Carotenoids from Different Pumpkin Varieties Exert a Cytotoxic Effect on Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells.

Plants, including pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.), are an interesting source of nutrients and bioactives with various health benefits. In this research, carotenoid extracts obtained from the pulp of eight pumpkin varieties, belonging to the C. moschata and C. maxima species, were tested for cytotoxicity on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The results showed that pumpkin bioactives exert a cytotoxic action against the tested cells, in particular Butternut extract at a 100 µM (53.69 µg/mL) concentration after 24 h of treatment and Mantovana extract at 50 µM (26.84 µg/mL) after 48 h. Moreover, the carotenoid extracts also showed interesting in vitro antioxidant activity, evaluated by ABTS and ORAC assays. To fully characterize the qualitative and quantitative profile of carotenoids in the tested extracts, a high-performance chromatographic technique was performed, revealing that pumpkin pulp carotenoids were mainly represented by ß-carotene, mono- and di-esterified hydroxy- and epoxy-carotenoids. Moreover, the carotenoid dataset was also useful for discriminating samples from two different species. In conclusion, the results of the present study highlight the potential anti-cancer activity of pumpkin carotenoid extracts and the possibility of using them as chemotherapeutic adjuvants.

Efficacy and Tolerability of a Food Supplement Based on Zea mays L., Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.br.ex Sm, Zinc and Chromium for the Maintenance of Normal Carbohydrate Metabolism: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

A study on 81 individuals (18-75 years old) with mildly impaired fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations (98-125 mg/dL) was undertaken to investigate the tolerability of a food supplement (FS) based on Zea mays and Gymnema sylvestre extracts, zinc, and chromium and its efficacy on glucose and lipid metabolism. The subjects were randomized into three groups (27 in each group) and supplemented with one or two tablet(s)/day of FS (groups 1 and 2, respectively), or two tablets/day of placebo (group 3). Blood sampling was carried out at baseline (t0) and after a 3-month treatment (t1), and biochemical parameters associated with glucose and lipid metabolism and kidney and liver toxicity were evaluated. Compared to the placebo, FBG and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in group 1 subjects. In contrast, at the doses of one and two tablet(s)/day, the FS exerted no effect on the other parameters examined. We conclude that in subjects with slightly impaired FBG, ingestion of a FS based on Z. mays and G. sylvestre extracts, zinc, and chromium over 3 months lowers FBG and modulates glucose homeostasis by improving glucose metabolism. These beneficial effects occur in the absence of biochemical evidence of kidney and liver toxicity.

Actividad biológica in vitro de los extractos acuosos y alcohólicos de tubérculos andinos

Introducción: La medicina ancestral ha utilizado plantas con cualidades medicinales para prevenir y tratar enfermedades; aun cuando este tipo de investigaciones se han incrementado, son escasos los estudios con tubérculos andinos. Objetivo: Determinar la actividad biológica de extractos acuosos y etanólicos de los tubérculos andinos Tropaeolum tuberosum (mashua) y Ullucus tuberosus (melloco). Métodos: La investigación fue experimental y se desarrolló in vitro. La muestra estuvo constituida por 2 tubérculos andinos utilizados en la medicina ancestral. Se aplicaron técnicas de extracción en medio acuoso y etanólico. Los extractos fueron evaluados para determinar la actividad hemoaglutinante, anticoagulante y antimicrobiana con cepas ATCC. Resultados: Se demostró actividad hemoaglutinante en el extracto acuoso de T. tuberosum sobre eritrocitos A. Todos los extractos acuosos mostraron actividad anticoagulante, Tropaeolum tuberosum inhibió la actividad de la coagulación sanguínea (vía intrínseca) con un TTPa> 300 seg. Tanto los extractos acuosos y etanólicos exhibieron actividad antimicrobiana contra cepas ATCC, Tropaeolum tuberosum inhibió el crecimiento de Staphylococcus aureus 25923 con halos de 17 y 22 mm y Ullucus tuberosus (blanco) con halos de 10 y 30 mm, respectivamente. Los extractos acuosos de Tropaeolum tuberosum y Ullucus tuberosus (rojo) inhibieron el crecimiento de Candida tropicalis 66029 con halos de 27 y 12 mm y respectivamente. Conclusiones: Determinada la actividad biológica, se evidencia que los tubérculos andinos estudiados aglutinan eritrocitos humanos, específicamente eritrocitos del grupo A, así mismo, capacidad de inhibir las proteínas plasmáticas de la coagulación y de inhibir el crecimiento bacteriano y micótico de cepas ATTC.

