Influence of methanolic extracts from seeds and pulp of Annona squamosa L. on osmotic and morphological fragility in human erythrocytes.

Medicinal plants have been used for many years by communities to treat illnesses. The need for scientific proof of these vegetable's curative effects is as necessary as the proof of the inexistence of toxicity related to the use of extracts with therapeutic potential. Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae), popularly known as "pinha", "ata" or "fruta do conde", has been used in traditional medicine for its analgesic and antitumor activities. The toxic effects attributed to this plant have also been explored as a pesticide and an insecticide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the toxicity of the methanolic extract of A. squamosa seeds and pulp against human erythrocytes. Blood samples were treated with methanolic extract at different concentrations, osmotic fragility was determined using saline tension assays and morphological analyzes were performed using optical microscopy. The extracts were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) for phenolic quantification. The seed's methanolic extract showed toxicity above 50% from a concentration of 100 µg/mL, while also presenting echinocytes in the morphological analysis. The pulp's methanolic extract did not show toxicity to red blood cells or morphological changes at the concentrations tested. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of caffeic acid in the seed extract and gallic acid in the pulp extract. The seed's methanolic extract is toxic and the pulp's methanolic extract showed no toxicity against human erythrocytes.

Analysis toxicity by different methods and anxiolytic effect of the aqueous extract Lippia sidoides Cham.

Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae) is a species often mentioned in traditional medicine due to the medicinal properties attributed to its leaves, which include antibacterial, antifungal, acaricidal and antioxidant. Several of these actions have been scientifically proven, according to reports in the literature; however, little is known about toxicological aspects of this plant. This work included studies to determine the chemical composition and toxicity tests, using several methods aiming to evaluate the safety for use of the aqueous extract of L. sidoides leaves, in addition, the anxiolytic effect on adult zebrafish was investigated, thus contributing to the pharmacological knowledge and traditional medicine concerning the specie under study. The chemical profile was determined by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry-HPLC/MS with electrospray ionization. Toxicity was evaluated by zebrafish, Drosophila melanogaster, blood cells, and Artemia salina models. 12 compounds belonging to the flavonoid class were identified. In the toxicity assays, the observed results showed low toxicity of the aqueous extract in all tests performed. In the analysis with zebrafish, the highest doses of the extract were anxiolytic, neuromodulating the GABAa receptor. The obtained results support the safe use of the aqueous extract of L. sidoides leaves for the development of new drugs and for the use by populations in traditional medicine.

Advances in Evaluation of Antioxidant and Toxicological Properties of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart. in Drosophila melanogaster Model.

This study investigated the flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and toxicological properties of the acetone-water fraction of stem bark of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart. (TFSR). The total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity were determined, as typified by DPPH● and ABTS●+ radical scavenging abilities, Fe3+ reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), relative antioxidant capacity (RAC), and the inhibition of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARs) in Drosophila melanogaster tissue. Toxicity and locomotor functions were evaluated in adult D. melanogaster flies through aging and survival assays, startle-induced negative geotaxis, and centrophobic responses with video-assisted open field motion tracking. The flavonoid content of dry TFSR (DF) was 3.36 mg quercetin/g. Furthermore, the significant antioxidant activity of TFSR was revealed through scavenging 95.3% of the ABTS●+ radical and 82.4% of the DPPH● radical, as well reducing 74.7% of Fe3+ in the FRAP assay and 80% Mo6+ in the RAC assay. TFSR conferred 70.25% protection against lipid peroxidation in Drosophila tissue. Survival rates ranged from 84.65 to 103.98% in comparison to the non-supplemented control and no evident deterioration of locomotor functions and centrophobia responses was observed. These results revealed that TFSR has potent antioxidant activity and low toxicity in vivo, profiling TFSR as a promising natural product in the treatment/management of iron overload and associated conditions.

HPLC-DAD analysis and antimicrobial activities of Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae).

