RESUMO
The use of plants for medicinal purposes has a long history, however it is desirable a continuous evaluation seeking for complementary scientific evidences for their safe application. Species within the Kalanchoe genus are often referred to as "miracle leaf" due to their remarkable healing properties. Traditionally, these plants have been used to treat infections, inflammation, and cancer. Despite their widespread use, the identification of their active components remains incomplete. This study aimed to differentiate K. crenata (KC), K. marmorata (KM), and K. pinnata (KP) by conducting detailed histochemical and phytochemical analyses, and to assess their antioxidant capabilities. The investigation revealed significant differences between the species, highlighting the variability in phenolic (PC) and flavonoid contents (FC) and their distinct antioxidant effects. The KM demonstrated the greatest results (PC: 59.26±1.53â mgEqGA/g; FC: 12.63±0.91â mgEqCQ/g; DPPHâ (IC50): 110.66â ug/mL; ABTSâ + (IC50): 26.81â ug/mL; ORAC: 9.65±0.75â mmolTE) when compared to KC and KP. These findings underscore a new reference for research within the Kalanchoe genus.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes , Kalanchoe , Compostos Fitoquímicos , Extratos Vegetais , Kalanchoe/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/isolamento & purificação , Compostos Fitoquímicos/química , Compostos Fitoquímicos/farmacologia , Compostos Fitoquímicos/isolamento & purificação , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/isolamento & purificação , Fenóis/química , Fenóis/farmacologia , Fenóis/isolamento & purificação , Água/química , Flavonoides/química , Flavonoides/farmacologia , Flavonoides/isolamento & purificação , Picratos/antagonistas & inibidores , Compostos de Bifenilo/antagonistas & inibidores , Compostos de Bifenilo/química , Folhas de Planta/químicaRESUMO
Due to its characteristic aroma and diverse therapeutic properties, lemongrass essential oil (LEO) has garnered increased attention in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. However, LEO's volatile nature, low chemical stability, and limited solubility in water limits its applications in the industry. Micro- and nanoencapsulation technologies emerge as a promising solution to overcome these challenges. A systematic methodology involving keyword searches in databases was employed to gather relevant literature on LEO micro- and nanoencapsulation, providing an extensive overview of techniques, processes, encapsulating materials, and possible applications. Beyond established methods, emerging techniques were explored. This review highlights the critical role of encapsulation in enhancing the thermal and chemical stability, applicability, bioavailability, and controlled release of LEO.
Assuntos
Composição de Medicamentos , Óleos Voláteis , Óleos de Plantas , Óleos Voláteis/química , Óleos Voláteis/farmacologia , Óleos de Plantas/química , Humanos , Solubilidade , Estabilidade de Medicamentos , Disponibilidade Biológica , TerpenosRESUMO
Leonurus japonicus Houtt. is a medicinal plant popular in Brazil as "rubim", used in local folk medicine for several applications as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and antimicrobial phytomedicine. The traditional use for wound healing is related; however, few studies have evaluated the wound healing activity. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the popular indication of the hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of L. japonicus aerial parts in a rat wound healing model. The initial chemical characterization was performed using flavonoid quantification and complemented with mass spectroscopy/chemometrics analysis. The wound's lesion contraction and tissue regeneration (histological study stained with hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius) were determined. Hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts presented high flavonoid content, and mass spectrometry analysis of the extracts demonstrated the presence of compounds with a mass between 100-650, reinforcing the presence of polyphenolic constituents. The extracts of L. japonicus improve various wound healing phases, like inflammatory modulation, wound contraction, and collagen synthesis, resulting in faster healing in rats. These effects could be related to the extracts' polyphenolic compounds.
