Anti-hyperglycemic potential and chemical constituents of Aristolochia triangularis Cham. leaves - A medicinal species native to Brazilian forests.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aristolochia triangularis Cham. has been used in Brazilian traditional medicine for various therapeutic purposes, including as a leaf-based infusion for diabetes management. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to chemically characterize an infusion of in natura A. triangularis leaves and evaluate the in vivo anti-hyperglycemic properties of this infusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemical composition was examined using liquid-liquid extraction procedure, chromatographic methods, NMR, and LC-MS/MS. The in vivo anti-hyperglycemic activity of the freeze-dried infusion of A. triangularis leaves (Inf-L-At) was assessed using oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Initially, normoglycemic male rats were pre-treated with orally administered Inf-L-At at doses of 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg for two consecutive days. On the day of the OGTT, fasting animals received a glucose load (4 g/kg) 30 min after treatment with Inf-L-At, and the blood glucose levels were verified at 15, 30, 60, and 180 min. Intestinal maltase, lactase, and sucrase activities and muscle and liver glycogen contents were also assessed after the OGTT. RESULTS: Inf-L-At extract led to glycemic reduction with no dose-response at 15, 30, and 60 min comparable to that of the antidiabetic drug glibenclamide and was accompanied by an increase in hepatic and muscle glycogen contents. Additionally, there was a significant statistically decrease in the in vitro activity of disaccharidases. Maltase and sucrase activities were inhibited at all doses, whereas lactase activity was inhibited only at 62.5 and 250 mg/kg. In total, 75 compounds were found in the infusion, including seven new ones, (7S*,8S*,7ꞌS*,8ꞌR*)-4,4ꞌ-dihydroxy-3,3ꞌ-dimethoxy-7,9ꞌ-epoxylignan-7ꞌ-ol; 4ꞌ-hydroxy-3ꞌ-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxy-7,9ꞌ-epoxylignan-9,7ꞌ-diol; triangularisines A, B, and C; N-ethyl-N-methyl-affineine; and N-methyl pachyconfine, and one previously not described as a natural product, epi-secoisolariciresinol monomethyl ether. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated the anti-hyperglycemic activity of the infusion from A. triangularis leaves and showed that it is a rich source of lignoids, alkaloids, and glycosylated flavonoids, which are known to exhibit antidiabetic effects and other biological properties that can be beneficial for patients with chronic hyperglycemia, thus certifying the popular use of this herbal drink.

Biological potentialities and chemical composition of Tarenaya aculeata roots and stems

Plant extracts are rich in secondary metabolites responsible for numerous biological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, antibacterial and photoprotective potentials, toxicity and chemical composition of extracts and fractions of stems and roots of Tarenaya aculeata. Phytochemical analyses were performed at qualitative and quantitative levels to evaluate the classes of secondary metabolites. The sun protection factor (SPF) and antioxidant potentials were determined spectrophotometrically, the antibacterial activity was tested against seven bacteria and the toxicity was evaluated using Artemia salina assay. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and saponins. The levels of phenolic compounds, tannins and alkaloids, SPF and antioxidant potentials showed greater results in the stem (SF) and root (RF) fractions in relation to the stem (SE) and root (RE) extracts. All samples exhibited a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, with MIC values ranging from 31.25 to 250 Hg mL-1. SE, SF and RF caused mortality in A. salina larvae, with LC50 of 347.06, 34.71 and 85.39 ng mL-1, respectively, whereas RE was non-toxic. Thus, T. aculeata is rich in bioactive secondary metabolites, although further studies will be needed to characterize its chemical constituents and investigate their adverse effects.

Los extractos de plantas son ricos en metabolitos secundarios responsables de numerosas actividades biológicas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el potencial antioxidante, antibacteriano y fotoprotector, ademas de la toxicidad y la composición química de extractos y fracciones de tallos y raíces de Tarenaya aculeata. Se realizaron análisis fitoquímicos a nivel cualitativo y cuantitativo para evaluar las clases de metabolitos secundarios. El factor de protección solar (SPF) y los potenciales antioxidantes se determinaron espectrofotométricamente, la actividad antibacteriana se probó contra siete bacterias y la toxicidad se evaluó mediante el ensayo con Artemia salina. El tamizaje fitoquímico reveló la presencia de alcaloides, compuestos fenólicos, flavonoides, glucósidos, taninos y saponinas. Los niveles de compuestos fenólicos, taninos y alcaloides, SPF y potencial antioxidante mostraron mayores resultados en las fracciones de tallo (SF) y raíz (RF) en relación a los extractos de tallo (SE) y raíz (RE). Todas las muestras exhibieron actividad antibacteriana de amplio espectro, con valores de MIC que oscilaron entre 31,25 y 250 Hg mL-1. SE, SF y RF causaron mortalidad en larvas de A. salina, con CL50 de 347,06; 34,71 y 85,39 µg mL-1, respectivamente, mientras que RE no fue tóxico. Por tanto, T. aculeata es rica en metabolitos secundarios bioactivos, aunque se necesitarán más estudios para caracterizar sus componentes químicos e investigar sus efectos adversos.