Spondias mombin is used in the folk medicine for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery, indicating that extracts obtained from this species may present pharmacological activities against pathogenic microorganisms. The purpose of this work was to investigate the chemical composition and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of extracts obtained from the leaves (aqueous) and bark (hydroethanolic) of S. mombin both as single treatments and in combination with conventional drugs. Following a qualitative chemical prospection, the extracts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated by microdilution. The combined activity of drugs and extracts was verified by adding a subinhibitory concentration of the extract in the presence of variable drug concentrations. The Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was determined by a subculture of the microdilution test, while the effect of the in vitro treatments on morphological transition was analyzed by subculture in moist chambers. While the qualitative analysis detected the presence of phenols and flavonoids, the HPLC analysis identified quercetin, caffeic acid, and catechin as major components in the leaf extract, whereas kaempferol and quercetin were found as major compounds in the bark extract. The extracts showed effective antibacterial activities only against the Gram-negative strains. With regard to the combined activity, the leaf extract potentiated the action of gentamicin and imipenem (against Staphylococcus aureus), while the bark extract potentiated the effect of norfloxacin (against S. aureus), imipenem (against Escherichia coli), and norfloxacin (against Pseudomonas aeruginosa). A more significant antifungal (fungistatic) effect was achieved with the bark extract (even though at high concentrations), which further enhanced the activity of fluconazole. The extracts also inhibited the emission of filaments by Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Together, these findings suggest that that the extract constituents may act by favoring the permeability of microbial cells to conventional drugs, as well as by affecting virulence mechanisms in Candida strains.

Influence of seasonal variation on phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity of Secondatia floribunda A. DC. (Apocynaceae).

This study reports the effects of seasonal variation on the total polyphenol and flavonoid content and the in vitro antioxidant activity of Secondatia floribunda A. DC. The extracts were prepared from the inner bark and heartwood of samples harvested in the 2015 to 2016. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was determined by specific qualitative tests. The in vitro antioxidant capacity was analyzed using the following tests: 1-1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzenothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and iron (Fe2+) chelating activity. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid content varied over the harvest period. The DPPH and ABTS tests revealed that in the dry season had the most potent in vitro antioxidant activity, although the extracts obtained during the rainy season presented the higher Fe2+ chelating and Ferric reducing activities. In conclusion, the phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity are correlated, and both are influenced by seasonality.

Caracterización química y evaluación de las propiedades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite de pulpa de frutas de Mauritia flexuosa L. f. / Chemical characterization and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the pulp oil of fruits of Mauritia flexuosa L. f

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar las propiedades químicas, antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite de pulpa de Mauritia flexuosa L. f. (Arecaceae). La identificación química se realizó por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. Se caracterizaron las propiedades fisicoquímicas. La capacidad antioxidante se ha verificado eliminando los radicales libres, reduciendo y quelando el hierro. La actividad antimicrobiana se evaluó mediante la concentración inhibitoria mínima y la acción moduladora de los antibióticos. Los principales ácidos grasos identificados fueron ácido esteárico, ácido palmítico y ácido oleico. La acidez y el índice de saponificación están dentro de los límites establecidos por la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria. El aceite mostró actividad antioxidante moderada y actividad antimicrobiana contra las cepas de Candida. También mostró efectos sinérgicos, especialmente acerca de cefotaxima contra Bacillus cereus. Los resultados sugieren el potencial de la especie como antioxidante y en terapia antimicrobiana.

This study aimed to characterize the chemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the pulp oil of Mauritia flexuosa L. f. (Arecaceae). Chemical identification was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The physicochemical properties were characterized. Antioxidant capacity has been verified by eliminating of free radicals, reducing and chelation of iron. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration and the modulatory action of antibiotics. The major fatty acids identified were stearic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid. The acidity and the saponification index are within the limits established by the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency. The oil showed moderate antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity against Candida strains. It also showed synergistic effects, especially on cefotaxime against Bacillus cereus. The results suggest the potential of the species as an antioxidant and in antimicrobial therapy.

Anti-inflammatory activity of herb products from Licania rigida Benth.

