Comparative Study of Phytochemical, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities and Phenolic Content of Syzygium aqueum (Burm. f. Alston f.) Extracts Growing in West Sumatera Indonesia.

Syzygium aqueum, consisting of various fruit colors, is one of the plants that have been used as traditional medicine. This study aims to evaluate and compare phytochemical, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities and total phenolic content of leaves and stem bark extracts of S. aqueum with pink and red fruits, in order to identify the best extract that can be used as a natural antioxidant. Phytochemical constituents were evaluated qualitatively using chemicals, while cytotoxic activities were identified using the brine shrimp lethality test. Total phenolic content was determined via the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Leaves and stem bark of S. aqueum contained flavonoids, phenolics, and triterpenoids, but the stem bark also contained saponins and alkaloids. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves and stem bark were categorized as very powerful antioxidants to DPPH (IC50 9.71-38.69 µg/mL) and hydrogen peroxide (IC50 16.44-44.02 µg/mL), while hexane extracts were inactive. Methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane extracts of leaves and stem bark were categorized as moderately cytotoxic to A. salina larvae (LC50 104.04-440.65 µg/mL). Comparing leaves and stem barks, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of stem bark extracts were higher than those of leaves extracts. Total phenolic content of leaves extracts was higher than that of stem bark extracts where the order of total phenolic content progressed from methanol extracts > ethyl acetate extracts > hexane extracts. Therefore, the stem bark of S. aqueum was identified as the better source of natural antioxidant compared with the leaves.

Decrease of the DXR-induced genotoxicity and nongenotoxic effects of Theobroma cacao revealed by micronucleus assay / Diminuição da genotoxicidade induzida por DXR e efeitos não genotóxicos de Theobroma cacao revelados pelo ensaio de micronúcleo

This study evaluated the genotoxicity of lyophilized glycolic extract of Theobroma cacao Linné seeds (TCL), using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between TCL and doxorubicin (DXR) was also analyzed. Experimental groups were evaluated 24-48 h after treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0.5-2 g/kg), and TCL (2 g/kg) in combination with DXR (antigenotoxic assays). Analysis of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) showed no significant differences between all the treatment doses of TCL and NaCl control. Mice experimentally treated with DXR and NEU significantly induced MNPCEs. However, a significant reduction of MNPCEs was also observed when TCL was administered in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent DXR. The analysis of the PCE/NCE ratio revealed no significant differences between the NaCl control, all doses of TCL, and DXR. However, there were significant differences in the PCE/NCE ratio between positive NEU control and all other treatments. The PCE/NCE ratio observed after treatment with TCL and DXR showed significant differences and intermediate values to controls (NaCl and NEU). This study suggests absence of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of TCL, regardless of dose, sex, and time. TCL reduced genotoxic effects induced by DXR, suggesting potential antigenotoxic effects.

Este estudo avaliou a genotoxicidade do extrato glicólico liofilizado de sementes de Theobroma cacao Linné (TCL), usando o ensaio do micronúcleo em medula óssea de camundongos. A interação entre TCL e doxorrubicina (DXR) foi também analisada. Grupos experimentais foram avaliados 24-48 h após tratamento com N-Nitroso-N-etilureia (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0,5-2 g/kg), e TCL (2 g/kg) em combinação com DXR (ensaio antigenotóxico). As análises de eritrócitos policromáticos micronucleados (EPCMNs) não mostraram diferenças significantes entre todas as doses de tratamento do TCL e o controle NaCl. Camundongos experimentalmente tratados com DXR e NEU induziram significativamente EPCMNs. Contudo, uma redução significante de EPCMNs foi também observada quando TCL foi administrada em combinação com o agente quimioterapêutico DXR. As análises da relação EPC/ENC (eritrócito policromático/eritrócito normocromático) revelaram ausência de diferenças significantes entre o controle NaCl, todas as doses de TCL e DXR. Contudo, houve diferenças significantes na relação EPC/ENC entre o controle positivo NEU e todos os outros tratamento. A relação ECP/ENC observada após o tratamento com TCL e DXR mostrou diferenças significantes e valores intermediários aos controles (NaCl e NEU). Este estudo sugere ausência de genotoxicidade e citotoxicidade de TCL, independentemente da dose, sexo e tempo. TCL reduziu os efeitos genotóxicos induzidos por DXR, sugerindo potencial efeitos antigenotóxicos.

Does selenium fortification of kale and kohlrabi sprouts change significantly their biochemical and cytotoxic properties?

