Brazilian red propolis reduces orange-complex periodontopathogens growing in multispecies biofilms.

This study investigated the antimicrobial effects of the ethanolic extract of Brazilian red propolis (BRP) on multispecies biofilms. A seven-day-old subgingival biofilm with 32 species was grown in a Calgary device. Biofilms were treated with BRP (1,600, 800, 400 and 200 µg ml-1) twice a day for 1 min, starting from day 3. Chlorhexidine (0.12%) and dilution-vehicle were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. On day 7, metabolic activity and the microbial composition of the biofilms by DNA-DNA hybridization were determined. The viability data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc, whereas the microbial composition data were transformed via BOX-COX and analyzed using Dunnett's post hoc. BRP (1,600 µg ml-1) decreased biofilm metabolic activity by 45%, with no significant difference from chlorhexidine-treated samples. BRP (1,600 µg ml-1) and chlorhexidine significantly reduced levels of 14 bacterial species compared to the vehicle control. Taken together, BRP showed promising antimicrobial properties which may be useful in periodontal disease control.

Antimicrobial activity of nitrochalcone and pentyl caffeate against hospital pathogens results in decreased microbial adhesion and biofilm formation.

The present study investigated the antimicrobial, anti-adhesion and anti-biofilm activity of the modified synthetic molecules nitrochalcone (NC-E05) and pentyl caffeate (C5) against microorganisms which have a high incidence in hospital-acquired infections. The compounds were further tested for their preliminary systemic toxicity in vivo. NC-E05 and C5 showed antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging between 15.62 and 31.25 µg ml-1. Treatment with NC-E05 and C5 at 1 × MIC and/or 10 × MIC significantly reduced mono or mixed-species biofilm formation and viability. At MIC/2, the compounds decreased microbial adhesion to HaCaT keratinocytes from 1 to 3 h (p < 0.0001). In addition, NC-E05 and C5 demonstrated low toxicity in vivo in the Galleria mellonella model at anti-biofilm concentrations. Thus, the chemical modification of these molecules proved to be effective in the proposed anti-biofilm activity, opening opportunities for the development of new antimicrobials.

Dynamic gastrointestinal digestion/intestinal permeability of encapsulated and nonencapsulated Brazilian red propolis: Active compounds stability and bioactivity.

The objectives were to investigate the effect of dynamic gastrointestinal digestion/Caco-2 cell transport on active compounds stability and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract of Brazilian red propolis (EEBRP), whether encapsulated or not; and the in vivo acute toxicity of the EEBRP after digestion. Eight isoflavonoids, one flavanone, and one chalcone were identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, and quantified by HPLC-PDA. Bioaccessibility was higher for the encapsulated EEBRP (21.4%-57.6%) than for the nonencapsulated (19.3%-30.2%). Conversely, the Caco-2 cell transport was higher for the nonencapsulated EEBRP. Similarly, the nonencapsulated EEBRP showed higher ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, which was especially attributed to calycosin, and to decrease NF-κB activation, and the levels of TNF-α and CXCL2/MIP-2 after Caco-2 cell transport. Hence, there is an indication that EEBRP is a promising alternative dietary source of bioavailable isoflavonoids. Further studies on encapsulation should be encouraged to improve bioactivity, and expand its food applications.

Effects of simulated gastrointestinal digestion/epithelial transport on phenolics and bioactivities of particles of brewer's spent yeasts loaded with Brazilian red propolis.

