RESUMO
The aim of this work is to provide an update from an overview of the literature of the most frequently consumed herbal remedies during pregnancy, both alone and concomitantly with prescribed medications and particularly on their side effects to the mother and fetus. We have also analyzed some of the adverse interactions that may occur due to concomitant use of herbal and pharmaceutical products during pregnancy. Herbal remedies are not evaluated according to the same standards as pharmaceuticals, and in the USA some of it are not licensed but sold as food supplements. There is a lack of basic knowledge on the part of both clinicians and patients as to the indications for use and safety of herbal medicines used in pregnancy and lactation. If 'traditional use' is the only available information, the pregnant woman should be made aware of this to enable her to make an informed decision concerning potential use.
Assuntos
Suplementos Nutricionais , Fitoterapia , Preparações de Plantas , Gravidez/efeitos dos fármacos , Ensaios Clínicos como Assunto , Suplementos Nutricionais/efeitos adversos , Feminino , Interações Ervas-Drogas , Humanos , Fitoterapia/efeitos adversos , Preparações de Plantas/efeitos adversos , Preparações de Plantas/uso terapêutico , Plantas Medicinais/efeitos adversosRESUMO
An extensive survey of wild Sicilian oregano was made. A total of 57 samples were collected from various sites, followed by taxonomic characterization from an agronomic perspective. Based on morphological and production characteristics obtained from the 57 samples, cluster analysis was used to divide the samples into homogeneous groups, to identify the best biotypes. All samples were analyzed for their phytochemical content, applying a cascade-extraction protocol and hydrodistillation, to obtain the non volatile components and the essential oils, respectively. The extracts contained thirteen polyphenol derivatives, i.e., four flavanones, seven flavones, and two organic acids. Their qualitative and quantitative characterization was carried out by LC/MS analyses. The essential oils were characterized using a combination of GC-FID and GC/MS analyses; a total of 81 components were identified. The major components of the oils were thymol, p-cymene, and γ-terpinene. Cluster analysis was carried out on both phytochemical profiles and resulted in the division of the oregano samples into different chemical groups. The antioxidant activity of the essential oils and extracts was investigated by the Folin-Ciocalteau (FC) colorimetric assay, by UV radiation-induced peroxidation in liposomal membranes (UV-IP test), and by determining the O(2)(â-)-scavenging activity.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/química , Óleos Voláteis/química , Origanum/química , Antioxidantes/isolamento & purificação , Biomassa , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Análise por Conglomerados , Flavanonas/química , Flavanonas/isolamento & purificação , Flavonas/química , Flavonas/isolamento & purificação , Cromatografia Gasosa-Espectrometria de Massas , Espectrometria de Massas , Óleos Voláteis/isolamento & purificação , Polifenóis/química , Polifenóis/isolamento & purificação , SicíliaRESUMO
The aim of the present work was to evaluate the antioxidant and photoprotective effect of blanch water (BW), a byproduct of the almond processing industry. The polyphenolic content of a BW extract, the level of proanthocyanidins and the vanillin index determination were determined. The antioxidant activity and the radical scavenging activity of the BW were evaluated by a range of in vitro tests. The in vivo photoprotective effect was investigated using a formulation containing 2% of the BW extract on skin erythema induced by acute UV-B exposure in twelve volunteers. Results confirmed the presence of added-value antioxidant compounds in the industrial BW extract, and the most representative compounds were naringenin-7-O-glucoside and kaempferol-7-O-rutinoside. The proanthocyanidin content was 71.84 ± 5.21 cyanidin equivalents/g of BW extract. The good antiradical activity of the BW extract was demonstrated in both the DPPH⢠test and in the Reducing Power test. The percentage inhibition of erythema obtained using a formulation of BW was 50.48, value clearly demonstrating an effect against photooxidative damage in vivo.