BACKGROUND: The sprouts of Brassica vegetables are known from their nutritional and chemopreventive values. Moreover, sprouts fortification with some trace elements, like selenium, may increase their importance in human diet. Thus, the aim of our study was to examine if selenium enrichment of kale and kohlrabi sprouts may influence their biochemical properties (phenolic acids and L-tryptophan content, antioxidant potential) or cytotoxic activity. Additional aim of the study was to evaluate the profile of selenium compounds and to describe the multidimensional interactions between the mentioned parameters. METHODS: Selenium content in the sprouts was evaluated by double-channel atomic fluorescence spectrometer AFS-230 with the flow hydride-generation system. Separation of selenium species in water soluble fraction was performed by size-exclusion LC-ICP-MS. The identification and quantification of phenolic acids and L-tryptophan was performed by HPLC. For antioxidant activity DPPH and FRAP methods were used. Cytotoxic activity of the sprouts extracts on a panel of human metastatic carcinoma cells was evaluated by MTT test. RESULTS: Selenium content in the fortified sprouts was several orders of magnitude higher than in the unfortified ones. Only small percentage of supplemented selenium (ca. 10 %) was incorporated into the sprouts as seleno-L-methionine, while the other detected selenium species remained unidentified. Selenium fortification differently stimulated the production of phenolic acids (sinapic, chlorogenic, isochlorogenic and caffeic acid) in the tested sprouts, depending on the particular species, selenium dose and the investigated compound. PCA analysis revealed strong correlation between antioxidant parameters and phenolic acids and L-tryptophan, while Se correlated only with caffeic acid. The sprouts extracts (≥1 mg/mL) showed cytotoxic potency to all the studied cancer cell lines (SW480, SW620, HepG2, SiHa), regardless the selenium supplementation. CONCLUSION: Se-fortified kale and kohlrabi sprouts are good candidates for functional food ingredients. Moreover, these results indicate that the sprouts enriched with sodium selenite show higher nutritional value, without significant changes in their cytotoxic activity.

Integration of dry-column flash chromatography with NMR and FTIR metabolomics to reveal cytotoxic metabolites from Amphoricarpos autariatus.

Metabolomics generate a profile of small molecules from plant extracts, which could be directly responsible for bioactivity effects. Using dry-column flash chromatography enabled a rapid and inexpensive method for the very efficient separation of plant extract with a high resolution. This separation method coupled to NMR and FTIR-based metabolomics is applied to identify bioactive natural products. OPLS multivariate analysis method, was used for correlation the chemical composition of the plant extracts, Amphoricarpos autariatus, with the results of cytotoxic activity against Human cervical adenocarcinoma cell line (HeLa) and epithelial lung cancer cell line (A549). In this way, the highest contribution to the cytotoxic activity was recorded for the guaianolide sesquiterpene lactones named amphoricarpolides. The compounds indicated as bioactive after metabolomics analysis were tested, and their cytotoxic activity were confirmed.

A bioanalytical approach of chemical composition, bioactivity and cytotoxicity of Berteroa incana L. herb.

Berteroa incana is a wild herb widespread in temperate zones which was practically not studied for its biological effects. Methanolic and aqueous extracts of B. incana were assessed for the content in polyphenols and the related antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and the polysaccharide extract for the content in saccharides and the associated cytostatic effect. The results obtained highlighted that the methanolic extracts of B. incana contain moderate amounts of polyphenols, the most representative been isoquercitrin 4.41 ± 0.02 mg100 g-1dry weight plant material (DW), quercetin 4.21 ± 0.05, sinapic acid 5.23 ± 0.12 and ferulic acid 5.05 ± 0.12 mg 100 g-1DW, with correlated moderate antioxidant activities (IC50 13.40 ± 0.01 µg mL-1) and absent antibacterial activity. The polysaccharide fraction showed high content in saccharides, especially in arabinose (312.22 ± 7.54 mg g-1 polysaccharide extract) and glucose (279.22 ± 5.59), and promising cytostatic effect.

