The potential of galactomannan from Caesalpinia ferrea on erosive dentin wear reduction in vitro

Abstract Gels containing juca seed galactomannan (JSG) were evaluated for their potential to prevent the progression of dentin erosive wear in an in vitro study with four experimental groups (n = 9). The treatments included distilled water (DW), 0.05% stannous fluoride (121 ppm F), and 0.5% or 1% JSG. The specimens underwent a cycle (3 times/day) consisting of immersion in 1% citric acid (5 minutes), treatment (5 minutes), and artificial saliva exposure (2 hours/overnight) for 5 days. Surface changes were assessed using mechanical profilometry (wear), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-test (p < 0.05). The negative control group exhibited the highest wear (6.0 µm ± 3.5), significantly differing from the group treated with 0.05% stannous fluoride gel (p = 0.007), which showed less dentin loss. The groups treated with 0.5% and 1% JSG showed results similar to the negative control (p = 0.661; p = 0.212, respectively) and the stannous fluoride group (p = 0.103; p = 0.379, respectively). In the SEM images, the specimen treated with stannous fluoride showed obliterated tubules, while the JSG gels formed crystals on the dentin surface, as confirmed by the presence of oxygen and calcium in the EDS analysis. Although the JSG gels showed similar results to the stannous fluoride, did not exhibit superior efficacy at the tested concentrations.

Resumo Géis contendo galactomanana da semente de jucá (GSJ) foram avaliados quanto ao seu potencial na prevenção da progressão do desgaste erosivo dentinário em um estudo in vitro com quatro grupos experimentais (n = 9). Os tratamentos incluíram água destilada (AD), 0,05% de fluoreto de estanho (121 ppm F) e 0,5% ou 1% de GSJ. Os espécimes passaram por um ciclo (3 vezes ao dia) que consistia em imersão em ácido cítrico 1% (5 minutos), tratamento (5 minutos) e exposição a saliva artificial (2 horas/durante a noite) por 5 dias. As alterações de superfície foram avaliadas utilizando perfilometria mecânica (desgaste), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e espectroscopia de raios-X por dispersão de energia (EDS). Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA, seguida do pós-teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). O grupo controle negativo apresentou o maior desgaste (6,0 µm ± 3,5), diferindo significativamente do grupo tratado com gel de fluoreto de estanho a 0,05% (p = 0,007), que apresentou menor perda de dentina. Os grupos tratados com 0,5% e 1% de GSJ apresentaram resultados semelhantes ao grupo controle negativo (p = 0,661; p = 0,212, respectivamente) e ao grupo de fluoreto de estanho (p = 0,103; p = 0,379, respectivamente). Nas imagens de MEV, o espécime tratado com fluoreto de estanho mostrou túbulos obliterados, enquanto os géis GSJ formaram cristais na superfície da dentina, como confirmado pela presença de oxigênio e cálcio na análise de EDS. Embora os géis GSJ tenham apresentado resultados semelhantes ao fluoreto de estanho, eles não demonstraram eficácia superior nas concentrações testadas.

Clove volatile oil-loaded nanoemulsion reduces the anxious-like behavior in adult zebrafish.

BACKGROUND: Clove volatile oil (CVO) and its major compound, eugenol (EUG), have anxiolytic effects, but their clinical use has been impaired due to their low bioavailability. Thus, their encapsulation in nanosystems can be an alternative to overcome these limitations. OBJECTIVES: This work aims to prepare, characterize and study the anxiolytic potential of CVO loaded-nanoemulsions (CVO-NE) against anxious-like behavior in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). METHODS: The CVO-NE was prepared using Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharides as stabilizing agent. The drug-excipient interactions were performed, as well as colloidal characterization of CVO-NE and empty nanoemulsion (B-NE). The acute toxicity and potential anxiolytic activity of CVO, EUG, CVO-NE and B-NE against adult zebrafish models were determined. RESULTS: CVO, EUG, CVO-NE and B-NE presented low acute toxicity, reduced the locomotor activity and anxious-like behavior of the zebrafish at 4 - 20 mg kg-1. CVO-NE reduced the anxious-like behavior of adult zebrafish without affecting their locomotor activity. In addition, it was demonstrated that anxiolytic activity of CVO, EUG and CVO-NE is linked to the involvement of GABAergic pathway. CONCLUSION: Therefore, this study demonstrates the anxiolytic effect of CVO, in addition to providing a new nanoformulation for its administration.