Extratos vegetais são ricos em metabólitos secundários responsáveis por inúmeras atividades biológicas. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os potenciais antioxidante, antibacteriano e fotoprotetor, toxicidade e composição química de extratos e frações de caules e raízes de Tarenaya aculeata. Análises fitoquímicas foram realizadas em níveis qualitativo e quantitativo para avaliar as classes de metabólitos secundários. Fator de proteção solar (FPS) e potenciais antioxidantes foram determinados espectrofotometricamente, a atividade antibacteriana testada contra sete bactérias e a toxicidade avaliada pelo ensaio com Artemia salina. A triagem fitoquímica revelou a presença de alcaloides, compostos fenólicos, flavonoides, glicosídeos, taninos e saponinas. Os teores de compostos fenólicos, taninos e alcaloides, FPS e potencial antioxidante apresentaram maiores resultados nas frações caule (SF) e raiz (RF) em relação aos extratos de caule (SE) e raiz (RE). Todas as amostras exibiram atividade antibacteriana de amplo espectro, com valores de MIC variando de 31,25 a 250 µg mL-1. SE, SF e RF causaram mortalidade em larvas de A. salina, com LC50 de 347,06, 34,71 e 85,39 Hg mL-1, respectivamente, enquanto RE não foi tóxico. Portanto, T. aculeata é rico em metabólitos secundários bioativos, embora mais estudos sejam necessários para caracterizar seus constituintes químicos e investigar seus efeitos adversos.

Photoprotective action, anti-oxidant activity, and toxicity of aqueous extracts of Campomanesia sessiliflora O. Berg / Acción fotoprotectora, actividad antioxidante y toxicidad de extractos acuosos de Campomanesia sessiliflora O. Berg / Ação fotoprotetora, atividade antioxidante e toxicidade de extratos aquosos de Campomanesia sessiliflora O. Berg

Abstract Campomanesia sessiliflora O. Berg is a medicinal plant that is object of very few studies in the literature. In this context, the antioxidant activity, sun protection factor (SPF) and toxicity in Artemiasalina Leachs were analysed, as well as the contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins in aqueous extracts prepared by infusion and maceration of C. sessiliflora leaves. Maceration showed higher levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids regarding infusion and the two samples had the same tannin content. The LD50 was similar for the extracts, both were considered as low toxicity in the test with A. salina. Infusion presented a SPF of 9.98, while maceration presented a SPF of 6.74. Maceration presented better contents of secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity and infusion presented a better SPF. The extracts have the potential of incorporation into multifunctional products.

Resumen Campomanesia sessiliflora O. Berg es una planta medicinal que tiene pocos estudios en la literatura. En este contexto, se analizó la actividad antioxidante, factor de protección solar (FPS) y toxicidad en lixiviados de Artemia salina, así como el contenido de compuestos fenólicos, flavonoides y taninos en extractos acuosos preparados por infusión y maceración de hojas de C. sessiliflora. La maceración mostró niveles más altos de compuestos fenólicos y flavonoides, en relación con la infusión, y las dos muestras tuvieron el mismo contenido de taninos. La DL50 fue similar para los extractos, considerándose ambas muestras de baja toxicidad en el ensayo con A. salina. La infusión presentó un FPS de 9,98, mientras que la maceración tuvo un FPS de 6,74. La maceración mostró niveles más altos de metabolitos secundarios y actividad antioxidante y la infusión mostró un mejor FPS. Los extractos muestran potencial para incorporarse a productos multifuncionales.