Introduction: Ancestral medicine has used plants with medicinal qualities to prevent and treat diseases, even though this type of research has increased, studies with Andean tubers are scarce. Objective: To determine the biological activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the Andean tubers Tropaeolum tuberosum (mashua) and Ullucus tuberosus (melloco). Methods: The research was experimental and was developed in vitro. The sample consisted of 2 Andean tubers used in ancestral medicine. Extraction techniques were applied in aqueous and ethanolic medium. The extracts were evaluated for hemagglutinating, anticoagulant and antimicrobial activity with ATCC strains. Results: Hemagglutinating activity was demonstrated in the aqueous extract of T. tuberosum on A erythrocyte. All aqueous extracts showed anticoagulant activity, Tropaeolum tuberosum inhibited blood coagulation activity (intrinsic pathway) with an aPTT>300 sec. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against ATCC strains, Tropaeolum tuberosum inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus 25923 with halos of 17 and 22 mm and Ullucus tuberosus (white) with halos of 10 and 30 mm, respectively. The aqueous extracts of Tropaeolum tuberosum and Ullucus tuberosus (red) inhibited the growth of Candida tropicalis 66029 with halos of 27 and 12 mm, respectively. Conclusions: Once the biological activity was determined, it was evident that the Andean tubers studied agglutinated human erythrocytes, specifically group A erythrocytes, as well as the ability to inhibit plasma coagulation proteins and inhibit the bacterial and fungal growth of ATTC strains.

Potencial antibacteriano de un enjuague bucal a base de Azadirachta indica (neem) sobre patógenos orales

Introducción: La alta prevalencia de enfermedades orales y los efectos colaterales de los fármacos sintéticos ha impulsado el estudio de alternativas terapéuticas como las plantas medicinales que sean seguras, efectivas y económicas para la población. Objetivo: Evaluar el potencial antibacteriano de 2 enjuagues bucal a base de Azadirachta indica (neem) sobre Streptococcus mutans y Enterococcus faecalis. Métodos: Estudio experimental. Se elaboraron 2 enjuagues bucales del extracto hidroetanólico de neen con concentraciones de 25 mg/mL y 50 mg/mL. El potencial antibacteriano se evaluó por el método de difusión en disco. Los datos fueron analizados con ANOVA y Tukey en el paquete estadístico SPSS v.26. Resultados: Para Streptococcus mutans el halo del enjuague bucal con 25 mg/mL de extracto de neem fue de 25,12 ± 0,798 mm; el de 50 mg/mL formó un halo de 29,40 ± 1,197 mm; el control negativo un halo de 8,62 ± 0,132 mm y la clorhexidina 0,12 % un halo de 17,64 ± 0,160 mm. Para Enterococcus faecalis, el halo del enjuague bucal con 25 mg/mL fue de 18,23 ± 1,150 mm; el de 50 mg/mL un halo de 20,93 ± 0,487 mm; el control negativo un halo de 7,91 ± 0,417 mm y la clorhexidina 0,12 % un halo de 16,50 ± 0,505 mm. Conclusión: Los enjuagues bucales a base de neem presentan potencial antibacteriano in vitro sobre Streptococcus mutans y Enterococcus faecalis y podrían ser utilizados en un futuro en su control y el de otros patógenos orales.