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the systemic anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of Licania rigida Benth (EHFLR) on models of systemic inflammation in mice. METHODS: The quantitative chemical profiles of phenolic acids and flavonoids were performed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Systemic anti-inflammatory activity was determined from carrageenan and dextran-induced paw edema models and the animals were orally treated (p.o.) with EHFLR at doses of 25, 50, 100 mg/kg, indomethacin (10 mg/kg) for carrageenan-induced paw edema and promethazine (6 mg/kg) for dextran-induced paw edema. The possible mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory action of the extract were evaluated by the paw edema models induced by histamine and arachidonic acid, and by the model of carrageenan-induced peritonitis, where vascular permeability and leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity were evaluated. RESULTS: The results of the HPLC identified the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids, with chlorogenic acid (1.16%) and Caempferol (0.81%) as the main constituents. From the results, it was concluded that the extract has an LD50 ≥5000 mg/kg when administered orally in mice as this dose did not trigger deaths in any of the observed groups. EHFLR (25 mg/kg) showed a significant antiderematogenic effect on histamine and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema at the third hour of the tests, with a percentage of inhibition of 46.64% and 18.33%, respectively. The extract (25 mg/kg, p.o.) also significantly reduced vascular permeability and leukocyte migration in the peritoneal cavity. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that EHFLR exerts a systemic anti-inflammatory action, which seems to depend, at least in part, on the inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism and the action of vasoactive amines. In addition, the extract reduced the leukocyte migration in the peritoneal cavity, indicating that its action may be linked to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Antibacterial and antibiotic modifying activity evaluation of ruminants' body fat used as zootherapeutics in ethnoveterinary practices in Northeast Brazil.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Northeast Brazilian ethnoveterinary studies associated with the medicinal use of zootherapies have shown that ruminants' body fat such as sheep (Ovis aries), goats (Capra hircus) and cows (Bos taurus) are used in diseases affecting domestic animals. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the fixed oils from these ruminants in isolation and in association with antibiotics. RESULTS: Ovis aries (OFOA), Capra hircus (OFCH) and Bos taurus (OFBT) fixed oils were extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus with hexane as the solvent. Through the use of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) the methyl esters from the ruminants' fixed oils were obtained and the fatty acids present in these oils were indirectly determined. The OFOA, OFCH and OFBT antibacterial and antibiotic modifying activities against standard and multi-resistant bacterial strains were carried out using the broth microdilution test. The fixed oils from these species did not present antibacterial activity when tested in isolation, obtaining Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) values ≥ 1024 µg/mL. However, when associated with antibiotics, OFBT and OFCH showed a synergistic activity for the Amicacin, Amoxicillin, Norfloxacin and Oxytetracycline antibiotics. CONCLUSION: The OFOA promoted a synergistic action for the same antibiotics with the exception of Norfloxacin.

Antiulcerogenic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Annona muricata Linnaeus in mice.

Annona muricata Linnaeus, popularly known as "graviola" and also called soursop, is a species typical of countries with a tropical climate, and it is used in folk medicine as an anticancer, analgesic and antispasmodic agent. The aim of the present study was to validate the gastroprotective activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of A. muricata (HEAM) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action for this effect. Gastric lesions were induced in mice by absolute ethanol, acidified ethanol or indomethacin. Before, the animals were pretreated with saline, omeprazole or HEAM orally at doses of 50-400 mg/kg. To determine the mechanism of action of the extract, we investigated, using specific inhibitors, the involvement of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins (PGEs), ATP-dependent K+ channels and α2-noradrenergic receptors. HEAM showed significant antiulcer activity against lesions induced by absolute ethanol, acidified ethanol or indomethacin, which was mediated by endogenous gastric prostaglandins.

Chemical composition, antifungal activity and potential anti-virulence evaluation of the Eugenia uniflora essential oil against Candida spp.

