Effects of motor imagery-based neurofeedback training after bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on post-stroke upper limb motor function: an exploratory crossover clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical effects of combining motor imagery-based neurofeedback training with bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for upper limb motor function in subacute and chronic stroke. DESIGN: Clinical trial following an AB/BA crossover design with counterbalanced assignment. SUBJECTS: Twenty individuals with subacute (n = 4) or chronic stroke (n = 16). METHODS: Ten consecutive sessions of bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation alone (therapy A) were compared vs a combination of10 consecutive sessions of bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation with 12 non-consecutive sessions of motor imagery-based neurofeedback training (therapy B). Patients received both therapies (1-month washout period), in sequence AB or BA. Participants were assessed before and after each therapy and at 15-days follow-up, using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-upper limb, hand-grip strength, and the Nottingham Sensory Assessment as primary outcome measures. RESULTS: Both therapies resulted in improved functionality and sensory function. Therapy B consistently exhibited superior effects compared with therapy A, according to Fugl-Meyer Assessment and tactile and kinaesthetic sensory function across multiple time-points, irrespective of treatment sequence. No statistically significant differences between therapies were found for hand-grip strength. CONCLUSION: Following subacute and chronic stroke, integrating bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and motor imagery-based neurofeedback training has the potential to enhance functional performance compared with using bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation alone in upper limb recovery.

Two is better? combining EEG and fMRI for BCI and neurofeedback: a systematic review.

Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are two commonly used non-invasive techniques for measuring brain activity in neuroscience and brain-computer interfaces (BCI).Objective. In this review, we focus on the use of EEG and fMRI in neurofeedback (NF) and discuss the challenges of combining the two modalities to improve understanding of brain activity and achieve more effective clinical outcomes. Advanced technologies have been developed to simultaneously record EEG and fMRI signals to provide a better understanding of the relationship between the two modalities. However, the complexity of brain processes and the heterogeneous nature of EEG and fMRI present challenges in extracting useful information from the combined data.Approach. We will survey existing EEG-fMRI combinations and recent studies that exploit EEG-fMRI in NF, highlighting the experimental and technical challenges.Main results. We made a classification of the different combination of EEG-fMRI for NF, we provide a review of multimodal analysis methods for EEG-fMRI features. We also survey the current state of research on EEG-fMRI in the different existing NF paradigms. Finally, we also identify some of the remaining challenges in this field.Significance. By exploring EEG-fMRI combinations in NF, we are advancing our knowledge of brain function and its applications in clinical settings. As such, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and engineers working in the field of neural engineering and rehabilitation, highlighting the promising future of EEG-fMRI-based NF.

Medicinal plant Miconia albicans synergizes with ampicillin and ciprofloxacin against multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: Given the rising occurrence of antibiotic resistance due to the existence and ongoing development of resistant bacteria and phenotypes, the identification of new treatments and sources of antimicrobial agents is of utmost urgency. An important strategy for tackling bacterial resistance involves the utilization of drug combinations, and natural products derived from plants hold significant potential as a rich source of bioactive compounds that can act as effective adjuvants. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the antibacterial potential and the chemical composition of Miconia albicans, a Brazilian medicinal plant used to treat various diseases. METHODS: Ethanolic extracts from leaves and stems of M. albicans were obtained and subsequently partitioned to give the corresponding hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and hydromethanolic phases. All extracts and phases had their chemical constitution investigated by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS and GC-MS and were assessed for their antibiofilm and antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, their individual effects and synergistic potential in combination with antibiotics were examined against clinical strains of both S. aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. In addition, 10 isolated compounds were obtained from the leaves phases and used for confirmation of the chemical profiles and for antibacterial assays. RESULTS: Based on the chemical profile analysis, 32 compounds were successfully or tentatively identified, including gallic and ellagic acid derivatives, flavonol glycosides, triterpenes and pheophorbides. Extracts and phases obtained from the medicinal plant M. albicans demonstrated synergistic effects when combined with the commercial antibiotics ampicillin and ciprofloxacin, against multi-drug resistant bacteria S. aureus and A. baumannii, restoring their antibacterial efficacy. Extracts and phases also exhibited antibiofilm property against S. aureus. Three key compounds commonly found in the samples, namely gallic acid, quercitrin, and corosolic acid, did not exhibit significant antibacterial activity when assessed individually or in combination with antibiotics against clinical bacterial strains. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that M. albicans exhibits remarkable adjuvant potential for enhancing the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs against resistant bacteria.

