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Myrcia is a genus widespread in South America with many species presenting anti-inflammatory and biological properties. We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of crude hydroalcoholic extract of Myrcia pubipetala leaves (CHE-MP) using macrophages (RAW 264.7), and the air pouch model in mice to evaluate leukocyte migration and mediator’s release. Adhesion molecule expression, CD49 and CD18, was evaluated in neutrophils. In vitro, the CHE-MP significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels in the exudate and the supernatant culture. CHE-MP did not present cytotoxicity and modulated the percentage of positive neutrophils for CD18 and its expression per cell, without modifying the expression of CD49, which corroborated with significantly reduced neutrophil migration to inflammatory exudate and subcutaneous tissue. Taken together, the data demonstrate that CHE-MP presents a potential activity on innate inflammatory.

The juçara palm tree produces a small spherical and black–purple fruit similar to açaí. It is rich in phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins. A clinical trial evaluated the absorption and excretion of the main bioactive compounds in urine and the antioxidant capacity in serum and erythrocytes of 10 healthy subjects after juçara juice intake. Blood samples were collected before (0.0 h) and 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h after a single dose (400 mL) of juçara juice, while urine was collected at baseline and 0–3 and 3–6 h after juice intake. Seven phenolic acids and conjugated phenolic acids were identified in urine deriving from the degradation of anthocyanins: protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, vanillic acid glucuronide, hippuric acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxyphenylacetic acid, and ferulic acid derivative. In addition, kaempferol glucuronide was also found in urine as a metabolite of the parent compound in juçara juice. Juçara juice caused a decrease in the total oxidant status of serum after 0.5 h in comparison to baseline values (p < 0.05) and increased the phenolic acid metabolites excretion. This study shows the relationship between the production of metabolites of juçara juice and the total antioxidant status in human serum, indicating evidence of its antioxidant capacity.

Honey and other bee products may contain residues of different substances, including pesticides, which is considered a public health problem. In addition, they characterize risks to the health of Apis mellifera, which have been showing an increasing decline in their populations. There are many protocols for identifying pesticides in bee products which, in general, are complex matrices whose results of routine investigations in control laboratories are rarely disclosed. In this sense, the objective of the present study was to determine the presence of residues of glyphosate and its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in honey, as well as its effect on the strength of the hive of A. mellifera. Samples were collected from hives experimentally exposed to food containing a sublethal dose of Roundup® and conducted by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS). The AMPA content was lower than the method’s detection limit in honey samples from hives that received food containing the herbicide. It was possible to quantify glyphosate one week after the last artificial feeding (R1 8.45 ± 1.09 µg g−1; R2 8.15 ± 2.14 µg g−1; R3 23.90 ± 2.95 µg g−1). In a hive sample fed for more than four weeks, glyphosate was present in lower concentrations (3.12 ± 0.89 µg g−1) with no detection of AMPA. From the analysis of the strength of the hives, we observed a decrease in the population of adult individuals and the brood area, the absence of a queen, and no construction of royal cells by the workers in the hives of the Roundup® treatment in comparison to the control group, in which the hives remained with queen size, high adult and brood population, and food stock. Although present, glyphosate did not undergo degradation in honey during the evaluated period. Thus, we could infer that the presence of Roundup® in bee feed may be present in honey, representing a risk to consumers’ health and economic damage to beekeepers. This is the first study that evaluated the effect of glyphosate residues on hive strength, contributing to the understanding of the Roundup® mode of action in different aspects that affect the survival of colonies under field conditions.

The genus Polygonum exhibits a variety of biological and therapeutic properties. The goal of this study was to determine the in vitro anthelmintic activity of Polygonum acre extracts against the nematode Haemonchus contortus, characterizing the phenolic profile of these extracts. Aerial parts of P. acre were subjected to hot aqueous and hydroethanolic extractions obtaining EHW-PA (aqueous) and ETOH-P, (hydroethanolic), respectively. The phenolic content of the extracts was analyzed by using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) and colorimetric assays. The egg hatch test (EHT) and larval migration test (LMT) were used for anthelmintic activity assays. For comparison, chlorogenic acid and rutin were selected for the EHT. The HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of isoquercitrin, myricitrin, quercetin, rosmarinic acid, rutin, and taxifolin in both extracts. EHW-PA and ETOH-PA showed an egg hatch inhibitory effect. EHW-PA had an IC50 of 442.24 µg/mL on the EHT, which was statistically lower (P ≤ 0.05) than ETOH-PA (IC50 = 703.60 µg/mL). Chlorogenic acid had an IC50 of 8.66 µg/mL. Rutin presented no effect over parasite eggs. EHW-PA and ETOH-PA did not show any larvicidal effect. Even though, there is a need of new tests, this study has determined the possibility to develop biofriendly compounds based on Polygonum spp. constituents against H. contortus.

