Guettarda viburnoides Cham. & Schltdl.: Neuroprotective Activities in Mice, Molecular Docking and Microchemical and Morphoanatomical Characteristics of Leaves and Stems.

BACKGROUND: Guettarda viburnoides Cham. & Schltdl., "veludinho do campo", is used in the Brazilian Amazon for its effects on the central nervous system (CNS) as a "brain tonic"; however, scientific evidence is needed to elucidate its ethnobotanical uses. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the neurobehavioural effects of an ethanolic extract of G. viburnoides (EEGV). Molecular docking, microchemical and morphoanatomical features of the species were investigated. METHODS: EEGV was investigated by UHPLC‒MS/MS and dereplication and molecular network were investigated using platforms available for natural product chemistry. For the in vivo assay, EEGV was administered to mice orally (3, 30 or 100 mg/kg). The effect of EEGV on spatial memory was measured using the Morris water maze test in mice with scopolamine-induced amnesia. The depression- and anxiety-like effects were assessed by forced swimming, tail suspension, marble burying and elevated plus maze tests. The AChE inhibition was evaluated in the brains of treated mice and molecular docking simulations were carried out with the main constituents. The leaves and stems of G. viburnoides were analysed via optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. RESULTS: Secoxyloganin, grandifloroside, hyperin/or isoquercitrin, uncaric acid and ursolic acid were identified by UHPLC‒MS/MS. Molecular networking by three flavonoids, three triterpenes, two coumarins, two iridoids, and one phenolic acid. EEGV reversed these scopolamineinduced effects. In the forced swim and tail suspension test, EEGV (30 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the immobility time. EEGV significantly reduced the number of buried marbles, while in the elevated plus maze test, no changes were observed compared to the Sco group. AChE activity was altered in the hippocampus. Studies of the molecular coupling of iridoid glycosides (grandifloroside and secoxyloganin) and flavonoid hyperin with AChE revealed significant interactions, corroborating the activity indicated by the inhibition assay. CONCLUSIONS: These results might be in accordance with medicinal use for neuroprotetor effects and important microchemical and micromorphological data that support the identification and quality control of G. viburnoides.

Comparative Analysis of Grape Seed Oil, Linseed Oil, and a Blend: In Vivo Effects of Supplementation.

Grape seeds are rich in bioactive substances, including polyphenols, terpenoids, and phytosterols. Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) boasts a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), lignans, phytoestrogens, and soluble fibers, all contributing to its therapeutic potential. In this study, we pioneered the formulation of an oil blend (GL) combining grape seed oil (G) and golden linseed oil (GL) in equal volumes (1:1 (v/v)) and we evaluated in terms of the nutritional, physical, and chemical properties and their influence in an in vivo experimental model. We analyzed the oils by performing physical-chemical analyses, examining the oxidative stability using Rancimat; conducting thermal analyses via thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), performing optical UV-vis absorption analyses; examining the fluorescence emission-excitation matrix, total carotenoids, and color, and conducting metabolic assessments in an in vivo experimental trial. The fatty acid profile presented a higher fraction of linoleic acid (C18:2) in G and GL and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3) in L. The acidity and peroxide indices were within the recommended ranges. The TG/DTG, DSC, and Rancimat analyses revealed similar behaviors, and the optical analyses revealed color variations caused by carotenoid contents in L and GL. In the in vivo trial, G (G2: 2000 mg/kg/day) promoted lower total consumption, and the blend (GL: 2000 mg/kg/day) group exhibited less weight gain per gram of consumed food. The group with G supplementation (G2: 2000 mg/kg/day) and GL had the highest levels of HDL-c. The group with L supplementation (L2: 2000 mg/kg/day) had the lowest total cholesterol level. The L2, G1 (1000 mg/kg/day), and G2 groups exhibited the lowest MCP-1 and TNF-α values. Additionally, the lowest adipocyte areas occurred in G and GL. Our results suggest that this combination is of high quality for consumption and can influence lipid profiles, markers of inflammation, and antioxidant status.

