μg g 1 ), followed by calcium (88.7–138 μg g 1 ), sodium (12.7–261 μg g 1 ) and magnesium (25.9–231 μg g 1 ). The estimation of the minerals bioaccessibility demonstrated high fractions (73.62–107.6% of the total concentrations). Stingless bee honey has considerable concentrations of phenolic compounds and macro minerals (K, Ca, Na and Mg) as well as a related antioxidant capacity, suggesting a source of natural antioxidants.

Many essential oils (EOs) of different plant species possess interesting antimicrobial effects on buccal bacteria and antioxidant properties. Eugenia klotzschiana Berg (pêra-do-cerrado, in Portuguese) is a species of Myrtaceae with restricted distribution in the Cerrado. The essential oils were extracted through the hydrodistillation technique using a modified Clevenger apparatus (2 hours) and chemically characterized by GC-MS. The major compounds were α-copaene (10.6 %) found in oil from leaves in natura, β-bisabolene (17.4 %) in the essential oil from dry leaves and α-(E)-bergamotene (29.9 %) in oil from flowers. The antioxidant activity of essential oils showed similarities in both methods under analysis (DPPH and ABTS˙+) and the results suggested moderate to high antioxidant activity. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), using the microdilution method. MIC values below 400 µg/mL were obtained against Streptococcus salivarius (200 µg/mL), S. mutans (50 µg/mL), S. mitis (200 µg/mL) and Prevotella nigrescens (50 µg/mL). This is the first report of the chemical composition and antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the essential oils of E. klotzschiana. These results suggest that E. klotzschiana, a Brazilian plant, provide initial evidence of a new and alternative source of substances with medicinal interest.

An in vitro method involving simulated gastrointestinal digestion was used to assess the bioaccessibility of fifteen minerals, twenty-two phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity in jucara fruit during seven ripening stages. For minerals and phenolics, respectively, initial contents were up to 1325.9 and 22.9mg100g-1, whereas after in vitro digestion, the maximum values were 556.7 and 14.43mg100g-1 (dry matter). Antioxidant capacity, determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), after in vitro digestion decreased 51-78% when compared to the crude extract. Bioaccessible fractions of quercetin, protocatechuic and p-coumaric acids presented positive and significant correlation with results of DPPH and FRAP. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that the ripening stages of jucara fruit influenced the bioaccessibility of compounds and antioxidant capacity, which presented higher levels in purple fruits collected 42-69days after the appearance of the red berries on bunches.

A new xanthone, 1,5-dihydroxy-2,3-methylenedioxyxanthone (1), was isolated from four species of Polygala (Polygala campestris, Polygala densiracemosa, Polygala linoides and Polygala pulchella). In addition, three other xanthones and one sterol were isolated from extracts of these species: 1,5-dihydroxy-2,3-dimethoxyxanthone (2), 1,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone (3), 1,5-dihydroxy-6′,6′dimethylpyrano[2′,3':3,2]xanthone (4) and α-spinasterol (5). The xanthone 1 is new in the literature and although the others are known compounds this is the first time they have been isolated from these species. The chemotaxonomic significance of these data for the Polygala genus is reported.

In this study, 7 compounds were isolated from a hydroalcoholic extract of Polygala altomontana: aurapten (1), α-spinasterol (2) dihydrostyryl-2-pyrone (3) and styryl-2-pyrones (4–7). The styryl-2-pyrone (5) is new in the literature and although the others are known compounds this is the first time they have been isolated from the species P. altomontana. This is the second species of the genus Polygala to present the accumulation of dihydrostyryl-2-pyrones and styryl-2-pyrones. The chemotaxonomic significance of this data for the Polygala genus was summarized.

The dataset showed in this manuscript belongs to the investigation of the Southern-Brazilian geopropolis of stingless bees. Stingless bees are native species of insects from tropical areas; they produce honey, pollen and geopropolis that is composed of a mix of vegetal extracts, digestive enzymes, and mostly by soil. Used in folk medicine as antiseptic, antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, the composition is due to bee species, climate changes, local flora, and soil type. Moreover, the complex chemical content gives to the geopropolis a bioactive potential, with scavenging characteristics that is important to avoid free radical damages in the human health.Regarding the importance of exploring new natural matrices sources with bioactive potential, the first approach of chemical characterization of geopropolis is indispensable. Thus, ten samples of Southern-Brazilian geopropolis were analyzed and the bioactive responses obtained were discussed in the accompanying article titled “Southern-Brazilian geopropolis: A potential source of polyphenolic compounds and assessment of mineral composition”. Furthermore, the physicochemical analysis of moisture and ash content, the yield of extraction, the reducing activity and free radical scavenging potential of ethanolic extracts, the antimicrobial activity, and the analysis of HPLC-ESI-MS/MS chromatograms are the main data presented in brief. The data can guide scientists in order to know methods and data for these samples. Keywords: Stingless bess propolis, Melipona mondury, Melipona quadrifasciata, Melipona scutellaris, Melipona seminigra, Tetragonisca angustula, Antimicrobial potential, Chemical characterization