Sulfite is widely used to prevent enzymatic browning in shrimp and lobster processing. However, sulfite may cause allergy in sensitive consumers. Thus, regulatory agencies set limits for its use. Sulfite is usually controlled by the normalized Monier-Williams (MW) titrimetric method that allows a limited number of samples to be analyzed. This manuscript consolidates an innovative method for sulfite inspection in seafood by capillary zone electrophoresis with diode array detector (CZE-DAD). A simple, fast, and simultaneous extraction and derivatization method was developed to provide high throughput for analytical routine. The high instability of the sulfite was suppressed by its derivatization with formaldehyde producing hydroxymethylsulfonate. The evaluation of its analytical performance yielded excellent results in compliance with the strict parameters required for metrological accreditation. The CZE-DAD method was selective and specific when submitted to confirmatory evaluations by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The limit of detection (3.50 mg kg

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.

The molecular recognition of the carboxylatopillar[5]arene on methamphetamine showed interconversion between H2:G H:G stoichiometries with dependence on drug concentration. The study simulated conditions of severe metabolic acidosis (pH 7.00) and presented intelligent and promising dynamics for the removal of overdosed drugs or poisons in the circulatory system.

We report the targeted decomposition of the organophosphate methyl paraoxon by means of its transesterification with 1-propanol catalyzed by magnesium oxide. Catalyst characterization by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements (BET and BJH methods), and temperature programmed desorption of CO2 (CO2-TPD) showed that the employed MgO presents properties favorable for the methyl paraoxon adsorption and transesterification to occur. A thorough kinetic investigation showed that rate enhancements up to 3 × 106-fold can be achieved in comparison with the spontaneous propanolysis of the substrate, and that the material can be used in additional cycles without loss of catalytic activity, with the catalyst recovery achieved through a simple washing procedure. Energies for adsorption of 1-propanol and methyl paraoxon onto a MgO model surface were obtained by density functional theory calculations, which showed that the latter displays a stronger affinity for the catalyst surface, and that the reaction should proceed with methyl paraoxon and 1-propanol molecules juxtapositioned at adjacent Mg2+ sites, with nucleophilic and electrophilic centers ca. 2.4 A away from each other. Additionally, MgO also promoted rate enhancements up to 5 × 104-fold in the propanolysis of a further range of representative phosphate triesters, and in most of the cases the final transesterified products are trialkyl phosphates structurally related to a family of flame-retardants. The results thus provide insights into the development of novel systems for the targeted conversion of organophosphorus compounds into value-added products by employing simple, highly efficient, and low-cost metal oxide catalysts.

O objetivo principal deste estudo foi avaliar os componentes quimicos presentes no micelio fungico da especie Tyromyces pulcherrimus, e determinar as potenciais atividades antibacteriana, anticolinesterasica, inibitoria da enzima alfa-glicosidase e antioxidante da especie . Os metabolitos secundarios detectados foram flavonoides, fenois e lipidios. A analise de compostos fenolicos foi realizada por HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, onde foi detectado apenas um composto fenolico, o acido elagico (4,55 ± 0,15 μg g -1 ). O extrato mostrou uma atividade antibacteriana fraca para Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) e nao mostrou atividade antibacteriana contra Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) e Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) . Na atividade anticolinesterasica houve inibicao de 99 ± 0,1% da enzima nas concentracoes de 1 mg mL -1 . Na concentracao de 1 mg mL -1 a amostra apresentou atividade antioxidante de 18,18 ± 0,04% e atividade inibitoria da enzima alfa-glicosidase de 15,19 ± 5,52 %.

Grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lamarck) is a native fruit of the Atlantic rain forest that belongs to Myrtaceae family. It presents economic potential due to the attractive sensory attributes and bioactive compounds. This study determined physicochemical characteristics, minerals (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn), sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose), total content of phenolics, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins, individual phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity at three ripening stages of grumixama from two growing locations (Florianópolis and São Ludgero, Santa Catarina state, Brazil). Of the 23 phenolic compounds quantified, gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, and isoquercetrin were the major (with values up to 69.08 mg/100 g fresh weight). Fructose (up to 5.28 g/100 g fresh weight) was the main sugar, and K (up to 589.30 mg/100 g fresh weight) was the major mineral, followed by Ca, Na, and Mg (up to 149.02, 117.52, and 80.18 mg/100 g fresh weight, respectively). More mature fruits had the highest levels of total phenolics (up to 469.18 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g fresh weight), anthocyanins (up to 518.64 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalent/100 g fresh weight), and proanthocyanidins (up to 420.70 mg catechin equivalent/100 g fresh weight). The influence of growing location and ripening on nutritional and physicochemical characteristics was confirmed. There was a statistically significant interaction (p 0.05) between both factors for almost all parameters evaluated. The results showed that grumixama fruits could contribute to the daily intake of nutritional and bioactive compounds for consumers' health.

