A Brazilian Rare-Disease Center's Experience with Glucosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb1) in Patients with Gaucher Disease: Exploring a Novel Correlation with IgG Levels in Plasma and a Biomarker Measurement in CSF.

Gaucher disease (GD, OMIM 230800) is one of the most common lysosomal disorders, being caused by the deficient activity of the enzyme acid ß-glucocerebrosidase (Gcase). Three clinical forms of Gaucher's disease (GD) are classified based on neurological involvement. Type 1 (GD1) is non-neuronopathic, while types 2 (GD2) and 3 (GD3) are neuronopathic forms. Gcase catalyzes the conversion of glucosylceramide (GlcCer) into ceramide and glucose. As GlcCer accumulates in lysosomal macrophages, it undergoes deacylation to become glycosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb1), which has shown to be a useful and reliable biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of treated and untreated patients with GD. Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among patients with GD and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a non-neoplastic condition that can be a telltale sign of a B clonal proliferation caused by the chronic activation of B cells. This study aimed to quantify Lyso-Gb1 levels in dried blood spots (DBS) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as biomarkers for Gaucher disease (GD) and discuss the association of this biomarker with other clinical parameters. This is a mixed-methods study incorporating both cross-sectional and longitudinal elements within a cohort design with a convenience-sampling strategy. Data collection took place from January 2012 to March 2023. Lyso-Gb1 extraction from DBS involved the use of a methanol-acetonitrile-water mixture, followed by incubation and centrifugation. Analysis was performed using UPLC-MS/MS with MassLynx software version 4.2 and the control group for the DBS measurements included general newborns. CSF Lyso-Gb1 was extracted using ethyl acetate, analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS with a calibration curve, and expressed in pmol/L. Lysosomal activity in CSF was assessed by measuring chitotriosidase (Cht), and other lysosomal enzyme activities were assessed as previously described in the literature. Patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) were used as controls. Thirty-two treated patients (twenty-nine GD1 and three GD3, all on ERT except for one GD type on SRT with eliglustat) and three untreated patients (one GD1, one GD2, and one GD3) were included. When analyzing only the treated GD1 group, a significant correlation was found between lyso-Gb1 and age (rho = -0.447, p = 0.001), ChT, and IgG levels (rho = 0.73, p < 0.001; and rho = 0.36, p = 0.03, respectively). Five GD1 patients (three females, mean age 40 years) also had their CSF collected and analyzed. The average measurement of lyso-Gb1 in CSF was 94 pmol/L (range: 57.1-157.9 pmol/L) versus <6.2 pmol/L in the control group (MLD). This is the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that lyso-Gb1 has been associated with IgG levels. While this finding reflects a risk for MGUS or MM and not only chronic plasma B-cell activation, it still requires further studies. Moreover, the analysis of CSF lyso-Gb1 levels in GD1 patients was demonstrated to be significantly higher than the control group. This raises the hypothesis that CSF lyso-Gb1 may serve as a valuable indicator for neurological involvement in GD, providing insights into the potential implications for neurological manifestations in GD, including GD1. The correlation between lyso-Gb1 and ChT levels in treated GD1 patients further underscores the interconnectedness of lysosomal markers and their relevance in monitoring.

Preclinical Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Investigation of 5'-Methoxynobiletin from Ageratum conyzoides: In vivo and In silico Approaches.

PURPOSE: 5'-methoxynobiletin (5'-MeONB), a polymethoxyflavone isolated from A. conyzoides, has shown anti-inflammatory property. Nevertheless, the antinociceptive activity and pre-clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) characteristics of 5'-MeONB remain unknown. Considering the anti-inflammatory potential of the 5'-MeONB, this study aimed to investigate the pre-clinical PK behavior of 5'-MeONB, as well as its time course antinociceptive activity. METHODS: 5'-MeONB plasma concentrations were determined in Wistar rats after intravenous (i.v.) (10 mg/kg) and oral (50 mg/kg) administration, and in Swiss mice after oral administration (100 mg/kg). Plasma samples were deproteinization and 5'-MeONB quantified by a validated UPLC-MS method. Additionally, the antinociceptive activity of 5'-MeONB was evaluated after 15, 30, 60, 180 and 360 min following oral administration on the acute nocifensive behavior of mice induced by formalin. RESULTS: 5'-MeONB rats and mice plasma concentration-time profiles were best one-compartment model. After i.v. administration to rats, a short half-life, a high clearance and moderate volume of distribution at steady state were observed. Similar results were obtained after oral administration. The oral bioavailability ranged from 8 to 11%. Additionally, 5'-MeONB exhibited antinociceptive activity in both formalin phases, especially in the inflammatory phase of the model, inhibiting 68% and 91% of neurogenic and inflammatory responses, respectively, after 30 min of oral administration. CONCLUSIONS: The results described here provide novel insights on 5'-MeONB pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effect, serving as support for future studies to confirm this compound as anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effective agent.