Introduction: The high prevalence of oral diseases and the side effects of synthetic drugs has promoted the study of therapeutic alternatives such as medicinal plants that are safe, effective and economical for the population. Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial potential of 2 mouthwashes based on Azadirachta indica (neem) on Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. Methods: Experimental study. Two mouthwashes were made from the hydroethanolic extract of neen with concentrations of 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL. The antibacterial potential was evaluated by the disk diffusion method. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey in the statistical package SPSS v.26. Results: For Streptococcus mutans, the halo of the mouthwash with 25 mg/mL of neem extract was 25.12 ± 0.798 mm; that of 50 mg/mL formed a halo of 29.40 ± 1.197 mm; the negative control a halo of 8.62 ± 0.132 mm and chlorhexidine 0.12% a halo of 17.64 ± 0.160 mm. For Enterococcus faecalis, the halo of the mouthwash with 25 mg/mL was 18.23 ± 1,150 mm; that of 50 mg/mL a halo of 20.93 ± 0.487 mm; the negative control a halo of 7.91 ± 0.417 mm and chlorhexidine 0.12% a halo of 16.50 ± 0.505 mm. Conclusion: Neem-based mouthwashes have in vitro antibacterial potential against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis and could be used in the future to control them and other oral pathogens.

Valorization of agri-food waste through the extraction of bioactive molecules. Prediction of their sunscreen action.

The aim of this work was to identify the phenolic composition of 18 different vegetable residues and to determine the relationship between their phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and sun protection factor. For this purpose, samples of agri-food residues were analyzed to quantify their antioxidant capacity, total polyphenol and flavonoid content, sun protection factor and individual phenolic compounds through HPLC-DAD-FLD. Among the different phenolic compounds found in the extracts, the phenolic acids, especially caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid and protocatechuic acid were the ones that have been most frequently identified, and, therefore, are present in a wide range of extracts. Black chai tea, lemon ginger tea and peanut extracts were the most antioxidant and photoprotective extracts. Phenolic compounds in the extracts have been found to contribute to their antioxidant activity and are closely correlated to their photoprotective capacity. A regression model that allows predicting the photoprotective capacity of any extract based on its total phenol content has been developed as a tool to determine the most suitable industrial application for each vegetable extract.

Quercetin Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cell Damage and Inflammation via Regulation of the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway in Bovine Intestinal Epithelial Cells.

Acute diarrhoea and intestinal inflammation represent one of the most prevalent clinical disorders of milk production, resulting in enormous annual financial damage for the dairy sector. In the context of an unsatisfactory therapeutic effect of antibiotics, the natural products of plants have been the focus of research. Quercetin is an important flavonoid found in a variety of plants, including fruits and vegetables, and has strong anti-inflammatory effects, so it has received extensive attention as a potential anti-inflammatory antioxidant. However, the underlying basis of quercetin on inflammatory reactions and oxidative tension generated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in bovine intestinal epithelial cells (BIECs) is currently unexplained. This research aimed to determine the influence of quercetin on LPS-induced inflammatory reactions, oxidative tension, and the barrier role of BIECs. Our findings demonstrated that BIEC viability was significantly improved in LPS-treated BIEC with 80 µg/mL quercetin compared with the control group. Indicators of oxidative overload and genes involved in barrier role revealed that 80 µg/mL quercetin efficiently rescued BIECs from oxidative and barrier impairment triggered by 5 µg/mL LPS. In addition, the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6, as well as chemokines CXCL2, CXCL5, CCL5, and CXCL8, was diminished in LPS-treated BIECs with 80 µg/mL quercetin compared with LPS alone. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), CD14, myeloid differential protein-2 (MD2), and myeloid differentiation primary response protein (MyD88) genes associated with the TLR4 signal mechanism was markedly reduced by the addition of quercetin to LPS-modulated BIECs, indicating that quercetin can suppress the TLR4 signal mechanism. We performed Western blotting on the NF-κB signalling mechanism and compared it with immunofluorescence to further corroborate this conclusion. The LPS treatment enhanced the proportions of p-IκBα/GAPDH and p-p65/GAPDH. Compared with the LPS-treated group, quercetin administration decreased the proportions of p-IκBα/GAPDH and p-p65/GAPDH. In addition, immunofluorescence demonstrated that quercetin greatly reduced the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in BIECs. The benefits of quercetin on inflammatory reactions in LPS-induced BIECs may be a result of its capacity to inhibit the TLR4-mediated NF-κB signalling mechanism. These findings suggest that quercetin can be used as an anti-inflammatory reagent to treat intestinal inflammation induced by LPS release.