Assuntos
Leonurus , Plantas Medicinais , Ratos , Animais , Leonurus/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Plantas Medicinais/química , Cicatrização , Flavonoides/farmacologiaRESUMO
Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) skin is a by-product of Brazilian fish farming, rich in collagen. The present study aims to evaluate the wound healing, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential of the raw hydrolyzed extract of Nile tilapia skin, as well as the identification of the main compounds. The inâ vitro activity was performed using antioxidant, antimicrobial and scratch wound healing assays. An inâ vivo experiment was performed to evaluate the wound healing potential. On daysâ 1, 7, 14 and 21, the lesions were photographed to assess wound retraction and on the 7th , 14th and 21st â days the skins were removed for histological evaluation and the blood of the animals was collected for glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase determination. The chemical study was carried out through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and de novo sequencing of peptides. The inâ vitro assays showed a reduction of the gap area in 24â h, dose-dependent antimicrobial activity for both bacteria, and antioxidant activity. The chemical analysis highlighted the presence of active biopeptides. The histological evaluation showed that the raw hydrolyzed extract of Nile tilapia skin has a healing potential, and does not present toxicological effects; therefore, is promising for the treatment of wounds.
Assuntos
Anti-Infecciosos , Ciclídeos , Animais , Ciclídeos/microbiologia , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Cromatografia Gasosa-Espectrometria de Massas , Anti-Infecciosos/farmacologia , CicatrizaçãoRESUMO
Species of the genus Kalanchoe have a long history of therapeutic use in ethnomedicine linked to their remarkable healing properties. Several species have chemical and anatomical similarities, often leading to confusion when they are used in folk medicine. This review aims to provide an overview and discussion of the reported traditional uses, botanical aspects, chemical constituents, and pharmacological potential of the Kalanchoe species. Published scientific materials were collected from the PubMed and SciFinder databases without restriction regarding the year of publication through April 2023. Ethnopharmacological knowledge suggests that these species have been used to treat infections, inflammation, injuries, and other disorders. Typically, all parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes either as crude extract or juice. Botanical evaluation can clarify species differentiation and can enable correct identification and validation of the scientific data. Flavonoids are the most common classes of secondary metabolites identified from Kalanchoe species and can be correlated with some biological studies (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potential). This review summarizes several topics related to the Kalanchoe genus, supporting future studies regarding other unexplored research areas. The need to conduct further studies to confirm the popular uses and biological activities of bioactive compounds is also highlighted.
Assuntos
Crassulaceae , Kalanchoe , Plantas Medicinais , Fitoterapia , Compostos Fitoquímicos/química , Etnofarmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/químicaRESUMO
The species Euphorbia umbellata has been used to treat inflammatory diseases, cancer, and ulcers. Biological activities reported in the literature, including antiproliferative, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory, are attributed to the chemical constituents present in its composition as terpenes and polyphenolic compounds. The most recurrently verified metabolites in the Euphorbiaceae family plant species are terpenes, of which euphol is a major constituent with broadly reported cytotoxic, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects; it frequently appears in various extracts obtained from the plant. Euphol has a documented inhibitory effect on neutrophil chemotaxis and can modulate the complement system. Since complement system activation is intimately intertwined with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, tumor growth promotion and metastasis, plant metabolites from Euphorbia umbellata might influence the outcomes of inflammatory processes. We believe that this is the first review presenting the current knowledge on Euphorbia umbellata secondary metabolites and their biological activities.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos , Euphorbia , Euphorbiaceae , Neoplasias , Humanos , Euphorbia/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Lanosterol/farmacologia , Anti-InflamatóriosRESUMO
Euphorbia umbellata is used for its anti-inflammatory properties; however, there are limited data available regarding its effects on vascular function. Its bark is rich in polyphenolic compounds, which potentially improve endothelial dysfunction (ED). This study proposes to investigate the effects of E. umbellata bark extracts and its polyphenolic compounds on arginase (ARG) activity and nitric oxide (NO)-related targets. Chromatographic procedures were used for the chemical characterisation of the extracts. Furthermore, in silico (molecular docking), in vitro (ARG inhibition), in vivo (streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia model), and ex vivo (l-arginine metabolism, vascular reactivity, western blot, and biochemical) techniques were carried out. Quercetin, gallic acid, and ellagic acid were identified in the extracts. In silico screening predicted that gallic acid and quercetin would have the most promising interactions with ARG -identified cavities. This was confirmed in vitro as both compounds had a direct inhibitory effect on ARG, as was the case regarding the extracts. Oral treatment preserved endothelium-dependent vasodilation through ARG inhibition together with an increase in l-arginine bioavailability and endothelial NO synthase expression. Biochemical parameters determined the lack of toxicity for sub-chronic treatment. E. umbellata bark extracts and its compounds can contribute to ED treatment, at least partly, through the inhibition of vascular ARG.