Resumo Campomanesia sessiliflora O. Berg é uma planta medicinal que apresenta poucos estudos na literatura. Neste contexto, foram analisados a atividade antioxidante, fator de proteção solar (FPS) e toxicidade em Artemia salina Leachs, assim como os teores de compostos fenólicos, flavonoides e taninos dos extratos aquosos preparados por infusão e maceração das folhas de C. sessiliflora. A maceração apresentou maior teores de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides em relação a infusão e as duas amostras apresentaram o mesmo teor de taninos. O DL50 foi semelhante para os extratos, ambas amostras sendo consideradas como baixa toxicidade no ensaio com A. salina. A infusão apresentou FPS de 9,98, enquanto que a maceração o FPS foi de 6,74. A maceração apresentou maiores teores de metabólitos secundários e atividade antioxidante e a infusão apresentou melhor FPS. Os extratos apresentam potencial para a incorporação em produtos multifuncionais.

General and genetic toxicology studies of Aleurites moluccana (L.) Willd. seeds in vitro and in vivo assays.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Aleurites moluccana is popularly used for the diseases like ulcers, fever, headache, asthma, conjunctivitis, gonorrhea, inflammation, hepatitis, and rheumatism. The seed, also known as "noz da Índia", has been popularly consumed for weight loss purposes but reports of toxicity have been associated with its ingestion. In the literature, there are not enough studies to elucidate its toxicology, so evaluating the general and genetic toxicological of A. moluccana seeds can provide data to ensure their intake. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of the present study was to elucidate the oral toxicity, mutagenicity, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of A. moluccana seeds in vitro and in vivo assays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical composition of the aqueous extract of A. moluccana seeds (AEAMS) was analyzed in relation to phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids and fatty acid. For the in vitro assays, the cytotoxic potential was assessed by the MTS assay whereas the mutagenic potential was assessed by the Ames test. For in vivo assays, was conducted an acute oral toxicity study, with "Up-and-Down Procedure" and repeated dose toxicity with "Repeated Dose 28-Day Oral Toxicity". To assess genetic damage, mutagenic potential was assessed by the micronucleus test whereas the polychromatic erythrocyte/normochromatic erythrocyte ratio was obtained with bone marrow cells to determine the cytotoxic potential and genotoxic potential was assessed by the comet assay using peripheral blood cells. RESULTS: AEAMS did not show cytotoxic and mutagenic potential in vitro. No clinical signs of toxicity were observed in animals after the acute oral toxicity test, suggesting that the LD50 of aqueous extract of A. moluccana seeds > 2000 mg/kg in a single dose by intragastric route. However, in toxicity at repeated doses for 28 days, the doses initially established (250; 500 and 750 mg/kg/day by intragastric route) caused mortality in the animals and the reestablished doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day by intragastric route) showed no changes in parameters or clinical signs attributed to toxicity. Furthermore, AEAMS also did not show mutagenic, genotoxic and cytotoxic potential in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: AEAMS did not show cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic potential in vitro and in vivo. And although the AEAMS has an LD50 > 2000 mg/kg, and does not have physiological, biochemical, hematological, histopathological changes or clinical signs related to toxicity when administered in low concentrations and for a short period, in high concentrations and continued use caused toxicity and mortality in Wistar rats. In order to obtain complementary results, is recommended highly that further mid and long-term toxicological studies are investigated, and in no-rodent specie.

Anti-inflammatory properties of ethanolic extract from Vatairea macrocarpa leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Brazilian traditional folk medicine, the leaves and heartwood from Vatairea macrocarpa (Benth) Ducke (Angelim-of-Cerrado) (Fabaceae family) are used as remedy after cold maceration for the treatment of the condition popularly known as rheumatism, as well as for the general inflammatory aspects such as pains, injury and swelling. The rheumatological and rheumatic diseases affect 0.3-1.0% of the world population and all long-term treatment with conventional medications lead to adverse effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the chemical composition and the anti-inflammatory properties and of the ethanolic extract from V. macrocarpa leaves (EEVM) in experimental models. MATERIAL AND METHODS: EEVM was chemically analyzed by spectrophotometry and the compounds characterization was performed by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. EEVM was evaluated in methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) (3, 10, 30, and 90 µg/ml) and neutrophils phagocytic activity (1, 3, and 10 µg/ml) tests. For in vivo models, the EEVM (10, 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) was orally administered (p.o.) for inflammatory evaluation in carrageenan-induced pleurisy in Swiss mice. The EEVM (30 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) was tested against the Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA)-induced paw persistent inflammation and Mycobacterium bovis (bacillus Calmette-Guerin - BCG)-induced pleurisy in C57bL6 mice. RESULTS: The chemical composition of EEVM showed 157.06 mg (GAE)/g in relation to phenolic compounds, 82.13 mg (RUE)/g in relation to flavonoids and 48.99 mg (TAE)/g in relation to tannins. The flavonoid compounds identified were catechin, epicatechin and kaempferol-3-O-a-l-rhamnopyranoside. EEVM did not present cytotoxicity in MTT assay, however EEVM reduced phagocytic neutrophils activity at all tested concentration. EEVM significantly inhibited leukocytes migration/proteins exudation in carrageenan-induced pleurisy model. The daily administration of EEVM inhibited the inflammatory parameters in BCG and CFA models. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed anti-inflammatory features of EEVM (V. macrocarpa) as a natural agent against inflammatory diseases.