Valorization of Onion Waste by Obtaining Extracts Rich in Phenolic Compounds and Feasibility of Its Therapeutic Use on Colon Cancer.

In this study, the total phenolic content, the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of onion waste extracts were characterized. Some phenolic compounds present in the extracts were also identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD. Additionally, an in-silico analysis was performed to identify the phenolic compounds with the highest intestinal absorption and Caco-2 permeability. The onion extract possessed a high amount of phenolic compounds (177 ± 9 mg/g extract) and had an effective antioxidant capacity measured by ABTS, FRAP and DPPH assays. Regarding the antiproliferative activity, the onion extracts produced cell cycle arrest in the S phase with p53 activation, intrinsic apoptosis (mitochondrial membrane potential modification) and caspase 3 activation. Likewise, onion waste increased intracellular ROS with possible NF-kB activation causing a proteasome down regulation. In addition, the extracts protected the intestine against oxidative stress induced by H2O2. According to the in-silico analysis, these results could be related to the higher Caco-2 permeability to protocatechuic acid. Therefore, this study provides new insights regarding the potential use of these types of extract as functional ingredients with antioxidant and antiproliferative properties and as medicinal agents in diseases related to oxidative stress, such as cancer. In addition, its valorization would contribute to the circular economy.

Rapid quantification of dissolved solids and bioactives in dried root vegetable extracts using near infrared spectroscopy.

Artificial neural networks (ANN) were developed for prediction of total dissolved solids, polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of root vegetables (celery, fennel, carrot, yellow carrot, purple carrot and parsley) extracts prepared from the (i) fresh vegetables, (ii) vegetables dried conventionally at 50 °C and 70 °C, and (iii) the lyophilised vegetables. Two types of solvents were used: organic solvents (acetone mixtures and methanol mixtures) and water. Near-infrared (NIR) spectra were recorded for all samples. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the pre-treated spectra using Savitzky-Golay smoothing showed specific grouping of samples in two clusters (1st: extracts prepared using methanol mixtures and water as the solvents; 2nd: extracts prepared using acetone mixtures as the solvents) for all four types of extracts. Furthermore, obtained results showed that the developed ANN models can reliably be used for prediction of total dissolved solids, polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of dried root vegetable extracts in relation to the recorded NIR spectra.

Vegetable Extracts and Nutrients Useful in the Recovery from Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Systematic Review on Clinical Trials.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections affect almost half of the world's population, with gradually increasing incidence in developed countries. Eradication of H. pylori may provide significant benefits to the affected individual by healing a number of gastrointestinal and extra-digestive disorders. But due to increased microbial resistance and lack of patient adherence to the therapy, the eradication rate of H. pylori is below 80% with current pharmacological therapies. The usage of botanicals for their therapeutic purposes and medicinal properties have been increased in last decades. They can be use as alternative H. pylori treatments, especially against drug-resistant strains. Epidemiological studies have revealed that people with lower vegetable and micronutrient intake may be at increased risk of H. pylori infection. We have undertaken a review of clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of vegetable extracts and micronutrients in patients with H. pylori. Various databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, were searched for the articles published in English. A total of 24 clinical studies (15 for vegetable extracts and 9 for micronutrients) were selected to be reviewed and summarized in this article. Vegetable extracts (Broccoli sprouts, curcumin, Burdock complex, and Nigella sativa) and micronutrients (vitamin C and E) were not found to be as effective as single agents in H. pylori eradication, rather their efficacy synergized with conventional pharmacological therapies. Conversely, GutGard was found to be significantly effective as a single agent when compared to placebo control.