RESUMO
The current study was carried out by a bioguided fractionation of a hexane extract of the latex of Euphorbia umbellata against leukemic cells. Samples were analyzed by NMR, GC/MS, triterpenes quantification, and MTT reduction assay. Morphological, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential and caspases 3/7 analyses were performed for the dichloromethane and ethanol fractions, and selectivity index for the dichloromethane fraction. NMR analysis presented characteristic signals of terpenes and steroids, data were confirmed by the quantification of triterpenes and GC/MS analysis. MTT reduction assay demonstrated that HL-60 was the most sensitive cell lineage against dichloromethane and ethanol fractions. Compounds of these matrices caused morphological changes compatible with apoptosis induction, altered cell cycle, increment of depolarized population cells and activation of caspases 3/7. Selectivity indices were higher than 22.44. Bioguided-fractionation study showed that samples of the latex of E. umbellata raised the activity of the phytocomplex against leukemic cells, and the cytotoxicity can be associated with an apoptosis pathway.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos Fitogênicos/farmacologia , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Euphorbia/química , Látex/química , Terpenos/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos Fitogênicos/química , Antineoplásicos Fitogênicos/isolamento & purificação , Ciclo Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Ensaios de Seleção de Medicamentos Antitumorais , Humanos , Terpenos/química , Terpenos/isolamento & purificação , Células Tumorais CultivadasRESUMO
Endothelial dysfunction is characterised by the low bioavailability of nitric oxide with a relevant negative impact on the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway. The loss of nitric oxide/cGMP signaling may be caused by an increased arginase activity. Plant-derived substances, especially polyphenols, are compounds that have the potential to inhibit arginase activity and they may represent an attractive therapeutic option to combat clinical outcomes related to endothelial dysfunction. An extensive review was carried out using all available data published in English in the Pubmed database, and without restriction regarding the year of publication. Despite the increased number of new substances that have been tested as arginase inhibitors, it is rare to find a compound that satisfies all the toxicological criteria to be used in the development of a new drug. On the other hand, recent data have shown that substances from plants have great potential to be applied as arginase inhibitors, most of which are polyphenols. Of the relevant mechanisms in this process, the inhibition of arginase by natural products seems to act against endothelial dysfunction by reestablishing the vascular function and elevating nitric oxide levels (by increasing the amounts of substrate (L-arginine, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation and stabilisation) as well as decreasing the generation of reactive species (formed by uncoupledendothelial nitric oxide synthase). This review summarises several topics regarding arginase inhibition by natural substances as well as indicating this pathway as an emergent strategy to elevate nitric oxide levels in disorders involving endothelial dysfunction. In addition, some aspects regarding structural activity and future perspectives are discussed.