To evaluate the effects of moderate-term açaí and juçara juice intake on fasting glucose, lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy subjects.A randomized cross-over study was performed with 30 healthy adults. The subjects were assigned to drink 200 mL/day of açaí or juçara juice for four weeks with a 4-week washout period. Before and after each nutritional intervention, blood samples were obtained to evaluate the outcomes: fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), small, dense LDL-c (sd-LDL-c), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), uric acid, and activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).After four weeks, açaí and juçara juices increased the concentrations of HDL-c by 7.7% and 11.4%, respectively (P 0.05). In addition, açaí juice intake promoted significant increases in TAC (66.7%), CAT (275.1%), GPx (15.3%), and a decrease in OSI (55.7%) compared to baseline (P 0.05 for all). Juçara juice intake significantly increased CAT activity (~15.0%) in relation to baseline. No significant intergroup differences were observed for any outcomes (P 0.05).The results indicated a positive impact of regular consumption of açaí and juçara juices on the HDL-c levels, as well as on the antioxidant enzyme activities, which may contribute to cardiovascular health.

The objective of this study was to investigate and quantify the composition phenolic, reducing capacity, the free radical scavenging activity, as well as, the anti-inflammatory effect evaluated against lipopolysaccharides-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages through modulation of inflammatory mediators, in eight stingless bee honey types (Meliponinae) from southern Brazil. Stingless bee honey did not show to be cytotoxic at the tested concentrations (1–100 µM) and also reduced nitric oxide and the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine in the inflamed macrophages. Two honey samples showed the ability to increase the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10), suggesting a significant anti-inflammatory effect. All these findings indicate that stingless bee honey could be an important source of natural compounds presenting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect, which could would provide health benefits when included in the diet.

Eugenia genus is known for its phenolic metabolites, which may influence the progression of the Alzheimer Disease. This study aimed to evaluate the anticholinesterase effects of six Eugenia species from Brazil. Leaves and stems were submitted to maceration (methanol) and partitioned with dichloromethane and ethyl acetate (EtOAc). Samples were screened (200 μg mL−1) for the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis allowed the identification of twenty-eight phenolic compounds. Regarding the enzymatic activity, EtOAc fraction of E. mattosii exhibited the best results. Chemical and pharmacological aspects of seasonal E. mattosii extracts were evaluated. The extract from leaves collected in the winter was the most effective for AChE, and the extract from leaves collected in the spring was the most effective for BuChE. Correlating the enzymatic results with the chemical data, it was possible to associate these effects to isoquercitrin, quercetin, catechin, epicatechin, procatecuic acid and myricitrin content.

Purpose The plants of the genus Polygala (Polygalaceae) have been used for a long time in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation. The species Polygala molluginifolia is native to southern Brazil and is popularly known as “cânfora”. The presented study analyzes the antinociceptive effect of hydroalcoholic extract from Polygala molluginifolia (HEPm) and an isoflavone (ISO) isolated from the extract, in behavioral models of pain in mice, as well as the mechanism underlying this effect. Materials and methods The phytochemical analysis of HEPm was performed through a capillary electrophoresis analysis and colorimetric test. The antinociceptive effects of HEPm and ISO (10–1000 mg/kg, i.g.) were evaluated by applying the formalin test; mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia to postoperative pain in mice. The possible involvement of opioid receptors, TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels in the antinociceptive effect of HEPm and ISO were also evaluated. Finally, the nonspecific effects of HEPm and ISO were evaluated by measuring locomotor activity (Open-field Test) and corporal temperature. Results The 5,3′,4′-trihydroxy-6″,6″-dimethylpyrano[2″,3″:7,6] isoflavone (ISO) was identified in HEPm by capillary electrophoresis analysis and selected for the experimental tests. The oral administration of HEPm or of ISO significantly inhibited the neurogenic and inflammatory phases of formalin-induced pain, edema formation and local hyperemia, without causing any change to locomotor activity. Acute and repeated treatment of animals with HEPm reduced mechanical and thermal (heat and cold) hyperalgesia in the postoperative pain. In addition, administering HEPm or ISO markedly reduced nociceptive behavior induced by the peripheral and central injection of TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels activators. Finally, the antinociception provided by the administration of HEPm or ISO was reversed by the preadministration of naloxone. Conclusions Taken together, these results provide the first experimental evidence of the significant antinociceptive effect of HEPm and ISO in animal models of acute pain without causing sedation or locomotor dysfunction. This effect appears to be mediated, at least in part, by the activation of opioid receptors and/or by the inhibition of TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels. Moreover, this study adds new scientific evidence and highlights the therapeutic potential of the medicinal plant Polygala molluginifolia in the development of phytomedicines with analgesic properties.

