Graphene and Natural Products: A Review of Antioxidant Properties in Graphene Oxide Reduction.

This review article addresses the antioxidant properties of different natural products, including ascorbic acid, gallic acid, oxalic acid, L-glutathione (GSH), bacteriorhodopsin, green tea polyphenols, glucose, hydroxycinnamic acid, ethanoic acid, betanin, and L-glutathione, in the reduction of graphene oxide (rGO). rGO can cause damage to cells, including oxidative stress and inflammation, limiting its application in different sectors that use graphene, such as technologies used in medicine and dentistry. The natural substances reviewed have properties that help reduce this damage, neutralizing free radicals and maintaining cellular integrity. This survey demonstrates that the combination of these antioxidant compounds can be an effective strategy to minimize the harmful effects of rGO and promote cellular health.

Antioxidant Capacity, Antitumor Activity and Metabolomic Profile of a Beetroot Peel Flour.

In this study, a beetroot peel flour was made, and its in vitro antioxidant activity was determined in aqueous (BPFw) and ethanolic (BPFe) extracts. The influence of BPFw on breast cancer cell viability was also determined. A targeted betalain profile was obtained using high-resolution Q-Extractive Plus Orbitrap mass spectrometry (Obrtitrap-HRMS) alongside untargeted chemical profiling of BPFw using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). BPFw and BPFe presented satisfactory antioxidant activities, with emphasis on the total phenolic compounds and ORAC results for BPFw (301.64 ± 0.20 mg GAE/100 g and 3032.78 ± 55.00 µmol T/100 g, respectively). The MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells presented reductions in viability when treated with BPFw, showing dose-dependent behavior, with MDA-MB-231 also showing time-dependent behavior. The chemical profiling of BPFw led to the identification of 9 betalains and 59 other compounds distributed amongst 28 chemical classes, with flavonoids and their derivates and coumarins being the most abundant. Three forms of betalain generated via thermal degradation were identified. However, regardless of thermal processing, the BPF still presented satisfactory antioxidant and anticancer activities, possibly due to synergism with other identified molecules with reported anticancer activities via different metabolic pathways.

Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effect of pectolinarigenin, a flavonoid from Amazonian Aegiphila integrifolia (Jacq.), against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in astrocytes via NFκB and MAPK pathways.

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Regardless of the underlying cause, neuroinflammation is the greatest risk factor for developing any of these disorders. Pectolinarigenin (PNG) is an active flavonoid with several biological properties, anti-metastatic and anti-inflammatory activity. This study investigate the biological effects of PNG in macrophage and astrocyte cultures, with focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved in the PNG activity. J774A.1 murine macrophage or cerebral cortex primary astrocytes primary cultures were treated with different concentration of PNG (1-160 µM) and the inflammatory process was stimulated by LPS (1 µg/ml) and the effect of PNG in different inflammatory markers were determined. PNG did not affect astrocyte or macrophage viability. Moreover, this flavonoid reduced NO• release in macrophages, attenuated astrocyte activation by preventing the overexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, and decreased the release of inflammatory mediators, IL-1ß and IL-6 induced by LPS by the glial cell, as well as enhanced basal levels of IL-10. In addition, PNG suppressed NFκB, p38MAPK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in astrocytes culture induced by LPS. The results show clear evidence that this novel flavonoid protects astrocytes against LPS-induced inflammatory toxicity. In conclusion, PNG presents neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory property through the inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways.

Chemosystematic evaluation of Amazonian freshwater sponges.

Freshwater sponges can be considered a promising new source of bioactive compounds for the pharmaceutical industry; however, the research on their chemical composition is still in the incipient stage. We evaluated the most endemic Amazonian freshwater sponge species from the Drulia and Metania genera by untargeted metabolomic approaches, based on UHPCL-HRMS, in order to identify chemical markers and explore the diversity of specialized metabolites. The use of untargeted approaches allowed us to observe subsets of metabolites that enabled the characterization of, not only each genus, but also, of each species. Freshwater sponge species presented themselves as rich sources of fatty acids and sterols, which were putatively identified. These metabolites were suggested as chemical markers for further targeted metabolomic studies.