Cytotoxic and apoptotic potential of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (mace) extract on human oral epidermal carcinoma KB cell lines

Several studies have revealed that certain naturally occurring medicinal plants inhibit the growth of various cancers. The present study was conducted to evaluate cytotoxicity and apoptotic induction potential of Myristica fragrans Houtt mace extract. The cytotoxic activity of the Myristica fragrans Houtt mace acetone extract was assayed by MTT assay on human oral epidermal carcinoma KB cell lines. KB cells were incubated with different concentration of mace extract ranging from 25 to 125 µg/mL for 24hrs. The apoptotic induction potential was also studied by the analysis of Bcl-2 protein and gene expression in mace extract incubated KB cell lines using western blotting technique and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The mace extract exhibited cytotoxicity and anticancer effect against KB cell lines and it also suppressed the growth of cancer cells, therefore growth inhibitory effect was noted in extract treated cell lines. The apoptotic potential of mace extract was accompanied by reduced gene expression of Bcl-2 compared to the untreated KB cells. The mace extract shows the cytotoxic activity and induced the apoptosis through the modulation of its target genes Bcl-2 in the KB cell lines, suggesting the potential of mace as a candidate for oral cancer chemoprevention. This can be further investigated in vivo for its anticancer potential.

Evaluation of the cytotoxicity (HepG2) and chemical composition of polar extracts from the ruderal species Coleostephus myconis (L.) Rchb.f.

Coleostephus myconis (L.) Rchb.f. (Asteraceae) is a highly disseminated plant species with ruderal and persistent growth. Owing to its advantageous agronomic properties, C. myconis might have industrial applications. However, this species needs to be comprehensively characterized before any potential use. In a previous study, the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of different C. myconis tissues were characterized. This investigation was extended to examine the cytotoxic potential of selected plant tissues (flowers and green parts) using a HepG2 cell line by utilizing the lysosomal neutral red uptake assay or mitochondrial (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. In addition, the macronutrients content, lipophilic compounds (fatty acids, tocopherols), and amino acids were also determined. C. myconis flowers were used in the senescence stage, which was previously identified as the stage that presented maximal phenolic content and highest antioxidant activity. In contrast, stems and leaves were employed due to their high biomass proportion. Regarding cytotoxicity, mitochondrial and lysosomal damage was only significant when HepG2 cells were exposed to the highest extract concentrations (stems and leaves, 0.9 mg/ml; senescent flowers, 0.3 mg/ml). Chemically, the senescent flowers were mostly characterized by their high levels of fat, amino acids (especially threonine), oleic acid, ß-, and γ-tocopherol, while stems and leaves contained high concentrations of carbohydrates, linolenic acid, and α-tocopherol. In general, these results provide information regarding the threshold concentrations of C. myconis extracts that might be used in different applications without toxicity hazards.

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of Tecoma stans against lung cancer cell line (A549)

ABSTRACT Human have been constantly using plants and plant products to overcome many diseases. The antioxidant property of the plant sources is studied to obtain an efficacious drug against cancer. The objectives of the present study is to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the Tecoma stans extracts against lung cancer cell line in comparison with vincristine drug. The antioxidant activity was studied using the standard DPPH assay and the cytotoxic activity using MTT assay. DPPH assay results show that methanolic extract of T. stans in higher concentration show better antioxidant potential than the standard L-ascorbic acid. They exhibited strong antioxidant potential at 20 µg/mL concentration. The absorbance at 517 nm showed that in the range of 0.201-0.0203 compared to that of absorbance of ascorbic acid at 0.023.Cytotoxic activity was studied using MTT assay which showed that the increase in concentration of extract increases the cell death. At 100µg/mL concentration there is an increased cytotoxic activity, i.e., 99% of cell inhibition. The results of antioxidant and anticancerous activity may be positively correlated.

Consumer acceptability of liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) as an alternative sweetener and correlation with its bioactive content and biological activity.

Consumer acceptability and sensory properties of liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) were evaluated. Quantitation of total polyphenolics and glycyrrhizic acid (GA), as well as the antioxidant capacity of liquorice extracts, was conducted and their biological effects (cytotoxic, antioxidative/pro-oxidative activity, lipid peroxidation on human laryngeal carcinoma cell line) compared to the ones of their predominant bioactive compound - GA. Conducted consumer survey revealed poor familiarity with liquorice (12.37% of correspondents), but willingness towards its use as an alternative sweetener (77.32% of consumers). Polyphenolic content of evaluated extracts ranged from 1018.18 to 1277.27 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/l while GA content varied between 2179.53 and 2944.13 mg/l. The most pronounced cytotoxic effect (60%) and lipid peroxidation were exerted by treatment with the highest applied extract concentrations (10 mg/ml). Pure GA exhibited cytotoxic and pro-oxidative effects at concentrations of 0.12-0.6 mg/ml. Due to high GA content, coupled with its pronounced cytotoxic activity, the intake of liquorice root should be limited.