Mutagenic Evaluation of Fluoxetine and Fluoxetine-Galactomannan Complex Through the Analysis of Chromosomal Aberrations in Human Peripheral Leukocytes and Salmonella typhimurium/Microssome Assay / Avaliação Mutagênica de Fluoxetina e Complexo Fluoxetina-Galactomanana Através da Análise de Aberrações Cromossômicas em Leucócitos Periféricos Humanos e em Salmonella typhimurium / Ensaio Microssômico

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mutagenic potential of fluoxetine and fluoxetine-galactomannan. Methods: Chromosomal aberration test and Salmonella typhimurium/microsome mutagenicity assay. Results: The results showed that fluoxetine (250 µg/mL) can cause chromosomal breaks of treated leukocytes and increase the frequency of reversion of the tester strains of S. typhimurium / microsome assay only at the highest concentration (5 mg/mL), while fluoxetine encapsulated in galactomannan did not cause these changes (leukocytes and S. typhimuriums strains). Conclusion: In summary, fluoxetine showed a mutagenic effect detectable only at high concentrations in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic models. Furthermore, the fluoxetine/galactomannan complex, in this first moment, prevented the mutagenicity attributed to fluoxetine, emphasizing that the present encapsulation process can be an alternative in preventing these effects in vitro.

Objetivos: avaliar o potencial mutagênico da fluoxetina e da fluoxetina-galactomanana. Métodos: Teste de aberração cromossômica e ensaio de mutagenicidade de Salmonella typhimurium /microssoma. Resultados: a fluoxetina (250 µg/mL) pode causar quebras cromossômicas de leucócitos tratados e aumentar a frequência de reversão das cepas testadoras de S. typhimurium /microssoma apenas na concentração mais alta (5 mg/mL), enquanto a fluoxetina encapsulada em galactomanano não causou essas alterações (leucócitos e cepas de S. typhimurium). Conclusão: a fluoxetina mostrou um efeito mutagênico detectável apenas em altas concentrações em modelos eucarióticos e procarióticos. Além disso, o complexo fluoxetina/galactomanan, neste primeiro momento, evitou a mutagenicidade atribuída à fluoxetina, ressaltando que o presente processo de encapsulamento pode ser uma alternativa na prevenção desses efeitos in vitro.

Gastroprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract from Agaricus blazei Murill against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The use of mushrooms in medicine is quite old and the first report about the use of genus Agaricus in treatment of ulcers occurred in Byzantine period. This mushroom is widely consumed as food, tea, food supplements, as well as nutraceutical and cosmeceutical applications, being cultivated and appreciated in several countries such as Brazil, Korea, Japan and China. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to characterize the chemical profile and the potential gastroprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract from Agaricus blazei Murill (HEAb). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extract was chemically characterized by elemental analysis, UPLC-QTOF-MSE, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques to elucidate the metabolites present in the extract. The quantification of phenolic compounds and the in vitro antioxidant activities were performed and the gastroprotective effect of this extract was evaluated against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. HEAb was administered by gavage at 5, 25 and 50 mg kg-1 and N-acetylcysteine at 300 mg kg-1 (positive control). Furthermore, the pathways of nitric oxide (NO), Cyclic Guanylate Monophosphate (cGMP), prostaglandins (PGs) and the involvement of ATP-sensitive K+ Channels were modulated. RESULTS: Mannitol, malic acid, pyroglutamic acid, L-agaritine and L-valine were putatively identified by UPLC-QTOF-MSE in HEAb. In addition, it was possible to identify mannitol by the intense signals in the NMR spectra, being still quantified as the main compound in the extract by HPLC. The contents of total phenols and flavonoids corroborated with the good antioxidant activity of HEAb. This study observed that HEAb at 25 and 50 mg kg-1 had gastroprotection effect demonstrated by the reduction of histopathological parameters and the reduction of mastocytosis in the stomach of mice. CONCLUSIONS: In this study was possible to conclude that HEAb has gastroprotective effect related to the involvement of NO and PG pathways in the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in mice.

