Fractionated extraction of polyphenols from mate tea leaves using a combination of hydrophobic/ hydrophilic NADES.

A new methodology for the selective extraction of antioxidants from mate tea leaves (and decaffeinated mate tea leaves), using different natural deep eutectic systems (NADES), is reported in this paper. A fractionated extraction was carried out and the optimization of the extraction conditions such as solid/liquid ratio, temperature, time, stirring and the use of ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) technology was performed. The results demonstrate that a sequential extraction using, in a first step, an hydrophobic system Men:Lau (2:1) and, in a second step, an hydrophilic lactic acid-based NADES, leads to two distinct extracts: the first one rich in pigments and the second one rich in polyphenols. NADES systems were able to extract 30% more of the polyphenolic components of the mate tea leaves matrices, when compared with traditional solvents/techniques. Moreover, it has been shown that the incorporation of the extract in the NADES, compared to the same extract in aqueous medium was beneficial for the stabilization of the antioxidants. It maintains their functionality at least for three months, reaching 41% more versus the extracts obtained by traditional solvents/techniques. The absence of caffeine in the extracts did not shown to have any effects on the stability results.

Comparison of Different Extraction Techniques of Zingiber officinale Essential Oil

Abstract This study aims to find the best conditions for the extraction of Zingiber officinale essential oil using the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), steam distillation (SD) and hydrodistillation (HD) techniques, regarding the maximum oil yield. For the HD technique is evaluated the best ratio between plant mass and water volume and for SFE and SD the pressure condition was investigated. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the similarity between the composition of the essential oil in different pressures and extraction methods. The experimental extraction curve was plotted and three different mathematical models were used to fit the data for SD and SFE methods, obtaining the relevant mass transfer parameters. The essential oil compounds were identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), being α-zingiberene the main component with different contents (from 11.9 to 28.9%). The best condition for the SFE was 100 bar, 40 °C (0.0508 goil/gplant) with 19.34% of α-zingiberene; for the SD, 3 bar (133 °C) (0.00616 goil/gplant) with 28.9% of α-zingiberene; and HD, the volume of 750 mL (0.006988 goil/gplant) with 15.70% of α-zingiberene, all measured on a dry basis.

A valepotriate-enriched fraction from Valeriana glechomifolia Meyer inhibits leukocytes migration and nociception in formalin test in rodents

Abstract Previous pre-clinical studies demonstrated that a valepotriates enriched fraction from Valeriana glechomifolia F.G. Mey., Caprifoliaceae, was effective against lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli (LPS)-induced sickness behavior as well as significantly decreased the cortical expression of pro inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. Other studies revealed anti-inflammatory properties of V. wallichii and V. amurensis. These findings open up new perspectives for Valeriana genus pharmacology, once it has been commonly associated to sedative and anxiolytic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the antichemotactic, antinociptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a valepotriate-enriched fraction obtained from aerial and subterranean parts of V. glechomifolia submitted to supercritical CO2 extraction. The biological activities were assessed by means of formalin test in CF1 mice and Wistar rat's leukocytes migration assay (modified Boyden chamber method). Valepotriate-enriched fraction (1, 10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the nociceptive behavior in the late phase of the formalin test in a dose dependent manner. The effect of the valepotriate-enriched fraction highest dose was comparable with that of diclofenac 50 mg/kg (p.o.). Valepotriate-enriched fraction (0.1-1 µg/ml) inhibited the leukocyte migration induced by lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli in a concentration dependent manner. This antichemotatic effect was comparable with that of indomethacin (0.1-1 µg/ml) and better than diclofenac (1 µg/ml) effect. This study demonstrated for the first time that a valepotriate-enriched fraction obtained from V. glechomifolia display a peripheral anti-inflammatory like activity.

Plant growth and resistance promoted by Streptomyces spp. in tomato.