Effect of Different Extraction Methods on Anthocyanin Content in Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and their Antiplatelet and Vasorelaxant Properties.

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is a worldwide component for tea and beverages, being a natural source of anthocyanins, which are associated with cardiovascular activities. To investigate this relationship, we explored different methods of aqueous extraction on the anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of H. sabdariffa L. calyx extract (HSCE). Pharmacological effects via platelet aggregation, calcium mobilization, cyclic nucleotide levels, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein Ser157 and Ser239, and on the vasomotor response of aortic rings isolated from mice are studied herewith. We found that the application of ultrasonic turbolization, 20 min, combined with acidified water was significantly more effective in the extraction process, providing extracts with the highest levels of anthocyanins (8.73 and 9.63 mg/100 g) and higher antioxidant activity (6.66 and 6.78 µM trolox/g of sample). HSCE significantly inhibited (100-1000 µg/mL) arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation, reduced calcium mobilization, and increased cAMP and cGMP levels with VASPSer157 and VASPSer239 phosphorylation. Vasorelaxation reduction was confirmed by the aortic rings and endothelium assays treated with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) oxidizing agent, or Ca2+-activated K+ channel inhibitor. The increasing of cGMP levels could be understood considering the sGC stimulation by HSCE compounds in the specific stimulus domain, which allows an understanding of the observed antiplatelet and vasorelaxant properties of H. sabdariffa L. calyx extract.

Neuroprotective Effects of Acrocomia aculeata Pulp Oil Microcapsules on Rats Subjected to Chronic Stress.

Acrocomia aculeata fruits are rich in monounsaturated fatty acid, ß-carotene, tocopherol, and other antioxidant compounds. The aim of our study was to investigate and compare the protective effects of A. aculeata pulp oil and microencapsulated pulp oil on brain oxidative damage induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS) in rats (cortex, hippocampus, and striatum). Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into six treatment groups: C, P, and M groups received 1 µL/g of body weight of distilled water, pulp oil, and pulp oil microcapsules by daily gavage, respectively. The SC, SP, and SM groups received 1 µL/g of body weight of distilled water, pulp oil, and pulp oil microcapsules by daily gavage, respectively, and were then subjected to uninterrupted 6 h of CRS. After 21 days of testing, the rats were euthanized and the brain tissue of the groups was removed for evaluation for oxidative damage markers and antioxidant enzymes. Endpoints of oxidative stress (OS) markers (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and reduced glutathione [GSH]) and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) were evaluated. By imposing chronic stress on rats, pulp oil and microcapsules of pulp oil induced positive antioxidant responses, mainly by increasing the GSH content, increasing the ability of neural tissues to deal with inherent OS, thus protecting against neurodegenerative diseases. The administration of A. aculeata pulp oil and microencapsulated pulp oil made the reversal of the oxidant parameters, which may protect the brain tissue of rats altered by CRS. The Clinical Trial Registration number: n° 1.008/2018 CEUA/UFMS.

Safety evaluation of the oils extracted from edible insects (Tenebrio molitor and Pachymerus nucleorum) as novel food for humans.

Increased concerns about ensuring food safety motivated the exploration of insects as an alternative protein source. It has been reported that Tenebrio molitor (TM) and Pachymerus nucleorum (PN) larvae are great protein and lipid sources with considerable concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids. Nevertheless, little attention has been given to the safety of using these edible insects. This study presents the acute and subacute (28 days) toxicological profile of the oil extracted from TM and PN larvae. The TM and PN larvae have all essential amino acids and the oils extracted from them fostered a considerable reduction in cholesterol and glucose levels of the treated rats. The experiments suggested that the TM and PN oils have low toxicity since it did not cause any lethality as well as no changes in hematological parameters.