Assuntos
Sequestradores de Radicais Livres/química , Nozes/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Prunus/química , Protetores contra Radiação/química , Águas Residuárias/química , Compostos de Bifenilo/química , Eritema/etiologia , Eritema/prevenção & controle , Indústria de Processamento de Alimentos , Sequestradores de Radicais Livres/isolamento & purificação , Sequestradores de Radicais Livres/farmacologia , Radicais Livres/química , Humanos , Picratos/química , Extratos Vegetais/isolamento & purificação , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Lesões por Radiação/etiologia , Lesões por Radiação/prevenção & controle , Protetores contra Radiação/isolamento & purificação , Protetores contra Radiação/farmacologia , Pele/efeitos dos fármacos , Pele/patologia , Pele/efeitos da radiação , Raios Ultravioleta/efeitos adversosRESUMO
The relationship between allergies and cancer incidence and the role played by histamine on the immune system and on inhibiting tumor growth have been the subject of study in our group. The influence of histamine dosage on free radicals was investigated in both lung cancer and healthy subjects. Plasmatic selenium levels in the same patients were assayed in order to highlight the role played by free radicals in lung cancer. The role of selenium on the genesis of lung cancer is well known. Thirty-seven male patients with lung adenocarcinoma or squamous carcinoma were tested. The control group included thirty-nine healthy male subjects. The results indicated a significant decrease in histamine plasma levels in subjects with cancer (p=0.0038) compared to the healthy subjects. Smoking significantly reduced the histamine plasma levels in cancer patients (p=0.0044). Such a decrease was not significant in the controls (p=0.063). A significant decrease in selenium plasma levels in the cancer patients (p=0.005) was also observed. The data suggest that histamine and selenium are two factors involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer, which could be used in protective and therapeutic strategies.
Assuntos
Histamina/sangue , Neoplasias Pulmonares/sangue , Selênio/sangue , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fumar/sangueRESUMO
A standardized extract of red orange juice (ROE) was shown to inhibit proliferation of fibroblast and epithelial prostate cells. These data suggest that the antiproliferative properties of ROE cannot be ascribed to cytotoxic effect and highlight its potential usefulness in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Assuntos
Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Citrus sinensis/química , Citrus sinensis/toxicidade , Próstata/citologia , Animais , Artemia/efeitos dos fármacos , Bioensaio/métodos , Linhagem Celular , Cricetinae , Cricetulus , Células Epiteliais/citologia , Células Epiteliais/efeitos dos fármacos , Fibroblastos/citologia , Fibroblastos/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Masculino , Fitoterapia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Extratos Vegetais/toxicidade , Próstata/efeitos dos fármacos , Hiperplasia Prostática/tratamento farmacológico , Sais de Tetrazólio/metabolismo , Tiazóis/metabolismo , Azul Tripano/metabolismoRESUMO
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), the most established agent for the mobilization of stem cells in current clinical practice, could induce a condition of oxidative stress. Herein plasmatic levels of protein carbonyl groups (a biomarker of oxidative stress) were measured in a group of donors given recombinant human G-CSF (rHuG-CSF) at different times: (1) before starting rHuG-CSF administration, (2) on day 5 of rHuG-CSF administration, (3) on the same day immediately after the end of the first leukapheresis procedure and (4) one week after rHuG-CSF withdrawal. Plasma levels of protein carbonyl groups enhanced significantly in donors after 5 days of rHuG-CSF treatment and appeared further slightly increased following leukapheresis procedure; 7 days following rHuG-CSF withdrawal, they showed a tendency to normalization. These findings may contribute to better understand the oxidative reactions following rHuG-CSF treatment and leukapheresis.
Assuntos
Doadores de Sangue , Proteínas Sanguíneas/análise , Fator Estimulador de Colônias de Granulócitos/administração & dosagem , Mobilização de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas , Leucaférese , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Adolescente , Adulto , Feminino , Mobilização de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas/métodos , Humanos , Leucaférese/métodos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Oxirredução/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteínas RecombinantesRESUMO
We studied the serum levels of vitamins A, E, zinc and copper in two hundred and twenty-five subjects of both sexes. They were divided into two groups: 87 healthy subjects who served as controls and 138 patients with neoplastic disease. The patients were subdivided according to the absence (n = 79) or the presence of metastatic disease (n =59). In 59 patients with cancer, who were in therapy with scavenger drugs of free radical such as calcium antagonists and the antagonists of receptors H2, we also studied the possible effect of the same therapy on the serum levels of vitamins, on the concentrations of the microelements and on membrane lipid peroxidation. We found that membrane lipid peroxidation, evaluated from the time of in vitro formation in the blood of so-called "Heinz bodies," decreased in all patients treated with scavenger drugs. In these patients the permeability of the erythrocyte membrane was similar to the controls and the serum levels of the vitamins were equal to the levels in patients who did not receive these therapies. Zinc concentration increased while copper remained unchanged. We also studied the levels of vitamins in some organs. The results are discussed considering the role of free radicals. We underline the importance of vitamins A and E in the protection from membranous peroxidation and from free radicals and the need to consider cancer as a systemic morbid event, apart from the contingent actual location.