Red propolis from northeast Brazil contains mainly isoflavonoids as bioactive compounds, and its consumption may counteract unregulated and exacerbated formation of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines. Moreover, the production of particles using sustainable carriers have been studied to increase the use of propolis as a functional food ingredient. Hence, the objective of this work was to investigate the effects of simulated gastrointestinal digestion followed by a cell-based epithelial transport on phenolic profile, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of particles of brewer's spent yeasts (BSY) loaded with ethanolic extract of Brazilian red propolis (EEP). As a result, the EEP phenolic diversity decreased throughout the simulated gastrointestinal system, and was modulated by the particle production, as detected by high-performance liquid chromatography - electrospray ionization - quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). Concomitantly, the antioxidant activity, as assessed by the ability to scavenge peroxyl and superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and hypochlorous acid, generally decreased at a higher extent for the particles of EEP with BSY (EEP-BSY) throughout the experiments. Nonetheless, after epithelial transport through the Caco-2 cell monolayer, the basolateral fraction of both EEP-BSY and EEP decreased the activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB by 83% and 65%, respectively, as well as the release of TNF-α (up to 51% and 38%, respectively), and CXCL2/MIP-2 (up to 33% and 25%, respectively). Therefore, BSY may be an interesting carrier for EEP bioencapsulation, since it preserves its anti-inflammatory activity. Further studies should be encouraged to investigate the feasibility of adding it in formulations of functional foods, considering its effect on sensory attributes.

Gamma irradiation of in-shell and blanched peanuts protects against mycotoxic fungi and retains their nutraceutical components during long-term storage.

Peanut samples were irradiated (0.0, 5.2, 7.2 or 10.0 kGy), stored for a year (room temperature) and examined every three months. Mycotoxic fungi (MF) were detected in non-irradiated blanched peanuts. A dose of 5.2 kGy was found suitable to prevent MF growth in blanched samples. No MF was detected in in-shell peanuts, with or without irradiation. The colors of the control in-shell and blanched samples were, respectively, 44.72 and 60.21 (L *); 25.20 and 20.38 (Chroma); 53.05 and 86.46 (°Hue). The water activities (Aw) were 0.673 and 0.425. The corresponding fatty acids were 13.33% and 12.14% (C16:0), 44.94% and 44.92% (C18:1, ω9) and 37.10% and 37.63% (C18:2, ω6). The total phenolics (TP) were 4.62 and 2.52 mg GAE/g, with antioxidant activities (AA) of 16.97 and 10.36 µmol TEAC/g. Storage time negatively correlated with Aw (in-shell peanuts) or L *, linoleic acid, TP and AA (in-shell and blanched peanuts) but positively correlated with Aw (blanched peanuts), and with oleic acid (in-shell and blanched peanuts). Irradiation positively correlated with antioxidant activity (blanched peanuts). No correlation was found between irradiation and AA (in-shell samples) or fatty acids and TP (in-shell and blanched peanuts). Irradiation protected against MF and retained both the polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols in the samples.

Chitosan suspension as extractor and encapsulating agent of phenolics from acerola by-product.

The polymeric suspension of chitosan (Ch) has been an effective media for the extraction of total phenolic compounds (TPC) from the acerola by-product. It facilitates the subsequent production of nanoparticles loaded with the phenolics (Np-TPC) by ionic gelation. However, neither the effects of Ch concentration on encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of TPC nor which compounds are extracted in its media are known, being it the first objective of this study. The second objective was to analyze the stability of the Np-TPC under accelerated conditions and its release profile at pHs 3.0 and 7.0. The results showed that Ch does not affect the extraction of TPC. However, the EE increased from 35.0 to 48.1 % with the increase of Ch concentration (0.4 to 1.0 %). LC/ESI-QTOF MS analysis showed that phenolic acids and flavonoids are extracted in 0.8 % Ch medium. After encapsulation, microscopy images revealed particle sizes ranging between 110 and 150 nm. Additionally, the presence of phenolics did not change the stability of the particles under accelerated conditions and the actives were fully released into the released medium for 10 h. The Np-TPC suspension appears to be useful for the production of edible antioxidant coatings to preserve fruits/vegetables, with potential application as carrier of other food ingredients.

Plant genetic diversity by DNA barcoding to investigate propolis origin.