Investigation of the antioxidant and hypoglycemiant properties of Alibertia edulis (L.C. Rich.) A.C. Rich. leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Alibertia edulis (L.C. Rich.) A.C. Rich is a vegetable species used in Brazilian folk medicine due to it is putative hypoglycemiant effect but has never been pharmacologically investigated. It is popularly used for the control of diabetes, especially in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Following confirmation of the antioxidant activity of A. edulis by Aquino et al. (2017), the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of leaves of A. edulis aqueous extract (AEAE) on some biochemical parameters in mice fed a high-fat fed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Leaves of A. edulis were air-dried in an oven at 40 °C for 10 days and ground into a fine powder by mechanical milling. The AEAE was prepared by decoction (1:10 w/v) at 97 °C for 15 min, and later filtered and lyophilized. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the AEAE has been already indetified the presence of caffeic acid, quercetin 3-rhamnosyl-(1 â†’ 6)-galactoside and iridois ioxide, ferulic acid and rutin in decocted leaves (Aquino et al., 2017). In one experiment, the acute oral toxicity AEAE was evaluated at 2,000 mg/kg of body weight. The animals were observed periodically for 14 days. In second experiment, the animals were divided into four groups (n = 5): Control, AEAE 200, AEAE 400 mg/kg and positive control (Metformin 100 mg/kg). In a third experiment, animals were divided into: Control RC (standard diet) (n = 24) and Control HFF (high-fat fed) (n = 24) groups for induction of glucose intolerance. After eight weeks, they were further subdivided into six groups (n = 8 each) RC or HFF with or without AEAE at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg (2-wk) treatments to assess glucose tolerance. Plasma indicators of glucose tolerance and liver damage, skeletal muscle expression of antioxidant enzymes, and expression of the antioxidant proteins of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and phosphorylated IKK were determined. RESULTS: The HF-fed animals developed glucose intolerance which the AEAE failed to revert. Meanwhile, the AEAE treatment did lower the glucose levels in the normolipidic cohorts by virtue of its antioxidant property. It was also observed that the treatment with the AEAE reduced food intake negatively interfering weight accretion. Beyond that, the treatment with AEAE interfered in the SOD and catalase expression and inhibited phosphorylation of IKK thus suggesting that the observed hypoglycemiant power may be related to its known antioxidant potential. No sings of toxicity or hemolysis were detectaed at indicating that, at the concentrations evaluated, the extract was not toxic to normal cells. CONCLUSION: The AEAE showed a hypoglycemiant effect in the normolipidic mice that received the control diet, but not in those that were made glucose-intolerant by consuming a high-fat fed. The extract also exhibited substantial protection against hemolysis and oxidative stress. Moreover, no signs of toxicity were evident at 2000 mg/kg of body weight.

The ethanolic extract obtained from Campomanesia pubescens (D.C.) O.BERG fruits exerts anxiolytic and antidepressant effects on chronic mild stress model and on anxiety models in Wistar rats: Behavioral evidences.