The development of fungal resistance to antifungal drugs has been worsening over the years and as a result research on new antifungal agents derived from plants has intensified. Eugenia uniflora L. (pitanga) has been studied for its various biological actions. In this study the chemical composition and antifungal effects of the E. uniflora essential oil (EULEO) were investigated against Candida albicans (CA), Candida krusei (CK) and Candida tropicalis (CT) standard strains. The essential oil obtained through hydro-distillation was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To determine the IC50 of the oil, the cellular viability curve and the inhibitory effects were measured by means of the oil's association with Fluconazole in a broth microdilution assay with spectrophotometric readings. The Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was determined by solid medium subculture with the aid of a guide plate while the assays used to verify morphological changes emerging from the action of the fractions were performed in microculture chambers at concentrations based on the microdilution. Two major oil constituents stand out from the chemical analysis: selina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one (36.37%) and selina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one epoxide (27.32%). The concentration that reduced microorganismal growth was ≥8,192 µg/mL while the IC50 varied, this being between 1892.47 and 12491.80 µg/mL (oil), 10.07 - 80.78 µg/mL (fluconazole) and 18.53 - 295.60 µg/mL (fluconazole + oil). The combined activity (fluconazole + oil) resulted in indifference and antagonism. A MFC of the oil in association with fluconazole was recorded at the concentration of 8,192 µg/mL against CA and CK. The oil caused the inhibition of CA and CT morphological transition. In view of the results obtained, additional research is needed to elucidate the activity of the E. uniflora oil over genetic and biochemical processes regarding its effect on Candida spp. virulence.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-edematogenic action of the Croton campestris A. St.-Hil (Euphorbiaceae) essential oil and the compound ß-caryophyllene in in vivo models.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation makes up a set of vascularized tissue reactions acting in the defense of the body against harmful stimuli. Natural products are a lower cost alternative with better benefit, often used in popular medicine in the treatment of inflammatory processes. Several species from the genus Croton have scientifically proven anti-inflammatory action. PURPOSE: This study aims to analyze the chemical composition of the Croton campestris A. St.-Hil essential oil (EOCC), derived from fresh leaves, as well as to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential and the possible mechanisms of action of the EOCC and its constituent ß-caryophyllene. METHODS: The assays were performed in in vivo models of acute and chronic inflammation. Initially, the chemical composition of the EOCC was determined and its oral toxicity was evaluated, followed by the evaluation of its topical antiedematogenic effect through acute and chronic ear edema induced by Croton oil. For the systemic verification of an anti-inflammatory action, the abdominal contortions, formalin test, paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran, histamine and arachidonic acid models, as well as a peritonitis test, vascular permeability and granuloma assays were performed. RESULTS: The evaluation of the essential oil chemical composition revealed the presence of ß-caryophyllene (15.91%), 1,8-cineol (16.98%) and germacrene-D (14.51%) as its main constituents. The EOCC had no relevant clinical toxicity on oral administration, with an LD50 of more than 5000 mg/kg. The tested substances showed anti-inflammatory action in the abdominal contortions, paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran, histamine and arachidonic acid models, the formalin test, peritonitis test and vascular permeability; however, ß-caryophyllene had no significant effect on the granuloma assay. This suggests as a hypothesis that both substances tested showed significant influence on the arachidonic acid and histamine pathway reducing edema in these models. CONCLUSION: The tested substances have a clinically safe profile, additionally the EOCC and ß-caryophyllene presented relevant anti-inflammatory activity. This study supports the hypothesis that ß-caryophyllene, in association with other constituents present in the EOCC such as 1,8-cineole, contributed to the anti-inflammatory effect observed, in addition to suggesting that one of the mechanisms of action probably involves the inhibition of cytokines with the involvement of the arachidonic acid and histamine pathways.

Toxicity against Drosophila melanogaster and antiedematogenic and antimicrobial activities of Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze (Amaranthaceae).