Identify the botanical origins of a certain type of propolis may be challenging and time demanding, since it involves bee's behavior observation, plant resins collection and chemical analysis. Thus, this study aimed to determine the plant genetic materials in propolis from southern Brazil using the DNA barcoding to investigate their botanical origins, as well as to compare it with the phytochemical composition determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) and with the pollinic profile. As principal results, non-native Populus carolinensis Moench (Salicaceae) was almost the only DNA source in some propolis samples, which coincided with the presence of flavonoids typical from poplar exudates. Conversely, other propolis samples had DNA material coming mainly from native plant species, most of them characterized to the species level, although no specific chemical markers from those plants could be identified by UHPLC-HRMS. However, pollen from several plants identified by the DNA barcoding were extracted from some propolis samples. Despite the identification of typical diterpenes, DNA material from Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze (Araucariaceae), which have been indicated as a major resin source for propolis from preservation areas in southern Brazil, was found in very small abundancies, likely because bees do not drag tissue material containing DNA when collecting resin from this native species. In conclusion, DNA barcoding analysis successfully provided information about the provenance of propolis, although, depending on the plant resin sources, this information is likely to come from pollen.

Optimizing Procedures for Antioxidant Phenolics Extraction from Skin and Kernel of Peanuts with Contrasting Levels of Drought Tolerance.

Peanut is an affordable legume known for its nutritional value and phenolic content. The kernel and skin of 14 peanut genotypes contrasting in drought tolerance had their phenolic profiles determined and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity evaluated. Firstly, temperature and % EtOH to extract antioxidant phenolic compounds were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized extraction conditions, 60 °C and 35% EtOH for kernels and 40 °C and 60% EtOH for skins, were further adopted, and phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA). As a result, phenolic acids and glycosidic/non-glycosidic flavonoids were found. Principal component analysis was conducted, and the pairwise score plot of the skin extracts based on individual phenolic compounds showed a trend of genotype clustering based not only on drought tolerance but also on botanical type of germplasm. Therefore, our results demonstrate the status quo for antioxidant phenolic compounds of peanut genotypes contrasting in drought tolerance grown under natural field conditions.

Lignans as new chemical markers of a certified Brazilian organic propolis.

Commercially certified organic propolis produced in areas of environmental conservation and reforestation forests of Southern Brazil are generally poor in flavonoids, although one of its variants - Brazilian certified organic propolis 1 (OP1) - has shown strong antioxidant activity. The objective was to identify active compounds from OP1 related to its strong antioxidant activity. OP1 ethanolic extracts were subjected to liquid-liquid fractionation, and the fractions presenting the strongest antioxidant activity were combined and purified into subfractions. Compounds isolated from the most active subfractions had their structure elucidated by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). As a result, five lignans and two lignan-precursors were isolated, and four of them are herein reported for the very first time in propolis. Hence, these compounds may be used as chemical markers for product standardization and authentication purposes, since OP1 is only produced by honeybees in native forests and its botanical origins remain unknown.

The phytoactive constituents of Eugenia selloi B.D. Jacks (pitangatuba): Toxicity and elucidation of their anti-inflammatory mechanism(s) of action.

We determined the phytochemical composition, anti-inflammatory mechanism of action, ROS/RNS scavenging capacity and systemic toxicity of a purified subfraction (S8) of Eugenia selloi. The composition of S8 was assessed by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS; the anti-inflammatory activity in RAW264.7 macrophages through NF-κB activation and biomarkers by multiplex in THP-1 cells; neutrophil migration, intravital microscopy and ICAM-1 expression in mice; NETs formation and CD11b expression; S8 scavenging capacity of ROS/RNS; toxicity in Galleria mellonella larvae model. Coumaric acid, quercetrin and vanillic acid were identified. S8 decreased NF-κB activation, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, MDC and MCP-1 levels, reduced neutrophil migration and ICAM-1 expression in mice; S8 did not interfere NET formation and CD11b expression, exhibited high antioxidant and showed negligible toxicity. E. selloi proved to be a promising, yet underexplored source of bioactive compounds, which can be useful employed in agribusiness and in the pharmaceutical and food industry to develop new products or human health supplies.