In vitro antioxidant, antitumor and leishmanicidal activity of riparin A, an analog of the Amazon alkamides from Aniba riparia (Lauraceae) / Atividade antioxidante, antitumoral e leishmanicida in vitro da riparina A, um análogo das alcamidas amazônicas de Aniba riparia (Lauraceae)

Aniba riparia (Lauraceae) is an important medicinal plant found in the Amazon region and presents alkaloids of the type alkamide known as riparins. Riparin A is structurally represented as the fundamental core of all Amazon riparins. This work aimed to assess the in vitro antioxidant, antitumor and antileishmanial effects of riparin A. Riparin A presented weak antioxidant capacity by tecniques of DPPH• (EC50 of 296.2 μg mL-1) and ABTS•+ (EC50 of 450.1 μg mL-1), showed moderate activity against colon carcinoma (HCT-116: IC50 of 21.7 μg mL-1) and leishmanicidal activity on promastigotes of L. amazonensis (IC50 of 307.0 ± 79.6, 193.7 ± 44.3 and 81.8 ± 11.2 μg mL-1, respectively, after 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation). Then, in addition to its structural simplicity, riparin A revealed promising biological activities and remarkable in vitro leishmanicidal action, an important result in epidemiological point of view to control leishmaniasis in Brazil, including in the Amazon region.

Aniba riparia (Lauraceae) é uma importante planta medicinal encontrada na região amazônica que apresenta alcaloides do tipo alcamida e conhecidos como riparinas. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos antioxidantes, antitumorais e leishmanicidas in vitro da riparina A. Riparina A apresentou fraca capacidade antioxidante pelas técnicas do DPPH• (CE50 de 296,2 μg mL-1) e ABTS•+ (CE50 de 450,1 μg mL-1), mostrou moderada atividade contra carcinoma de cólon (HCT-116: CI50 de 21,7 μg mL-1) e atividade leishmanicida sobre formas promastigotas de Leishmania amazonensis (CI50 de 307,0 ± 79,6; 193,7 ± 44,3 e 81,8 ± 11,2 μg mL-1, respectivamente, após 24, 48 e 72 h de incubação). Assim, além de sua simplicidade estrutural, a riparina A revelou atividades biológicas promissoras e significativa ação leishmanicida in vitro, resultado importante diante da relevância epidemiológica para controle da leishmaniose no Brasil, inclusive na região amazônica.

Influência da poluição aérea gerada pelo tráfego veicular na produção do óleo essencial e das atividades antifúngica e citotóxica in vitro de Cyrtocymura scorpioides (Lam. ) H. Rob. (Asteraceae) / Air pollution influence generated by vehicular traffic in essential oil production and antifungal and cytotoxic activities in vitro Cyrtocymura scorpioides (Lam. ) H. Rob. (Asteraceae)

RESUMO Cyrtocymura scorpioides (sin. Vernonia scorpioides (Lam.) Pers.), Piracá é utilizada popularmente para tratamento de úlceras, traumatismos, candidíase, processos inflamatórios e dores musculares. Objetivou-se verificar nas plantas cultivadas na Vila Nair, Jardim São Dimas e Urbanova em São José dos Campos - SP, a influência da poluição veicular nos rendimentos da matéria seca (folhas), no óleo essencial, e no extrato bruto, bem como a ação citotóxica em células HEP-2 e L929, e identificar os componentes do óleo essencial e ação fungicida em Candida albicans. As estacas (54) foram cultivadas durante 6 meses em solo + adubo (2:1) na Universidade do Vale do Paraíba - UNIVAP, e distribuídas nas estações Dutra (E1 - tráfego intenso), Teotônio (E2 - tráfego médio) e Urbanova (E3 - tráfego baixo), onde 18 mudas foram cultivadas durante 6 meses, sendo 3 repetições de 6 plantas. O óleo essencial foi extraído por hidrodestilação e seus componentes identificados por cromatografia gasosa acoplado a espectrômetro de massas (CG-MS), através de indice de similaridade com a base de espectros Wiley L. O extrato bruto foi concentrado por rotavapor. A ação fúngica foi avaliada pelo teste de difusão em disco e a citotoxicidade pelo teste MTT. Em Urbanova (E3) verificouse maior rendimento da matéria seca, do extrato bruto e do óleo essencial. Identificou-se no óleo essencial: ß-cariofileno, α-cariofileno, germacreno D, delta-cadineno e cariofileno. O Óleo Essencial possui possui baixa ação fungicida em C. albicans, enquanto o extrato hidroalcóolico se mostrou citotóxico para L929 e HEp-2.