Chemistry, safety, and regulatory considerations in the use of nitrite and nitrate from natural origin in meat products - Invited review.

Nitrite and nitrate have been traditionally used for the preservation of meat products because of the effective antimicrobial action of nitrite against Clostridium botulinum, the outgrowth of its spores as well as other bacteria. However, the use of nitrite and nitrate has been questioned in last half century due to the possible generation of N-nitrosamines through reaction of nitrite with secondary amines. Nitrite replacement strategies began in the 70s addressing these issues and instigated searches for natural alternatives to nitrate and nitrite, or for natural sources of nitrite and nitrate such as vegetable extracts. These alternatives have been considered by producers and consumers as an attractive practice even though they may also have some risks. This manuscript reviews and discusses the chemistry, safety, and regulatory considerations in the use of nitrite and nitrate from natural origin for the preservation of meat products.

Extract from Broccoli Byproducts to Increase Fresh Filled Pasta Shelf Life.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of extract from broccoli byproducts, as a green alternative to chemical preservation strategies for fresh filled pasta. In order to prove its effectiveness, three different percentages (10%, 15%, and 20% v/w) of extract were added to the filling of pasta. A shelf life test was carried out by monitoring microbiological and sensory quality. The content of phenolic compounds before and after in vitro digestion of pasta samples was also recorded. Results underlined that the addition of the natural extract helped to record a final shelf life of about 24 days, that was 18 days longer in respect to the control sample. Furthermore, results highlighted that the addition of byproducts extract to pasta also increased its phenolic content after in vitro digestion. Therefore, broccoli byproducts could be valorized for recording extracts that are able to prolong shelf life and increase the nutritional content of fresh filled pasta.

Evaluación de la capacidad bactericida de extractos vegetales de distinta polaridad de Drimys granadensis / Evaluation of the bactericidal capacity of vegetable extracts of Drimys granadensis with different polarities

Empleando el método de maceración en frío y fraccionamiento con solventes de polaridad creciente, se obtuvo cuatro extractos vegetales de distinta polaridad en las hojas de Drimys granadensis: Muy apolar (MA), apolar (A), polar (P) y Muy polar (MP), los cuales se obtuvieron al utilizar hexano, cloroformo, acetona y metanol para el fraccionamiento correspondiente. Una vez se obtuvieron los extractos, se siguió el protocolo de Minimum Inhibitory Concentration test (MIC) para determinar la concentración mínima a la cual se inhibe el crecimiento bacteriano, frente a dos cepas bacterianas Gram positivas: Staphylococcus aureus y Staphylococcus epidermis; y dos Gram negativas: Klebsiella pneumoniae y Escherichia coli. Como resultado se obtuvo que la fracción polar (P) fue la más efectiva, inhibiendo el crecimiento de todas las cepas bacterianas evaluadas a partir de una concentración de 15 mg/mL.

Applying a cold maceration method and a fractioning with polar increasing solvents, four vegetable extracts of Drimys granadensis leaves were obtained: Very nonpolar (MA), nonpolar (A), polar (P) and very polar (MP); each one of them were obtained using hexane, chloroform, acetone and methanol correspondingly. Afterwards we followed the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration test (MIC) to determine the lowest concentration to inhibit the bacterial growth of two Gram positive strains: Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis; and two Gram negative strains: Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. As a result, the polar fraction (P) was the most effective one by inhibiting the growth of all bacterial strains with a minimum concentration of 15 mg/mL.

Implication of the Significance of Dietary Compatibility: Based on the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Interactions with Different Ratios of Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Antioxidants among Four Daily Agricultural Crops.