Cyclodextrin⁻Drug Inclusion Complexes: In Vivo and In Vitro Approaches.

This review aims to provide a critical review of the biological performance of natural and synthetic substances complexed with cyclodextrins, highlighting: (i) inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins and their biological studies in vitro and in vivo; (ii) Evaluation and comparison of the bioactive efficacy of complexed and non-complexed substances; (iii) Chemical and biological performance tests of inclusion complexes, aimed at the development of new pharmaceutical products. Based on the evidence presented in the review, it is clear that cyclodextrins play a vital role in the development of inclusion complexes which promote improvements in the chemical and biological properties of the complexed active principles, as well as providing improved solubility and aqueous stability. Although the literature shows the importance of their ability to help produce innovative biotechnological substances, we still need more studies to develop and expand their therapeutic properties. It is, therefore, very important to gather together evidence of the effectiveness of inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins in order to facilitate a better understanding of research on this topic and encourage further studies.

Inclusion Complexes of Copaiba (Copaifera multijuga Hayne) Oleoresin and Cyclodextrins: Physicochemical Characterization and Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Complexation with cyclodextrins (CDs) is a technique that has been extensively used to increase the aqueous solubility of oils and improve their stability. In addition, this technique has been used to convert oils into solid materials. This work aims to develop inclusion complexes of Copaifera multijuga oleoresin (CMO), which presents anti-inflammatory activity, with ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) and hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD) by kneading (KND) and slurry (SL) methods. Physicochemical characterization was performed to verify the occurrence of interactions between CMO and the cyclodextrins. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in mice was carried out to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of CMO alone as well as complexed with CDs. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the formation of inclusion complex of CMO with both ß-CD and HP-ß-CD by KND and SL methods. Carrageenan-induced paw edema test showed that the anti-inflammatory activity of CMO was maintained after complexation with ß-CD and HP-ß-CD, where they were able to decrease the levels of nitrite and myeloperoxidase. In conclusion, this study showed that it is possible to produce inclusion complexes of CMO with CDs by KND and SL methods without any change in CMO's anti-inflammatory activity.

Comparative analysis of the effects of Copaifera multijuga oil-resin and nitrofurazona in the cutaneous wound healing process / Análise comparativa dos efeitos do óleo-resina de Copaifera multijuga e da nitrofurazona na cicatrização de ferida cutânea

ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate, histologically and macroscopically, the influence of Copaifera multijuga (Copaíba) oil-resin on the healing process of cutaneous wounds, comparing it with nitrofurazone. Methods: we divided 36 rats into three groups of 12 animals, according to the treatment to be administered. Group SL (control) received saline on the lesion; the Group OIL received topical treatment with Copaíba oil; and the Group NITRO was treated with Nitrofurazone. We inflicted a circular wound of 8mm in diameter on the back of each animal. We subdivided each of the three groups of 12 animals into three subgroups, according to treatment time and euthanasia (7, 14 and 21 days). All animals received the proposed treatment daily. We photographed the lesions for area measurement, as well as for evaluation of macroscopic aspects. We resected and stained the scars to quantify and qualify elastic fibers, collagen, degree of epithelization, neovascularization and inflammation. Results: although the saline solution provided a faster wound closure in its initial phase, after 14 days the wound size of the three groups tested was the same. Levels of inflammation and neovascularization were similar in all three groups. The amount of collagen and elastic fibers was higher in the Nitrofurazone and Copaíba oil groups. Conclusion: in male Wistar rats, Copaifera multijuga oil-resin positively influences the healing process, but it is less effective than nitrofurazone in healing by secondary intention.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar histologicamente e macroscopicamente a influência do óleo-resina de Copaifera multijuga no processo de cicatrização de feridas cutâneas, comparando com o grupo submetido ao uso da nitrofurazona. Métodos: foram utilizados 36 ratos, divididos em três grupos de 12 animais, conforme o tratamento a ser administrado. Grupo SF (controle, recebeu soro fisiológico sobre a lesão), Grupo ÓLEO (tratamento tópico com óleo de Copaíba), Grupo NITRO (tratamento tópico com Nitrofurazona). Foi confeccionada uma ferida circular de 8mm de diâmetro no dorso de cada animal. Cada um dos três grupos de 12 animais foi subdividido em três subgrupos, de acordo com o tempo de tratamento e de eutanásia (7, 14 e 21 dias). Todos os animais receberam o tratamento proposto diariamente. As lesões foram fotografadas para mensuração de sua área, bem como, avaliados aspectos macroscópicos. As cicatrizes foram ressecadas e coradas, para quantificar e qualificar as fibras elásticas, colágenas, grau de epitelização, neovascularização e inflamação. Resultados: embora o soro fisiológico tenha proporcionado um fechamento mais rápido da ferida em sua fase inicial, a partir de 14 dias o tamanho das feridas dos três grupos testados se equivaleu. Níveis de inflamação e neovascularização foram semelhantes nos três grupos. A quantidade de fibras colágenas e elásticas foi maior nos grupos Nitrofurazona e Óleo de Copaíba. Conclusão: em ratos machos da linhagem Wistar, o óleo-resina de Copaifera multijuga influencia positivamente no processo de cicatrização, porém é menos eficaz que a nitrofurazona na cicatrização por segunda intenção.

Comparative analysis of the effects of Copaifera multijuga oil-resin and nitrofurazona in the cutaneous wound healing process.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate, histologically and macroscopically, the influence of Copaifera multijuga (Copaíba) oil-resin on the healing process of cutaneous wounds, comparing it with nitrofurazone. METHODS: we divided 36 rats into three groups of 12 animals, according to the treatment to be administered. Group SL (control) received saline on the lesion; the Group OIL received topical treatment with Copaíba oil; and the Group NITRO was treated with Nitrofurazone. We inflicted a circular wound of 8mm in diameter on the back of each animal. We subdivided each of the three groups of 12 animals into three subgroups, according to treatment time and euthanasia (7, 14 and 21 days). All animals received the proposed treatment daily. We photographed the lesions for area measurement, as well as for evaluation of macroscopic aspects. We resected and stained the scars to quantify and qualify elastic fibers, collagen, degree of epithelization, neovascularization and inflammation. RESULTS: although the saline solution provided a faster wound closure in its initial phase, after 14 days the wound size of the three groups tested was the same. Levels of inflammation and neovascularization were similar in all three groups. The amount of collagen and elastic fibers was higher in the Nitrofurazone and Copaíba oil groups. CONCLUSION: in male Wistar rats, Copaifera multijuga oil-resin positively influences the healing process, but it is less effective than nitrofurazone in healing by secondary intention.

Óleos essenciais de Sextonia rubra (Mez) van der Werff (Lauraceae) / Essential oils of the Sextonia rubra (Mez ) van der Werff (Lauraceae)

The essential oils of the leaves and branches of Sextonia rubra were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. In the leaves were identified as the major constituents α-pinene (21.7%), β-pinene (15.4%), α-copaene (12.5%) and germacrene D (12.1%). In the branches essential oil, α-copaene (22.9%), β-selinene (7.9%) and β-elemene (7.2%) were identified as the most abundant constituents. This paper describes for the first time the composition of these essential oils.