Characterization and optimization of oil microcapsules from Attalea phalerata Mart. for the preservation of bioactive compounds

This study aimed microencapsulating Attalea phalerata Mart. oil, containing high carotenoid and phenolic compounds content, with Arabic gum and gelatin, using the complex coacervation method. The yield, efficiency, morphology of microcapsules and content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and antioxidant activity in different processes conditions (concentration of the filling, temperature and agitation speed) were evaluated. The results showed 88% of yield, efficiency up to 70% and a characteristic size of microcapsules. The amount of carotenoids was high in crude oil (394.84 µg of carotenoids/g oil) and the microencapsulation tests showed amounts of 19.19 to 166.40 µg of carotenoids/g oil. The phenolic compounds in the crude oil were 20.73 mg GAE/g sample and the microencapsulation tests showed amounts of 3.17 to 15.16 mg GAE/g oil. The values of bioactive compounds influenced in the antioxidant activity though ABTS•+ method with values of 161.70 µM trolox/g oil to crude oil and 7.70 and 159.54 µM trolox/g oil for microcapsules tests.

Anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and cytoprotective potential of the Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng. pulp oil.

The anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and cytoprotective activity of the Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng pulp oil was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo methods. As for the chemical profile, the antioxidant activity was performed by spectrophotometry, and the profile of carotenoids and amino acids by chromatography. Our data demonstrated that A. phalerata oil has high carotenoid content, antioxidant activity and the presence of 5 essential amino acids. In the in vitro models of inflammation, the oil demonstrated the capacity to inhibit COX1 and COX2 enzymes, the production of nitric oxide and also induces macrophages to spreading. In the in vivo models of inflammation, the oil inhibited edema and leukocyte migration in the Wistar rats. In the in vitro model of antiproliferative and cytoprotective activity, the oil was shown inactive against the kidney carcinoma and prostate carcinoma lineage cells and with cytoprotective capacity in murine fibroblast cells, inhibiting the cytotoxic action of doxorubicin. Therefore, it is concluded that A. phalerata pulp oil has anti-inflammatory effects with nutraceutical properties potential due to the rich composition. Moreover, the oil also has cytoprotective activity probably because of its ability to inhibit the action of free radicals.

The Chemical Composition and Metabolic Effects of Attalea phalerata Nut Oil in Hyperlipidemic Rats Induced by a High-Fructose Diet.

The fatty acids found in nuts are important regulators of the metabolism. These acids are frequently associated with a reduction of serum cholesterol and body fat and a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In this context, the aim of this study was to identify and quantify the nut oil fatty acids from Attalea phalerata and investigate their metabolic effects in rats with hyperlipidemia induced by a diet rich in fructose. Oleic and lauric acids were the major compounds found in the A. phalerata nut oil (APNO). Hyperlipidemic rats treated with APNO showed a reduction in the total serum cholesterol similar to those treated with simvastatin, an increased body temperature by 1 °C, and a reduction in the body weight gain and mesenteric depot of white adipose tissue compared to the hyperlipidemic controls rats. There was an increase in the relative liver weight of rats treated with APNO, without, however, any change in the serum markers of hepatic toxicity. In addition, there was an increase in the moisture and lipid content of the feces of the rats treated with APNO compared to the controls. Together, these results suggest that APNO has potential use in health foods and nutritional supplements to control hypercholesterolemia and obesity.

Acute and subacute oral toxicity assessment of the oil extracted from Attalea phalerata Mart ex Spreng. pulp fruit in rats.

Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng., popularly known as "bacuri", is a native plant from the brazilian Cerrado and used in folk medicine as a pulmonary decongestant, an anti-inflammatory for joints and antipyretic. There is an expectation about the use in chronic disease of the Attalea phalerata oil since its composition is high in carotenoids and beneficial fatty acids. The aim of the study was to evaluate the toxicological profile of the oil extracted from Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng. pulp (APO). Acute and subacute toxicity studies were performed in male and female Wistar rats according to the OECD - Guidelines 425 and 407. For the acute toxicity, one single dose of the APO (2000mg/kg) was administered by gavage to five female rats. In the subacute toxicity, four different doses (125, 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg) of the APO were administered to male and female rats for 28 consecutive days. No deaths or behavioral changes were observed during both experiments as well as no changes in organ weights, hematological, histopathological parameters. The biochemical parameters showed changes in phosphatase alkaline and albumin levels, however these values are within the normal range for the species. A significant reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides was also observed in some of the animals treated with the APO. Therefore, the LD50 is higher than 2000mg/kg and the APO oil can be considered safe at the doses tested in rats. However, further assessments are required in order to proceed to clinical studies in humans.