Different storage conditions (22 and 40 °C for 90 days) were used in thermally processed stingless bee honey (90 °C), seeking to evaluate their effect on the physicochemical properties (moisture, acidity, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and diastase activity) and bioactive (antioxidant potential and individual phenolic compounds). In addition, a commercial honey sample was also stored at 4 °C for 365 days and evaluated for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and bioactive properties. The results of the physicochemical properties showed that at the end of storage, honeys had little changes when compared the start of storage (after thermal treatment), but differed from fresh honey. Only honeys stored at 40 °C showed quantifiable levels of 5-HMF. As for bioactive properties, honeys showed antioxidant potential after storage under all tested conditions (22, 40, and 4 °C). Other phenolic compounds, which were not present in the fresh honey, were identified after heat treatment. This profile remained after storage in all conditions tested. However, storage at 40 °C caused the greatest reductions in most tested compounds, while at 4 °C their amount was preserved. Thus, it can be concluded that storage at 40 °C is not recommended, and temperatures lower may assist in maintaining the characteristics of thermally processed stingless bee honeys.

The phytochemical investigation of the ethyl acetate fraction of Polygala longicaulis Kunth resulted in the isolation and identification of two dihydrostyryl-2-pyrones (1–2). This is the third species of the Polygala L. genus, along with Polygala altomontana Ludtke, Boldrini & Miotto and Polygala sabulosa A.W. Benn., to present the accumulation of dihydrostyryl-2-pyrones. The data reported herein make an important contribution to the chemotaxonomy of this genus. This is the first report of dihydrostyryl-2-pyrone (1) and dihydrometisticin (2) in P. longicaulis and the first report of dihydrometisticin in the genus Polygala. Furthermore, this is the first grouping of non-xanthone-producing Polygala species.

Antiinflammatory and antitumor activity has been reported in Passiflora edulis (yellow passion fruit) nevertheless the intrinsic mechanisms of action are not fully elucidated. The present study aimeds to perform a comparison between the antitumor activity involving the crude extract (HCE) and the supercritical fluid extract with ethanol as co-solvent (SFEtOH) from P. edulis f. flavicarpa Deg. The in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated in MCF-7 cells, while the in vivo antitumor activity was assessed in male Balb/c mice inoculated with Ehrlich carcinoma cells. SFEtOH exhibited higher antitumor activity compared to HCE. Wherein, SFEtOH showed an EC50 of 264.6 μg/mL against MCF-7 cells as well as an increased inhibition of tumor growth of 48.5% (p

Curcuma longa (saffron) is widely used in Western cuisine and its consumption is associated to the prevention and control of various diseases. Nevertheless, there no report on its antibacterial activity against mycoplasma strains. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of C. longa and the curcumin against strains of mycoplasma. The rhizomes of C. longa were submitted to different processes of conservation followed by maceration to obtain ethanolic and acetonic extracts, and decoction to obtain aqueous extracts. The extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to an ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV) to quantify curcumin. Anti-mycoplasma activity of the extracts and curcumin were evaluated using a broth microdilution technique to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The best activity was observed in the ethanolic and acetonic extracts, which had the higher curcumin content, indicating a relationship between the presence of this compound and the anti-mycoplasmatic activity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ripening on the individual phenolic compounds, total anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity of jucara fruit. The color, moisture, total protein, total lipids, fatty acids and mineral contents were also evaluated. A total of eleven phenolic compounds were identified during the ripening of jucara fruit by HPLC–ESI-MS/MS. Rutin and quercetin showed highest levels at stages 6 and 7, with 0.27 to 0.28 mg 100 g− 1 and 1.25 to 1.48 mg 100 g− 1, respectively. The skin color of the fruit during ripening changed from red to black, favored by the accumulation of anthocyanins (507.57–634.26 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside 100 g− 1 fresh matter). In addition, these compounds (quercetin, rutin and anthocyanins) showed positive correlation with the antioxidant capacity, which explains the high antioxidant potential of jucara fruit observed in DPPH and FRAP assays. The results revealed that the pulp of the jucara fruit collected at the end of ripening (stages 5 to 7) also presents adequate nutritional potential for consumption, providing higher levels of protein, lipids, oleic and linoleic acids, potassium, calcium, iron and manganese.