Brain activation by a VR-based motor imagery and observation task: An fMRI study.

Training motor imagery (MI) and motor observation (MO) tasks is being intensively exploited to promote brain plasticity in the context of post-stroke rehabilitation strategies. This may benefit from the use of closed-loop neurofeedback, embedded in brain-computer interfaces (BCI's) to provide an alternative non-muscular channel, which may be further augmented through embodied feedback delivered through virtual reality (VR). Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in a group of healthy adults to map brain activation elicited by an ecologically-valid task based on a VR-BCI paradigm called NeuRow, whereby participants perform MI of rowing with the left or right arm (i.e., MI), while observing the corresponding movement of the virtual arm of an avatar (i.e., MO), on the same side, in a first-person perspective. We found that this MI-MO task elicited stronger brain activation when compared with a conventional MI-only task based on the Graz BCI paradigm, as well as to an overt motor execution task. It recruited large portions of the parietal and occipital cortices in addition to the somatomotor and premotor cortices, including the mirror neuron system (MNS), associated with action observation, as well as visual areas related with visual attention and motion processing. Overall, our findings suggest that the virtual representation of the arms in an ecologically-valid MI-MO task engage the brain beyond conventional MI tasks, which we propose could be explored for more effective neurorehabilitation protocols.

NeuXus open-source tool for real-time artifact reduction in simultaneous EEG-fMRI.

The simultaneous acquisition of electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG-fMRI) allows the complementary study of the brain's electrophysiology and hemodynamics with high temporal and spatial resolution. One application with great potential is neurofeedback training of targeted brain activity, based on the real-time analysis of the EEG and/or fMRI signals. This depends on the ability to reduce in real time the severe artifacts affecting the EEG signal acquired with fMRI, mainly the gradient and pulse artifacts. A few methods have been proposed for this purpose, but they are either slow, hardware-dependent, publicly unavailable, or proprietary software. Here, we present a fully open-source and publicly available tool for real-time EEG artifact reduction in simultaneous EEG-fMRI recordings that is fast and applicable to any hardware. Our tool is integrated in the Python toolbox NeuXus for real-time EEG processing and adapts to a real-time scenario well-established artifact average subtraction methods combined with a long short-term memory network for R peak detection. We benchmarked NeuXus on three different datasets, in terms of artifact power reduction and background signal preservation in resting state, alpha-band power reactivity to eyes closure, and event-related desynchronization during motor imagery. We showed that NeuXus performed at least as well as the only available real-time tool for conventional hardware setups (BrainVision's RecView) and a well-established offline tool (EEGLAB's FMRIB plugin). We also demonstrated NeuXus' real-time ability by reporting execution times under 250 ms. In conclusion, we present and validate the first fully open-source and hardware-independent solution for real-time artifact reduction in simultaneous EEG-fMRI studies.

Effects of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Garcinia gardneriana Leaves in an In Vivo Experimental Model Induced by a Hyperlipidic Diet.

The study of medicinal plants, such as the genus Garcinia (Clusiaceae), in the treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases has aroused the interest of researchers. However, there are no studies in the literature that have investigated the effects of Garcinia gardneriana in experimental models of obesity for possible metabolic alterations. Swiss mice receiving a high-fat diet were supplemented with aqueous or ethanolic extract of G. gardneriana at doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg/day. It was found that there was a reduction in food consumption in experimental groups compared with the control groups, and the group supplemented with aqueous extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg/daydisplayed a reduction in weight. The results showed an increase in the values of high density lipoprotein (HDL-c), total cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose. G. gardneriana did not protect against insulin resistance, and caused in an increase in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) concentrations and a reduction in interleukin 10 (IL-10). In addition, hepatic steatosis and microvesicular steatosis were indicated. It was revealed that, under the experimental conditions in the study, G. gardneriana did not prevent weight gain or comorbidities; that is, a different behavior was obtained from that described in the literature with regard to the medicinal potential of the Garcinia species, which is probably related to the phytochemical properties.