ABSTRACT Cyrtocymura scorpioides (syn. Vernonia scorpioides (Lam.) Pers.), known as Piracá, is popularly used for the treatment of ulcers, trauma, candidiasis, inflammatory disorders, and muscle pain. This study aimed to assess the influence of vehicular pollution on the yield of dry matter (leaves), essential oil, and crude extract, and the cytotoxic action in HEP-2 and L929 cells. This study also aimed to identify the components of the essential oil, and verify its fungicidal action against Candida albicans in plants grown in Vila Nair, Jardim São Dimas, and Urbanova, São José dos Campos - SP, Brazil. The seedlings (54) were grown in soil + fertilizer (2:1) at the Universidade do Vale do Paraiba - UNIVAP, and distributed to different stations, Dutra (E1 - heavy traffic), Teotônio (E2 - medium traffic), and Urbanova (E3 - low traffic), where 18 seedlings were cultivated for 6 months, with 3 replicates of 6 plants. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and its components were identified by by Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS), with a similarity index computed using the Wiley L spectra. The crude extract was concentrated in a Buchi Rotary Evaporator R-114, the fungicidal action and cytoptoxicity were evaluated using the disk diffusion method and the MTT test, respectively. In Urbanova (E3), high yields of dry matter, crude extract, and essential oil were obtained. The following components were identified in the oil: ß-caryophyllene, α -caryophyllene, germacrene D, delta-cardinene, and caryophyllene oxide. The oil was found to have low fungicidal action against C. albicans, while the hydroalcoholic extract was cytotoxic to L929 and HEP-2.

Estudo do potencial antimicrobiano e citotóxico da espécie Pouteria venosa (Sapotaceae) / Study of antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential of Pouteria venosa species (Sapotaceae)

RESUMO Estudo experimental in vitro que objetivou investigar o potencial antimicrobiano e citotóxico de quatro frações e um extrato etanólico da espécie Pouteria venosa usada como planta medicinal. A atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada pelos testes de sensibilidade microbiana, como o método de difusão em disco e o método da microdiluição em caldo, para a determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM). Obteve-se a avaliação da citotoxicidade por meio do método colorimétrico do Metiltetrazolium. No estudo da atividade antimicrobiana, os principais resultados foram obtidos contra Staphylococus aureus para a fração AcOEt das cascas do caule, CIM de 125 µg/mL; Streptococcus pneumoniae e Proteus mirabilis para a fração AcOEt das cascas do caule, CIMde250 µg/mL; Staphylococus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa para a fração AcOEt das folhas e cascas do caule, CIM de 250 µg/mL. Todas as amostras foram inativas para os fungos testados. A fração AcOEt das cascas do caule foi considerada atóxica, podendo ser utilizada em testes pré-clínicos in vivo

ABSTRACT Study of antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential of Pouteria venosa species (Sapotaceae). This experimental in vitro study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential of four fractions and one ethanolic extract of the specie Pouteria venosa used as a medicinal plant. The antimicrobial activity was determined by microbial sensitivity tests, as the method of disk diffusion and the broth microdilution method for determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The evaluation of the cytotoxicity was obtained by the Metiltetrazolium colorimetric method. In the antimicrobial activity research, the main results were obtained against the Staphylococcus aureus for the AcOEt fraction of the stem bark MIC 125 µg/mL, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis for the AcOEt fraction from the stem bark, CIM 250 µg/mL, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa to the AcOEt fraction of the leaves and stem bark, MIC 250 µg/mL. All samples did not react for the fungi tested. The AcOEt fraction of the stem bark was considered non-toxic and can be used at in vivo pre-clinical testing

Chemical Composition and Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oil from Leaves of Mentha piperita Grown in China.

The chemical composition, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of essential oil from leaves of Mentha piperita (MEO) grown in China were investigated. Using GC-MS analysis, the chemical composition of MEO was characterized, showing that it was mainly composed of menthol, menthone and menthy acetate. MEO exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activities in a croton oil-induced mouse ear edema model. It could also effectively inhibit nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The cytotoxic effect was assessed against four human cancer cells. MEO was found to be significantly active against human lung carcinoma SPC-A1, human leukemia K562 and human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells, with an IC50 value of 10.89, 16.16 and 38.76 µg/ml, respectively. In addition, MEO had moderate antioxidant activity. The results of this study may provide an experimental basis for further systematic research, rational development and clinical utilization of peppermint resources.