From mango by-product to food packaging: Pectin-phenolic antioxidant films from mango peels.

The objective of the study was to prepare active films based on pectin and polyphenol-rich extracts from Tommy Atkins mango peels. Aqueous and methanolic extracts showed a variety of phenolic compounds that were identified by UPLC-MS analysis, and a high content of total phenolics that were quantified by the Folin-Ciocalteau method. The methanolic extract showed better results in antioxidant tests and was more effective in inhibiting the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The pectin extracted from mango peels showed good thermal stability and a degree of methoxylation of 58.3% by 1H NMR. The films containing the phenolic extracts showed lower water vapor permeability when compared to the control film (without any phenolic extracts). The incorporation of the extracts led to an increase in elongation (ε) and a decrease in tensile strength (σ) and modulus of elasticity (Y). The films with aqueous or methanolic extracts showed higher antioxidant activity in terms of inhibition of the DPPH radical. Therefore, the films developed in this work are presented as a promising alternative for food packaging and/or coating applications.

Polysaccharides and extracts from Agaricus brasiliensis Murill - A comprehensive review.

Edible mushrooms have been increasingly introduced into the human diet, which has driven research into their functional properties. Thus, Agaricus brasiliensis Murill or Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) is a species native to the Brazilian biome, whose fruiting body has been used not only for dietary purposes, but also in the development of functional foods or as source of molecules of pharmacological interest. The bioactivity of ABM has been related to the presence of polysaccharides, although the contribution of other metabolites cannot be discharged. This work describes the polysaccharides isolation methodology and preparation of the extracts of ABM and their biological activities. Furthermore, it presents a general outline of its characterizations regarding composition, chemical structure and properties in solution. The ABM and its chemical constituents exhibit several biological activities that support their potential use for prevention or treatment of diseases with inflammatory background, such as cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis. The mechanism of action of the extracts and polysaccharides from ABM is mainly related to a modulation of immune system response or reduction of inflammatory response. This review shows that the ABM has great potential in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological and food sectors that deserves additional research using standardized products.

Antioxidant films and coatings based on starch and phenolics from Spondias purpurea L.

The objective of this study was to prepare, for the first time, active films and coatings from fruit starch (SPFS) and phenolic stem bark extract (SBPE) from Spondias purpurea L. Starch film formulations were prepared with different SBPE contents (5-20 wt% on starch), then cast and dried into films. SBPE showed higher antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Chemical, morphological, thermal, optical, mechanical, and barrier properties were studied for SPFS-SBPE films. In general, the phenolic extract caused significant changes in starch films (especially when in excess), such as gradual reduction of elastic modulus and tensile strength, increased elongation, opacity, and thermal properties (e.g. glass transition and melting enthalpy). On the other hand, SBPE provided the films with active properties (antioxidant and UV-absorbing). Coatings were applied to minimally processed mangoes (MPM), which were stored for 10 days at 12 °C. SBPE-containing coatings provided better protective action, reducing the total color difference (∆E⁎) and delaying the browning index (BI) during storage as well as reducing fungus attack. The active SPFS-SBPE films showed great potential as environmentally friendly active films and coatings.

Structural characterization of anticoagulant and antithrombotic polysaccharides isolated from Caesalpinia ferrea stem barks.