Os óleos essenciais das folhas e galhos de Sextonia rubra foram obtidos por hidrodestilação e analisados por cromatografia em fase gasosa com detectores de ionização de chama e espectrometria de massas. O α-pineno (21,7%), β-pineno (15,4%), α-copaeno (12,5%) e o germacreno D (12,1%) foram identificados como constituintes majoritários no óleo essencial das folhas. No óleo essencial dos galhos foram identificados como constituintes majoritários o α-copaeno (22,9%), β-selineno (7,9%) e o β-elemeno (7,2%). A composição química destes óleos essenciais está sendo relatada pela primeira vez neste trabalho.

Antileishmanial activity of diterpene acids in copaiba oil.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease. According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 1.5-two million new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis each year worldwide. Chemotherapy against leishmaniasis is based on pentavalent antimonials, which were developed more than a century ago. The goals of this study were to investigate the antileishmanial activity of diterpene acids in copaiba oil, as well as some possible targets of their action against Leishmania amazonensis. Methyl copalate and agathic, hydroxycopalic, kaurenoic, pinifolic and polyaltic acids isolated from Copaifera officinales oleoresins were utilised. Ultrastructural changes and the specific organelle targets of diterpenes were investigated with electron microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. All compounds had some level of activity against L. amazonensis. Hydroxycopalic acid and methyl copalate demonstrated the most activity against promastigotes and had 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 2.5 and 6.0 µg/mL, respectively. However, pinifolic and kaurenoic acid demonstrated the most activity against axenic amastigote and had IC50 values of 3.5 and 4.0 µg/mL, respectively. Agathic, kaurenoic and pinifolic acid caused significant increases in plasma membrane permeability and mitochondrial membrane depolarisation of the protozoan. In conclusion, copaiba oil and its diterpene acids should be explored for the development of new antileishmanial drugs.

Antileishmanial activity of diterpene acids in copaiba oil

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease. According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 1.5-two million new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis each year worldwide. Chemotherapy against leishmaniasis is based on pentavalent antimonials, which were developed more than a century ago. The goals of this study were to investigate the antileishmanial activity of diterpene acids in copaiba oil, as well as some possible targets of their action against Leishmania amazonensis. Methyl copalate and agathic, hydroxycopalic, kaurenoic, pinifolic and polyaltic acids isolated from Copaifera officinales oleoresins were utilised. Ultrastructural changes and the specific organelle targets of diterpenes were investigated with electron microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. All compounds had some level of activity against L. amazonensis. Hydroxycopalic acid and methyl copalate demonstrated the most activity against promastigotes and had 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 2.5 and 6.0 µg/mL, respectively. However, pinifolic and kaurenoic acid demonstrated the most activity against axenic amastigote and had IC50 values of 3.5 and 4.0 µg/mL, respectively. Agathic, kaurenoic and pinifolic acid caused significant increases in plasma membrane permeability and mitochondrial membrane depolarisation of the protozoan. In conclusion, copaiba oil and its diterpene acids should be explored for the development of new antileishmanial drugs.

Effects of culture filtrates of endophytic fungi obtained from Piper aduncum L. on the growth of mycobacterium tuberculosis

Substances that inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis could potentially be used as antibiotics. These substances could also be added to test culture media to improve the speed of tuberculosis diagnosis. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of culture filtrates of endophytic fungi isolated from P. aduncum L. on the growth of M. tuberculosis. To achieve this objective, the following methodology was used: a) endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves and stems of P. aduncum L.; b) the isolated fungi were submitted to submerged bioprocessing; c) culture filtrates from the bioprocess were assayed to evaluate their effect on the growth of M. tuberculosis. We isolated 315 fungal types, which represented 85 morphologies, from different parts of P. aduncum L. The bioassays were performed on 82 culture filtrates and 6 plant extracts and resulted in the detection of 1 culture filtrate that stimulated the growth of M. tuberculosis and 15 that inhibited microbial growth. None of the phytochemical extracts had an effect on the growth of M. tuberculosis. In conclusion, we observed that the endophytic fungi isolated from P. aduncum L. (Piperaceae) produced extracellular metabolites (present in the culture filtrate) that affect the growth of M. tuberculosis. These compounds have the potential to be used as antimicrobials or in the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Composição química e atividade biológica dos óleos essenciais das folhas e caules de Rhodostemonodaphne parvifolia Madriñán (Lauraceae) / Composition and biology activity of essential oils from leaves and stems of Rhodostemonodaphne parvifolia Madriñán (Lauraceae)