This study evaluates the antidepressant-like effect and analysed the qualitative and quantitative 74 phenolic standards of ethyl acetate fraction from Tabernaemontana catharinensis leaves. Acute administration of fraction in mice reduced the immobility time in forced swimming and tail suspension tests confirming its antidepressant-like activity. The anti-immobility effect elicited by this fraction was prevented by the pretreatment of mice with PCPA (100 mg kg−1), ketanserin (5 mg kg−1), SCH 23,390 (0.05 mg kg−1) or yohimbine (1 mg kg−1). A sub effective dose of the fraction produced a synergistic effect with fluoxetine (5 mg kg−1). Chromatographic analysis identified 4-hydroxybenzoic and p-coumaric acids in the ethyl acetate fraction from T. catharinensis. Capillary electrophoresis presented 7.34 ± 0.02 mg g−1 of p-coumaric acid concentration in the fraction. Therefore, it is possible that antidepressant-like effect elicited by ethyl acetate fraction from T. catharinensis be dependent on the p-coumaric acid.

Geopropolis is a stingless bee product compose mainly by soil, presenting complex composition geopropolis has bioactive compounds that will depend on geographical characteristics as well bee species, changing their chemical and biological properties. Thus the study aims to evaluate the solubility and chemical stability of geopropolis extracts, through radical capture capacity and reducing capacity. Besides, analysis of free and bonded phenolic compounds, and mineral composition. Geopropolis samples of Melipona mondury, Melipona quadrifasciata, Melipona scutellaris, Melipona seminigra and Tetragonisca angustula were analyzed. Both reducing compounds with a maximum of 2.96% GAE and free radical scavenging potential with a maximum of 5.84% AAE and 8.58% TE increases over 30 days of storage time. Also, methanolic extracts released at least 51% more reducing compounds and exhibited at least 27% more free radical scavenging potential in comparison to ethanolic extracts. The polyphenolic profile shows 31 compounds after acid and alkaline hydrolysis as cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, aromadendrin, vanillin. For the mineral composition, sixteen minerals were found among essential and non-essential, differentiating each sample by chemometric PCA and HCA analysis according to geographic region. Geopropolis is a potential source of natural compounds that could enhance food quality, increasing the bioactive content and preventing oxygen damages in foods, likewise for pharmacological application for healthcare.

Rosmarinus officinalis, also named rosemary, is a native plant from the Mediterranean region that is useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Studies using experimental models and/or in vitro tests have shown the important biological effects of rosemary. In this context, the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of rosemary must be investigated to support the discovery of new substances with anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of crude extract oil free obtained from the leaves of rosemary in an animal model of inflammation, thus evaluating its medicinal use for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Also its ethanol, hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions, as well as its isolated compounds carnosol and rosmarinic acid were analyzed. Swiss mice were used for the in vivo experiments. The effect of this herb on the inhibition of the leukocytes, exudation, myeloperoxidase, and adenosine-deaminase activities, nitrite/nitrate, interleukin 17A, and interleukin 10 levels and mRNA expression was determined. The crude extract and its derived fractions, in addition to its isolated compounds, inhibited leukocytes and decreased exudation and myeloperoxidase and adenosine-deaminase activities, as well as nitrite/nitrate and interleukin 17A levels and mRNA expression, besides increasing interleukin 10 levels and mRNA expression. Rosemary showed important anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting leukocytes and decreasing exudation. These effects were associated with a decrease in the proinflammatory parameters (myeloperoxidase, adenosine-deaminase, nitrite/nitrate, and interleukin 17A) and an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin 10). This study confirms the anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary and validates its use in folk medicine to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism and asthma.

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of the crude hydroalcoholic extract (CHE) from the aerial parts of Croton antisyphiliticus, its fractions and isolated compounds derived from it on the mouse model of pleurisy induced by carrageenan. The aerial parts of C. antisyphiliticus were dried, macerated and extracted with ethanol to obtain the CHE, which was fractionated by liquid–liquid extraction using solvents with increasing polarity to obtain hexane (Hex), ethyl acetate (EA) and aqueous (Aq) fractions. Vitexin and quinic acid were isolated from Aq fraction. Capillary electrophoresis analysis, physical characteristics and spectral data produced by infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR) and mass spectrometry analyses were used to identify and elucidate the structure of the isolated compounds. The experimental model of pleurisy was induced in mice by a single intrapleural injection of carrageenan (1 %). Leukocytes, exudate concentrations, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and adenosine-deaminase (ADA) activities and nitrate/nitrite (NOx), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels were determined in the pleural fluid leakage at 4 h after pleurisy induction. Animals pre-treated with CHE, Hex, EA, Aq, vitexin and quinic acid exhibited decreases in leukocytes, exudate concentrations, MPO and ADA activities and NOx levels (p < 0.05). Also CHE, Hex, EA and vitexin but not quinic acid inhibited TNF-α and IL-17 levels (p < 0.05). C. antisyphiliticus caused anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activated leukocytes, exudate concentrations, NOx, TNF-α, and IL-17 levels. The compounds vitexin and quinic acid may be responsible for this anti-inflammatory action.