Bioactive phytocompounds are studied by several bioactivities demonstrated, as their cytotoxic effects. The aim of this work was to evaluate the phytochemical profile, the toxic effect using the Drosophila melanogaster animal model and the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect of the Alternanthera brasiliana (EEAB) ethanol extract. The phytochemical profile was performed using HPLC. The cytotoxic effect was evaluated in vivo using D. melanogaster. The anti-inflammatory effect was determined by neurogenic and antiedematogenic assays, and the antimicrobial activity was assayed using a microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the EEAB alone and in association with antibiotics. The main compound identified on the EEAB was luteolin (1.93%). Its cytotoxic effect was demonstrated after 24 h in the concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 mg/mL. The extract demonstrated an antiedematogenic effect, with a reduction of the edema between 35.57 and 64.17%. The MIC of the extract was ≥1.024 µg/mL, thus being considered clinically irrelevant. However, when the EEAB was associated with gentamicin, a synergism against all bacterial strains assayed was observed: Staphylococcus aureus (SA10), Escherichia coli (EC06) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA24). Due to these results, the EEAB demonstrated a low toxicity in vivo and anti-inflammatory and synergistic activities. These are promising results, mainly against microbial pathogens, and the compounds identified can be a source of carbon backbones for the discovery and creation of new drugs.

Anti-edematogenic and anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil from Croton rhamnifolioides leaves and its major constituent 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol).

The species Croton rhamnifolioides, belonging to the Croton genus, is known in ethnomedicine as "quebra faca" and is used in the treatment of stomach pain, vomiting and fever. This study aims to evaluate the anti-edematogenic and anti-inflammatory effect of Croton rhamnifolioides leaf essential oil (OEFC) and its major constituent: 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol). The essential oil was extracted from fresh leaves through a hydrodistillation system. The chemical analysis was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The acute anti-inflammatory activity was determined from the models of: ear edema by the single application of croton oil, paw edema induced by: carrageenan, dextran, histamine and arachidonic acid, while vascular permeability was determined by Evans blue extravasation and chronic anti-inflammatory activity by granuloma induction using the implantation of cotton pellets. The GC-MS results identified and quantified 11 constituents, with the major component being 1,8-cineole (41.33%). The OEFC (20mg/mL) and 1,8-cineole (8.26mg/mL) significantly reduced the edema induced by croton oil by 42.1 and 34.9%, respectively. The OEFC (25, 50, 100 and 200mg/kg) and 1,8-cineole (10.33, 20.66, 41.33 and 82.66mg/kg) statistically reduced paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran as well as vascular permeability (protein extravasation). The OEFC (25mg/kg) and 1,8-cineole (10.33mg/kg) demonstrated efficacy in reducing edema induced by histamine and arachidonic acid and granuloma. In conclusion, the OEFC and 1,8-cineole have anti-inflammatory activity in the acute and chronic phase, suggesting therapeutic potential as a source for the development of new anti-inflammatory agents.

Anti-Trypanosoma, anti-Leishmania and cytotoxic activities of natural products from Psidium brownianum Mart. ex DC. and Psidium guajava var. Pomifera analysed by LC-MS.

Neglected diseases are those that are prevalent in developing countries, even with a rich biodiversity. These diseases still persist because of the lack of scientific studies, government negligence or failures of the public health system. This study aims to identify the composition of extracts and fractions from Psidium brownianum and Psidium guajava through LC-MS, to evaluate its in vitro anti-parasitic and cytotoxic activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania brasiliensis and L. infantum epismastigote and promastigote forms, as well as mammalian cells. The results showed the presence of chemical constituents in the two Psidium species as quercetin, myricetin and gallic acid derivatives. The P. brownianum extract and fractions showed low toxicity at all tested concentrations and all samples were effective at the concentration of 1000µg/mL against the parasites, with the extract being the most efficient against the L. infantum promastigote form. The ethanolic extract, and the flavonoid and tannic fractions, from P. guajava showed low toxicity for the fibroblasts. All samples showed effectiveness at the highest concentration tested and the extract was more effective against the promastigote forms tested. The results showed that the species Psidium brownianum and Psidium guajava demonstrated an anti-parasitic activity against the T. cruzi, L. brasiliensis and L. infantum parasite cell lines indicating these species as an alternative therapy given their efficacy in the in vitro assays performed, opening the possibility for new biological studies to further this knowledge through in vivo assays.