Brazilian Red Propolis shows antifungal and immunomodulatory activities against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis with high prevalence in South America and especially in Brazil with severe clinical consequences that need broadened therapeutic options. Propolis is a natural resin from bees used in folk medicine for centuries with the first report in the ancient history of Egypt by Eberly papyrus, in Middle-Ages used to wash the newborn's umbilical cord and World War II as antiseptic or antibiotics. Nowadays it is a natural product worldwide consumed as food and traditionally used for oral and systemic diseases as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and other diseases. Brazilian red propolis (BRP) is a new type of propolis with a distinguished chemical profile and biological activities from propolis (green) with pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and others. AIM OF STUDY: Thus, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the direct in vitro and ex vivo effect of BRP on Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Antifungal activity of different concentrations of BRP on a virulent P. brasiliensis isolate (Pb18) was evaluated using the microdilution technique. Also, mice splenic cells co-cultured with Pb18 were treated with BRP at different times and concentrations (only Pb18 = negative control). Mice were inoculated with Pb18 and treated with different concentrations of BRP (50-500 mg/mL) in a subcutaneous air pouch. In this later experimental model, macroscopic characteristics of the air pouch were evaluated, and cellular exudate was collected and analyzed for cellular composition, mitochondrial activity, total protein reactive oxygen specimens (ROS), and nitric oxide production, as well as the number of viable fungal cells. RESULTS: The in vitro experiments showed remarkable direct antifungal activity of BRP, mainly with the highest concentration employed (500 mg/mL), reducing the number of viable cells to 10% of the original inoculum after 72 h incubation. The splenocytes co-cultivation assays showed that BRP had no cytotoxic effect on these cells, on the contrary, exerted a stimulatory effect. This stimulation was also observed on the PMNs at the air pouch, as verified by production of ROS and total proteins and mitochondrial activity. This activation resulted in enhanced fungicidal activity, mainly with the 500 mg/mL concentration of BRP. An anti-inflammatory effect was also detected, as verified by the smaller volume of the BRP-treated air pouch as well as by an earlier shift from neutrophils to mononuclear cells present in the infection site. CONCLUSION: Our results strongly suggest, for the first time in the literature, that Brazilian Red propolis has four protective mechanisms in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis: activating neutrophils, exerting a direct antifungal effect, preventing fungal dissemination, and controlling excessive inflammation process.

Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of Brazilian açaí seeds affects the content of flavan-3-ol derivatives, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Açaí seeds (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) are the major residue generated during industrial extraction of açaí fruit pulp - a popular and typical Amazon fruit rich in bioactive compounds and nutrients. In this study, we investigated the bioaccessibility of an açaí seed extract using an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion model. Catechin, epicatechin and procyanidins B1 and B2 were identified and quantified in the açaí seed extract and monitored by HPLC-DAD through the digestion phases. Bioaccessibility of these flavan-3-ols and deactivation of reactive oxygen species decreased after the intestinal phase, except for peroxyl radical (ROO●). RAW 264.7 macrophages treated either with the digested or undigested açaí seed extract showed reduced NF-κB activation and TNF-α levels, even following gastrointestinal digestion. Thus, the ROO● scavenging capacity and anti-inflammatory activity of the extract were found to be still remarkable after digestion, suggesting that açaí seeds could be explored as a source of bioactive compounds for functional foods, cosmetic or pharmaceutical purposes.

Effect of the smoking using Brazilian reforestation woods on volatile organic compounds, lipid oxidation, microbiological and hedonic quality of bacons during shelf life.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using different reforestation woods (Acacia mearnsii and Eucalyptus citriodora) on the formation of volatile organic compounds and to evaluate the changes in the lipid fraction (peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), microbiological counts and overall liking in bacons stored for 60 days at 5 ± 1 °C. Smoking with Eucalyptus citriodora wood increased the total phenolic content and, consequently, reduced the concentration of hexanal, TBARS, and PV values. Although smoking with different reforestation woods did not impact negatively on the liking of products, no changes on antimicrobial activity was observed in the developed products. Thus, the use of Eucalyptus citriodora wood may be an alternative for smoking meat products as it reduced lipid oxidation and improved the volatile compounds profile, and provided higher antioxidant activity. The information generated herein can be used as a platform for companies to test the viability of producing meat products smoked with reforestation woods.

Chemical composition, nutritional value and bioactive compounds in six uvaia accessions.