Selenium and vitamin E enriched diet increases NK cell cytotoxicity in cattle / Dieta enriquecida com selênio e vitamina E aumenta a citotoxicidade de células NK em bovinos

A number of studies has shown that antioxidants, fatty acids and trace minerals may modulate different immune cell activities, and that their deficiency may be associated with diseases and impaired immune responses. In innate immunity, natural killer (NK) cells have a central role, killing virally infected and cancerous cells, and also secreting cytokines that shape adaptive immune responses. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of enriched diets in selenium plus vitamin E and/or canola oil on complete blood count and on NK cell cytotoxicity from blood lymphocytes of Nellore bulls. Bulls that received selenium plus vitamin E had (P=0.0091) higher NK cell cytotoxicity than control bulls. This result positively correlated with serum selenium levels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that showed immunostimulatory effects of selenium plus vitamin E on NK cell cytotoxicity of Nellore bulls.(AU)

Vários estudos demonstraram que antioxidantes, ácidos graxos e minerais podem modular a atividade de diferentes células do sistema imunológico e que as suas carências podem estar associadas a doenças e a respostas imunes comprometidas. Na imunidade inata, os linfócitos natural killer (NK) têm um papel central matando células infectadas por vírus e células cancerígenas, ao mesmo tempo em que também secretam citocinas que modulam as respostas imunes adaptativas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de dietas enriquecidas em selênio e vitamina E e/ou óleo de canola no hemograma e na citotoxicidade das células NK do sangue de bovinos da raça Nelore. Os animais que receberam selênio e vitamina E tiveram (P = 0,0091) maior citotoxicidade das células NK do que os animais do grupo controle. Este resultado foi positivamente correlacionado com os níveis de selênio no sangue. Para o melhor do nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro estudo que mostrou efeitos imunoestimulatórios do selênio e vitamina E sobre a citotoxicidade das células NK de bovinos Nelore.(AU)

Evaluación de la citotoxicidad y bioseguridad de un extracto de polifenoles de huesos de aceitunas / Assessment of cytotoxicity and biosafety of polyphenolic extracts from olive pits

El olivo constituye una fuente de compuestos bioactivos, tanto en su fruto, como en sus subproductos. Algunos de sus compuestos han mostrado beneficios para la salud, siendo objetivo de este trabajo la evaluación de la bioseguridad in vitro e in vivo de extractos de huesos de aceituna ricos en polifenoles. Material y métodos: Se ha evaluado la citotoxicidad mediante adición de extracto de hueso de olivas disuelto en PBS (0-400 mg/l) a un cultivo de la línea celular THP1- XBlue-CD14 y evaluación de la viabilidad celular mediante la reacción de reducción de la resazurina por las células vivas. La bioseguridad se ha evaluado en pez cebra, incubando huevos fecundados en extracto de 0 a 100 mg/l durante 24 a 72 horas y midiendo los parámetros: a) letales (embriones muertos, huevos coagulados), b) subletales (movimientos espontáneos, pigmentación, edemas) y c) teratogénicos (malformaciones, retraso desarrollo). Resultados: La citotoxicidad (efecto tóxico cuando viabilidad inferior al 75%) del extracto de huesos de oliva en la línea celular THP1-XBlue-CD14, está en concentraciones superiores a 50 mg/l de extracto (viabilidad 77,5%), calculando una LD50 (dosis de letalidad 50%) superior a 800 mg/l. La bioseguridad in vivo con los embriones de pez cebra expuestos a concentraciones de extracto de 0- 100 mg/l mostró total viabilidad a 24, 48 y 72 horas post fecundación (hpf), no observándose mortalidad ni se apreciaron embriones con efectos subletales, teratógenos, ni adelanto o retraso en la eclosión. Se puede concluir que el extracto de huesos de olivas es altamente bioseguro hasta al menos concentraciones de 100 mg/l (AU)