This article reports a study on the antioxidant activity of jucara (Euterpe edulis M.) (defatted pulp and oil) and the cytoprotective effect in terms of oxidative damage induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH) in a Vero cell culture. Simultaneously, HPLC–ESI-MS/MS was used to determine the phenolic composition of defatted pulp jucara extracts. The defatted pulp extract exhibited stronger free radical scavenging ability in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ion ferric (FRAP) and β-carotene systems than the lipid extract. The predominance of phenolic acids (benzoic, caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic, protocatechuic, syringic, vanillic and ρ-coumaric) and flavonols (quercetin and rutin) was observed in the extracts by direct infusion–ESI-MS/MS in negative ion mode. Jucara extracts (1.5, 4.5, 9 μg mL− 1) had a significant protective effect against TBH-induced oxidative stress in Vero cells compared to the gallic acid control. These results provide novel information on the jucara fruit (E. edulis M.) regarding the relation between the phenolic compound composition and antioxidant and cytoprotective effects.

A new heterodinuclear Fe(III)Zn(II) complex which mimics the active site of the hydrolytic enzyme red kidney bean purple acid phosphatase was synthesized and characterized by IR, CHN and X-ray crystallographic analyses. This complex, [Fe(III)Zn(II)(mu-OH)bpbpmp-CH(3)](ClO(4))(2), containing the ligand (H(2)bpbpmp-CH(3) = {2-[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]-6-[(2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl) (2-pyridyl-methyl) aminomethyl]-4-methyl-phenol}) was employed in the construction of a biomimetic sensor and used in the determination of rosmarinic acid in plant extract samples. The response parameters and optimization of the biomimetic sensor design were evaluated. The best performance of this sensor was obtained for 75:15:10% (w/w/w) of the graphite powder:nujol:Fe(III)Zn(II) complex, 0.1 mol L(-1) phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.5), 1.19x10(-4) mol L(-1) hydrogen peroxide with frequency, pulse amplitude, and scan increment at 30 Hz, 100 mV, and 0.6 mV, respectively. The rosmarinic acid concentration was linear in the range of 2.98x10(-5) to 3.83x10(-4) mol L(-1) (r=0.9991) with a detection limit of 2.30x10(-6) mol L(-1). This biomimetic sensor demonstrated long-term stability (300 days; 900 determinations) and reproducibility, with a relative standard deviation of 12.0%. The recovery study of rosmarinic acid in plant extract samples gave values from 90.3 to 98.3% and the concentrations determined showed agreement when compared with those obtained using capillary electrophoresis at the 95% confidence level.

Eugenia brasiliensis Lam., a plant from the south of Brazil, is used in the popular medicine for rheumatism treatment. This study reports that topical application of hydroalcoholic extract, fractions and isolated compounds from E. brasiliensis caused an inhibition of ear oedema in response to topical application of croton oil on the mouse ear. For oedema inhibition, the estimated ID50 values (dose reducing the inflammatory response by 50% relative to the control value) for hydroalcoholic extract and fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane) were 0.17, 0.29, 0.13 and 0.14 mg/ear, respectively, with inhibition of 79 ± 7%, 87 ± 6%, 88 ± 5% and 96 ± 2%, respectively. Isolated phenolic compounds (quercetin, catechin and gallocatechin) were also effective in inhibiting the oedema (inhibition of 61 ± 5%, 66 ± 2% and 37 ± 9%, respectively). Moreover, both extract and isolated compounds caused inhibition of polymorphonuclear cells influx (inhibition of 85 ± 6%, 81 ± 5%, 73 ± 6% and 76 ± 6%, respectively). The histological analysis of the ear tissue clearly confirmed that the extract and compounds of E. brasiliensis inhibited the influx of polymorphonuclear cells to mouse ear skin after application of croton oil. Furthermore, hydroalcoholic extract was also effective in inhibiting the arachidonic acid-mediated mouse ear oedema (ID50 value was 1.94 mg/ear and inhibition of 60 ± 7%). Therefore, these results consistently support the notion that E. brasiliensis possesses topical anti-inflammatory activity.