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) represent an alternative to improve plant growth and yield as well as to act as agents of biocontrol. This study characterized isolates of Streptomyces spp. (Stm) as PGPR, determined the antagonism of these isolates against Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliensis (Pcb), evaluated the ability of Stm on promoting growth and modulating the defense-related metabolism of tomato plants, and the potential of Stm isolates on reducing soft rot disease in this species. The VOC profile of Stm was also verified. Promotion of plant growth was assessed indirectly through VOC emission and by direct interaction with Stm isolates in the roots. Evaluation of soft rot disease was performed in vitro on plants treated with Stm and challenged with Pcb. Enzymes related to plant defense were then analyzed in plants treated with three selected isolates of Stm, and PM1 was chosen for further Pcb-challenging experiment. Streptomyces spp. isolates displayed characteristics of PGPR. PM3 was the isolate with efficient antagonism against Pcb by dual-culture. Most of the isolates promoted growth of root and shoot of tomato plants by VOC, and PM5 was the isolate that most promoted growth by direct interaction with Stm. Soft rot disease and mortality of plants were significantly reduced when plants were treated with StmPM1. Modulation of secondary metabolism was observed with Stm treatment, and fast response of polyphenoloxidases was detected in plants pretreated with StmPM1 and challenged with Pcb. Peroxidase was significantly activated three days after infection with Pcb in plants pretreated with StmPM1. Results suggest that Streptomyces sp. PM1 and PM5 have the potential to act as PGPR.

Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender essential oil.

Several studies have investigated the antinociceptive, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of compounds found in the lavender essential oil (LEO), however to date, there is still lack of substantial data. The objective of this study was to assess the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of lavender essential oil. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical decolorization assay was used for antioxidant activity evaluation. The anti-inflammatory activity was tested using two models of acute inflammation: carrageenan-induced pleurisy and croton oil-induced ear edema. The antinociceptive activity was tested using the pain model induced by formalin. LEO has antioxidant activity, which is dose-dependent response. The inflammatory response evoked by carrageenan and by croton oil was reduced through the pre-treatment of animals with LEO. In the pleurisy model, the drug used as positive control, dexamethasone, was more efficacious. However, in the ear swelling, the antiedematogenic effect of the oil was similar to that observed for dexamethasone. In the formalin test, LEO consistently inhibited spontaneous nociception and presented a similar effect to that of tramadol. The results of this study reveal (in vivo) the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of LEO and demonstrates its important therapeutic potential.

Impact of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry combined with gas chromatography and olfactometry for the sex differentiation of Baccharis articulata by the analysis of volatile compounds.

The Baccharis genus has more than 400 species of aromatic plants. However, only approximately 50 species have been studied in oil composition to date. From these studies, very few take into consideration differences between male and female plants, which is a significant and distinctive factor in Baccharis in the Asteraceae family. Baccharis articulata is a common shrub that grows wild in south Brazil, northern and central Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. It is considered to be a medicinal plant and is employed in traditional medicine. We report B. articulata male and female volatile composition obtained by simultaneous distillation-extraction technique and analyzed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Also, an assessment of aromatic differences between volatile extracts was evaluated by gas chromatography with olfactometry. The results show a very similar chemical composition between male and female extracts, with a high proportion of terpene compounds of which ß-pinene, limonene and germacrene D are the main components. Despite the chemical similarity, great differences in aromatic profile were found: male plant samples exhibited the strongest odorants in number and intensity of aromatic attributes. These differences explain field observations which indicate differences between male and female flower aroma, and might be of ecological significance in the attraction of pollinating insects.

Effects of diene valepotriates from Valeriana glechomifolia on Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the cortex and hippocampus of mice.

Diene valepotriates obtained from Valeriana glechomifolia present antidepressant-like activity, mediated by dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmissions. Also, previous studies have shown inhibitory activity of diene valepotriates towards Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase from the rat brain in vitro. Nevertheless, in vivo studies regarding the action of diene valepotriates on this enzyme are still lacking. Considering that Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase cerebral activity is involved in depressive disorders, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute (5 mg/kg, p. o.) and repeated (5 mg/kg, p. o., once a day for three days) diene valepotriate administration on Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity in the cortex and hippocampus of mice submitted or not submitted to the forced swimming test. In addition, the protein expression of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase α1, α2, and α3 isoforms in the cortex of mice repeatedly treated with diene valepotriates (and submitted or not submitted to the forced swimming test) was investigated. Diene valepotriates significantly decreased mice immobility time in the forced swimming test when compared to the control group. Only the animals repeatedly treated with diene valepotriates presented increased Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity in the cerebral cortex, and the exposure to the forced swimming test counteracted the effects of the diene valepotriates. No alterations in the hippocampal Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity were observed. Repeated diene valepotriate administration increased the cortical content of the α2 isoform, but the α3 isoform protein expression was augmented only in mice repeatedly treated with diene valepotriates and forced to swim. Mice treated with the vehicle and submitted to the forced swimming test also presented an increase in the content of the α2 isoform, but no alterations in Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity. These results suggest that cortical Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase may represent a molecular target of the diene valepotriates in vivo and long-term regulatory mechanisms are involved in this effect. Also, the forced swimming test per se influences the protein expression of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase isoforms and counteracts the effects of the diene valepotriates on cortical Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase.