The olive tree is a source of bioactive compounds, both its fruit and its by-products. Some of its compounds have shown health benefits, being objective of this work the evaluation of biosafety in-vitro and in vivo of extracts of olive stones rich in polyphenols. Material and methods: He has been evaluated for cytotoxicity by addition of lyophilized extract dissolved in PBS (0-400 mg/l) to a culture of the cell line THP1-XBlueCD14 and evaluation of cell viability by the reaction of reduction of resazurin by living cells. Biosecurity has been evaluated in zebrafish, incubating eggs fertilized in 0 to 100 mg/l extract for 24 to 72 hours and measuring parameters: a) lethal (dead embryos, coagulated eggs), b) sublethal (spontaneous movements, pigmentation, edemas) and c) teratogenic (malformations, retardation development). Results: Cytotoxicity (toxic effect when less than 75% viability) extract bones of olive in the cell line THP1- XBlue-CD14, is in concentrations higher than 50 mg/l, calculating a LD50 (dose lethality 50) more than 800 mg/l. The biosafety of zebrafish embryos exposed to concentrations of extract from 0-100 mg/l showed total viability at 24, 48 and 72 hours post fertilization (hpf), not observed mortality or appreciated embryos with sublethal effects, teratogenic, or advancement or delay in hatching. It can be concluded that the bones of olive extract is highly biosecured until at least 100 mg/l concentrations (AU)

Extraction of saponins and toxicological profile of Teucrium stocksianum boiss extracts collected from District Swat, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The current era is facing challenges in the management of neoplasia and weeds control. The currently available anti-cancer and herbicidal drugs are associated with some serious side effects. Therefore numerous researchers are trying to discover and develop plant based alternative particularly for the rational management of cancer and weed control. Teucrium stocksianum possess antioxidant and analgesic activities. The current study was designed to evaluate crude saponins (CS), methanolic extract and sub-fractions of T. stocksianum for cytotoxic and phytotoxic potentials. CS, methanolic extract and sub-fractions were extracted from powdered plant material using different solvents. Cytotoxic potential of the extracts at a dose of 10, 100 and 1000 µg/ml were evaluated against Brine shrimp's nauplii. Phytotoxic assay also performed at the same concentration against Lemna minor. Etoposide and Paraquat were used as positive controls in cytotoxic and phytotoxic assays respectively. RESULTS: The percent yield of crude saponins was (5%). CS demonstrated tremendous brine shrimp lethality showing < 10 µg/ml LC50. The n-hexane (HF) and chloroform fractions (CF) demonstrated excellent cytotoxicity with 80 and 55 µg/ml LC50 respectively. Whereas the methanolic extract (TSME), ethyl acetate (EAF) and aqueous fractions (AF) revealed moderate cytotoxicity showing 620, 860 and 1000 µg/ml LC50 values respectively. In phytotoxic assay profound inhibition was displayed by HF (96.67%) and TSME (95.56%, 30 µg/ml LC50) against the growth of Lemna minor at 1000 µg/ml respectively. Both CF and EAF demonstrated profound phytoxicity (93.33%) respectively at highest concentration (1000 µg/ml), while AF and CS demonstrated weak phytotoxicity with 1350 and 710 µg/ml LC50 values respectively. CONCLUSION: Cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity assays indicated that the crude saponins, n-hexane and chloroform fractions of T. stocksianum could play a vital role in the treatment of neoplasia and as potential natural herbicides. Therefore these sub-fractions are recommended for further investigation with the aim to isolate novel anti-cancer and herbicidal compounds.

Extraction of saponins and toxicological profile of Teucrium stocksianum boiss extracts collected from District Swat, Pakistan

BACKGROUND: The current era is facing challenges in the management of neoplasia and weeds control. The currently available anti-cancer and herbicidal drugs are associated with some serious side effects. Therefore numerous researchers are trying to discover and develop plant based alternative particularly for the rational management of cancer and weed control. Teucrium stocksianum possess antioxidant and analgesic activities. The current study was designed to evaluate crude saponins (CS), methanolic extract and sub-fractions of T. stocksianum for cytotoxic and phytotoxic potentials. CS, methanolic extract and sub-fractions were extracted from powdered plant material using different solvents. Cytotoxic potential of the extracts at a dose of 10, 100 and 1000 µg/ml were evaluated against Brine shrimp's nauplii. Phytotoxic assay also performed at the same concentration against Lemna minor. Etoposide and Paraquat were used as positive controls in cytotoxic and phytotoxic assays respectively. RESULTS: The percent yield of crude saponins was (5%). CS demonstrated tremendous brine shrimp lethality showing < 10 µg/ml LC50. The n-hexane (HF) and chloroform fractions (CF) demonstrated excellent cytotoxicity with 80 and 55 µg/ml LC50 respectively. Whereas the methanolic extract (TSME), ethyl acetate (EAF) and aqueous fractions (AF) revealed moderate cytotoxicity showing 620, 860 and 1000 µg/ml LC50 values respectively. In phytotoxic assay profound inhibition was displayed by HF (96.67%) and TSME (95.56%, 30 µg/ml LC50) against the growth of Lemna minor at 1000 µg/ml respectively. Both CF and EAF demonstrated profound phytoxicity (93.33%) respectively at highest concentration (1000 µg/ml), while AF and CS demonstrated weak phytotoxicity with 1350 and 710 µg/ml LC50 values respectively. CONCLUSION: Cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity assays indicated that the crude saponins, n-hexane and chloroform fractions of T. stocksianum could play a vital role in the treatment of neoplasia and as potential natural herbicides. Therefore these sub-fractions are recommended for further investigation with the aim to isolate novel anti-cancer and herbicidal compounds.