Three new trixane glycosides obtained from the leaves of Jungia sellowii Less. using centrifugal partition chromatography.

Jungia sellowii (Asteraceae) is a shrub that grows in Southern Brazil and polar extract of its leaves presents anti-inflammatory properties. Cyperane, guaiane, nortrixane, and trixane sesquiterpene types were reported as the main metabolites in Jungia species. This work aims to describe the isolation and identification of sesquiterpenes in the leaves of J. sellowii using liquid-liquid partition and centrifugal partition chromatography. Thus, the crude extract of fresh leaves of J. sellowii was partitioned with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanol, respectively. The butanol fraction was then subjected to a selected ternary system optimized for the CPC (centrifugal partition chromatography): ethyl acetate-ethanol-water (9:2:10, v/v/v). The separation was carried out isocratically at a flow rate of 25 mL/min at 1200 rpm, affording seven fractions A to G. TLC of fractions B, C and F displayed a single spot corresponding to three new glycosylated sesquiterpenoids. Their structures were established by using spectroscopic data in comparison to those reported in the literature. Furthermore, the isolates were evaluated for their leishmanicidal and cytotoxic effects. No cytotoxic effect was observed against the three cancer cell lines (HL60, JURKAT and REH), but compound 1 showed a weak antiprotozoal activity. Liquid-liquid partition and CPC turned to be a versatile technique of glycoside purification which is environmentally friendly and requires a limited amount of organic solvents.

Corrigendum to " Biochemical diagnosis of aromatic-L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCD) by assay of AADC activity in plasma using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry" [32/100888 (2022) page 1-4].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2022.100888.].

Follow-up of pre-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease in adult patients with Gaucher disease type 1 and analysis of their lysosomal enzyme profiles in the CSF.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Its classic motor symptoms may be preceded by non-motor symptoms (NMS). Population studies have identified GBA variants as risk factors for idiopathic PD. The increased risk of PD has also been suggested in other Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs). OBJECTIVE: To assess the evolution of the prevalence of NMS compatible with PD in a cohort of South Brazilian adult patients with Gaucher Disease (GD) type 1, already evaluated 3 years ago (2018). Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) was collected to assess the levels of LSD enzymes (beta-hexosaminidases, beta-glucuronidase) and biomarker of macrophage activation (chitotriosidase, ChT), compared to controls (metachromatic leukodystrophy, MLD). Cognition was evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) questionnaire, daytime sleepiness by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), depression by Beck´s Inventory, constipation by the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) scale, and REM sleep behavior disorder by the single-question screen. Hyposmia was assessed with Sniffin' Sticks (SST). RESULTS: Nineteen patients completed the follow-up (mean age of the sample was 44 years; range, 26-71). The patient with the highest number of NMS at the baseline (4 including the lowest SST score) was diagnosed with PD four years later. Apart from an improvement in the ESS score, no other statistical significance was found between the number of NMS between the first and second evaluation, nor between patients with one L444P variant (n = 5) and the rest of the cohort. CSF was collected in five patients (mean age of the sample was 40 years, range 30-53. A significant difference was found in the mean CSF activity levels of beta-hexosaminidases and beta-glucuronidase between GD1 and MLD patients. Mean ChT (CSF) was 62 nmol/h/mL in GD patients and 142 in MLD (n = 6) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The patient with the highest number of NMS in our 2018 cohort was the one that developed PD, corroborating with the importance of this longitudinal follow-up. CSF and plasma analysis might allow a better understanding of the neurodegenerative processes connecting PD and the lysosomal environment. Further analysis is needed to understand this relationship.