Assuntos
Bloqueadores dos Canais de Cálcio/farmacologia , Cobre/sangue , Antagonistas dos Receptores H2 da Histamina/farmacologia , Neoplasias/sangue , Neoplasias/tratamento farmacológico , Vitamina A/sangue , Vitamina E/sangue , Zinco/sangue , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Permeabilidade da Membrana Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Membrana Eritrocítica/efeitos dos fármacos , Membrana Eritrocítica/metabolismo , Feminino , Sequestradores de Radicais Livres/farmacologia , Humanos , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos ProspectivosRESUMO
It is well known that administration of antioxidants represents a successful strategy for preventing the occurrence and for reducing the severity of UV-mediated oxidative damage. Melatonin was recently shown to be an efficacious photoprotective agent. The aim of the present study was to better investigate the interaction of melatonin with model membranes and the possible implications in its photoprotective activity. The antioxidant activity of melatonin was tested in two 'in vitro' experimental models: (a) UV radiation-induced peroxidation in phosphatidylcholine multilamellar vesicles (MLVs); (b) scavenging activity against nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, we investigated the melatonin/biomembrane interaction by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) on dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) MLVs and unilamellar vesicles (LUVs). The findings of in vitro antioxidant tests suggest that the photoprotective effect of melatonin should be due, partially at least, to the drug scavenging activity against aqueous and lipophilic free radicals, including NO; besides, melatonin might provide its protective effect against UV radiation-induced damage also by acting as a UV-absorbing screen. The results of DSC experiments have evidenced a good capability of melatonin to interact with DMPC bilayers, causing a significant fluidifying effect; however, the transfer of melatonin in the LUVs is faster than that observed for MLVs, even if both values tend to the maximum values reachable. Our present data allow us to emphasize two points: (1) the fluidifying effect induced by melatonin on lipidic bilayers might act as a cooperative mechanism in its protective effect against peroxidative membrane damage; (2) melatonin appears able to cross biomembranes, so that it could protect intracellular components against peroxidative insult.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/química , Lipossomos/química , Melatonina/química , Protetores Solares/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Bicamadas Lipídicas/química , Bicamadas Lipídicas/farmacologia , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Lipossomos/farmacologia , Melatonina/farmacologia , Protetores Solares/farmacologia , Raios Ultravioleta/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Quercetin is well known to possess the strongest protective effect against UV light-induced lipoperoxidation. However, the absolute water insolubility of quercetin is a key step that may limit its bioavailability and, thus, its 'in vivo' employment as a photoprotective agent. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate 'in vitro' the antioxidant and photoprotective properties and the interaction with model membranes of three new semisynthetic quercetin derivatives, quercetin-3-O-acetate (Q-ac), quercetin-3-O-propionate (Q-pr) and quercetin-3-O-palmitate (Q-pal), obtained by esterification of the C-3 OH function with an aliphatic side-chain of different length. The antioxidant activity of quercetin and of its three esters was assessed in two 'in vitro' experimental models: (a) the bleaching of the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical; (b) UV radiation-induced peroxidation in multilamellar vesicles (MLVs). Differential scanning calorimetry on dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine MLVs and unilamellar vesicles was employed to investigate the interaction of the drugs tested with model membranes. Finally, the stability following UV light exposure and the lipophilicity and water solubility of quercetin and its three esters were examined. The findings obtained demonstrated that the esterification with an opportune aliphatic side chain of the OH function located at the C-3 position allows the production of new quercetin derivatives, which may be good candidates as photoprotective agents. In particular, one could speculate that the esterification with a short side-chain (such as in Q-ac and Q-prop) provides the suitable chemico-physical features not only to maintain the antioxidant and photoprotective effectiveness of the parent drug, but also to be able to migrate through the aqueous environment and to interact with and cross phospholipid membranes.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Membranas Artificiais , Quercetina/farmacologia , Raios Ultravioleta , Antioxidantes/química , Ésteres , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/fisiologia , Quercetina/química , Protetores Solares/química , Protetores Solares/farmacologia , Raios Ultravioleta/efeitos adversosRESUMO