Objectives: Campomanesia pubescens (DC) O.BERG (Myrtaceae) fruits contain high levels of flavonoids and are widely consumed by the South American population. In the central nervous system (CNS), some flavonoids act as modulators of GABA-A receptors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, resulting in anxiolytic antidepressants effects, respectively. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of ethanolic extract of C. pubescens fruits (EEFCP) in rats.Methods: In order to prove the antidepressant effect of the EEFCP, rats were submitted to the chronic mild stress model, to the sucrose preference test (SPT), and the forced swimming test. To test the anxiolytic effects, the Elevated plus-maze (EPM), open field (OF), and Marble-Burying models were used.Results: After 2 weeks of treatment, imipramine 25 mg/kg, EEFCP 250 mg/kg, and EEFCP 500 mg/kg reversed the anhedonic behavior measured by SPT and significantly reduced the immobility time of animals under stress. In addition, treatment with diazepam 2 mg/kg, EEFCP 250 mg/kg, and EEFCP 500 mg/kg increased the percentage of entries and time spent on the open arms of the EPM, increased locomotion, rearing, and reduced the grooming time in OF.Discussion: The chemical analysis of the EEFCP indicated high content of flavonoids and the behavioral analysis revealed an antidepressant and anxiolytic effect, suggesting that these phytochemicals may be involved with these actions in the CNS.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity in extract from the leaves of Eriobotrya japonica.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Eriobotrya japonica (EJ) is a Chinese medicinal plant that is currently grown in Brazil. E. japonica leaves infusion is traditionally used in the treatment of inflammation; however, there are few scientific studies showing the effects of these properties on joint articular and persistent experimental inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present research had objective investigation of the effect of infusion obtained from leaves of E. japonica (EJLE) on acute and persistent experimental articular inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Swiss mice were treated orally with EJLE and analyzed for acute pleural inflammation (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), paw edema induced by carrageenan (100 mg/kg), acute knee inflammation induced by zymosan (100 mg/kg), and persistent inflammation induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) (30 and 100 mg/kg). Mechanical hyperalgesia, cold and edema were analyzed. RESULTS: The chromatographic analysis of EJLE revealed the presence of corosolic acid, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid. EJLE presented anti-inflammatory activity in the pleurisy model, inhibiting leukocyte migration, protein extravasation and nitric oxide production. In the articular inflammation model, EJLE reduced the number of leukocytes in the joint cavity, paw edema and hyperalgesia (4 h after induction). In the persistent inflammation model induced by CFA, the extract reduced paw edema after 11 days of mechanical and cold hyperalgesia on day 6. CONCLUSIONS: The EJLE has anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesic potential in models of acute and persistent experimental articular inflammation, making this infusion a new possibility for complementary treating acute or chronic articular inflammatory diseases.

Preclinical safety evaluation of the ethanolic extract from guavira fruits (Campomanesia pubescens (D.C.) O. BERG) in experimental models of acute and short-term toxicity in rats.

Campomanesia pubescens is a fruit plant widely distributed in South America and used by the population for medicinal and nutritional purposes, with important economic and cultural value. This study evaluated the toxic potential of the ethanolic extract from C. pubescens (EEFCP) fruits through acute and short-term toxicity tests. For the acute toxicity test, female rats received a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight of EEFCP and were observed for 14 days. In the short-term toxicity test, male and female rats received repeated oral doses of 125, 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg of EEFCP, being treated and observed for 28 days, and after the treatment period, a satellite and satellite control group remained under observation for another 14 days. No mortality, clinical and organ weight alterations were observed, indicating that LD50 is greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight. In addition, the doses tested did not produce significant changes in the behavioral, physiological, hematological or histopathological parameters of animals. These results demonstrate the low acute and short-term toxicity of EEFCP in rats. The data obtained are of great relevance since they provide important information about a plant species of great economic, nutritional and ethnopharmacological value.

Antioxidant, anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory investigation of extract and dicentrinone from Duguetia furfuracea (A. St.-Hil.) Benth. & Hook. f.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The preparations of teas and syrups using Duguetia furfuracea have been used in folk medicine to treat rheumatism and back pain. Several rheumatic diseases are anti-inflammatory and are treated with several anti-inflammatories. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this work were to evaluate the chemical investigation of methanolic extract obtained from leaves of D. furfuracea (MEDF) and test the MEDF, such as chloroform (CF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and hydromethanol (HMF) fractions and the alkaloid dicentrinone (DF-1) in vitro antioxidant effects and in vivo models of inflammation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MEDF and CF were analyzed by LC-PDA and the results revealed the presence of alkaloid aporphine and oxoaporphine. The concentrations of total phenols, flavonoids and flavonols were determined. Additionally, MEDF, fractions and dicentrinone were evaluated free radical scavenging activity 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and peroxidation ß-carotene/linoleic acid and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays. The anti-inflammatory effects of MEDF, fractions and dicentrinone were studied in carrageenan-induced paw edema. The anti-rheumatic potential was studied in air pouch model and zymosan-induced arthritis. RESULTS: CF fractionation resulted in the isolation of the oxaporphine alkaloid dicentrinone (DF-1). The highest phenols (624.37mg GAE/g extract), flavonoids (580.51mg QE/g extract) and flavonols (254.44mg QE/g extract), concentration was found in extract. In antioxidant tests, MEDF exhibited the highest scavenging activity and lipoperoxidation. The extract (30-300mg/kg) and all tested fractions inhibited the edema induced by carrageenan. The oral administration of DF-1 inhibited both edema associated with carrageenan-induced inflammation in mice. In air pouch model of inflammation, MEDF (30-300mg/kg) and DF-1 (100mg/kg) inhibited leukocyte migration and plasmatic leakage induced by carrageenan in mice. Finally, MEDF (100mg/kg) did not alter zymozan-induced arthritis in mice. CONCLUSION: The results showed that D. furfuracea exhibits antioxidant, anti-rheumatic potential and anti-inflammatory activity. The presence of the alkaloid dicentrinone in extract and CF fraction could be responsible, at least in part, for the observed effects.