The hydrophilic extracts of eggplant peel (HEEP) and purple sweet potato (HEPP) and lipophilic extracts of tomato (LET) and carrot (LEC) were mixed in different ratios to assess the significance of the compatibility of aliments, based on their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory interactions in H9c2 cells. The results indicated that groups of some combinational extracts (HEPP-HEEP F1/10, LEC-HEEP F3/10, LEC-HEPP F3/10) showed stronger synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects than individual groups. For example, the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity of the LEC-HEEP (F3/10) group (86.71 ± 1.88) was higher than that in the HEEP (79.97 ± 1.68) and LEC (77.31 ± 1.85) groups. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was 30.37 ± 0.25 in the LEC-HEEP (F3/10) group while the levels were 34.34 ± 0.36 and 46.23 ± 0.51 in the HEEP and LEC groups, respectively. And the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was 1.82 ± 0.24 in the LEC-HEEP (F3/10) group while the levels were 2.48 ± 0.13 and 3.01 ± 0.24 in the HEEP and LEC groups, respectively. The expressions of inflammatory mediators (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8) and cell adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1) showed similar tendencies. However, some groups (LET-LEC F5/10, LET-LEC F9/10, LET-HEPP F7/10) showed antagonistic effects based on these indicators. The principal component analysis showed that samples could be defined by two principal components: PC1, the main phenolic acids and flavonoids; PC2, carotenoids. Moreover, phenolics and anthoyanins were in the majority in synergistic groups, and carotenoids were in the majority in antagonistic groups. These results indicated that there exist synergistic or antagonistic interactions of aliments on antioxidation and anti-inflammation, which implied the significance of food compatibility.

Anti-Escherichia coli effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in a meat model

Abstract Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is used in traditional medicine because of its bioactive properties, such as antioxidant and antibacterial. Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative bacteria and as an indicator of contamination in food. The aim of this work was to evaluate the anti-Escherichia coli effect and the change in pH on the control of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, using hydroethanolic extract of H. sabdariffa L. in different concentrations in a meat model, verifying its potential as food additive for microbiological stability on ground beef during cooling storage. For the preparation of the treatments, the meat experimental units were elaborated with different concentrations of the vegetal extract (5, 10, 15 and 20%), ground beef and contaminated with E. coli. For pH evaluation, the meat experimental units were added different percentages of hydroethanolic extract. The H. sabdariffa L. antibacterial action reduced two logarithmic levels in practically all treatments. The best pH result was obtained in the meat containing 30% of the extract. The hydroethanolic extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. showed anti-Escherichia coli activity in the presence of refrigerated ground beef. Analyzing the pH results and the count of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, it is possible this extract to be used as a natural food additive.

Voltammetric detection of trifluralin in tap water, fruit juice, and vegetable extracts in the presence of surfactants.

This study describes a novel electrochemical method to determine the herbicide trifluralin in samples of water, fruit juice, and vegetable extracts in the presence of surfactants, using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). In acidic media, trifluralin was irreversible on the glassy carbon electrode surface at -0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Surfactant presence on the electrode-solution interface modified current intensities and shifted the reduction peak potential of trifluralin. Different types of surfactant and their concentrations were investigated. The anionic surfactant significantly enhanced the peak current intensity of trifluralin. Under optimal analytical conditions, an analytical curve was obtained in the concentration range of 0.48-32.20 µM. The limits of detection and quantification were estimated at 0.031 and 0.104 µM, respectively. The method was successfully applied to quantify trifluralin in samples of water, orange and tomato juice, and green pepper, carrot, and onion extracts, with recovery rates of 97.9-102.1%. The results were in good agreement with those obtained using high-performance liquid chromatography, indicating that the proposed electrochemical method can be employed to quantify trifluralin in various types foods, with sensitivity, specificity, selectivity and reproducibility.

Decrease of free radical concentrations in humans following consumption of a high antioxidant capacity natural product.

