Efeito de soluções contendo hexametafosfato de sódio e quercetina, associados ou não ao fluoreto, sobre o desgaste erosivo dentinário in vitro / Effect of sodium hexametaphosphate and quercetin, associated or not with fluoride, on dentin erosion in vitro

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o efeito de soluções contendo fluoreto (F), hexametafosfato de sódio (HMP) e quercetina (QC), sozinhos ou em associação, sobre a erosão dentinária e sobre a inibição de metaloproteinases da matriz (MMPs) -2 e -9, em protocolos in vitro. Blocos de dentina radicular bovina (4 × 4 × 2 mm; n = 96), selecionados por dureza superficial, foram aleatoriamente divididos em 8 grupos experimentais (n = 12/grupo) e tratados 2×/dia (um minuto) com as seguintes soluções: (1) água deionizada (controle negativo); (2) 1100 ppm F ("F"); (3) 1,0% HMP ("HMP"); (4) 0,03% QC ("QC"); (5) F+HMP; (6) F+QC; (7) HMP+QC; e (8) F+HMP+QC. Os blocos foram submetidos a desafios erosivos 4×/dia, por 5 dias (exposição dinâmica a ácido cítrico 50 mmol.l-1 , pH 3,2, 90 s). Em seguida, foram analisados quanto à perda dentinária (perfilometria) e à perda de dureza integrada em profundidade (área sob a curva, ∆KHN). O potencial antiproteolítico das soluções contendo F, HMP e/ou QC foi analisado por zimografia. Os dados de perda dentinária (log10) foram submetidos a ANOVA um critério, seguido do teste de Tukey. Os resultados de ∆KHN (dados brutos) foram submetidos a ANOVA dois critérios, medidas repetidas, seguido do teste HolmSidak (p< 0,05). O menor desgaste erosivo foi observado no grupo F+HMP+QC. Nas menores profundidades (5-30 µm), os blocos tratados com a solução contendo F+HMP+QC apresentaram os maiores valores de ∆KHN. A análise zimográfica mostrou que todos os tratamentos promoveram atividade antiproteolítica total da MMP-2, com exceção da QC administrada sozinha (inibição de 77%). Para MMP-9, todas as soluções contendo HMP e a associação de F+QC apresentaram atividade antiproteolítica total. Conclui-se que a adição de HMP e QC a soluções contendo F levou a uma maior proteção contra a erosão dentinária, tanto em superfície (perda dentinária) quanto em relação ao conteúdo mineral do tecido remanescente (∆KHN), além de promover uma completa inibição da atividade de MMPs -2 e -9 in vitro(AU)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of solutions containing fluoride (F), sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP) and quercetin (QC), alone or in association, on dentin erosion and on the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) - 2 and -9, using in vitro protocols. Bovine root dentin blocks (4 × 4 × 2 mm; n = 96), selected by surface hardness, were randomly divided into 8 experimental groups (n = 12/group) and treated 2×/day (one minute) with the following solutions: (1) deionized water (negative control); (2) 1100 ppm F ("F"); (3) 1.0% HMP ("HMP"); (4) 0.03% QC ("QC"); (5) F+HMP; (6) F+QC; (7) HMP+QC; and (8) F+HMP+QC. Blocks were submitted to erosive challenges 4×/day for 5 days (dynamic exposure to 50 mmol.l-1 citric acid, pH 3.2, 90 s). They were then analyzed for dentin loss (profilometry) and integrated hardness loss in depth (area under the curve, ∆KHN). The antiproteolytic potential of solutions containing F, HMP and/or QC was analyzed by zymography. Dentin loss results (log10 transformed) were submitted to one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's test. ∆KHN data (raw) were submitted to two-way, repeated-measures ANOVA, followed by the Holm-Sidak test (p< 0.05). The lowest dentin erosive wear was promoted by F+HMP+QC. At the lowest depths (5-30 µm), blocks treated with F+HMP+QC showed the highest values of ∆KHN. Zymography analysis showed that all treatments completely inhibited MMP-2 activity, except for QC administered alone (77% inhibition). For MMP-9, all the solutions containing HMP or the association of F+QC promoted total antiproteolytic activity. It was concluded that the addition of HMP and QC to F solutions led to greater protection against dentin erosion, both at the surface (dentin loss) and in relation to the mineral content of the remaining tissue (∆KHN), in addition to promoting a complete inhibition of MMPs -2 and -9 activity in vitro(AU)