Campomanesia adamantium Peel Extract in Antidiarrheal Activity: The Ability of Inhibition of Heat-Stable Enterotoxin by Polyphenols.

Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae) is a medicinal plant distributed in Brazilian Cerrado. Different parts of this plant are used in popular medicine for treatment of several diseases like fever, diarrhea, hypercholesterolemia and rheumatism. The aim of this work was to evaluate the inhibition of heat-stable enterotoxin type A (STa) by gallic acid present in the peel of C. adamantium fruit and assays to assess the antidiarrheal activity, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of peel extract using the T84 cell line model. The possible inhibition exerted by the gallic acid of the peel extract on the STa peptide was inferred by molecular dynamics simulations. The antidiarrheal effects were investigated measuring cGMP accumulation in cells after stimulation by STa toxin and antibacterial activity was assessed. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2. MTT and LDH assays were used to evaluate any possible cytotoxic action while the CyQUANT test was used to investigate the effect on cell proliferation. A representation showing how the possible interactions between STa and the gallic acid of the extract might reduce the action of the enterotoxin is presented. C. adamantium peel extract significantly decreased the levels of cGMP in T84 cells. However, no effect on the species of microorganisms was observed. The extract also inhibited COX-1 (IC50 255.70 ± 0.04 ng/mL) and COX-2 (IC50 569.50 ± 0.11 ng/mL) enzymes. Cytotoxicity assay have shown significant changes in cells treated with the extract, which inhibited the cell proliferation until 72 hours of treatment. Direct interactions of phenolic compounds present in the extract with the STa toxin may limit its activity. Curative effect in the diarrhea treatment and its anti-inflammatory action is based on the pharmacological properties, mechanism of action of the C. adamantium peel extract, and no toxic effects of the peel extract presented on this work.

Oral acute and subchronic toxicity studies of the oil extracted from pequi (Caryocar brasiliense, Camb.) pulp in rats.

The Caryocar brasiliense (pequi) is a Brazilian fruit of important geographic distribution and of broad popular use for nutritional purposes. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicological potential of pequi through the acute and subchronic toxicity tests. For the acute toxicity test, female Wistar rats received, orally, a single dose of 2000 mg/kg/bw of pequi oil and were observed for 14 days. In subchronic toxicity test, Wistar male and female rats received, orally, repeated doses of 125, 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg/bw of the oil, being treated and observed for 28 days. In the acute toxicity test, no changes as well as no mortality were observed, indicating that the LD50 is higher than 2000 mg/kg/bw. In the subchronic toxicity test, the tested doses produced no significant changes in behavioral, physiological, biochemical or histopathologic parameters in animals. Some hematological abnormalities were found after subchronic exposure and need to be clarified. These results demonstrate the low toxicity of acute and subchronic to the oil of pequi in rats. However, additional studies are required in order to verify if the hematological abnormalities have any relation to the oil exposure and also provide sufficient safety evidence for the use of the oil in humans.

Chemical Composition and Food Potential of Pachymerus nucleorum Larvae Parasitizing Acrocomia aculeata Kernels.

