The effect of a catechin-rich extract of Cocos nucifera on lymphocytes proliferation.

Catechins are polyphenols with antioxidant activity. The fruit Cocos nucifera (Palmae) has a fi ber husk rich in catechins and the local population of northeast Brazil uses it as a medicine against various diseases. An anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity has been already observed using this substance. Plant extracts, from other sources, rich in catechins are inhibitory to tumour cells, suppressing their proliferation. The aim of the present work was to verify if catechins isolated from Cocos nucifera were capable of inhibiting cell proliferation. An extract obtained from Cocos nucifera was purified through adsorption chromatography using the resin XAD-2. The purified material was used in cultures of an erythroleukaemia cell line (K562) and on normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Cell viability was assessed using MTT. Cellular proliferation was measured by [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation and cell cycle analysis in a fl ow cytometer. A dose-dependent inhibitory effect was observed on tumour cells and on lymphocytes activated by phytohemaglutinin (PHA) or phorbol ester. For PHA this effect was irreversible being already established on the fi rst four hours of culture.

The role of surface carbohydrates on the interaction of microconidia of Trichophyton mentagrophytes with epithelial cells.

The presence of carbohydrate-binding adhesins on the microconidia of Trichophyton mentagrophytes surface and their role on cellular interactions were investigated. Flow cytometry showed that this fungus recognizes the sugars mannose and galactose. The binding was inhibited by the addition of methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside and methyl alpha-D-galactopyranoside, and showed higher fluorescence intensity at 37 degrees C than 28 degrees C. Trypsin treatment and heating of the cells reduced the binding, suggesting a (glyco) protein nature of the microconidia adhesin. The interaction of the fungus to Chinese hamster ovary epithelial cells and its glycosylation-deficient mutants demonstrated a higher adhesion index in Lec1 and Lec2 mutants, which express mannose and galactose, respectively, as the terminal carbohydrate on the cell surface. Endocytosed fungi were shown preferentially in Lec2 cells. Addition of the carbohydrates methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside and methyl alpha-D-galactopyranoside to the interaction medium, pretreatment of Lec1 and Lec2 cells with lectins Concanavalina A and Arachis hypogaea and pretreatment with sodium periodate decreased the adhesion and the endocytic index. Examination of thin section by transmission electron microscopy showed that after fungal ingestion by Lec2 cells the fungi are enclosed in a 'loose'-type vacuole while the other cells are found within a 'tight'-type membrane-bound cytoplasmic vacuole. Our results suggest the occurrence of carbohydrate-specific adhesins on microconidia surface that recognize mannose and galactose. This may have a role in the adhesion process during the infectious process of dermatophytosis.

Antimicrobial and antiviral activities of polyphenolics from Cocos nucifera Linn. (Palmae) husk fiber extract.

The decoction of Cocos nucifera L. husk fiber has been used in northeastern Brazil traditional medicine for treatment of diarrhea and arthritis. Water extract obtained from coconut husk fiber and fractions from adsorption chromatography revealed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The crude extract and one of the fractions rich in catechin also showed inhibitory activity against acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1-ACVr). All fractions were inactive against the fungi Candida albicans, Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Cryptococcus neoformans. Catechin and epicatechin together with condensed tannins (B-type procyanidins) were demonstrated to be the components of the water extract.