This study analyzed six uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) accessions ('Comum', 'Rugosa', 'Doce de Patos de Minas', 'Pêra', 'Rugosa Doce' and 'Dura') with respect to chemical composition, nutritional value, bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. The 'Rugosa Doce' and 'Doce de Patos de Minas' accessions were sweeter (20.18 g 100 g-1 and 18.88 g 100 g-1, respectively), while the 'Rugosa' and 'Pêra' accessions were less acid (0.28 g 100 g-1 and 0.33 g 100 g-1, respectively). Terpenes were the major volatile compounds (46.75%) identified by SPME-GC/MS. The 'Rugosa' accession contained high levels of fibers (43.81 g 100 g-1) and minerals (2235.10  mg 100 g-1). The 'Rugosa Doce' and 'Rugosa' accessions were distinguished by total flavonoids and phenolic compounds. 'Rugosa Doce' and 'Rugosa' may potentially serve as a raw material for food, while 'Doce de Patos de Minas' and 'Pêra' can be used for cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries purposes.

Bioguided extraction of phenolic compounds and UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS characterization of extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves collected in Brazil.

Moringa oleifera leaves are used in Brazilian folk medicine for their hypoglycemic and nutritional properties. In this context, the chemical and biological characteristics were determined. Conventional successive solid-liquid extraction with simultaneous bioguided purification using solvents with different polarities was performed with M. oleifera leaves, yielding six fractions and extracts. The fractions showed better results for antioxidant activity than the extracts. All of them were evaluated by scavenging of synthetic free radicals and reactive oxygen species, and Fr-Ace and Fr-EtOAc showed >100 mg GAE g-1 of phenolic content, while for FRAP and ORAC assays the values were higher than 1600 µmol Fe2+ g-1 and 3500 mmol TEAC g-1 respectively. The UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis of hydroalcoholic extract (HE) allowed identifying 24 compounds, with flavonoid derivatives being the most abundant group. Furthermore, the alkaloid trigonelline and sesquiterpenoid abscisic acid were identified for the first time in M. oleifera leaves. Finally, gallic acid, caffeic acid, rutin and quercetin were found in concentrations of 16.5, 2129, 477.4 and 127.5 µg g-1 respectively in HE, all of which were higher in fractions and extracts. These results suggest that bioguided extraction is an important technique, due to its ability to concentrate active compounds in a logical and rational way. In addition, M. oleifera leaves grown in Brazil are an important source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity that can be used in food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products.

Exploration of avocado by-products as natural sources of bioactive compounds.

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties and phenolic composition of peel and seed of avocado varieties Hass and Fuerte using green solvents. Ethanol soluble compounds were identified in peel and seed of both varieties using HPLC-MS/MS and quantified using HPLC-DAD. Agro-industrial by-products of both varieties exhibited high radical scavenging activity against synthetic free radicals (DPPH and ABTS) and reactive oxygen species (peroxyl, superoxide, and hypochlorous acid) and high ability to reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+. The main compounds with significant contribution to the antioxidant activity determined by online HPLC-ABTS●+ analyses were procyanidin B2 and epicatechin in the peel and trans-5-O-caffeoyl-D-quinic acid, procyanidin B1, catechin, and epicatechin in the seed. Peel of Fuerte significantly suppressed TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) release (459.3 pg/mL and 8.5 µM, respectively), possibly because of the high phenolic content and antioxidant activity detected. Avocado agro-industrial by-products can be used for food and pharmaceutical purposes due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The anti-caries activity and toxicity of an experimental propolis-containing varnish.

We investigated the anti-caries effects of an experimental propolis varnish in vivo, and further tested its toxicity against fibroblasts. Fifty-six SPF female Wistar rats were infected with Streptococcus mutans UA159 (SM) and allocated into four groups (n = 14/group): G1, propolis varnish (15%/PV); G2, chitosan varnish (CV/vehicle); G3, gold standard (GS/Duraphat®); and G4, untreated. The animals received a single varnish application on their molars and were submitted to a high cariogenic challenge (Diet-2000, 56% sucrose, and 5% sucrose-added water, ad libitum) for 4 weeks. Total cultivable microbiota and SM were counted, and smooth-surface and sulcal caries were scored. PV, CV and GS cytotoxic effects were tested against fibroblasts. The data were analyzed using ANOVA with the Tukey-Kramer test (p ≤ 0.05). Total microbiota and SM counts did not differ among the treatments (p = 0.78), or in relation to the untreated group (p = 0.52). PV reduced development of smooth-surface enamel caries compared with the untreated group (p = 0.0018), with no significant difference from GS (p = 0.92); however, the PV effects were no longer observed when the dentin was affected. Neither PV nor GS prevented enamel sulcal lesion onset, but GS significantly reduced the severity of dentinal sulcal lesions (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed in fibroblast viability between PV and GS (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, PV prevented smooth-surface enamel caries and showed low cell toxicity. Nevertheless, due to the high cariogenic challenge, its effects were not sustained throughout the experiment. Further studies are encouraged to establish a protocol to sustain the long-term anti-caries activity of PV in the oral cavity.