Os óleos essenciais das folhas e caules de Rhodostemonodaphne parvifolia coletada na Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke foram obtidos por hidrodestilação e analisados por cromatografia em fase gasosa com detector de ionização de chama e espectrometria de massas. Treze constituintes foram identificados nas folhas, dos quais o ß-cariofileno foi o que apresentou maior percentual (41,30%). Nos caules foram identificados quinze compostos, com predominância dos sesquiterpenos ß-cariofileno (16,20%) e epi-cedrol (13,30%) e do monoterpeno linalol (15,40%). Os óleos foram analisados em ensaios químicos, de sequestro do radical livre DPPH, e enzimáticos, de inibição da enzima acetilcolinesterase. Nos ensaios de sequestro de radicais livres, apesar de terem se mostrado ativos em ensaios qualitativos, os óleos essenciais apresentaram fraca atividade antioxidante no ensaio quantitativo (inativos em concentração inferior a 1.000 µg/mL). A inibição da acetilcolinesterase só foi observada nos óleos essenciais das folhas. A composição química e a atividade biológica destes óleos estão sendo relatadas pela primeira vez neste trabalho.

The essential oils of leaves and stems of Rhodostemonodaphne parvifolia collected in the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Thirteen components were identified in the leaf oil, of which ß-caryophyllene was the major (41.30%). Fifty components were identified in the stem oil, among them the sesquiterpenes ß-caryophyllene (16.20%) and epi-cedrol (13.30%), together with the monoterpene linalool (15.40%). The essential oils were analyzed at chemical, DPPH free radical scavenging; and enzymatic bioassays, acetylcholinesterase inhibition. At antioxidant DPPH assays, the oils showed to be active at the qualitative assay but only weakly active at quantitative test (inactive at concentration lower than 1,000 µg/mL). The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was detected only in leaves essential oils. This paper describes for the first time the composition of these essential oils and their biological activities.

Avaliação in vitro da atividade antibacteriana de um cimento odontológico à base de óleo-resina de Copaifera multijuga Hayne / In vitro assessment of antibacterial activity of a dental cement constituted of a Copaifera multijuga Hayne oil-resin

Um dos materiais utilizados para a adequação do meio bucal no serviço público é o cimento produzido a partir de óxido de zinco e eugenol. Entretanto, o eugenol é uma substância citotóxica que pode desencadear alguns efeitos adversos. Por essa razão, procura-se substituir o eugenol por uma substância que apresente baixa toxicidade, mantendo ou mesmo melhorando as propriedades do cimento. O óleo-resina de copaíba é um produto natural, utilizado pelas populações amazônicas e reconhecido por suas propriedades medicinais. Baseando-se nas propriedades desse óleo-resina, na ação antimicrobiana comprovada do hidróxido de cálcio e na ação anti-séptica do óxido de zinco, propôs-se formular um cimento odontológico obtido da associação do ZnO, Ca(OH)2 e óleo-resina de Copaifera multijuga Hayne e avaliar sua atividade antibacteriana através do teste de diluição em meio líquido frente às cepas padrão de Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) e S. sanguinis (ATCC 15300). Nesse ensaio, utilizaram-se os seguintes grupos experimentais: o cimento contendo ZnO, Ca(OH)2 e óleo-resina de copaíba (G1) e cada um dos constituintes isoladamente, ZnO (G2), Ca(OH)2 (G3) e óleo-resina de copaíba (G4). Todos os grupos analisados demonstraram atividade antibacteriana, o G4 apresentou os melhores resultados e o G1 mostrou-se um cimento promissor a ser utilizado em odontologia.