Engeletin protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by modulating the VEGF/vasohibin and Ang-1/Tie-2 pathways

Engeletin is a natural derivative of Smilax glabra rhizomilax that exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and suppresses lipid peroxidation. In the present study, we sought to elucidate the mechanistic basis for the neuroprotective and pro-angiogenic activity of engeltin in a human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) model system and a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. These analyses revealed that engeletin (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg) was able to reduce the infarct volume, increase cerebral blood flow, improve neurological function, and bolster the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vasohibin-2 (Vash-2), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), phosphorylated human angiopoietin receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (p-Tie2), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) in MCAO rats. Similarly, engeletin (100, 200, or 400 nM) markedly enhanced the migration, tube formation, and VEGF expression of HUVECs in an OGD/R model system, while the VEGF receptor (R) inhibitor axitinib reversed the observed changes in HUVEC tube formation activity and Vash-2, VEGF, and CD31 expression. These data suggested that engeletin exhibited significant neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats, and improved cerebrovascular angiogenesis by modulating the VEGF/vasohibin and Ang-1/Tie-2 pathways.

Variación de los perfiles de polifenoles en Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et. P) Tiegh (Loranthaceae), su estudio mediante electroforesis capilar y su relación con la actividad farmacológica. / Polyphenolic profile variation in Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh (Loranthaceae), capillary electrophoretic analysis and its relationship with the pharmacological activity

Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh. ­Loranthaceae­ es una especie hemiparásita que se desarrolla sobre diferentes hospedantes. Es conocida con el nombre vulgar de "liga" o "liguilla". Debido a su similitud morfológica, constituye el sustituto natural del "muérdago europeo", por lo cual es denominado "muérdago criollo". Las drogas vegetales son matrices complejas en las cuales múltiples componentes actúan en forma sinérgica y son responsables de la acción farmacológica. Con el fin de dar sustento científico al uso folclórico de L. cuneifolia se estudiaron distintas formas de obtención de los extractos, se evaluaron diferentes hospedantes y regiones fitogeográficas. Se desarrolló y validó un método de electroforesis capilar para construir fingerprints o perfiles cromatográficos característicos que permitan evaluar los distintos componentes con el fin de estandarizar los extractos. Se efectuó la comparación con otras técnicas cromatográficas, tales como en cromatografía en capa delgada (TLC) y líquida de alta resolución (HPLC). A su vez, se procedió al aislamiento, purificación y análisis estructural de los compuestos de interés por técnicas espectroscópicas y cromatográficas. Se identificaron diez compuestos, de los cuales cuatro son reportados por primera vez en esta especie. La electroforesis capilar probó ser una técnica adecuada para el control de calidad de los extractos y una alternativa atractiva a las técnicas cromatográficas tradicionales.

Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh. ­Loranthaceae­ is a hemiparasite plant which grows on different host trees. It is popularly referred to as "liga" or "liguilla". Due to its morphological similarity, it is considered as the natural substitute for the European mistletoe, for which is known as the "Argentine mistletoe". Herbal drugs are complex matrices in which multiple components acting synergistically are responsible for the pharmacological activity. In order to provide scientific support to the popular use of L. cuneifolia, a capillary electrophoretic method was developed and validated to build a chromatographic profile or fingerprint that allows the evaluation of different components for extract standardization. A comparison was made with other chromatographic techniques such as TLC and HPLC. Isolation, purification and structural analysis of compounds were performed by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Ten analytes were identified, four of which are reported for the first time in L. cuneifolia. Capillary electrophoresis proved to be an appropriate tool for the quality control of herbal drugs, as well as an attractive alternative to traditional chromatographic techniques.