ORAC and other in vitro methods have to date proved useful in measuring antioxidant potential in foods. In order to better understand the potential relationship between diet and free radical production/mitigation, an in vivo analytic method can provide new insight into directly measuring reactive oxidant species (ROS). Dihydrorhodamine-6G (DHR6G) is indiscriminate to the various free radicals found in humans, and therefore can be useful in quantifying total ROS in vivo. Our aim was to investigate whether the total ROS in human subjects can be quantified using DHR6G after intake of a blend of antioxidants-rich fruit and vegetable-based materials. Twelve participants were given 100 mg of a proprietary blend of fruit, vegetable, and herb powders and concentrates commercially marketed under the trade name "Spectra™". Blood samples were collected at 0, 60, 120 and 180 min and were subsequently tested for ROS in serum using DHR6G as a fluorescent probe. By quantifying this fluorescence, we were able to measure ROS concentrations in human blood. This method is both reliable and efficient for evaluating the efficacy of antioxidants against ROS in vivo. Our data indicate that eleven participants responded to the intake of Spectra™ by significant decreases of ROS concentrations.

Evaluation of different hydrophilic stationary phases for the simultaneous determination of iminosugars and other low molecular weight carbohydrates in vegetable extracts by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Iminosugars are considered potential drug candidates for the treatment of several diseases, mainly as a result of their α-glycosidase inhibition properties. A method by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry has been optimized for the first time for the simultaneous determination of complex mixtures of bioactive iminosugars and other low molecular weight carbohydrates (LMWC) in vegetable extracts. Three hydrophilic stationary phases (sulfoalkylbetaine zwitterionic, polyhydroxyethyl aspartamide and ethylene bridge hybrid (BEH) with trifunctionally bonded amide) were compared under both basic and acidic conditions. The best sensitivity (limits of detection between 0.025 and 0.28ngmL-1) and overall chromatographic performance in terms of resolution, peak width and analysis time were obtained with the BEH amide column using 0.1% ammonium hydroxide as a mobile phase additive. The optimized method was applied to the analysis of extracts of hyacinth bulbs, buckwheat seeds and mulberry leaves. Iminosugar and other LMWC structures were tentatively assigned by their high resolution daughter ions mass spectra. Several iminosugars such as glycosyl-fagomine in mulberry extract were also described for the first time. Among the extracts analysed, mulberry showed the widest diversity of iminosugars, whereas the highest content of them was found in hyacinth bulb (2.5mgg-1) followed by mulberry (1.95 mgg-1).

Evaluation in vitro of antimicrobial activity of basil extract (Ocimum basilicum L. ) on an acrylic surface of removable orthodontic appliances

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antimicrobial activity of Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) extract in S. Muttans biofilm colonized in specimens confectioned in the same acrylic used for removable orthodontics appliances. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To perform this work, 42 specimens were confectioned (sterile spherical acrylic disks) and immersed in pure extract and in serial dilution of extract (1:2 until 1:10) during 24, 48 and 72 hours. For each time of exposition, a disintegration of bacterial film by sonication in saline and posterior seed in agar, for colony count, were carried out. ATCC strains of S. muttans were selected, and 2% chlorhexidine solution was used as inhibition control. RESULTS: The results showed, by quantitative analysis, that basil extract has antibacterial activity in S. muttans biofilm, when used in pure state or in dilution until 1:4. CONCLUSION: Besides, it was possible observe the more increase the incubation time, independent the dilution, the higher degradation of extract.

Preparo e caracterização de tinturas das folhas de chá verde [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] Theaceae / Preparation and characterization of Theaceae green tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] leaf tinctures

Tinturas preparadas com as folhas de Camellia sinensis (chá verde), foram caracterizadas visando a obtenção de extratos enriquecidos em polifenóis. As tinturas foram obtidas por meio de maceração estática da droga pulverizada, com diferentes misturas de 60, 70, 80 e 94,5% de etanol em água. Em seguida foram filtradas e, após 8 dias de extração, realizaram-se as analises: organoléptica, pH, densidade, determinação do resíduo seco, perfil cromatográfico por camada delgada, e teor de polifenóis. Os resultados demonstraram que o solvente (mistura hidroalcoólica a 60 ou 70%) extraiu a maior quantidade de constituintes químicos do chá verde; também foi o mais seletivo ao extrair, especificamente os polifenóis. Estes dados sugerem que a utilização de álcool etílico a 60 ou 70% conduz à obtenção de tinturas mais ricas em polifenóis, a partir das folhas do chá verde (C. sinensis).