Despite lower energy intakes with age, elderly have higher requirements for several nutrients, making them vulnerable to deficiencies that further aggravate aging chronic conditions. To manage this problem, new food formulations are needed to address the nutritional needs of the worldwide growing aging population. In the present work, we develop an innovative functional fruit/vegetable beverage for the elderly using coconut water, orange juice and carrot juice. The beverage was enriched with vitamin A and C and supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids and inulin to provide important nutritional elements to the target consumers of this study. Osmolality classified the beverage as hypertonic. Heat (TT), supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO 2 ) and dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) treatments were applied as preservation methods, and the responses of the functional and enriched components and enzymes were evaluated. Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris ATCC 49025 and a surrogate Escherichia coli , ATCC 25922, were inoculated in the beverage to induce spoilage and verify the effectiveness of inactivation processes on the cells. The DMDC process reduced E. coli to undetectable levels and exhibited a greater reduction of A. acidoterrestris vegetative cells, molds and yeasts. The conditions applied in the process with SC-CO 2 did not show satisfactory results in reducing juice microbiota. Loss of vitamin C and A was mainly associated with the SC-CO 2 treatment. The beverage received a positive acceptability evaluation among the tasters in the sensory analysis and may be introduced as a new vehicle for the consumption of functional compounds, especially by vegans and/or vegetarians and lactose-intolerant elderly.

We previously demonstrated that systemic oxidative stress is present in Down syndrome (DS) patients. In the present study we investigated the antioxidant status in the peripheral blood of DS children and teenagers comparing such status before and after an antioxidant supplementation. Oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated in the blood of DS patients (n=21) before and after a daily antioxidant intervention (vitamin E 400mg, C 500 mg) during 6 months. Healthy children (n=18) without DS were recruited as control group. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as the contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), uric acid, vitamin E, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and protein carbonyls (PC) were measured. Before the antioxidant therapy, DS patients presented decreased GST activity and GSH depletion; elevated SOD, CAT, GR, GGT and MPO activities; increased uric acid levels; while GPx and G6PD activities as well as vitamin E and TBARS levels were unaltered. After the antioxidant supplementation, SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GGT and MPO activities were downregulated, while TBARS contents were strongly decreased in DS. Also, the antioxidant therapy did not change G6PD and GST activities as well as uric acid and PC levels, while it significantly increased GSH and vitamin E levels in DS patients. Our results clearly demonstrate that the antioxidant intervention with vitamins E and C attenuated the systemic oxidative damage present in DS patients.

A phytochemical investigation of Polygala molluginifolia (root, stem, leaves and flowers) resulted in the isolation of four pyranoisoflavones, of which isoflavone 1 was previously unknown in the literature. Isoflavones 2-4: , although they are known synthetic compounds, are described in this work as new natural products. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant effects and potential for inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Isoflavones 1 and 4 inhibited acetylcholinesterase, displaying IC50 values of 68 µmol L-1 and 84 µmol L-1, respectively. In the DPPH assay, the same compounds and rutin 5 exhibited EC50 values of 61 µmol L-1, 55 µmol L-1 and 16 µmol L-1, respectively. Moreover, the permeability of compounds 1-4: was evaluated using parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) with isoflavones 3 (9.25 × 10-6 cm s-1) and 4 (3.48 × 10-6 cm s-1) exhibiting the highest permeabilities.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Tabebuia avellanedae Lorentz ex Griseb is a plant employed in tropical America folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases, including depressive disorders. Aim of the study To investigate the ability of Tabebuia avellanedae ethanolic extract (EET) administered chronically to cause an antidepressant-like effect in the tail suspension test (TST), a predictive test of antidepressant activity, and to reverse behavioral (hyperactivity, anhedonic-like behavior and increased immobility time in the TST) and biochemical changes induced by olfactory bulbectomy (OB), a model of depression, in mice. Materials and methods Mice were submitted to OB to induce depressive-related behaviors, which were evaluated in the open-field test (hyperactivity), splash test (loss of motivational and self-care behavior indicative of an anhedonic-like behavior) and TST (increased immobility time). Phosphorylation levels of Akt, GSK-3β, ERK1/2 and CREB, as well as BDNF immunocontent, were evaluated in the hippocampus of bulbectomized mice or sham-operated mice treated for 14 days by p.o. route with EET or vehicle. Results EET (10 and 30 mg/kg) given 14 days by p.o route to mice reduced the immobility time in the TST without altering locomotor activity, an indicative of an antidepressant-like effect. EET per se increased both CREB (Ser 133 ) and GSK-3β (Ser 9 ) phosphorylation (at doses of 10–30 and 30 mg/kg, respectively) in sham-operated mice. OB caused hyperactivity, loss of motivational and self-care behavior, increased immobility time in the TST and an increase in CREB and ERK1 phosphorylation, as well as BDNF immunocontent. EET abolished all these OB-induced alterations except the increment of CREB phosphorylation. Akt (Ser 473 ) and ERK2 phosphorylation levels were not altered in any group. Conclusions EET ability to abolish the behavioral changes induced by OB was accompanied by modulation of ERK1 and BDNF signaling pathways, being a promising target of EET. Results indicate that this plant could constitute an attractive strategy for the management of depressive disorders, once more validating the traditional use of this plant.