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.

The study of host-guest complexation between reactive 2-carboxyphthalanilic acid (CPA) and two cationic pillararenes has been carried out. Host-guest complexation with significant kinetic effects was observed only with the smaller cavity size pillararene (P5A). Kinetics in the pH range 1.50-6.40, ESI-MS

Several restorers of paintings have reported the sensitivity of oil paints toward polar solvents during the chemical cleaning of the surface of the pictorial layer. In this study, a novel mechanism for this phenomenon is described based on the chemical analysis of the pictorial layer of a nineteenth century painting and the swab used in the cleaning of this layer. The pigments used were characterized by FTIR and SEM-EDS and the presence of kaolinite, a clay mineral, was observed in all areas that showed sensitivity. The binder was characterized by GC–MS as a mixture of linseed and walnut oils. SEM analysis showed the presence of pigments adhered to the cotton as well as the presence of kaolinite. GC–MS results for the swab showed the absence of oil in the paint traces present. Thus, the oil and its degradation products are not sensitive toward the polar solvent, but only the pigment and the kaolinite. Since kaolinite is hygroscopic, it aids the leaching of the pigment of the oil layer onto the swab containing the polar solvent.

This work aimed to obtain feijoa peel extracts by means of high-pressure and sustainable techniques, such as the Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) and the Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE). These extraction techniques were compared with low-pressure techniques in terms of global yield, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant and antibacterial activities. PLE presented the most remarkable results of global yield, TPC and antioxidant activities. On the other hand, the SFE extract (300 bar, 55 °C and 5% ethanol) was the only one to have presented both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against typical foodborne pathogens, at 6750 and 13500 μg·mL−1, respectively. Finally, ferulic, gallic and ellagic acids were identified by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) as the major phenolic compounds found in feijoa peel extracts. The results showed that the use of high-pressure techniques enhanced the extraction of high valuable compounds from feijoa peel, an industrial food waste.

The nanoencapsulation of essential oils for biodegradable films functionalization is a viable alternative for the production of active food packaging. In this study, the Cinnamodendron dinisii Schwanke essential oil was nanoencapsulated using zein as wall material, and applied in chitosan matrix to produce an active nanocomposite film packaging for food conservation. The chemical composition of the Cinnamodendron dinisii Schwanke essential oil showed a variety of unexplored bioactive compounds, and 1,8-cineole was the major compound. The oil nanoencapsulation produced stable and homogeneous nanoparticles with zeta potential close to 30 mV and polydispersity index lower than 0.2. The nanoparticles size showed a size variation between 70 and 110 nm. The chitosan films obtained functionalized with nanoparticles demonstrated antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity. The active packaging containing zein nanoparticles was efficient in the conservation of ground beef, stabilizing the deterioration reactions and preserving the color.

Myrcia splendens is popularly known as “guamirim-de-folha-miúda”, and its occurrence ranges from Mexico to southern Brazil. The aim of this work was to identify and quantify phenolic compounds in the crude hydroalcoholic (EBH), ethyl acetate (EBAE) and dichloromethane (EBDM) extracts using the HPLC-ESI- MS/MS. In total, 15 compounds, including protocatecuic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, salicylic acid, isoquercetin, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, umbelliferone, coniferaldehyde, sinapaldehyde, carnosol, gallic acid, syringaldehyde, umbelliferone, coniferaldehyde, myricetin and kaempferol were identified. Ellagic acid was the major compound in all extracts. Resumo Myrcia splendens é conhecida popularmente por “guamirim-de-folha-miúda”, e sua ocorrência vai desde o México até o sul do Brasil. Poucos estudos sobre sua composição química existem na literatura, sendo assim, este trabalho teve por objetivo identificar e quantificar substâncias fenólicas nos extratos brutos hidroalcoólico (EBH), acetato de etila (EBAE) e diclorometano (EBDM) através da técnica de HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Ao total, 15 substâncias foram identificadas, incluindo ácido protocatecuico, ácido siríngico, ácido p-cumárico, ácido salicílico, isoquercetina, ácido elágico, ácido ferúlico, umbeliferona, coniferaldeído, sinapaldeído, carnosol, ácido gálico, siringaldeído, coniferaldeído, miricetina e kaempferol. O ácido elágico foi a substância majoritária em todos os extratos.