Alibertia edulis (L.C. Rich.) A.C. Rich - A potent diuretic arising from Brazilian indigenous species.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Although Alibertia edulis (L.C. Rich.) A.C. Rich decoction is used in Brazilian folk medicine due to its possible antihypertensive effect, this species has never been critically investigated as a hypotensive drug. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible hypotensive and antihypertensive effects of the oral administration of Alibertia edulis aqueous extract (AEAE) in normotensive and hypertensive rats, and evaluate its inter-relation with a possible diuretic activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Different doses of AEAE (20, 65 and 200mg/kg) were tested on the mean arterial pressure (MAP) of normotensive Wistar rats and after induction of renovascular hypertension (two-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt model). In addition, the diuretic effects of AEAE were compared with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in an acute and repeated-dose treatment for 7 days. Volume, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium contents, pH and density were estimated in urine samples collected after 8 or 24h. Plasma sodium, potassium, total protein, urea, creatinine, AST and ALT concentrations were measured in samples collected at the end of the experimental period (seventh day). Finally, the antioxidant activity of the AEAE was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging and ferric ions reducing power assay. RESULTS: The intraduodenal administration of the HCTZ and AEAE significantly reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, the MAP in both normotensive and hypertensive rats. Otherwise, the heart rate was not affected by any treatment. Acute and prolonged oral administration of AEAE (200mg/kg) and HCTZ caused a significant increase in volume and urinary concentrations of sodium, potassium and chloride. Moreover, urinary calcium concentration was significantly increased after administration of AEAE (200mg/kg). Finally, AEAE was able to present important in vitro antioxidant properties. CONCLUSION: The results obtained have shown that AEAE presents potent diuretic activity and significant hypotensive and antihypertensive effect. In addition, this study may confirm part of the pharmacological activity popularly attributed to this species and opens perspective for the future use in various renal and cardiovascular diseases.

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of hydroethanolic extract from Jacaranda decurrens leaves.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Leaves of Jacaranda decurrens are used in traditional Brazilian medicine to treat metabolic diseases related to increased reactive oxygen species. The present study evaluated the antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of hydroethanolic extract from the leaves of Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Phenolic compounds, flavonoids and saponins were evaluated in an ethanol:water (80:20, v/v) extract from the leaves of Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata (E-Jds). The antioxidant activity of E-Jds was investigated by assessing the following: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity; protection against 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced hemolysis of erythrocytes; in vitro and in vivo malondialdehyde dosage; and the ability to activate antioxidant enzymes. K562 leukemia cells were used for the cytotoxic evaluation of E-Jds and for the assessment of the cell death profile through flow cytometry. KEY RESULTS: Phenolic and flavonoid compounds were quantified as 14.38% and 2.15%, respectively, of E-Jds. These phenolic and flavonoid compounds proved to be able to scavenge DPPH free radicals with an IC50 of 9.3 ± 3.3 µg/mL, to protect up to 50% of erythrocytes against AAPH-induced hemolysis and to reduce in vitro and in vivo malondialdehyde levels up to 84% and 22%, respectively. E-Jds also increased glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity, with a concomitant decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxic activity on K562 erythroleukemia cells with cell death occurring via both late apoptosis and necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: E-Jds exhibits in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential, which may be the mechanism mediating the metabolic activities reported in folk medicine. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity identified in this study contributes with the knowledge of antiproliferative activities that have been described in the literature for the genus Jacaranda.