In vitro screening for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition and antimicrobial activity of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica)

BACKGROUND: Chia seeds are gaining increasing interest among food producers and consumers because of their prohealth properties. RESULTS: The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of chia seeds to act as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors. The highest inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE was observed for colored seed ethanol extracts. A positive correlation was found between the presence of quercetin and isoquercetin as well as protocatechuic, hydroxybenzoic, and coumaric acids and the activity of extracts as AChE and BChE inhibitors. It has also been shown that grain fragmentation affects the increase in the activity of seeds against cholinesterases (ChE). Furthermore, seeds have been shown to be a source of substances that inhibit microbial growth. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the chia seed extracts are rich in polyphenols and inhibit the activity of ChEs; therefore, their use can be considered in further research in the field of treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Cuantificación de los compuestos bioactivos y capacidad antioxidante del hongo Cordyceps sinensis para su uso potencial como aditivo alimentario / Quantification of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of the Cordyceps sinensis fungus for its potential use as a food additive

El uso de antioxidantes contribuye a disminuir el deterioro de los alimentos. Una práctica común en la actualidad es el uso de aditivos alimentarios de origen sintético, como el butilhidroxitolueno (BHT) y butilhidroxianisol (BHA). El hongo Cordyceps sinensis es ampliamente usado en la medicina asiática y se ha encontrado que aporta múltiples beneficios. Con el fin de evaluar la capacidad antioxidante de este hongo como aditivo alimentario, se obtuvieron extractos a partir de harina de C. sinensis, utilizando extracto acuoso (T1), etanólico (T2), acuoso-etanólico (T3) y acuoso a 50 °C (T4) (en una relación soluto/solvente de 100 g/900 mL c/u). Para la harina se determinó la composición química proximal, obteniendo alto contenido de carbohidratos (80%), y valores bajos de humedad, proteína, grasa y cenizas (<10%). Se determinó el contenido de fitoquímicos, incluyendo contenido de polisacáridos totales (CPT), fenoles totales (CFT), flavonoides totales (CFvT), flavonas y flavonoles totales (CFFT), flavanonas y dihidroflavonoles totales (CFDT), y ácido clorogénico (CAC). Además, actividad antirradical DPPH y ABTS, así como poder reductor (PR). Los resultados indicaron que el extracto T3, seguido del extracto T1, presentaron la mayor capacidad antioxidante (DPPH. ABTS y PR), lo cual fue asociado con el CFT, CFFT, y CFDT, así como CPT, CFvT y CAC, respectivamente. Se recomienda evaluar el efecto de la adición de los extractos obtenidos de la harina de C. sinensis sobre la estabilidad oxidativa y microbiológica de productos cárnicos.

Antibacterial activity of 3, 3', 4'-Trihydroxyflavone from Justicia wynaadensis against diabetic wound and urinary tract infection

ABSTRACT The present investigation was designed to study the effect of an active compound isolated from Justicia wynaadensis against multi drug resistant organisms (MDRO's) associated with diabetic patients. The drug resistant pathogens implicated in wound and urinary tract infection of diabetic patients were isolated and identified by molecular sequencing. Solvent-solvent fractionation of crude methanol extract produced hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol-water fraction, among which chloroform fraction was found to be potent when compared with other three fractions. Further, chloroform fraction was subjected to preparatory HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography), that produced four sub-fractions; chloroform HPLC fraction 1 (CHF1) through CHF4. Among the sub-fractions, CHF1 inhibited the pathogens effectively in comparison to other three sub-fractions. The purity of CHF1 was found to be >95%. Therefore, CHF1 was further characterized by NMR and FTIR analysis and based on the structure elucidated, the compound was found to be 3,3',4'-Trihydroxyflavone. The effective dose of this bioactive compound ranged from 32 µg/mL to 1.2 mg/mL. Thus, the present study shows that 3,3',4'-Trihydroxyflavone isolated from J. wynaadensis is an interesting biopharmaceutical agent and could be considered as a source of antimicrobial agent for the treatment of various infections and used as a template molecule for future drug development.