Insect consumption as food is culturally practiced in various regions of the world. In Brazil, there are more than 130 species of edible insects registered, from nine orders, among which stands out the Coleoptera. The larva of the beetle Pachymerus nucleorum Fabricius, 1792, grows into the bocaiuva fruit (Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. Ex Mart., 1845), which has proven nutritional quality. The aim of this work was to evaluate the nutritional potential of P. nucleorum larvae compared to bocaiuva kernels for human consumption. Proteins were the second largest portion of the larvae nutritional composition (33.13%), with percentage higher than the bocaiuva kernels (14.21%). The larval lipid content (37.87%) was also high, very close to the kernels (44.96%). The fraction corresponding to fatty acids in the oil extracted from the larvae was 40.17% for the saturated and 46.52% for the unsaturated. The antioxidant activity value was 24.3 uM trolox/g of oil extracted from larvae. The larvae tryptic activity was 0.032±0.006 nmol BAPNA/min. Both the larvae and the bocaiuva kernel presented absence of anti-nutritional factors. These results favor the use of P. nucleorum larvae as food, which are a great protein and lipid sources with considerable concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids compared to the bocaiuva kernel.

Food Value of Mealworm Grown on Acrocomia aculeata Pulp Flour.

Insects have played an important role as human food throughout history, especially in Africa, Asia and Latin America. A good example of edible insects is the mealworm, Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), which are eaten in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. This species is easily bred in captivity, requiring simple management. The bocaiuva (Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd) is an abundant palm tree found in the Brazilian Cerrado, providing fruits with high nutritional value. The aim of this work was to determine the chemical composition of T. molitor grown in different artificial diets with bocaiuva pulp flour. The nutritional composition, fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity, trypsin activity and anti-nutritional factors of larvae were analyzed. The results showed that mealworms grown on artificial diet with bocaiuva are a good source of protein (44.83%) and lipid (40.45%), with significant levels of unsaturated fatty acids (65.99%), antioxidant activity (4.5 µM Trolox/g of oil extracted from larvae) and absence of anti-nutritional factors. This study indicates a new source of biomass for growing mealworms and shows that it is possible to breed mealworms in artificial diet with bocaiuva flour without compromising the nutritional quality of the larvae.

Diuretic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Microencapsulated Acrocomia aculeata (Arecaceae) Oil on Wistar Rats.

Acrocomia aculeata, popularly known as "bocaiuva," is widely acknowledged in culinary and traditional medicines to treat cardiovascular diseases, a combined effect with diuretics that are also used for hypertension. However, there are no scientific data published to support its use as functional food and its ethnopharmacological use. This study intended to determine the composition of fatty acids of the pulp oil and evaluate the diuretic action and anti-inflammatory activity of the in natura and microencapsulated oil orally administrated on rats. The obtained results confirm the prevalence of monounsaturated fatty acids (68.51%), especially oleic acid (65.68%±1.05%), in the oil from the bocaiuva pulp. The in natura A. aculeata oil has diuretic (P<.01) and anti-inflammatory potential, which promoted a marked inhibition on the hind paw edema induced by carrageenan (67%±7% after 2 h) (P<.01). In addition, results show that the oral administration of the bocaiuva oil at 300 (P<.05) and 700 (P<.05) mg/kg doses significantly inhibited the leukocyte migration induced by carrageenan to the pleural cavity in rats. The inhibitions equaled 91%±3% and 81%±16%, respectively. The microencapsulated oil also showed antiedematogenic (P<.01) as well as diuretic activities (P<.01). The microencapsulation by complex coacervation was shown to be a technique that favors the bioavailability and preservation of bioactive components of the bocaiuva oil.

Influence of treatments in the quality of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets.

In this study, the influence of different treatments was evaluated: nonwashing, washing in chlorinated water and washing/soaking in chlorinated water and sodium chloride on the quality of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets during storage at 1.0 ± 0.5°C through daily analysis of pH, moisture, and lipids content. Microbiological analysis and growth modeling for mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria and Staphylococcus sp. were also carried out. Finally, we confirmed the microbiological safety through sensory analyses. The main results suggest that fillets washed or soaked in chlorinated water and sodium chloride present clear and narrower blood line coloration; that is, they are less oxidized than those that received other treatments and are microbiologically safe for use within 12 days of storage. It was concluded that the treatments in chlorinated and salinized water favored the quality maintenance of fillets.