The chemical analysis of archaeological ceramic artifacts can help archaeologists to characterize the technology used in the manufacturing process, and to elucidate aspects related to the way of life of past peoples. In this context, six ceramic fragments found at Tapera Beach in Florianopolis were analyzed. FTIR spectroscopy was used to identify carbonates and oxalic acid originating from the biodegradation process. In the pictorial regions of the ceramics, iron oxides, manganese and chromium were present, along with calcium carbonate, which were used as pigments. In addition, the absence of characteristic bands for kaolinite suggests low firing temperatures (up to 900 °C). EDS confirmed the elements of the molecules identified by FTIR and showed the presence of Al and Si in the primary structure and Fe in the secondary structure of the ceramics. In addition, there were traces of rare earth elements in samples A3 and A5, which may be related to the geochemistry at the site from which the raw material was excavated. The GC–MS results showed the presence of lipids and the profile of the fatty acids detected suggested that the source of the oils adsorbed in the ceramic structure is vegetable.

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.

High concentrations of 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines (MPs) in wines can affect the quality and contribute to the rejection of consumers. This work proposes the determination of five MPs in nine wine samples from South America using headspace solid phase microextraction with gas chromatography coupled to nitrogen-phosphorus detector. The separation of the analytes was performed with a HP 5 capillary column in temperature gradient mode and injection in splitless mode. The optimization of the main parameters gives the optimal extraction conditions: Divinylbenzene-Carboxen-Polydimethylsiloxane fiber, sample dilution ratio of 1:3 with water, salt addition of 30 % (w/v) sodium chloride, extraction time of 30 min and extraction temperature of 35 °C. The main parameters of merit of the method were evaluated, showing coefficients of determination greater than 0.995, limits of detection ranging from 6.10–31.2 ng L−1, recovery from 75.2–118% and precisions with values less than 20 %. The validation parameters obtained and the concentration levels of ng L−1 achieved characterize this method as efficient for the determination of these off-flavors in wine. From the nine analysed wines, 3-ethyl-2-methoxypyrazine and 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine were identified and quantified. The levels are well above the odor detection threshold, thus contributing to generation of off-flavor in the aroma and flavor of these wines.

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.

A novel method for the sequential determination of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium and free and total glycerol in biodiesel by capillary zone electrophoresis is proposed herein. The inorganic cations were separated along an effective length of 43.5 cm. The samples to quantify the free and total glycerol were injected into the opposite capillary end, close to the detection window, with an effective length of 8.5 cm. It was possible to achieve the separation of six analytes within 3 min. The quantification limits for the cations and glycerol ranged from 0.071 to 0.5 mg kg−1 to and 0.0017% to 0.017% w/w, respectively. Despite the complexity of the injection steps, the values for the instrumental, intraday and interday precision were better than 2.13, 4.49 and 5.68% (RSD), respectively, for the cations and the free and total glycerol. The method has good accuracy and specificity, which was statistically confirmed through an interlaboratory assay, where the method was compared with official methods.

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.

In this study, the viability of applying cork and montmorillonite clay modified with ionic liquid as biosorbents in the rotating-disk sorptive extraction technique was investigated. Specifically, this was aimed at the determination of methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, and isobutyl paraben, with separation/determination by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The optimization of the method for both biosorbents was performed using multivariate procedures. The extraction efficiencies for the target compounds in aqueous matrices were compared to those obtained using the commercial sorbent Octadecil Silano-C18. The optimum extraction conditions for both natural sorbents were the use of an ammonia solution (pH 10) as desorption solvent and an extraction time of 30 min. The proposed methods show limits of quantification of 0.8 μg/L for cork, 3.0 μg/L for montmorillonite clay and 6.0 μg/L for Octadecil Silano-C18. The relative recoveries from river water and tap water samples ranged from 80.3 to 118.7% and 80.0 to 119.9% for cork and montmorillonite clay modified with ionic liquid, respectively. Relative standard deviations were obtained for intra- and interday precisions of

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.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction combined with statistical tools (factorial design, response surface methodology and kinetics) were used to evaluate the effects of the experimental conditions of temperature, solid-to-solvent ratio, ethanol concentration and time for the extraction of the total phenolic content from pecan nut shells. The optimal conditions for the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extract (with 20% v/v of ethanol) were 60 and 80 °C; solid to solvent ratio of 30 mL·g−1 (for both) and extraction time of 35 and 25 min, respectively. Using these optimize extraction conditions, 426 and 582 mg GAE·g−1 of phenolic compounds, from the aqueous and hydroalcoholic phases respectively, were obtained. In addition, the analysis of the phenolic compounds using the LC–ESI-MS/MS system allowed the identification of 29 phenolic compounds, 24 of which had not been reported in literature for this raw material yet.