Evaluación de fenoles y limonoides en hojas de Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae) de una plantación experimental establecida en Tezonapa Veracruz, México / Evaluation of phenols and limonoids in leaves of Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae) from an experimental plantation established in Tezonapa Veracruz, Mexico

Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae) is a native timber tree to Tropical America, known for its high-quality wood, unfortunately, plantations of this species are severely attacked by Hypsipyla grandella. The attraction or repellency of this pest is related to secondary metabolites such as phenols and limonoids (triterpenes); therefore, it is important to study these compounds to understand the phytochemical phenomena behind this problem. With this aim, the concentration of total phenols and limonoides was evaluated in C. odorata leaves from a plantation established in Tezonapa Veracruz, Mexico. For this, a total of 66 tree leaves samples, from seven sites, were analyzed. Phenols and limonoids concentration showed significant differences not only among different provenances, but also among individual trees of the same site (Tukey, p≤0.05). Phenols concentration was variable and in the range from 49 to 223mg EAG/g e for total phenols, from 7 to 158mg EC/g e for flavonoids and from 4 to 104mg EC/g e for proanthocyanidins. Limonoids concentration was also variable, ranging between 227 and 748mg EL/g e. A major compound was found by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet Diode Array Detection (HPLC-UV-DAD), which corresponded to a flavonol kaempferol glycoside derivative; additionally, a flavanol catechin was also detected at low concentrations. GC-MS allowed the identification of the sesquiterpenoids β-elemene, E-caryophyllene, aromadendrene, α-humulene, γ-cadinene, D-germacrene, bicyclogermacrene, and the poly terpenoids D-α-tocopherol and β-sitosterol. Our results suggest that the evaluation of phenols may play an important role as a selection parameter for improvement and conservation programs, if they are complemented with conventional breeding practices.

Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae) es una especie forestal maderable nativa de América Tropical, conocida por la alta calidad de su madera. Plantaciones de esta especie son atacadas severamente por Hypsipyla grandella; la atracción o repelencia de la plaga está relacionada con metabolitos secundarios tipo fenoles y limonoides (triterpenos), por lo que el estudio de estos compuestos es importante para comprender algunos fenómenos fitoquímicos. Se evaluó la concentración de fenoles totales y limonoides en hojas de C. odorata (Meliaceae) de una plantación establecida en Tezonapa Veracruz México, se analizaron 66 individuos de siete procedencias. La concentración de fenoles y limonoides mostró diferencias significativas, no solo entre las procedencias sino también entre los árboles de una determinada procedencia (Tukey, p≤0.05). La concentración de fenoles totales varió de 49 a 223mg EAG/g e, los flavonoides de 7 a 158mg EC/g e y las proantocianidinas de 4 a 104mg EC/g e, mientras que en limonoides se obtuvieron valores de 227 a 748mg EL/g e. Mediante Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Resolución con detector UV-Arreglo de Diodos (HPLC-UV-DAD) se encontró un compuesto mayoritario que corresponde a un flavonol de tipo glicósido de Kaempferol y se identificó el flavanol catequina a bajas concentraciones. Por medio de Cromatografía de Gases-Espectrometría de Masas (CG-MS) se identificaron los sesquiterpenos β-elemeno, E-cariofileno, aromadendreno, humuleno, gama-cadineno, D-germacreno, biciclogermacreno y los poli terpenos Di-α-Tocoferol y β-sitosterol. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la evaluación de los fenoles puede desempeñar un papel importante como parámetro de selección en programas de mejora y conservación, si se complementan con las prácticas convencionales de mejoramiento genético.

The effects of cadmium chloride on secondary metabolite production in Vitis vinifera cv. cell suspension cultures

BACKGROUND: Plant secondary metabolites are possess several biological activities such as anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-aging, etc. Cell suspension culture is one of the most effective systems to produce secondary metabolites. It is possible to increase the phenolic compounds and tocopherols by using cell suspensions. Studies on tocopherols production by cell suspension cultures are seldom and generally focused on seed oil plants. Although fresh grape, grape seed, pomace and grape seed oil had tocopherols, with our best knowledge, there is no research on tocopherol accumulation in the grape cell suspension cultures. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of cadmium chloride treatments on secondary metabolite production in cell suspension cultures of grapevine. Cell suspensions initiated from callus belonging to petiole tissue was used as a plant material. Cadmium chloride was applied to cell suspension cultures in different concentration (1.0 mM and 1.5 mM) to enhance secondary metabolite (total phenolics, total flavanols, total flavonols, trans-resveratrol, and α-, ß-, γ- δ-tocopherols) production. Cells were harvested at two days intervals until the 6th day of cultures. Amounts of total phenolics, total flavanols and total flavonols; trans-resveratrol and tocopherols (α-, ß-, γ- and δ-tocopherols) and dry cell weights were determined in the harvested cells. RESULTS: Phenolic contents were significantly affected by the sampling time and cadmium concentrations. The highest values of total phenolic (168.82 mg/100 g), total flavanol (15.94 mg/100 g), total flavonol (14.73 mg/100 g) and trans-resveratrol (490.76 µg/100 g) were found in cells treated with 1.0 mM CdCl2 and harvested at day 2. Contents of tocopherols in the cells cultured in the presence of 1.0 mM CdCl2 gradually increased during the culture period and the highest values of α, ß and γ tocopherols (145.61, 25.52 and 18.56 µg/100 g) were detected in the cell cultures collected at day 6. CONCLUSIONS: As a conclusion, secondary metabolite contents were increased by cadmium chloride application and sampling time, while dry cell weights was reduced by cadmium chloride treatments.