Antioxidative and prooxidative effects in food lipids and synergism with α-tocopherol of açaí seed extracts and grape rachis extracts.

Extracts of açaí seed and of grape rachis alone or in combination with α-tocopherol were evaluated as antioxidants in (i) bulk soybean oil, (ii) soybean oil liposomes and (iii) soybean-oil/water emulsions. The extracts made with 57% aqueous ethanol showed an antioxidant activity not dependent on concentration for grape rachis extracts and a concentration-dependent prooxidative activity for açaí seed extracts in bulk soybean oil. Both the extracts, however, protected liposome suspensions and oil/water emulsions against lipid oxidation. Synergism was demonstrated when extracts were combined with α-tocopherol, effects explained by the solubility of extract components in the water-phase and of α-tocopherol in the lipid-phase. Phenolic profiling of the extracts by U-HPLC-ESI-LTQ-MS was used to identify active antioxidants. Açaí seed and grape rachis extracts served as good sources of procyanidins and flavan-3-ols, imparted high antioxidant activity especially when combined with α-tocopherol and are suggested for protection of food oil/water emulsions.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Unexplored Brazilian Native Fruits.

Brazilian native fruits are unmatched in their variety, but a poorly explored resource for the development of food and pharmaceutical products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenolic composition as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts of leaves, seeds, and pulp of four Brazilian native fruits (Eugenia leitonii, Eugenia involucrata, Eugenia brasiliensis, and Eugenia myrcianthes). GC-MS analyses of the ethanolic extracts showed the presence of epicatechin and gallic acid as the major compounds in these fruits. Antioxidant activity was measured using synthetic DPPH free-radical scavenging, ß-carotene bleaching assay, and reactive oxygen species (ROO·, O2·-, and HOCl). The fruit extracts also exhibited antioxidant effect against biologically relevant radicals such as peroxyl, superoxide, and hypochlorous acid. In general, the pulps were the fruit fractions that exhibited the lowest antioxidant activities, whereas the leaves showed the highest ones. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in an in vivo model using the carrageenan-induced neutrophil migration assay, which evaluates the inflammatory response in the acute phase. The pulp, seeds, and leaves of these fruits reduced the neutrophil influx by 40% to 64%. Based on these results, we suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of these native fruits is related to the modulation of neutrophil migration, through the inhibition of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules, as well as to the antioxidant action of their ethanolic extracts in scavenging the free-radicals released by neutrophils. Therefore, these native fruits can be useful to produce food additives and functional foods.

Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of South Brazilian Organic Propolis.

South Brazilian organic propolis (OP), which has never been studied before, was assessed and its chemical composition, scavenging potential of reactive oxygen species, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities are herein presented. Based on the chemical profile obtained using HPLC, OP was grouped into seven variants (OP1-OP7) and all of them exhibited high scavenging activity, mainly against superoxide and hypochlorous acid species. OP1, OP2, and OP3 had the smallest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, and Streptococcus aureus (12.5-100 µg/mL). OP1, OP2, OP3, and OP4 were more effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative), with MIC values ranging from 100 to 200 µg/mL. OP6 showed anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing NF-kB activation and TNF-α release in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and expressing the NF-κB-luciferase reporter stable gene. Therefore, south Brazilian OP can be considered an excellent source of bioactive compounds with great potential of application in the pharmaceutical and food industry.