Glucose-Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles as a Potential New Therapy Agent Targeting Hormone-Resistant Prostate Cancer cells.

Purpose: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have shown great potential as anticancer agents, namely in therapies' resistant forms of cancer. The progression of prostate cancer (PCa) to resistant forms of the disease (castration-resistant PCa, CRPC) is associated with poor prognosis and life quality, with current limited therapeutic options. CRPC is characterized by a high glucose consumption, which poses as an opportunity to direct AgNPs to these cancer cells. Thus, this study explores the effect of glucose functionalization of AgNPs in PCa and CRPC cell lines (LNCaP, Du-145 and PC-3). Methods: AgNPs were synthesized, further functionalized, and their physical and chemical composition was characterized both in water and in culture medium, through UV-visible spectrum, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Their effect was assessed in the cell lines regarding AgNPs' entering pathway, cellular proliferation capacity, ROS production, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis evaluation. Results: AgNPs displayed an average size of 61nm and moderate monodispersity with a slight increase after functionalization, and a round shape. These characteristics remained stable when redispersed in culture medium. Both AgNPs and G-AgNPs were cytotoxic only to CRPC cells and not to hormone-sensitive ones and their effect was higher after functionalization showing the potential of glucose to favor AgNPs' uptake by cancer cells. Entering through endocytosis and being encapsulated in lysosomes, the NPs increased the ROS, inducing mitochondrial damage, and arresting cell cycle in S Phase, therefore blocking proliferation, and inducing apoptosis. Conclusion: The nanoparticles synthesized in the present study revealed good characteristics and stability for administration to cancer cells. Their uptake through endocytosis leads to promising cytotoxic effects towards CRPC cells, revealing the potential of G-AgNPs as a future therapeutic approach to improve the management of patients with PCa resistant to hormone therapy or metastatic disease.

Nutraceutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds of Eugenia dysenterica DC in Metabolic Alterations.

The fruit and leaves of Eugenia dysenterica DC., locally known as cagaita, are rich in antioxidant glycosylated quercetin derivatives and phenolic compounds that have beneficial effects on diabetes mellitus, hypertension and general inflammation. We conducted a literature search to investigate the nutraceutical potentials of these phenolic compounds for treating obesity, diabetes mellitus and intestinal inflammatory disease. The phenolic compounds in E. dysenterica have demonstrated effects on carbohydrate metabolism, which can prevent the development of these chronic diseases and reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and hypertension. E. dysenterica also improves intestinal motility and microbiota and protects gastric mucosa, thereby preventing inflammation. However, studies are necessary to identify the mechanism by which E. dysenterica nutraceutical compounds act on such pathological processes to support future research.

New Approaches Based on Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Mental Representation Techniques Targeting Pain in Parkinson's Disease Patients: Two Study Protocols for Two Randomized Controlled Trials.

Pain is an under-reported but prevalent symptom in Parkinson's Disease (PD), impacting patients' quality of life. Both pain and PD conditions cause cortical excitability reduction and non-invasive brain stimulation. Mental representation techniques are thought to be able to counteract it, also resulting effectively in chronic pain conditions. We aim to conduct two independent studies in order to evaluate the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and mental representation protocol in the management of pain in PD patients during the ON state: (1) tDCS over the Primary Motor Cortex (M1); and (2) Action Observation (AO) and Motor Imagery (MI) training through a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) using Virtual Reality (AO + MI-BCI). Both studies will include 32 subjects in a longitudinal prospective parallel randomized controlled trial design under different blinding conditions. The main outcomes will be score changes in King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale, Brief Pain Inventory, Temporal Summation, Conditioned Pain Modulation, and Pain Pressure Threshold. Assessment will be performed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 15 days post-intervention, in both ON and OFF states.