Induction of secondary metabolite production by UV-C radiation in Vitis vinifera L. Öküzgözü callus cultures

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present work was to examine the role of UV-C irradiation on the production of secondary metabolites (total phenolic, total flavanols, total flavonols, catechin, ferulic acid and trans-resveratrol in phenolic compounds and α-, ß-, γ- δ-tocopherols) in callus cultures. Studies on the effects of UV-C treatment on callus culture are seldom and generally focused on UV-B. However UV-C radiation play an important role in accumule secondary metabolites. RESULTS: In this study, callus cultures from Öküzgözü grape cultivar were initiated from leaf petiole explants. Calli formed after 6 weeks on the medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L-1 benzylaminopurine (BA), 0.5 mg L-1 indole acetic acid (IAA) on B5 media. Callus tissues were exposed to UV-C irradiation at 10, 20 and 30 cm distances from the UV source for 5 and 10 minutes and samples were collected at hours 0, 24 and 48. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest total phenolic content (155.14 mg 100 g-1) was detected in calli exposed to UV-C for 5 min from 30 cm distance and sampled after 24 h. 24 h and 48 h incubation times, 30 cm and 5 min were the most appropriate combination of UV-C application in total flavanol content. Maximum total flavonol content (7.12 mg 100 g-1) was obtained on 0 h, 5 min and 20 cm combination. The highest (+)- catechin accumulation (8.89 mg g-1) was found in calli with 10 min UV-C application from 30 cm distance and sampled after 48 h. Ferulic acid content increased 6 fold in Öküzgözü callus cultures (31.37 µg g-1) compared to the control group. The greatest trans-resveratrol content (8.43 µg g-1) was detected in calli exposed to UV-C for 5 min from 30 cm distance and sampled after 24 h. The highest α-tocopherol concentration was found in calli exposed to UV-C for 10 min from 30 cm distance and sampled after 24 h. As a conclusion, it was showed that UV-C radiation had remarkable promoting effects on the accumulation of secondary metabolites in the calli of Öküzgözü grape cultivar.

Lipophilicity and antibacterial activity of flavonols: antibacterial activity of resinous exudates of Haplopappus litoralis, H. chrysantemifolius and H. scrobiculatus / Lipofilia y actividad antibacteriana de flavonoles: actividad antibacteriana de los exudados resinosos de Haplopappus litoralis, H. chrysantemifolius y H. scrobiculatus

The antibacterial properties of the resinous exudates from Haplopappus litoralis, H. chrysantemifolius and H. scrobiculatus from Central Chile were assessed against Gram negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and proved active against the latter. The results show that the antibacterial activities of the resinous exudates are independent from the flavonols isolated from each extract that proved to be inactive. The estimated lipophilicity of the flavonols isolated from the Haplopappus resinous exudates were compared with the lipophilicity of known antibacterial flavonols. This analysis showed that lipophilicity is an important variable to predict the antibacterial activity of flavonols.

La actividad antibacteriana de los exudados resinosos de Haplopappus litoralis, H. chrysantemifolius y H. scrobiculatus de la Zona Central de Chile fueron evaluadas frente a bacterias Gram-negativas y Gram-positivas, y resultaron activos frente a estas últimas. Los resultados mostraron que la actividad antibacteriana de los exudados resinosos es independiente de los flavonoles aisladas de cada extracto que no mostraron actividad antibacteriana. La lipofilia estimada de los flavonoles aislados de los exudados resinosos de Haplopappus se comparó con la lipofilia de conocidos flavonoles antibacterianos. Este análisis mostró que la lipofilia es una variable importante para predecir la actividad antibacteriana de los flavonoles.