This study aimed to isolate, characterize chemical-structurally and evaluate the effects of polysaccharides from Caesalpinia (Libidibia) ferrea stem barks in the haemostatic system. The deproteinated-polysaccharide extract (PE-Cf) after being fractionated by ion exchange chromatography-DEAE-cellulose resulted in three fractions (FI, FII, FIII) containing total carbohydrates (14.3-38%), including uronic acid (5-16%), and polyphenols (0.94-1.7 mg/g GAE). The polysaccharide fractions presented polydisperse profile in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (detected by Stains-All) and molecular masses (9.5 × 104 Da-1.5 × 105 Da) identified by gel permeation chromatography. FT-IR showed absorption bands (1630 cm-1, 1396-1331 cm-1), indicative of uronic acid, and a band at 1071 cm-1, typical of COO- groups of galacturonic acid. The NMR spectra of C. ferrea polysaccharides revealed a central core composed mainly by 5-linked α-Araf and minority components as α-Rhap and α-GalAp. UV spectra of fractions revealed discrete shoulders at 269-275 nm, characteristic of polyphenolic compounds. In vitro, polysaccharides inhibited the intrinsic and/or common coagulation pathway (aPTT test) (2.0-3.7 fold) and the platelet aggregation induced by 3 µM adenosine diphosphate (25-48%) and 5 µg/mL collagen (24%), but not that induced by arachidonic acid. In vivo, the polysaccharides inhibited (36-69%) venous thrombosis induced by hypercoagulability and stasis, showing discrete hemorrhagic effect. In conclusion, the polysaccharides of C. ferrea barks, containing arabinose, galactose, rhamnose and uronic acid, possess anticoagulant, antiplatelet and antithrombotic properties of low hemorrhagic risk, suggesting potential applicability in thromboembolic disorders.

Chemopreventive effect of troxerutin against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in human leukocytes through modulation of glutathione-dependent enzymes.

Troxerutin is a natural flavonoid present abundantly in tea, coffee, olives, wheat, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Due to its diverse pharmacological properties, this flavonoid has aroused interest for treatment of various diseases, and consequently prompted investigation into its toxicological characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic and mutagenic effects and chemoprotective activity attributed to troxerutin using human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) through several well-established experimental protocols based upon different parameters. Data demonstrated that troxerutin (100 to 1000 µM) induced no marked cytotoxic effect on PBLs after 24 hr, and did not produce strand breaks and mutagenicity. Regarding chemoprevention, this flavonoid attenuated cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity initiated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in human PBLs. Further, troxerutin demonstrated no marked cytotoxic effect on PBLs and exerted a protective effect against oxidative stress induced by H2O2 through modulation of GSH-dependent enzymes.

Role of Rutin in 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis: Prevention of Histological Damage and Reduction of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress.

Intestinal mucositis, characterized by inflammatory and/or ulcerative processes in the gastrointestinal tract, occurs due to cellular and tissue damage following treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Rutin (RUT), a natural flavonoid extracted from Dimorphandra gardneriana, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and gastroprotective properties. However, the effect of RUT on inflammatory processes in the intestine, especially on mucositis promoted by antineoplastic agents, has not yet been reported. In this study, we investigated the role of RUT on 5-FU-induced experimental intestinal mucositis. Swiss mice were randomly divided into seven groups: Saline, 5-FU, RUT-50, RUT-100, RUT-200, Celecoxib (CLX), and CLX + RUT-200 groups. The mice were weighed daily. After treatment, the animals were euthanized and segments of the small intestine were collected to evaluate histopathological alterations (morphometric analysis); malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glutathione (GSH) concentrations; mast and goblet cell counts; and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity, as well as to perform immunohistochemical analyses. RUT treatment (200 mg/kg) prevented 5-FU-induced histopathological changes and reduced oxidative stress by decreasing MDA concentrations and increasing GSH concentrations. RUT attenuated the inflammatory response by decreasing MPO activity, intestinal mastocytosis, and COX-2 expression. These results suggest that the COX-2 pathway is one of the underlying protective mechanisms of RUT against 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis.

Troxerutin Prevents 5-Fluorouracil Induced Morphological Changes in the Intestinal Mucosa: Role of Cyclooxygenase-2 Pathway.