Safety assessment and antioxidant activity of Lantana montevidensis leaves: Contribution to its phytochemical and pharmacological activity.

Lantana camara, the widely studied species, and L. montevidensis, the less studied species of the genus Lantana are both used in traditional medicine for the same purpose (anti-asthma, anti-ulcer, anti-tumor, etc). However, little is known about the toxicity of L. montevidensis and there is limited information on its chemical constituents. Here, we investigated for the first time the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of the ethanolic (EtOH) and aqueous extracts from the leaves of Lantana montevidensis in human leukocytes, as well as their possible interaction with human erythrocyte membranes in vitro. The antioxidant activities of both extracts were also investigated in chemical and biological models. Treatment of leukocytes with EtOH or aqueous extracts (1-480 µg/mL) did not affect DNA damage index, but promoted cytotoxicity at higher concentrations (240-480 µg/mL). Both extracts did not modify the osmotic fragility of human erythrocytes. The extracts scavenged DPPH radical and prevented Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation in rat's brain and liver homogenates, and this was likely not attributed to Fe (II) chelation. The HPLC analysis of the extracts showed different amounts of polyphenolic compounds (isoquercitrin, gallic acid, catechin, ellagic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, caffeic acid, rutin, quercitrin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, luteolin) that may have contributed to these effects. These results supported information on the functional use of L. montevidensis in folk medicine.

Rhaphiodon echinus (Nees & Mart.) Schauer: Chemical, toxicological activity and increased antibiotic activity of antifungal drug activity and antibacterial.

The association of herbal products with standard antimicrobial drugs has recently gained more attention as a hope to overcome infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Here, we investigated for the first time the antimicrobial (antifungal and antibacterial) activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. echinus against multiresistant strains of bacteria (E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus) and fungi (C. albicans, C. krusei and C. tropicalis), as well as potential to enhance the activity of antibiotics drugs. In addition, both extract were chemically characterized and their toxicity was assessed in Artemia salina. Our results demonstrate that aqueous extract of R. echinus caused a significant increase in the activity of antibiotics gentamicin and imipenem, while the ethanolic extract strongly enhanced the antibiotic activity of gentamicin, amikacin, imipenem and ciprofloxacin against P. aeruginosa. However, neither the ethanolic nor the aqueous extracts significantly affect the antibiotic activity of the drugs when tested against S. aureus. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts indicated ellagic acid, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid as the major components which can be at least in part responsible for the enhanced activity of antibiotics. None of the extracts showed toxicity in A. salina even at the highest concentration tested (1000 µg/mL). All together, our results suggest that the leaf extract of R. echinus can be an effective source of modulating agents.

Cytotoxic and antioxidative potentials of ethanolic extract of Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) leaves on human blood cells.

Eugenia uniflora is used in the Brazilian folk medicine to treat intestinal disorders and hypertension. However, scanty information exist on its potential toxicity to human, and little is known on its antioxidant activity in biological system. Hence, we investigated for the first time the potential toxic effects of ethanolic extract (EtOH) of E. uniflora (EEEU) in human leukocytes and erythrocytes, as well as its influence on membrane erythrocytes osmotic fragility. In addition, EEEU was chemically characterized and its antioxidant capacity was evaluated. We found that EEEU (1-480µg/mL) caused neither cytotoxicity nor DNA damage evaluated by Trypan blue and Comet assay, respectively. EEEU (1-480µg/mL) did not have any effect on membrane erythrocytes fragility. In addition, EEEU inhibited Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain and liver homogenates, and scavenged the DPPH radical. EEEU presented some polyphenolic compounds with high content such as quercetin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, luteolin and ellagic acid, which may be at least in part responsible for its beneficial effects. Our results suggest that consumption of EEEU at relatively higher concentrations may not result in toxicity. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies should be conducted to ascertain its safety.