Background Dihydrocorynantheol (DHC) is an alkaloid compound isolated from Esenbeckia leiocarpa Engl. that has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in experimental models. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the modification of the chemical structure of DHC could alter its anti-inflammatory effect in a mouse model of pleurisy induced by carrageenan. Methods DHC was isolated from Esenbeckia leiocarpa Engl. Capillary electrophoresis, physical characteristics, spectral data produced by infrared analysis and nuclearmagnetic resonance ( 1 H and 13 C), andmass spectrometry analysiswere used to identify and elucidate DHC structure. The DHC compound was subjected to chemical structural modifications by nucleophilic substitution reactions, yielding five analogous compounds: acetyl (1), p -methylbenzoyl (2), benzoyl (3), p -methoxybenzoyl (4) and p -chlorobenzoyl (5). Swiss mice were used throughout the experiments. Pro-inflammatory parameters leukocyte migration, exudate concentrations and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were quantified in the fluid leakage from the mouse pleural cavities at 4 h after pleurisy induction. Results DHC and its analogues acetyl, p -methylbenzoyl, benzoyl, p -methoxybenzoyl and p -chlorobenzoyl inhibited total and differential leukocyte migration andMPOactivity (p Conclusions DHC was more effective than its analogues as an anti-inflammatory agent in the mouse model of pleurisy induced by carrageenan.We did not determine what physicochemical modifications altered the anti-inflammatory effect of DHC, but this effect may be due to the modifications on the hydroxyl group at carbon 17 of the DHC.

DNA methylation is an epigenetic regulatory mechanism of gene expression which can be associated with developmental phases and in vitro morphogenetic competence in plants. The present work evaluated the effects of 5-azacytidine (AzaC) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on Acca sellowiana somatic embryogenesis (SE) and global DNA methylation levels by high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS). 2,4-D-free treatments revealed no somatic embryo formation in both accessions tested. Treatments supplemented with 2,4-D pulse plus AzaC in the culture medium resulted in increased embryo formation. In AzaC-free treatment, HPLC/MS/MS analysis showed a gradual increase in methylation levels in cultures of both accessions tested during SE induction. Treatment with AzaC and 2,4-D-free resulted in a marked decrease in methylation for both accessions, ranging from 37.6 to 20.8 %. In treatment with 2,4-D and AzaC combined, the 85 accession showed increasing global methylation levels. Otherwise, the 101X458 accession, in the same treatment, showed a decrease between 10 and 20 days, followed by an increase after 30 days (39.5, 36.2 and 41.6 %). These results indicate that 2,4-D pulse combined with AzaC improves SE induction. However, the conversion phase showed that although positively influencing SE induction, AzaC had a dysregulatory effect on the stage of autotrophic plant formation, resulting in significantly lower conversion rates. The results suggest that DNA methylation dramatically influences SE in Acca sellowiana, and global DNA methylation dynamics are related to morphogenetic response. Key message 5-Azacytidine combined with 2,4-D increases the number of Acca sellowiana somatic embryos. Global DNA methylation is directly affected by these compounds.

Tabebuia avellanedae (syn. Handroanthus impetiginosus) is popularly known as 'ipe-roxo' and has been used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory and in the treatment of ulcers, bacterial and fungal infections. This study evaluated the gastric ulcer healing property of the ethanolic extract (EET) of barks from Tabebuia avellanedae and investigated the mechanisms that may underlie this effect. Rats were treated with EET (twice a day for 7 days) after induction of chronic gastric ulcers by 80% acetic acid. Following treatment, histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed in gastric ulcer tissues. Oral administration of EET (100 and 300 mg/kg) significantly reduced the gastric lesion induced by acetic acid in 44 and 36%, respectively. Histopathological evaluation demonstrated a contraction of gastric ulcer size, increase of mucus layer (periodic acid-Schiff stained mucin-like glycoproteins) and cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry) in animals treated with EET (100 and 300 mg/kg). The results demonstrate that EET significantly accelerates healing of acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in rats through increase of mucus content and cell proliferation, indicating a potential usefulness for treatment of peptic ulcer diseases.

The gastrointestinal activity of hydroalcoholic extract (HE) of Salvia officinalis was evaluated in a model of ethanol-induced gastric lesion. HE showed excellent activity, with ID 50 84.0 (54.8–128.9) mg/kg. The acetic acid-induced ulcer and the total acidity of the gastric secretion were also reduced by HE, and, in vitro experiments, the H + ,K + -ATPase activity was inhibited. Carnosol was identified as a possible active constituent for the gastroprotective effect of HE.