Improvement in phloroglucinol compound extracted from different parts of Eugenia umbelliflora monitored by LC-UV and antimicrobial activity.

The phloroglucinol eugenial C, eugenial D and eugenial E are the main active compounds in Eugenia umbelliflora fruits. This study aims to evaluate the extraction conditions of E. umbelliflora, using ethanol as solvent, focusing on the phloroglucinol and antimicrobial activity. In order to optimize the extraction conditions, ethanol 50, 70 and 90 oGL was used as a solvent in the proportions of 1:20 (w/v) of drug:solvent ratio (D:S), stirring (330 rpm) at room temperature during 4 h, monitored by LC-UV and antimicrobial assay. The LC-UV method developed was linear over a concentration range of 3.4-68.0, 5.3-106.0 and 5.0-100.8 µg.mL-1 of eugenial C, eugenial D and eugenial E, having LOQ of 1.68, 1.33 and 0.8 µg.mL-1, respectively. The fruits showed the best herbal raw material and showed the highest phloroglucinol concentration and activity against S. aureus, when extracted with ethanol 90oGL, during 4 h, at 1:20 of D:S.

Experience of the NPC Brazil Network with a Comprehensive Program for the Screening and Diagnosis of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C.

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a lysosomal disorder caused by impaired cholesterol metabolism. Levels of lysosphingomyelin 509 (LysoSM509) have been shown elevated in dried blood spots (DBS) of NPC and acid sphingomyelinase deficiency patients. In this study, we report our experience using a two-tier approach (1st tier is the quantification of lysoSM509 by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry followed by the 2nd tier with next-generation sequencing of the NPC1 and NPC2 genes). DBS samples from 450 suspected patients were received by the NPC Brazil network. Of these, 33 samples had elevated levels of lysoSM509, and in 25 of them, variants classified as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of unknown significance were identified in the NPC1 or NPC2 genes by next-generation sequencing. The quantification of lysoSM509 in DBS as a first-tier test for the diagnosis of NPC followed by molecular analysis of the NPC1 and NPC2 genes almost doubled the detection rate when compared to the performance of chitotriosidase activity as a first-tier biomarker, and it could likely be increased with the addition of a third tier with MLPA of the two genes involved. This strategy seems suitable for the neonatal screening (NBS) of NPC if this disease is eventually adopted by NBS programs.

Biochemical diagnosis of aromatic-L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCD) by assay of AADC activity in plasma using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC, EC 4.1.1.28) deficiency is a rare genetic disorder characterized by developmental delay, oculogyric crises, autonomic dysfunction and other problems, caused by biallelic mutations in the DDC gene leading to deficient activity of aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase, an enzyme involved in the formation of important neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. A clinical development program of gene therapy for AADC deficiency is ongoing. An important step for the success of this therapy is the early and precise identification of the affected individuals, but it has been estimated that around 90% of the cases remain undiagnosed. The availability measurement of the AADC activity is mandatory for an accurate biochemical diagnosis. Based on these statements, our objectives were to develop a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method suitable for the determination of the AADC activity, and to evaluate its capacity to confirm the deficiency of AADC in potential patients in Brazil. The AADC activities were measured in plasma samples of seven AADC deficient patients and 35 healthy controls, after enzymatic reaction and LC-MS/MS analysis of dopamine, the main reaction product. The results obtained showed clear discrimination between confirmed AADC deficient patients and healthy controls. The method presented here could be incorporated in the IEM laboratories for confirmation of the diagnosis of when a suspicion of AADC deficiency is present due to clinical signs and/or abnormal biomarkers, including when an increased level of 3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD) is found in dried blood spots (DBS) samples from high-risk patients or from newborn screening programs.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action (in vivo and in vitro) from the trunk barks of Cabreúva (Myrocarpus frondosus Allemao, Fabaceae).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Myrocarpus frondosus, known as cabreúva, is a tree whose trunk barks are used in folk medicine as tea, syrup, ointments, and tinctures for the treatment of inflammation. However, there is no scientific evidence demonstrating this activity. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present investigation was focused on evaluating the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of M. frondosus, using the in vitro model of RAW 264.7 macrophages induced by LPS and the in vivo model of mouse pleurisy induced by carrageenan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: M. frondosus trunk barks were dried at room temperature for seven days and subjected to exhaustive maceration with ethanol (70%) to obtain its crude extract (CE). CE was subjected to UPLC-HRMS analysis to establish its chemical profile. Its antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH method, reducing power by the iron (III) to iron (II) reduction assay and the ß-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assay. The RAW 264.7 macrophages were pretreated with the CE in a non-cytotoxic concentration and induced by LPS (1 µg/mL). After 24 h, using the supernatant, we evaluated the nitric oxide (NOx) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. The anti-inflammatory effects of CE (at doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) were evaluated on leukocyte migration (total and differential), exudate concentrations, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and adenosine-deaminase (ADA) activities, NOx, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-6 levels, by using a murine model of neutrophilic inflammation. RESULTS: The UPLC-HRMS of CE revealed the presence of isoflavonones, including biochanin A and formononetin. CE exhibited good antioxidant activity by quenching and decreasing free radicals, as well as reducing pro-oxidant metals. CE did not show cytotoxicity at a concentration below 11 µg/mL and reduced the secretion of the pro-inflammatory NOx in the inflamed macrophages. In vivo assay revealed that CE caused a pronounced inhibition on leukocyte migration, and this inhibition was due to its ability to reduce neutrophil migration. Moreover, CE was also able to reduce the release of critical pro-inflammatory mediators such as MPO, NOx, TNF-α, and IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: All these findings indicate that M. frondosus exhibited antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effect.