Anti-inflammatory and antiedematogenic activity of the Ocimum basilicum essential oil and its main compound estragole: In vivo mouse models.

The genus Ocimum are used in cooking, however, their essential oils are utilized in traditional medicine as aromatherapy. The present study was carried out to investigate the chemical composition and systemic anti-inflammatory activity of the Ocimum basilicum essential oil (EOOB) and its major component estragole, as well as its possible mechanisms of action. The Ocimum basilicum essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. The anti-inflammatory action was verified using acute and chronic in vivo tests as paw edema, peritonitis, and vascular permeability and granulomatous inflammation model. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of action was analyzed by the participation of histamine and arachidonic acid pathways. The chemical profile analysis identified fourteen components present in the essential oil, within them: estragole (60.96%). The in vivo test results show that treatment with EOOB (100 and 50 mg/kg) and estragole (60 and 30 mg/kg) significantly reduced paw edema induced by carrageenan and dextran. The smallest doses of EOOB (50 mg/kg) and estragole (30 mg/kg) showed efficacy in the reduction of paw edema induced by histamine and arachidonic acid, vascular permeability inhibition and leukocyte emigration in the peritoneal fluid. Theses doses were capable of reducing the chronic inflammatory process. The results observed between the EOOB and estragole demonstrate efficacy in anti-inflammatory activity, however, the essential oil is more efficacious in the acute and chronic anti-inflammatory action. This study confirms the therapeutic potential of this plant and reinforces the validity of its use in popular medicine.

Phytochemical Composition, Antifungal and Antioxidant Activity of Duguetia furfuracea A. St.-Hill.

UNLABELLED: Background. Duguetia furfuracea is popular plant used in popular medicine. Hypothesis/Purpose. This claim evaluated the phytochemical composition of the hydroethanolic extract (HEDF), fractions of Duguetia furfuracea, and antioxidant and antifungal activity. Methods. The chemical profile was carried out by HPLC-DAD. The total phenolic contents and flavonoid components were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride reaction. The antioxidant activity was measured by scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) methods. The antifungal activity was determined by microdilution assay. RESULTS: HPLC analysis revealed caffeic acid and rutin as major compounds (HEDF), caffeic acid and quercitrin (Mt-OH fraction), and quercitrin and isoquercitrin (Ac-OEt fraction). The highest levels of phenols and total flavonoids were found for Ac-OEt fraction, and the crude extract showed higher in vitro antioxidant potential. The antifungal activity showed synergic effect with fluconazole and EHDF against C. krusei, fluconazole and Mt-OH against C. krusei and C. tropicalis, and Ac-OE and fluconazole against C. albicans. Conclusion. The highest levels of phenols and total flavonoids were marked with antioxidant effect. This is the first report of bioactivity of the synergic effect of HEDF and fractions. More studies would be required to better clarify its mechanism of synergic action.

Polyphenolic Composition and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity, Osmotic Fragility and Cytotoxic Effects of Raphiodon echinus (Nees & Mart.) Schauer.

Raphiodon echinus (R. echinus) is used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation, coughs, and infectious diseases. However, no information is available on the potential antioxidant, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of this plant. In this study, the polyphenolic constituents, antioxidant capacity and potential toxic effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of R. echinus on human erythrocytes and leukocytes were investigated for the first time. R. echinus extracts showed the presence of Gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic and ellagic acids, rutin, quercitrin and quercetin. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of R. echinus exhibited antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging with IC50 = 111.9 µg/mL (EtOH extract) and IC50 = 227.9 µg/mL (aqueous extract). The extracts inhibited Fe(2+) (10 µM) induced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation in rat brain and liver homogenates. The extracts (30-480 µg/mL) did not induce genotoxicity, cytotoxicity or osmotic fragility in human blood cells. The findings of this present study therefore suggest that the therapeutic effect of R. echinus may be, in part, related to its antioxidant potential. Nevertheless, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to ascertain the safety margin of its use in folk medicine.