Therapeutic Effects of Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Noni) Aqueous Fruit Extract on the Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in High-Fat/High-Fructose-Fed Swiss Mice.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of two different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg) of Morinda citrifolia fruit aqueous extract (AE) in high-fat/high-fructose-fed Swiss mice. The food intake, body weight, serum biochemical, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as well as histological analyses of the liver, pancreatic, and epididymal adipose tissue, were used to determine the biochemical and histological parameters. The chemical profile of the extract was determined by ultra-fast liquid chromatography-diode array detector-tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-DAD-MS), and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate the gene expressions involved in the lipid and glucose metabolism, such as peroxisome proliferative-activated receptors-γ (PPAR-γ), -α (PPAR-α), fatty acid synthase (FAS), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P), sterol regulatory binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP), and fetuin-A. Seventeen compounds were tentatively identified, including iridoids, noniosides, and the flavonoid rutin. The higher dose of AE (AE 500 mg/kg) was demonstrated to improve the glucose tolerance; however, both doses did not have effects on the other metabolic and histological parameters. AE at 500 mg/kg downregulated the PPAR-γ, SREBP-1c, and fetuin-A mRNA in the liver and upregulated the PPAR-α mRNA in white adipose tissue, suggesting that the hypoglycemic effects could be associated with the expression of genes involved in de novo lipogenesis.

Medicinal Potential of Garcinia Species and Their Compounds.

Garcinia is a genus of Clusiaceae, distributed throughout tropical Asia, Africa, New Caledonia, Polynesia, and Brazil. Garcinia plants contain a broad range of biologically active metabolites which, in the last few decades, have received considerable attention due to the chemical compositions of their extracts, with compounds which have been shown to have beneficial effects in several diseases. Our work had the objective of reviewing the benefits of five Garcinia species (G. brasiliensis, G. gardneriana, G. pedunculata, G. cambogia, and G. mangstana). These species provide a rich natural source of bioactive compounds with relevant therapeutic properties and anti-inflammatory effects, such as for the treatment of skin disorders, wounds, pain, and infections, having demonstrated antinociceptive, antioxidant, antitumoral, antifungal, anticancer, antihistaminic, antiulcerogenic, antimicrobial, antiviral, vasodilator, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and cardioprotective properties. This demonstrates the relevance of the genus as a rich source of compounds with valuable therapeutic properties, with potential use in the prevention and treatment of nontransmissible chronic diseases.

Chemical profile and gastroprotective effect of Jatropha elliptica (Pohl) Oken roots.

Jatropha elliptica (Pohl) Oken (Euphorbiaceae) roots are used in folk medicine to treat gastric ulcers. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of ethanol extract (JER) and hexane fraction (ERH) of J. elliptica roots in mice, as well as to analyze the acute toxicity of the extract and identify the potential active compounds. No signs of toxicity were observed in JER. In both acidified ethanol and indometacin-induced gastric ulcer models, all doses tested of JER and ERH significantly reduced gastric lesions. Dereplication of JER was performed by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and resulted in the annotation of compounds fraxetin, propacin, jatrophone and jatropholones A and B. GC-MS analysis of ERH revealed the diterpenes jatrophone, jatropholone A and jatropholone B as the major components. The chemical study of this fraction has led to the isolation of these compounds, in addition to the sequiterpene cyperenoic acid and the diterpene 2ß-hydroxyjatrophone, both reported for the first time in J. elliptica. The isolated compounds were tested against L929 cells and only cyperenoic acid and the mixture of jatropholones A and B did not show toxicity, being then selected as good candidates for bioassays using acidified ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. Cyperenoic acid significantly decreased gastric lesions and preserved gastric mucus layer. The mixture of jatropholones A and B caused a smaller reduction of gastric lesions, without preservation of the gastric mucus layer. The study showed that J. elliptica roots present gastroprotective activity in mice, without causing acute toxic effects. The activity is related, at least in part, to the occurrence of terpenes, mainly the sesquiterpene cyperenoic acid.

Antiproliferative Activity and Antioxidant Potential of Extracts of Garcinia gardneriana.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity, the antioxidant potential, and the chemical profile obtained from the whole fruit and from leaves of Garcinia gardneriana, a fruit tree from Brazilian Cerrado. To determine in vitro antiproliferative activity, the following neoplastic cell lines were considered, along with an immortalized nontumor cell line. The antioxidant potential was determined, and the evaluation of antiradical air activity was performed. The levels of vitamin C and carotenoids were determined. The chemical profile was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector and a mass spectrometer using electrospray ionization interface. The chloroform fraction of the leaf showed antioxidant activity. The vitamin C content had lower values in fruits and higher in leaves. The content of carotenoids for fruits and leaves was expressive. The ethanolic extract and the hexane and chloroform fractions of fruits were active in all neoplastic lines tested. The leaves showed cytotoxic activity in the hexane fraction in the breast carcinoma line. The analysis of data obtained verified the presence of dimers, monomers, and tetramers of hexoses, polycarboxylic acids, xanthones, flavonoids, biflavonoids, and benzophenones.