Simple and fast UPLC-MS method for quantifying the anti-inflammatory candidate 5'-methoxynobiletin in rat plasma: Validation and application in a preliminary pharmacokinetic study.

This study presents the development and validation of a fast and simple bioanalytical ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) method intended for quantifying the anti-inflammatory candidate 5'-methoxynobiletin (5'-MeONB) in rat plasma. Standard of 5'-MeONB was purified from A. conyzoides extract by using preparative HPLC. After a pretreatment of plasma samples with acetonitrile, chromatographic separations were efficiently achieved with a C18 column using a 9 min gradient system of 0.1% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile as eluent. Drug candidate 5'-MeONB and chrysin (internal standard, IS) detection were carried out using ESI+ through the extracted ion chromatograms approach, monitored at m/z 433.1494 (for 5'-MeONB, tR:1.78 min) and m/z 255.0657 (for IS, tR:1.57 min). Method was validated according to US FDA guidelines, presenting linearity (R2 > 0.999) over concentration range of 30-750 ng/mL. Relative standard deviation (RSD) of repeatability and intermediary precision respectively ranged between 1.93-3.65% and 2.16-7.54%, considering lower limit of quantitation (30 ng/mL) and quality control (90, 360 and 600 ng/mL) samples, while accuracy was between 82.51 and 109.44%. Moreover, no interference from plasma endogenous substances, no carryover effect, and no influence of extraction method even in hemolyzed blood samples were observed. Sample stability in auto-sampler and long-term -80 °C storage, as well as matrix effect were within acceptable limits. For the first time, using the validated UPLC-MS bioanalytical method, the plasma pharmacokinetics of 5'-MeONB following 2 mg/kg intravenous bolus dosing to Wistar rats was characterized allowing the determination of the parameters describing drug distribution and elimination.

Phytochemical profile of different anatomical parts of jambu (Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen): A comparison between hydroponic and conventional cultivation using PCA and cluster analysis.

Jambu [Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen] is an edible plant with a wide range of constituents of biological interest. In this study, the chemical composition of leaves, flowers and stems of jambu cultivated in hydroponic and conventional systems was investigated. In both crop systems, the leaves showed the highest total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and in vitro antioxidant capacity. The extracts were characterized by determining 45 compounds, including phenolic acids, glycosylated flavonoids, alkamides and fatty acids, by LC-MS analysis. Of these compounds, 31 are described for the first time in this species, five of which are reported for the first time in the literature. The PCA and cluster analysis results distinguished different anatomical parts (PC1 and PC2) and cultivation systems (PC3) into well-defined groups.