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and in vivo photoprotective activities of an ethanolic extract of Culcitium reflexum H.B.K. leaves (ECR extract). The antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed by means of three different in vitro tests: (1) bleaching of the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical; (2) peroxidation, induced by the water-soluble radical initiator 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)hydrochloride, on mixed dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/linoleic acid unilamellar vesicles; (3) UV radiation-induced peroxidation in phosphatidylcholine multilamellar vesicles. In all in vitro tests used the ECR extract showed a significant antioxidant effect. Furthermore, a gel formulation containing this extract proved, when topically applied, to afford a significant in vivo protection against UV-B-induced skin erythema in healthy human volunteers. Then, by chromatographic fractionation and spectroscopic methods, we identified some cinnamic acid derivatives and the major flavonoid constituents of the ECR extract, viz. the flavonols rutin, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside, quercetin and kaempferol.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Asteraceae , Flavonoides/farmacologia , Protetores Solares/farmacologia , Adulto , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/uso terapêutico , Área Sob a Curva , Asteraceae/química , Avaliação de Medicamentos/métodos , Avaliação de Medicamentos/estatística & dados numéricos , Eritema/tratamento farmacológico , Feminino , Flavonoides/química , Flavonoides/uso terapêutico , Humanos , Masculino , Fitoterapia/métodos , Fitoterapia/estatística & dados numéricos , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Folhas de Planta/química , Estatísticas não Paramétricas , Protetores Solares/química , Protetores Solares/uso terapêutico , Raios Ultravioleta/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Three dihydrostilbenes belonging to the polyphenol pool characterized in the leaves of Sicilian liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) have been tested for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The three dihydrostilbenes (PA-82, GA-23, DO-07) were in vitro tested to evaluate their capability to scavenge the stable radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and to decrease thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release in human whole blood samples. On the basis of the observed capability of these compounds to affect the cell COX-1/COX-2 pathway, a molecular docking study was carried out in order to understand in detail the ability of these compounds to bind to COX-1 and COX-2. The results show that the liquorice dihydrostilbenes are preferred ligands for COX-2 rather than for COX-1, providing a good rational for the observed selectivity in ex vivo experiments. Therefore, they appear to be good candidates for employment in human therapy against inflammation-related pathological conditions.
Assuntos
Inibidores de Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/farmacologia , Glycyrrhiza/química , Estilbenos/farmacologia , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Folhas de Planta/química , Relação Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) nuts are a rich source of phenolic compounds, known for their high antioxidant activity, and contained not only in the seeds but also in the skin. A pistachio cultivar of high quality is typical of Bronte, Sicily, Italy. The purpose of our study was to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of two polyphenol-rich extracts from skins (TP) and decorticated seeds (SP) of Bronte pistachios, and to verify the potential use of these extracts for topical photoprotective products. Chemical analysis showed that the TP and SP extracts contain high levels of phenolic compounds, but the TP extract is about ten times richer in phenols than the SP extract, being anthocyanins the most abundant compounds found in the TP extract. Both these extracts, and especially the TP extract, possess good radical scavenger/antioxidant properties, as shown in a series of in vitro assays carried out using homogenous and non-homogenous chemical environment. Furthermore both the TP extract and, although at a lower degree, the SP extract reduce, when topically applied, UV-B-induced skin erythema in human volunteers. These findings suggest that extracts from Bronte TP and SP could be successfully employed as photoprotective ingredients in topical cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/análise , Eritema/tratamento farmacológico , Fitoterapia , Pistacia/química , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Administração Cutânea , Adulto , Antioxidantes/uso terapêutico , Humanos , Sementes/química , Pele/efeitos da radiação , Tocoferóis , Raios UltravioletaRESUMO
Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.; Anacardiaceae) is native of aride zones of Central and West Asia and distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin. In Italy, a pistachio cultivar of high quality is typical of Bronte (Sicily), an area around the Etna volcano, where the lava land and climate allow the production of a nut with intense green colour and aromatic taste, very appreciated in international markets. Pistachio nuts are a rich source of phenolic compounds, and have recently been ranked among the first 50 food products highest in antioxidant potential. Pistachio nuts are often used after removing the skin, which thus represents a significant by-product of pistachio industrial processing. The present study was carried out to better characterize the phenolic composition and the antioxidant activity of Bronte pistachios, with the particular aim to evaluate the differences between pistachio seeds and skins. The total content of phenolic compounds in pistachios was shown to be significantly higher in skins than in seeds. By HPLC analysis, gallic acid, catechin, eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside, naringenin-7-O-neohesperidoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside and eriodictyol were found both in pistachio seeds than in skins; furthermore, genistein-7-O-glucoside, genistein, daidzein and apigenin appeared to be present only in pistachio seeds, while epicatechin, quercetin, naringenin, luteolin, kaempferol, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside are contained only in pistachio skins. The antioxidant activity of pistachio seeds and skins were determined by means of four different assays (DPPH assay, Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric method and TEAC assay, SOD-mimetic assay). As expected on the basis of the chemical analyses, pistachio skins have shown to possess a better activity with respect to seeds in all tests. The excellent antioxidant activity of pistachio skins can be explained by its higher content of antioxidant phenolic compounds. By HPLC-TLC analysis, gallic acid, catechin, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside and epicatechin appeared to be responsible for the antioxidant activity of pistachio skin, together with other unidentified compounds. In conclusion, our work has contributed to clarify some particular characteristics of Bronte pistachios and the specific antioxidant power of pistachio skins. Introduction of pistachios in daily diet may be of undoubted utility to protect human health and well-being against cancer, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular pathologies and, more generally, pathological conditions related to free radical overproduction. On the other hand, pistachio skins could be successfully employed in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.
Assuntos
Fenóis/química , Pistacia/química , Sementes/química , Antocianinas/química , Antioxidantes/química , Flavonoides/química , Flavonóis/química , Proantocianidinas/químicaRESUMO
The present study was designed to verify the antidiarrhoeal effects of a lyophilized extract of wine from Jacquez grapes (Ord. Rhamnales; Fam. Vitaceae; Sp. Vitis aestivalis M.-cinerea E. x Vitis vinifera L.), studying its influence on castor oil-induced diarrhoea and enteropooling, and on gastrointestinal transit (measured by a charcoal marker) in mice. The pre-treatment of the animals with the JWE (Jacquez wine extract) produced a significant inhibition against castor oil induced-diarrhoea and intestinal fluid accumulation; furthermore the extract significantly decreased the propulsive movement of the charcoal meal. These findings suggest a potential beneficial use of the JWE in the treatment of diarrhoeal diseases.
Assuntos
Antidiarreicos/uso terapêutico , Diarreia/tratamento farmacológico , Fitoterapia , Vitis , Animais , Antidiarreicos/farmacologia , Óleo de Rícino , Diarreia/induzido quimicamente , Motilidade Gastrointestinal/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , VinhoRESUMO
A simple synthetic methodology, based on the inverse electron demand hetero Diels-Alder reaction of electron-poor dienic o-thioquinones with electron-rich styrenes used as dienophiles, allowed the preparation of several polyhydroxylated 4-thiaflavans. Such compounds, as a function of the nature and position of the substituents on the aromatic rings, as well as of the oxidation state of the sulfur atom, are able to behave in vitro as efficient antioxidants mimicking the action of catechol containing flavonoids or/and tocopherols. The possibility of joining together the potentialities of two relevant families of natural polyphenolic antioxidants appears particularly appealing since an efficient protection against free radicals and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) depends in vivo upon the synergic action of different antioxidant derivatives.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/síntese química , Flavonoides/síntese química , Fenóis/síntese química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Flavonoides/farmacologia , Fenóis/farmacologia , PolifenóisRESUMO
Benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) is the most common benign tumor in men due to obstruction of the urethra and, finally, uremia. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a product derived from peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and related esters. Evaluation of MDA in serum represents a non-invasive biomarker of oxidative stress. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a sensitive marker for prostatic hypertrophy and cancer. We analyzed MDA serum levels to evaluate the oxidative stress in BPH. To this end, 22 BPH patients and 22 healthy donors were enrolled. Data show an increase of MDA level in BPH patients and a positive correlation between PSA and MDA levels. In conclusion, we describe a previously unknown relationship between PSA and MDA as an index of inflammation and oxidative stress in BPH.