Supercritical CO2 extraction of Schinus molle L with co-solvents: mathematical modeling and antimicrobial applications

This work investigates the antimicrobial activity of the Schinus molle L. leaves extracts obtained under supercritical conditions using carbon dioxide and co-solvents. Antimicrobial qualitative evaluation was carried out through the bioautography technique and the microorganisms studied were Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosas, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, and Salmonella choleraesuis. The supercritical fluid extraction was carried out in a pilot scale equipment using carbon dioxide modified by the addition of co-solvents, such as ethanol and water at 150 bar and 333 K. A mathematical modeling of the process was also performed.

Influence of essential oil fractionation by vacuum distillation on acaricidal activity against the cattle tick

The aim of this work was to study the influence of essential oil fractionation on acaricidal activity against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus J.) and pepper tree (Schinus molle L.) essential oils were fractionated by vacuum distillation yielding fractions that were analyzed by the GC/MS. Laboratory tests were carried out to determine the effect of the total essential oil and fractions on larvae of the cattle tick R. (B.) microplus. The fractions 04 and 05 of the C. winterianus essential oil were the most active showing LC50 values of 1.20 and 1.34 μL/mL, respectively. The LC50 of the total oil was 3.30 μL/mL while the effect of the fractions 01, 02 and 03 was less pronounced, with LC50 values of 4.37, 4.24 and 3.49 μL/mL, respectively. The fraction 03 of the S. molle essential oil was the most active showing LC50 value of 8.80 μL/mL while the fractions 01 and 02 did not show toxic effects on the larvae.

Supercritical fluid extraction and high performance liquid chromatographic determination of benzopyrans and phloroglucinol derivative in Hypericum polyanthemum.

The aerial parts of Hypericum polyanthemum Klotzsch ex Reichardt (Guttiferae) were successively extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO(2)) under pressures of 90, 120, 150 and 200 bar at different temperatures (40, 50 and 60 degrees C), and compared with the n-hexane extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction. The samples obtained were examined regarding extraction yield and HPLC quantification of the main secondary metabolites, the benzopyrans HP1 (6-isobutyryl-5,7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethylbenzopyran), HP2 (7-hydroxy-6-isobutyryl-5-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-benzopyran) and HP3 (5-hydroxy-6-isobutyryl-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl) and the phloroglucinol derivative, uliginosin B. SFE presented higher selectivity than the n-hexane maceration, and the best condition to extract the target metabolites has been determined to be at 50 degrees C and for the high molecular-weight compound, uliginosin B, higher pressures were required.

Extraction of essential oils from lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) by hydrodistillation and supercritical carbon dioxide

Neste trabalho o óleo essencial de lima ácida foi extraído por hidrodestilação e CO2 supercrítico. No caso da hidrodestilação, os parâmetros avaliados foram o tempo de processo e características do material vegetal. Em extração supercrítica, os parâmetros avaliados foram temperatura, pressão e fluxo do CO2, tempo de processo e características do material. Considerando o conteúdo de citral, os melhores resultados para hidrodestilação foram obtidos em um tempo de processo de 3 horas utilizando-se cascas inteiras. Os melhores resultados para extração supercrítica foram obtidos a 60ºC, 90 bar, a um fluxo de CO2 de 1 mL/ min para 30 minutos de processo utilizando-se cascas moídas. Os melhores resultados em termos de rendimento de óleo essencial foram obtidos por hidrodestilação (5,45% p/p) e extração supercrítica (7,93% p/p), para cascas moídas.

Extraction of tannin by Acacia mearnsii with supercritical fluids

Neste trabalho foram utilizados dois processos de extração de tanino vegetal: extração a quente em aparelho Soxhlet e extração com CO2 supercítico. Os resultados mostraram que o melhor co-solvente para extração de taninos com CO2 supercrítico foi a água na concentração de 5% e o melhor solvente para lavagem do trap foi o metanol.