13C NMR spectral data and molecular descriptors to predict the antioxidant activity of flavonoids / Dados espectrais de RMN 13C e descritores moleculares para prever a atividade antioxidante dos flavonóides

Tissue damage due to oxidative stress is directly linked to development of many, if not all, human morbidity factors and chronic diseases. In this context, the search for dietary natural occurring molecules with antioxidant activity, such as flavonoids, has become essential. In this study, we investigated a set of 41 flavonoids (23 flavones and 18 flavonols) analyzing their structures and biological antioxidant activity. The experimental data were submitted to a QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationships) study. NMR 13C data were used to perform a Kohonen self-organizing map study, analyzing the weight that each carbon has in the activity. Additionally, we performed MLR (multilinear regression) using GA (genetic algorithms) and molecular descriptors to analyze the role that specific carbons and substitutions play in the activity.

Danos aos tecidos devido ao estresse oxidativo estão diretamente ligados ao desenvolvimento de muitos, senão todos, os fatores de sedentarismo e de doenças crônicas. Neste contexto, a busca de moléculas naturais, que participam da nossa dieta e que possuam atividade antioxidante, flavonóides, torna-se de grande interesse. Neste estudo, nós investigamos um conjunto de 41 flavonóides (23 flavonas e 18 flavonóis), relacionando suas estruturas e atividade antioxidante. Os dados experimentais foram submetidos à análise de QSAR (relações quantitativas estrutura-atividade). Dados de RMN 13C foram utilizados para realizar um estudo do mapa auto-organizável de Kohonen, analisando o peso que cada carbono tem na atividade. Além disso, realizamos uma MLR (regressão múltipla) usando GA (algoritmos genéticos) e descritores moleculares para avaliar a influência de carbonos e substituições na atividade.

Otimização e validação de metodologia analítica para determinação de flavonóis e flavonas por CLAE em pólen apícola utilizando-se análise de superfície de resposta / Optimization and validation of HPLC methodology for determining flavonols and flavones in bee pollen by surface methodology

Foi otimizada a metodologia analítica para determinar quatro flavonóis: miricetina (M), quercetina (Q), kanferol (K) e isoramnetina (I); e duas flavonas: luteolina (L) e apigenina (A) em amostras de pólen apícola desidratado produzidas em três estados brasileiros: Bahia (BA), São Paulo (SP) e Santa Catarina (SC). Delineamento Composto Central Rotacional (DCCR) foi utilizado para investigar os efeitos da concentração de HCl e do tempo de hidrólise sobre a concentração de cada flavonoide. A condição ótima encontrada para extração/hidrólise dos flavonoides estudados foi: 1,0M HCl/30 minutos. A melhor separação dos flavonoides foi conseguida com a coluna de fase reversa Symmetry C18 e fase móvel de metanol: tetrahidrofurano: água(26:57:17), acidificados com 0,3 de ácido fórmico em corrida isocrática (CLAE). As curvas-padrão apresentaram coeficientes de correlação superiores a 0,99. Os limites de detecção foram de 1,04, 0,88, 0,89,1,64, 0,82 e 1,19 μg/mL respectivamente para M, L, Q, A, I e K.

Inhibition of peroxidase activity and scavenging of reactive oxygen species by astilbin isolated from Dimorphandra mollis (Fabaceae, Caesalpinioideae)

Astilbin (5,7,3’,4’-tetrahydroxy-2,3-dihydroflavonol-3-ß-o-rhamnoside), a flavonoid with a large range of biological activities, was isolated from Dimorphandra mollis, a shrub common to the Brazilian Cerrado. The purpose of this study is to verify the effects of astilbin on myeloperoxidase (MPO) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and its antioxidant activity against hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and total antioxidant activity (TAC) by the 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS•+). Astilbin inhibited MPO and HRP activities in a concentration-dependent relationship and effectively scavenged HOCl. The TAC by ABTS•+ of astilbin (IC50 ~ 20 mM) was higher than that of uric acid, which was used as a positive control. These data demonstrate that astilbin is a potent antioxidant and that it inhibits MPO and HRP activities efficiently.