In this work, we prepared and characterized Camellia sinensis leaf tinctures aiming to obtain a polyphenol-enriched extract. The tinctures were prepared through the static maceration process of the powdered drug, at different mixtures 60, 70, 80 and 94.5% of ethanol in water. The tinctures were filtered, and after 8 days of extraction, submitted to organoleptic analysis, determination of pH, density analysis, dry residue analysis, thin layer chromatographic profile and polyphenol percentage analysis. The results showed that the 60 or 70% alcohol-water mixture has the best extraction of the constituents of green tea and it was more selective to extract, specifically, the polyphenols of the plant. These data suggest the use of 60 or 70% ethanol to carry out polyphenol-enriched tinctures from green tea leaves (C. sinensis).

Atividade biológica de extratos acetato de etila, etanólico e aquoso de timbó (Lonchocarpus floribundus) sobre carrapato bovino / Biological activity of ethylic acetate, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of timbo (Lonchocarpus floribundus) on cattle tick

Ethylic acetate, ethanolic and aqueous roots extracts of Lonchocarpus floribundus were used to evaluate their biological activity on cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Adult ticks were collected in artificially infested cattle, separated into groups of ten individuals, weighed and immersed separately in the extracts of L. Floribundus roots at concentrations of 5, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg mL-1. For biological evaluation 14-21-day-old larvae were used, which were immersed in the extracts at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg mL-1. After treatment, each group was placed in a Petri dish and maintained at 27 ± 1 ºC and 80 ± 5% relative humidity. The extracts evaluated were not effective to induce mortality of over 50%-engorged female. The ethylic acetate and ethanolic extracts induced 100% mortality of larvae. The ethanolic extract was more toxic (median lethal concentration, LC50, of 2.1 mg mL-1) than the ethylic acetate extract (LC50 = 4.1 mg mL-1). For the ethanolic extract it was estimated a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.0 mg mL-1 and it was more toxic than the other extracts on this parameter. Among the three extracts evaluated, the ethylic acetate and ethanolic extracts showed the highest potential for the control of reproduction of R. (B.) microplus, reaching 100% at concentration of 5 mg mL-1. The L. Floribundus root extracts showed biological activity on cattle tick.

Os extratos acetato de etila, etanólico e aquoso de raízes de Lonchocarpus floribundus foram utilizados, a fim de avaliar a atividade biológica sobre carrapato bovino. Carrapatos adultos foram coletados em bovinos infestados artificialmente, separados em grupos de dez indivíduos, pesados e imersos, separadamente, nos extratos de raízes de L. Floribundus, nas concentrações de 5, 25, 50, 75 e 100 mg mL-1. Para a avaliação em larvas, foram utilizados indivíduos de 14 a 21 dias, os quais foram imersos nos extratos nas concentrações de 1, 5, 10, 15 e 20 mg mL-1. Após o tratamento, cada grupo foi colocado em placa de Petri e incubado a 27 ± 1 ºC e umidade relativa de 80 ± 5%. Os extratos avaliados não foram eficazes para induzir, acima de 50%, a mortalidade de fêmeas ingurgitadas. Os extratos acetato de etila e etanólico induziram 100% de mortalidade de larvas. Entretanto, quanto aos valores de concentração letal mediana (CL50), o extrato etanólico (CL50 = 2,1 mg mL-1) foi mais tóxico que o extrato acetato de etila (CL50 = 4,1 mg mL-1). O extrato etanólico estimou concentração inibitória mediana (CI50) de 3,0 mg mL-1 e foi mais tóxico que os demais extratos quanto a este parâmetro de avaliação. Entre os três extratos avaliados, os extratos acetato de etila e etanólico apresentaram os melhores resultados quanto ao controle de reprodução de R. (B.) microplus, atingindo 100% na concentração de 5 mg mL-1. Os extratos de raízes de L. Floribundus apresentaram atividade biológica sobre carrapato bovino.