One of the materials utilized for suitability of the oral means in the public service is the cement produced from zinc oxide and eugenol. However, eugenol is a cytotoxic substance that can trigger some adverse effects. For this reason, it is desired to replace eugenol for another substance that presents low toxicity, keeping or even improving the cement properties. The copaiba oil-resin is a natural product, utilized by the Amazonian population and recognized for its medicinal properties. Based on the properties of this oil-resin, on the proven antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide and on the anti-septic action of zinc oxide, it was proposed to formulate a dental cement obtained through the association of ZnO, Ca(OH)2 and Copaifera multijuga Hayne oil-resin and assess its antibacterial activity through the test of dilution in aqueous medium against the standard of Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) and S. sanguinis (ATCC 15300). In this assay, the following experimental groups were utilized: the cement containing ZnO, Ca(OH)2 and copaiba oil-resin (G1) and each one of the constituents individually, ZnO (G2), Ca(OH)2 (G3) and copaiba oil-resin (G4). All the analyzed groups showed antibacterial activity, G4 showed the best results and G1 showed itself to be a promising cement for application in dentristy.

Estudo do consumo de plantas medicinais na Região Centro-Norte do Estado do Rio de Janeiro: aceitação pelos profissionais de saúde e modo de uso pela população / Study of the medicinal plants consumption in the Middle-North Region of the Rio de Janeiro State: acceptance by health professionals, way of use of the population

A utilização de plantas com objetivos medicinais é bastante difundida em todo o mundo. No Brasil, são raras as pesquisas que avaliem o grau de utilização das plantas como medicamentos e sua inserção na cultura popular. A análise de 1.320 formulários preenchidos pela população do interior do estado do Rio de Janeiro e por profissionais da área de saúde permitiu verificar que as plantas medicinais são as principais formas de tratamento para 63 por cento dos entrevistados, apesar da disponibilidade de medicamentos alopáticos. Foi observada a utilização de plantas como automedicação antes da consulta ao médico, concomitante com o medicamento alopático (55,9 por cento) e, em muitos casos, substituindo-o (52,4 por cento), sem o conhecimento do médico. A pesquisa mostrou ainda a falta de conhecimento dos profissionais da área de saúde sobre a cultura de utilização das plantas medicinais pela população, preferindo terapias alternativas que não fazem parte da cultura popular brasileira, como a acupuntura.

All over the world plants have been used for medicinal purposes. In Brazil, there is no statistical research showing cultural and popular aspects for using medicinal plants. Intoxication, interactions with last generation allopathic and loss of knowledge of using plants are critical aspects of self-medication. The results obtained from 1.320 questionnaires, filled up at Rio de Janeiro State and by health professionals allowed us to check that medicinal plants are the main health treatment (for 63.0 percent), in spite of the availability of allopathic. It is used before consulting a doctor and concomitant with allopathic (55.9 percent), sometimes replacing it (52.4 percent). The results of this research show a lack of information from health professionals to cultural utilization of medicinal plants by the population, preferring alternative therapies that are not part of the Brazilian popular culture, such as acupuncture.

Constituintes químicos de Burlemarxia rodriguesii Menezes & Semir (Velloziaceae)

Neste trabalho foi analisado o extrato apolar de Burlemarxia rodriguesii Menezes & Semir através da análise direta do extrato por métodos cromatográficos. Na análise por Cromatografia Gasosa de Alta Resolução (CGAR) e da Cromatografia de Alta Resolução acoplada à Espectrometria de Massas (CGAR-EM) foram detectados apenas os compostos majoritários. Para determinar os demais constituintes químicos presentes neste extrato foi realizado um pré-fracionamento no qual classes químicas como ácidos graxos, ésteres graxos, esteróis e terpenóides foram separados. A metodologia empregada permitiu a detecção e identificação de várias substâncias e séries homólogas através de co-injeções com padrões (em CGAR) e comparação de espectros (CGAR-EM).