A biosensor based on the ionic liquid, 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate containing dispersed iridium nanoparticles (Ir-BMI.PF6) and polyphenol oxidase was constructed. This enzyme was obtained from the sugar apple (Annona squamosa), immobilized in chitosan ionically crosslinked with oxalate. The biosensor was used for determination of chlorogenic acid by square wave voltammetry. The polyphenol oxidase catalyzes the oxidation of chlorogenic acid to the corresponding o-quinone, which is electrochemically reduced back to this substance at +0.25 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Under optimized operational conditions the chlorogenic acid concentration was linear in the range of 3.48 × 10−6 to 4.95 × 10−5 mol L−1 with a detection limit of 9.15 × 10−7 mol L−1. The biosensor was applied in the determination of chlorogenic acid in organic and decaffeinated coffee and the results compared with those obtained using the capillary electrophoresis method. The recovery study for chlorogenic acid in these samples gave values of 93.2–105.7%.

A catechol oxidase biomimetic sensor, based on a novel copper(II) complex, was developed for the determination of catechin in green tea and the results were compared with those obtained by capillary electrophoresis. The dinuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu2(HL)(µ-CH3COO)](ClO4), containing the ligand N,N-[bis-(2-pyridylmethyl)]-N',N'-[(2-hydroxybenzyl)(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)]-1,3-propanediamine-2-ol (H3L), was synthesized and characterized by IR, ¹H NMR and elemental analysis. The best conditions for the optimization of the biomimetic sensor were established by square wave voltammetry. The best performance for this sensor was obtained in 75:15:10% (m/m/m) of the graphite powder:nujol:copper(II) complex, 0.05 mol L-1 phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.5) and frequency, pulse amplitude, scan increment at 30 Hz, 80 mV, 3.3 mV, respectively. The analytical curve was linear in the concentration range 4.95 × 10-6 to 3.27 × 10-5 mol L-1 (r = 0.9993) with a detection limit of 2.8 × 10-7 mol L-1. This biomimetic sensor demonstrated long-term stability (9 months; 800 determinations) and reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of 3.5%. The recovery of catechin from green tea samples ranged from 93.8 to 106.9% and the determination, compared with that obtained using capillary electrophoresis, was found to be acceptable at the 95% confidence level. Um sensor biomimético catecol oxidase, baseado em um novo complexo cobre(II) foi desenvolvido para determinação de catequina em chá verde e os resultados comparados com os obtidos por eletroforese capilar. O complexo dinuclear de cobre(II) [Cu2(HL)(µ-CH3COO)](ClO4), contendo o ligante N,N-[bis-(2-piridilmetil)]-N',N'-[(2-hidroxibenzil)(2-hidroxi-3,5-di-tert-butilbenzil)]-1,3-propanodiamino-2-ol (H3L), foi sintetizado e caracterizado por IV, ¹H RMN e análise elementar. As melhores condições para otimização do sensor biomimético foram estabelecidas por voltametria de onda quadrada. O melhor desempenho desse sensor foi obtido em 75:15:10% (m/m/m) de pó de grafite:nujol:complexo de cobre(II), tampão fosfato 0,05 mol L-1 (pH 7,5) e freqüência, amplitude de potencial, incremento em 30 Hz, 80 mV, 3,3 mV, respectivamente. A curva analítica foi linear na faixa de concentração 4,95 × 10-6 a 3,27 × 10-5 mol L-1 (r=0,9993) com limite de detecção de 2,8 × 10-7 mol L-1. Esse sensor biomimético demonstrou longo tempo de estabilidade (9 meses; 800 determinações) e reprodutibilidade com um desvio padrão relativo de 3,5%. A recuperação da catequina em amostras de chá verde variou de 93,8 a 106,9% e a determinação, comparada com a obtida usando eletroforese capilar, mostrou-se aceitável a um nível de confiança de 95%.

Extracts of black mulberry leaves present phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds and minerals. These substances have been studied because they show several health benefits. In this work we report the influence of drying temperature, infusion temperature and extraction time by means of factorial design monitoring the total phenolic content (CFT) of aqueous extracts of leaves of Morus nigra L. The concentrations of CFT, flavonoids, flavonols and antioxidant activity of the extracts were determined by spectrophotometry. The identification and quantification of phenolic compounds were performed by LC-ESI-MS / MS. The determination of the mineral concentration in the black mulberry leaves was performed by ICP-MS. The Pareto and surface response graphs suggested that the most efficient extractions occurred for leaves drying at lower temperatures and using higher infusion temperatures, extraction time did not show significant influence. The extracts presented concentration of CFT from 16.96 ± 0.15 to 5.73 ± 0.33 mg GAE g-1. The analyzes by LC-ESI-MS / MS allowed to identify phenolic substances not yet reported in the literature to date. In addition 10 mineral elements were determined in the black mulberry leaves at mg kg-1 concentrations range.