Cytotoxicity mechanisms in melanoma cells and UPLC-QTOF/MS2 chemical characterization of two Brazilian stingless bee propolis: Uncommon presence of piperidinic alkaloids.

The present study characterized propolis extracts produced by Scaptotrigona bipunctata (Tubuna) and Melipona quadrifasciata (Mandaçaia) by LC-MS/MS; their cytotoxicity as well as the mechanism of action in a melanoma cellular model were also assessed. The chemical characterization performed by UPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS2 analysis revealed uncommon presence of piperidinic alkaloids in Tubuna's propolis extract together with C-glycopyranoside flavonoids. Mandaçaia's propolis collected in the same area rather presented terpenoids and flavonoids. Regarding the mechanism of cytotoxicity, propolis extracts increased the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced the potential of mitochondrial membrane, induced a decrease in the proteins Bcl-2 and AKT-3 levels, and decreased melanoma cells' migration and invasion. Both propolis extracts induced apoptosis while only Mandaçaia's propolis extract induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M.

Simultaneous identification and quantification of polymethoxyflavones, coumarin and phenolic acids in Ageratum conyzoides by UPLC-ESI-QToF-MS and UPLC-PDA.

Ageratum conyzoides L. is a plant widely used in traditional medicine of tropical and subtropical regions for its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties. Nevertheless, the chemical composition of its medicinal preparation has not been yet accurately established. In this study, chromatographic methods were developed for the simultaneous identification and quantification of the main compounds in A. conyzoides aqueous extract, using UPLC-PDA-ESI-QToF-MS. The qualitative analyses defined by MS/MS analysis allowed the identification of 27 compounds in the aqueous extract, including the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, phenolic acids, coumarin and polymethoxyflavones. Among the metabolites, twelve were detected for the first time in the species. The quantitative method was validated according to the official guidelines, demonstrating to be specific, linear, precise, accurate and sensitive for the quantification of chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, coumarin (1,2-benzopyranone), 5,6,7,3',4',5'-hexamethoxyflavone, nobiletin, 5'-methoxynobiletin and eupalestin.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of standardized extract of polymethoxyflavones from Ageratum conyzoides.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ageratum conyzoides L. is a plant widely used in traditional medicine in tropical and subtropical regions of the world due to its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antibacterial properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: To characterize the standardized extract of polymethoxyflavones (SEPAc) from the plant and evaluate its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SEPAc purified from the ethanol extract of the plant leaves was characterized by high resolution mass spectrometry and the methoxyflavones were quantified by a validated UPLC-PDA method. The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the SEPAc were evaluated after oral administration on the acute nocifensive behavior of mice induced by formalin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß)) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in mice. RESULTS: Qualitative analyses revealed the presence of seven methoxyflavones in the SEPAc, also a simple UPLC-PDA method was developed and validated for the quantification of 5,6,7,3',4',5'-hexametoxyflavone; nobiletin; 5'-methoxynobiletin and eupalestin, major compounds in the extract. The SEPAc exhibited antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in both formalin phases, with significant inhibition of the paw edema formation and significant reduction of the nocifensive response induced by an intraplantar injection of PGE2 and intrathecal injection of interleukin-1ß. CONCLUSIONS: The SEPAc exhibited significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. These results provided scientific suggestion of its potential as a source of new medicines to treat inflammatory diseases, such rheumatoid arthritis.