Cemeteries are of great significance in many communities, often being considered of invaluable historical, artistic, architectural and cultural significance and thus they need to be preserved. In this regard, understanding the historical aspects and the construction techniques used is essential for their protection. The purpose of this paper is to describe historical aspects of the funerary heritage present in the region of Sao Martinho in southern Brazil, along with an analysis of the blue paint found in cemeteries of German colonies in the region studied. FTIR analysis suggests that the binder is composed mostly of a protein resin and a small amount of lipid. The morphology of the pigment was investigated by SEM and EDS and the spectra revealed that the major elements present in the blue pigment are Na, Al, Si and S, with an overlap in the elemental mapping, indicative of ultramarine pigments. The GC-MS results are consistent with the type of binder identified by FTIR and indicate a mixture of oils, probably from vegetal sources, and proteins.

This paper presents the Outer Plug Standardization – OPS, a novel technique as an alternative for the classic internal standardization using multiple injection in capillary zone electrophoresis is proposed herein. This technique was applied in a new method for the determination of chloride, nitrate and sulfate in rainwater samples. After the injection accuracy was tested and proved to be a minor error source (average 1.26% RSD), the OPS was applied and it improved the intra-day and inter-day precision of the analytical method by 32.5% and 24.7%, respectively. Using a capillary with effective length of 23.5 cm the electrophoretic separation of the three inorganic anions could be achieved in

In this work, an interesting analytical method to determine 18 short-chain carboxylic acids in food samples was developed using Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS). The method was optimized through univariate and multivariate designs. The chromatographic SeQuant® ZIC®-HILIC column and mobile phase comprised of 75:25 (v/v) ACN and ammonium formate buffer (8 mmol L−1, pH 3) were selected. The analytical performance was assessed obtaining limits of quantification that varied from 0.04 to 2 mg L−1, and precision values less than 14%. Five different food samples were analyzed using calibration by standard addition with internal standard and sample preparation by dilute-and-shoot, which allowed for an efficient determination of the analytes in matrices of high complexity. In summary, the proposed method provided high-throughput, a great selectivity given by the HILIC-MS/MS system, an adequate sensitivity for the tested samples and interesting information about HILIC mechanisms for short-chain carboxylic acids as analytes and zwitterionic stationary phase.

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.

Eugenia brasiliensis Lam., Myrtaceae, is used in folk medicine for anti-inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity and phenolic profile of the crude hydroalcoholic extract and ethyl acetate fraction from E. brasiliensis leaves. Crude hydroalcoholic extract and the ethyl acetate fraction were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS in comparison to standard phenolic compounds. The anti-inflammatory activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract (1, 10 and 25 mg kg−1) and the ethyl acetate fraction (10, 25 and 50 mg kg−1) was evaluated in a swiss mouse model of acute pleurisy induced by carrageenan, being the total cell count, exudation and analysis of nitrite/nitrate the inflammation parameters. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis revealed apigenin, catechin, galangin, isoquercetin, myricetin, quercetin and rutin. Crude hydroalcoholic extract and ethyl acetate fraction were effective in inhibiting cell migration in all tested doses. Crude hydroalcoholic extract was effective in inhibiting exudation only at the 10 mg kg−1 dose; ethyl acetate fraction was effective in all tested doses. Results for nitrite/nitrate levels reveals that only the ethyl acetate fraction was effective at the tested doses. This is the first report of the presence of isoquercetin, galangin and apigenin in this species. Results from the phytochemical analysis enhance the chemical knowledge of this species. In the future, together with more studies, validation of its popular use in inflammatory diseases is possible. Keywords: Hydroalcoholic extract, Flavonoids, Inflammation, Pleurisy, Nitric oxide

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

Lavandula angustifolia (LaEO) essential oil has been widely used by aromatherapy in the treatment of various clinical conditions, with evidence of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. Our results demonstrate that sixty-five substances were identified in LaEO. Among the compounds found, the major ones were linalool (30.61%) and linalyl acetate (20.36%). We found that LaEO inhalation reduces mechanical hyperalgesia in conditions of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Furthermore, this effect seems to be mediated by peripheral and central opioid and cannabinoid 2 receptors. The findings of the present study suggests that the LaEO inhalation is effective on the chronic pain treatment.

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.