Otimização e validação de metodologia analitica para determinação de flavonóis e flavonas por CLAE em hortaliças / Optimization and validation of HPLC methodology for determining flavonols and flavones in vegetables

O objetivo deste trabalho foi otimizar a metodologia analítica para determinação de flavonóis e flavonas em hortaliças. A hidrólise foi otimizada utilizando-se Delineamento Composto Central Rotacional (DCCR)para investigar os efeitos da concentração de HCl e do tempo de hidrólise. Essa etapa foi realizada simultaneamente com a extração por metanol aquoso 50%, em refluxo a 90ºC. Foi utilizado cromatógrafo líquido Waters com coluna Nova-Pak C18 e detector de arranjo de diodos. Os compostos estudados foram miricetina (M), quercetina (Q), kaempferol (K), luteolina (L) e apigenina (A). As condições ótimas encontradas para hidrólise de cada hortaliça foram: 1,0M HCl/6 horas para espinafre e couve, 1,6M HCl/5 horas para rúcula, 1,2M HCl/2 horas para alface, 1,7M HCl/4,3 horas para salsa e 0,8M HCl/2,5 horas para cebola. O melhor gradiente para separação (CLAE) dos flavonóides das hortaliças em estudo foi constituído de metanol:água (acidificados com 0,3% de ácido fórmico) 20:80, chegando a 45:55 em 5 minutos, 48:52 em 17 minutos e voltando a 20:80 em 20 minutos. As curvas analíticas apresentaram coeficientes de correlação maiores que 0,99. Os limites de detecção foram de 0,5, 0,4, 0,5, 0,6 e 1,0μg/mL, respectivamente, para M, Q, L, K e A.

The objective of this investigation was to optimize the analytical methodology for determining flavonols and flavones in vegetables. The hydrolysis procedure was optimized using Central Composite Rotational Design (CCRD) to investigate the effects of HCl concentration and hydrolysis time. This step was carried out simultaneously with extraction with 50% aqueous methanol, and refluxing at 90°C. A Waters liquid chromatograph, with Nova-Pak C18 column and photodiode array detector, was used. The analyzed compounds were myricetin (M), quercetin (Q), kaempferol (K), luteolin (L), and apigenin (A). The optimum conditions found for hydrolysis for each vegetable were: 1.0M HCl for 6 hours for spinach and kale, 1.6M HCl for 5 hours for roquette, 1.2M HCl for 2 hours for lettuce, 1.7M HCl for 4.3 hours for parsley, and 0.8M HCL for 2.5 hours for onion. The best gradient (HPLC) for separating flavonoids from these vegetables consisted of methanol:water (acidified with 0.03% formic acid) 20:80, changing to 45:55 in 5 minutes, 48:52 in 17 minutes, returning to 20:80 in 20 minutes. The standard curves of the flavonoids had coefficients of correlation higher than 0.99. The detection limits were 0.5, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 and 1.0μg/mL for M, Q, L, K, and A, respectively.

Antioxidant flavonols from fruits, vegetables and beverages: measurements and bioavailability

Flavonols are polyphenolic secondary plant metabolites that are present in varying levels in commonly consumed fruits, vegetables and beverages. Flavonols have long held an interest for nutritionists, which has increased following a Dutch study in the early 1990's showing that dietary intake of flavonols was inversely correlated with the incidence of coronary heart disease. The main factors that have hindered workers in the field of flavonol research are (i) the accurate measurement of these compounds in foods and biological samples, and (ii) a dearth of information on their absorption and metabolism. This review aims to highlight the work of the authors in attempting to clarify the situation. The sensitive and selective HPLC procedure to identify and quantify common flavonols and their sugar conjugates is described. In addition, the results of an on-going screening program into the flavonol content of common produce and beverages are presented. The bioavailability of dietary flavonols is discussed with reference to an intervention study with onions, as well as pilot studies with tea, red wine and cherry tomatoes. It is concluded that flavonols are absorbable and accumulate in plasma and that consuming high flavonol-containing varieties of fruits and vegetables and particular types of beverages could increase their circulatory levels.