Beneficial effect of Ageratum conyzoides Linn (Asteraceae) upon inflammatory response induced by carrageenan into the mice pleural cavity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ageratum conyzoides Linn (Asteraceae), a tropical plant that is very common in West Africa and some parts of Asia and South America, has been used to treat inflammatory disorders. In Brazil, teas made from A. conyzoides L. are used as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-diarrheic agents. Therefore, it is necessary to study the mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of A. conyzoides L. to support its medicinal use for treating inflammatory conditions. These studies will also support the development of effective pharmacological agents with potent anti-inflammatory properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the crude extract (CE), its derived fractions: ethanol (EtOH-F), hexane (HEX-F), ethyl acetate (EtOAc-F) and dichloromethane (DCM-F) and isolated compounds, such as 5'-methoxy nobiletin (MeONOB), 1,2-benzopyrone and eupalestin, which are obtained from the aerial parts of A. conyzoides L. MATERIALS AND METHODS: These evaluations were performed using an animal model of inflammation induced by carrageenan. The following inflammatory parameters were analysed: leukocyte influx, protein concentration of the exudate, myeloperoxidase (MPO), adenosine deaminase (ADA) and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) concentrations, interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 17A (IL-17A), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and phosphorylation of p65 subunit of NF-κB (p-p65 NF-κB), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p-p38 MAPK) were also analysed. RESULTS: CE, its EtOH-F, HEX-F, EtOAc-F and DCM-F and the isolated compounds, including MeONOB, 1,2-benzopyrone and eupalestin, significantly reduced leukocyte influx, protein concentration of the exudate, MPO, ADA, and NOx concentrations (p<0.05). CE, EtOH-F and isolated compounds significantly reduced IL-17A, IL-6, TNF and IFN-γ levels (p<0.05). CE, EtOH-F and isolated compound 1,2-benzopyrone also increased IL-10 levels (p<0.05). Isolated compounds, MeONOB, 1,2-benzopyrone and eupalestin, reduced p-p65 NF-κB and p-p38 MAPK (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that A. conyzoides L. exerts its important anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting leukocyte influx and protein concentration of the exudate, as well as reducing the levels of several pro-inflammatory mediators. The anti-inflammatory action of A. conyzoides L. may be because of the inhibition of p65 NF-κB and MAPK activation by the isolated compounds.

Macrocarpal-like Compounds from Eugenia umbelliflora Fruits and Their Antibacterial Activity.

Certain members of the genus Eugenia are used as foods. One of these species is Eugenia umbelliflora, which is used for its fruits. The aim of the study was to isolate the constituents of the CH2Cl2 fraction obtained from E. umbelliflora O. Berg (Myrtaceae) and also to evaluate its antimicrobial properties. Two new meroterpenoids, eugenial C (3) and eugenial D (4) were isolated from the unripe fruits of E. umbelliflora and their structures established mainly by extensive NMR spectroscopy. In previous studies, the CH2Cl2 extract showed significant antibacterial activity, which can be attributed to meroterpenoids isolated in this study. The compounds eugenials C and D exhibited potent activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus and different strains of MRSA and activity similar to those of the antibiotics used in antimicrobial therapies.

Euglobal-like compounds from the genus Eugenia.

Two regioisomeric meroterpenoids, Eugenial A and B, have been isolated from the fruits of Eugenia multiflora and their structures established on the basis of NMR evidences. They possess a phloroglucinol-monoterpene structure similar to the euglobals occurring in the sister genus Eucaliptus. A simple method to distinguish between regioisomeric pairs was pointed.

Phytochemical analysis of Vernonanthura tweedieana and a validated UPLC-PDA method for the quantification of eriodictyol

AbstractVernonanthura tweedieana (Baker) H. Rob., Asteraceae, is used in the Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In this work the phytochemical investigation of its ethanol extracts as well as the development and validation of an UPLC-PDA method for the quantification of the eriodictyol from the leaves were performed. The phytochemical study for this species lead to the identification of ethyl caffeate, naringenin and chrysoeriol in mixture, eriodictyol from leaves, and the mixture of 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-propan-1-one and evofolin B, apigenin, the mixture of caffeic and protocatechuic acid and luteolin from stems with roots, being reported for the first time for V. tweedieana, except for eriodictyol. The structural elucidation of all isolated compounds was achieved by 1H and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and in comparison with published data. An UPLC-PDA method for quantification of the eriodictyol in leaves of V. tweedieana was developed and validated for specificity, linearity, precision (repeatability and intermediate precision), limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy and robustness. In this study, an excellent linearity was obtained (r2 = 0.9999), good precision (repeatability RSD = 2% and intermediate precision RSD = 8%) and accuracy (average recovery from 98.6% to 99.7%). The content of eriodictyol in the extract of leaves of V. tweedieana was 41.40 ± 0.13 mg/g. Thus, this study allowed the optimization of a simple, fast and validated UPLC-PDA method which can be used to support the quality assessment of this herbal material.