Assuntos
Arginase/antagonistas & inibidores , Produtos Biológicos/farmacologia , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Plantas/química , Polifenóis/farmacologia , Doenças Vasculares/tratamento farmacológico , Arginase/metabolismo , Produtos Biológicos/química , Endotélio Vascular/efeitos dos fármacos , Endotélio Vascular/fisiopatologia , Estrutura Molecular , Óxido Nítrico Sintase/metabolismo , Óxido Nítrico Sintase Tipo III/efeitos dos fármacos , Óxido Nítrico Sintase Tipo III/fisiologia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Polifenóis/química , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Doenças Vasculares/fisiopatologiaAssuntos
Abrasão Química , Croton , Óleo de Cróton , Glicolatos , Humanos , Fenol , Óleo de Gergelim , Ácido TricloroacéticoAssuntos
Abrasão Química/métodos , Óleo de Cróton/administração & dosagem , Ceratolíticos/administração & dosagem , Fenóis/administração & dosagem , Envelhecimento da Pele/efeitos dos fármacos , Óleo de Cróton/química , Método Duplo-Cego , Estabilidade de Medicamentos , Face , Feminino , Humanos , Ceratolíticos/química , Fenóis/química , Fotografação , Pele/diagnóstico por imagem , Pele/efeitos dos fármacos , Tensoativos/administração & dosagem , Tensoativos/química , Resultado do TratamentoAssuntos
Lubrificantes/efeitos adversos , Óleos de Silicone/efeitos adversos , Pele/patologia , Seringas/efeitos adversos , Adulto , Toxinas Botulínicas/administração & dosagem , Toxinas Botulínicas/efeitos adversos , Testa , Humanos , Injeções Subcutâneas , Masculino , Prevenção Primária/métodos , Esclerose/etiologia , Esclerose/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The species Euphorbia umbellata (leitosinha) has been traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluation the effect of E. umbellata latex extracts obtained with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol on the activation of the complement pathways and neutrophil chemotaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The latex was partitioned using Soxhlet apparatus and hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol as solvents. The classical and alternative pathway activity were performed by hemolytic assays with sensitized sheep or rabbit erythrocytes, respectively; the lectin pathway activity was quantified by ELISA, through the measurement of C4 molecules and the chemotaxis of human neutrophils was performed using 1% casein as the chemotactic inducer and Boyden's chamber. GC-Q-ToF and NMR analyses were applied to evaluate the chemical composition of E. umbellata latex extracts. RESULTS: All E. umbellata latex extracts exhibited an inhibitory effect on the activation of the alternative pathway. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts inhibited the classical pathway while chloroform extract activated this pathway. Ethyl acetate and hexane extracts inhibited lectin activation. All E. umbellata extracts inhibited casein-induced neutrophil chemotaxis. Terpenes and phenolic compounds have been suggested to be present in the E. umbellta latex extracts. CONCLUSION: The E. umbellata latex was able to modulate the functions of the immune system. Thus, it is possible to infer that the terpenes and phenolic compounds of the phytocomplex of E. umbellata latex can contribute for the activity on the complement pathways.
Assuntos
Ativação do Complemento/efeitos dos fármacos , Euphorbia/química , Neutrófilos/efeitos dos fármacos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Animais , Quimiotaxia/efeitos dos fármacos , Eritrócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Hemólise/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Fenóis/isolamento & purificação , Fenóis/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Coelhos , Ovinos , Solventes/química , Terpenos/isolamento & purificação , Terpenos/farmacologiaRESUMO
AIMS: This study evaluated the effect of euphol isolated from Euphorbia umbellata (Pax) Bruyns latex on the activation of complement pathways (classical (CP), alternative (AP) and lectin (LP)), neutrophil chemotaxis, cytotoxic activity, cell morphology and death in HRT-18 and 3T3 cells lines. MAIN METHODS: CP and AP were assessed using hemolytic assays and ELISA for LP; neutrophil chemotaxis was performed using Boyden's chamber; cytotoxicity was evaluated by neutral red methodology and characteristics of cell death were assessed by cell morphology with hematological staining. KEY FINDINGS: Although euphol increased CP activation (38% at a concentration of 976.1 µM), an inhibitory effect on AP, LP (31% and 32% reduction in the concentration of 976.1 µM) and neutrophil chemotaxis (inhibit 84% of neutrophil migration at a concentration 292.9 µM) was observed. In addiction euphol was able to induce significant cell death in a time-dependent manner, presenting an IC50 of 70.8 µM and 39.2 µM for HRT-18 and 3T3 cell lines respectively and it was also observed apoptotic characteristics as cellular rounding, chromatin condensation and blebs formation for both cell lines. SIGNIFICANCE: Euphol has a potential use for the treatment of complement-related inflammatory diseases due to its ability to downregulate inflammation. On the other hand, the controlled activation of CP can contribute to complement-dependent cytotoxicity in the context of monoclonal antibody-based cancer treatment.