The versatile biomedical applications of bismuth-based nanoparticles and composites: therapeutic, diagnostic, biosensing, and regenerative properties.

Studies of nanosized forms of bismuth (Bi)-containing materials have recently expanded from optical, chemical, electronic, and engineering fields towards biomedicine, as a result of their safety, cost-effective fabrication processes, large surface area, high stability, and high versatility in terms of shape, size, and porosity. Bi, as a nontoxic and inexpensive diamagnetic heavy metal, has been used for the fabrication of various nanoparticles (NPs) with unique structural, physicochemical, and compositional features to combine various properties, such as a favourably high X-ray attenuation coefficient and near-infrared (NIR) absorbance, excellent light-to-heat conversion efficiency, and a long circulation half-life. These features have rendered bismuth-containing nanoparticles (BiNPs) with desirable performance for combined cancer therapy, photothermal and radiation therapy (RT), multimodal imaging, theranostics, drug delivery, biosensing, and tissue engineering. Bismuth oxyhalides (BiOx, where X is Cl, Br or I) and bismuth chalcogenides, including bismuth oxide, bismuth sulfide, bismuth selenide, and bismuth telluride, have been heavily investigated for therapeutic purposes. The pharmacokinetics of these BiNPs can be easily improved via the facile modification of their surfaces with biocompatible polymers and proteins, resulting in enhanced colloidal stability, extended blood circulation, and reduced toxicity. Desirable antibacterial effects, bone regeneration potential, and tumor growth suppression under NIR laser radiation are the main biomedical research areas involving BiNPs that have opened up a new paradigm for their future clinical translation. This review emphasizes the synthesis and state-of-the-art progress related to the biomedical applications of BiNPs with different structures, sizes, and compositions. Furthermore, a comprehensive discussion focusing on challenges and future opportunities is presented.

Genotoxicity, anti-melanoma and antioxidant activities of Hymenaea courbaril L. seed extract.

Hymenaea courbaril has been used to treat different diseases, although its properties are yet to be scientifically validated. The objective of this study was to determine the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, antigenotoxicity and antioxidant potentials of hydroethanolic extract from H. courbaril seeds. Therefore, for the cytotoxicity test an anti-melanoma assay was performed in B16F10 strain cells. The genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity was evaluated in bone marrow cells (Permit number: 002/2010) of mice, the antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH test and the total flavonoid content was also determined. The hydroethanolic extract showed antigenotoxic effect and antioxidant activity. It was verified that total flavonoid content was 442.25±18.03 mg RE/g dry extract. HPLC-PAD chromatogram revealed presence of flavones as majority compound in evaluated extract. The results allowed us to also infer that the hydroethanolic extract from seeds shows cytotoxic activity against B16F10 melanoma cells line and it has dose-and-time-dependency.

Comparison of Visual and Auditory Modalities for Upper-Alpha EEG-Neurofeedback.

Electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback (NF) training has been shown to produce long-lasting effects on the improvement of cognitive function as well as the normalization of aberrant brain activity in disease. However, the impact of the sensory modality used as the NF reinforcement signal on training effectiveness has not been systematically investigated. In this work, an EEG-based NF-training system was developed targeting the individual upper-alpha (UA) band and using either a visual or an auditory reinforcement signal, so as to compare the effects of the two sensory modalities. Sixteen healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to the Visual or Auditory group, where a radius-varying sphere or a volume-varying sound, respectively, reflected the relative amplitude of UA measured at EEG electrode Cz. Each participant underwent a total of four NF sessions, of approximately 40 min each, on consecutive days. Both groups showed significant increases in UA at Cz within sessions, and also across sessions. Effects subsequent to NF training were also found beyond the target frequency UA and scalp location Cz, namely in the lower-alpha and theta bands and in posterior brain regions, respectively. Only small differences were found on the EEG between the Visual and Auditory groups, suggesting that auditory reinforcement signals may be as effective as the more commonly used visual signals. The use of auditory NF may potentiate training protocols conducted under mobile conditions, which are now possible due to the increasing availability of wireless EEG systems.