Intestinal mucositis is a common complication associated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a chemotherapeutic agent used for cancer treatment. Troxerutin (TRX), a semi-synthetic flavonoid extracted from Dimorphandra gardneriana, has been reported as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of TRX on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. Swiss mice were randomly divided into seven groups: Saline, 5-FU, TRX-50, TRX-100, TRX-150, Celecoxib (CLX), and CLX + TRX-100. The weight of mice was measured daily. After treatment, the animals were euthanized and segments of the small intestine were collected to evaluate histopathological alterations (morphometric analysis), levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione (GSH), mast and goblet cell counts, immunohistochemical analysis, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. Compared to the saline treatment, the 5-FU treatment induced intense weight loss and reduction in villus height. TRX treatment (100 mg/kg) prevented the 5-FU-induced histopathological changes and decreased oxidative stress by decreasing the MDA levels and increasing GSH concentration. TRX attenuated inflammatory process by decreasing MPO activity, intestinal mastocytosis, and COX-2 expression. TRX also reversed the depletion of goblet cells. Our findings suggest that TRX at a concentration of 100 mg/kg had chemopreventive effects on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis via COX-2 pathway.

Antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities of plant seed extracts from Brazilian semiarid region.

The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities of ethanolic seed extracts of twenty-one plant species from Brazilian semiarid region were investigated. The extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity against six bacteria strains and three yeasts. Six extracts presented activity against the Gram (-) organism Salmonella choleraesuis and the Gram (+) organisms Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The MIC values ranged from 4.96 to 37.32 mg/mL. The Triplaris gardneriana extract presented activity against the three species, with MIC values 18.8, 13.76, and 11.15 mg/mL, respectively. Five extracts presented antioxidant activity, with EC50 values ranging from 69.73 µ g/mL (T. gardneriana) to 487.51 µ g/mL (Licania rigida). For the anticholinesterase activity, eleven extracts were capable of inhibiting the enzyme activity. From those, T. gardneriana, Parkia platycephala and Connarus detersus presented the best activities, with inhibition values of 76.7, 71.5, and 91.9%, respectively. The extracts that presented antimicrobial activity were tested for hemolytic assay against human A, B, and O blood types and rabbit blood. From those, only the Myracrodruon urundeuva extract presented activity (about 20% of hemolysis at the lowest tested concentration, 1.9 µg/mL). Infrared spectroscopy of six representative extracts attested the presence of tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which was confirmed by a qualitative phytochemical assay.

Antiherpetic activity of an Agaricus brasiliensis polysaccharide, its sulfated derivative and fractions.

Agaricus brasiliensis is an edible mushroom, traditionally used for the treatment of several diseases. In this paper, a polysaccharide (PLS) from A. brasiliensis, its carboxymethylated (CPLS) and sulfated (SPLS) derivatives, as well as, fractions (F1-F3) obtained from the PLS were investigated for their effect in the replication of herpes simplex virus and bovine herpes virus in HEp-2 cell cultures. The PLS, SPLS and F3 inhibited both virus strains similarly, in a dose-dependent curve. F1, F2 and CPLS did not show significant effect even at higher concentrations. All the compounds showed neither virucidal or viral adsorption inhibition activities nor effect when cells were treated prior to infection. Our study demonstrated that the extracts of A. brasiliensis, can be promising for future antiviral drug design and its biotechnological production is economically feasible.

Annealing os unfermented (polvilho doce) and fermented (polvilho azedo) cassava starches

The effects of annealing on the properties of unfermented (polvilho doce-PD) and fermented (polvilho azedo-PAD) cassava starches were studied. The samples were submitted to annealing treatment for 24, 72, 96, 144, 192 and 240 hours. The annealing treatment changed the main physicochemical (gelatinization, enthalpy and temperature) and rheological properties (swelling power, peak viscosity and pasting temperature) of the both samples. The increase in the gelatinization temperatures and the narrowing of the gelatinization range was attributed to an reinforcement in the packing of the double helices of the amylopectin. The PAD samples seemed to be more affected by this treatment than PD ones. The PAD samples presented some characteristics of a waxy starch, such as increased crystallinity and increased stability of the pastes, which from a technological point of view is very important to diversify further its use in the food industry.