Antiproliferative Activity of Extracts of Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg and Isolated Compound Dimethylchalcone Against B16-F10 Murine Melanoma.

Campomanesia adamantium, a native species of the Brazilian Cerrado, is characterized as a natural source of phenolic compounds and has known potential anticancer activities. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical profile of dichloromethane extracts of pulp (DEGPU) and peel (DEGPE) from the fruits of C. adamantium and to identify compounds with antiproliferative effects in vitro against melanoma cells by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, apoptosis induction assay, caspase-3 activation assay, nitric oxide (NO) release in coculture of B16-F10 cells and murine peritoneal macrophages. The chemical profiles of DEGPU and DEGPE were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and mass spectrometer using the electrospray ionization interface (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS). Thirteen compounds were identified in both extracts and the chromatographic study of the most active extract in SRB assay DEGPU (GI50 of 16.17 µg/mL) resulted in the isolation of seven compounds. The isolated compound dimethylchalcone (DMC) had the highest antiproliferative activity against B16-F10 with a GI50 of 7.11 µg/mL. DEGPU extract activated caspase-3 in 29% of cells at 25 µg/mL and caused a 50% decrease in NO release in coculture. DEGPU can be characterized as a source of bioactive compounds such as DMC, as seen from its antiproliferative effect in vitro by inducing B16-F10 cells to undergo apoptosis, essential feature in the search for new anticancer drugs.

Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Pequi) fixed oil presents hypolipemic and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro.

Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Pequi) is found in southern Ceará, where the fruit is used as food and in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, and to promote healing. However, little is known about the effects of repeated administration of its oil on the biochemical parameters of the blood. This work aimed to evaluate the effects Caryocar coriaceum fixed oil (OFCC); on the lipid profiles of healthy mice, on dyslipidemia induced by tyloxapol, and to study its anti-inflammatory effect both in vivo and in vitro. The results revealed significant reduction in total serum cholesterol and triglycerides, and an increase in HDL-C. The paw edema (induced by carrageenan) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), in polymorphonuclear culture cells, was reduced at all dose levels. Results demonstrated that Caryocar coriaceum's fix oil present anti-inflammatory activity and, for the first time describe the hypolipidemic effects, supporting its traditional use and suggest that present a potential cardioprotective effect.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Croton urucurana Baillon bark.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Croton urucurana (Euphorbiaceae) is popularly used in Brazil to treat inflammatory processes, pain, and gastric ulcers. AIM OF STUDY: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of the methanol extract from the bark of C. urucurana (MECu) in mice and identify its chemical constituents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extract was characterized by UHPLC-DAD-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Extract doses of 25, 100, and 400mg/kg were employed in the biological assays. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity was based on paw edema and leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity of mice, both induced by carrageenan. Abdominal writhing caused by acetic acid and duration of formalin-induced paw-licking were the models employed to evaluate antinociceptive activity. RESULTS: Ten compounds were identified in the extract: (+)-gallocatechin (1), procyanidin B3 (2), (+)-catechin (3), (-)-epicatechin (4), tembetarine (5), magnoflorine (6), taspine (7), methyl-3-oxo-12-epi-barbascoate (8), methyl-12-epi-barbascoate (9), and hardwickiic acid (10). This is the first report of compounds 2, 4, 6, 7, and 10 in C. urucurana and compound 5 in the genus Croton. In addition to inhibiting paw edema and leukocyte recruitment (particularly of polymorphonuclear cells) into the peritoneal cavity of mice, MECu reduced the number of abdominal writhings induced by acetic acid and the duration of formalin-induced paw licking. CONCLUSIONS: The methanol extract of C. urucurana bark exhibited anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties, corroborating its use in folk medicine. These effects may be related to the presence of diterpenes, alkaloids, and flavonoids.