Microfluidic chip for the detection of biological toxic effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on neuronal cells.

The aim of this study was to develop a microfluidic neuronal cell chip device to monitor the toxic effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on PC-12 neuronal cells. PCBs adversely influence the activities of neuronal cells in the nervous system. In PC-12 cells, the production and secretion of dopamine decreases in response to PCB exposure. The microfluidic device that we developed to measure the amount of dopamine by cyclic voltammetry is composed of a control layer, a fluidic layer, and a gold electrode-patterned glass wafer. The control channel in the control layer functions as a microvalve to control the flow of the fluidic channel in the fluidic layer. The fluidic layer consists of 3 reaction chambers as well as fluidic channels. Three electrodes, including the working electrode, counter electrodes, and a reference electrode, are placed in a fluidic chamber. The electrochemical signals of dopamine, either from a standard dopamine solution or from the culture supernatant from cultured PC-12 cells, were obtained using a fabricated microfluidic neuronal cell chip by cyclic voltammetry. When PCBs were added to cultures of PC-12 cells, the amount of dopamine secreted from the PC-12 cells decreased due to the reduced activity of PC-12 cells. The fabricated neuronal cell chip was capable of detecting the toxic effect of dopamine on neuronal cells at concentrations of 10 microg/L and over. The practicality of the developed microfluidic neuronal cell chip was validated using river water spiked with PCBs.

Cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of selected Cameroonian edible plants.

BACKGROUND: In Cameroon, the use of edible plants is an integral part of dietary behavior. However, evidence of the antimicrobial as well as the cytotoxic effects of many of them has not been investigated. In the present study, aqueous and methanol extracts from barks, seeds, leaves and roots of three Cameroonian edible plants namely Garcina lucida, Fagara heitzii and Hymenocardia lyrata were evaluated for their cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities. METHODS: Antibacterial and antifungal activities were assessed by the broth micro-dilution method meanwhile the cytotoxicity was performed using sulphorhodamine B assay (SRB) against the human leukemia THP-1, the alveolar epithelial A549, prostate cancer PC-3, breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 and cervical cancer HeLa cell lines. RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the seven tested extracts ranged from 62.5 µg/ml to 1000 µg/ml. The methanol (MeOH) extract from the roots of H. lyrata showed the highest antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus and S. epidermitis. The best antifungal activity was obtained with the MeOH extract from the leaves of G. lucida against C. tropicalis (MIC value of 62.5 µg/ml). The in vitro antiproliferative activity revealed that, extract from the bark of F. heitzii and extract from H. lyrata roots had significant cytotoxic activity on THP-1 (IC50 8.4 µg/ml) and PC-3 (IC50 9.5 µg/ml) respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that Cameroonian spices herein studied could be potentially useful for the development of therapeutic agents against bacterial infections as well as for prostate and leukemia cancer.

Antibacterial, anti-HIV-1 protease and cytotoxic activities of aqueous ethanolic extracts from Combretum adenogonium Steud. Ex A. Rich (Combretaceae).

BACKGROUND: Records have shown that Combretum adenogonium Steud. Ex A. Rich (Combretaceae) is used in traditional medicine systems of several tribes in Tanzania. This study focused on the investigation of antibacterial activity, anti-HIV-1 protease activity, toxicity properties and classes of phytochemicals in extracts from C. adenogonium Steud. Ex A. Rich (Combretaceae) to evaluate potential of these extracts for development as herbal remedies. METHODS: Dried plant material were ground to fine powder and extracted using 80% aqueous ethanol to afford root, leaf and stem bark extracts. The extracts were assayed for anti-HIV-1 protease activities, antibacterial activities using microdilution methods and cytotoxicity using brine shrimps lethality assay. Screening for major phytochemical classes was carried out using standard chemical tests. RESULTS: All extracts exhibited antibacterial activity to at least one of the test bacteria with MIC-values ranging from 0.31-5.0 mg/ml. Two extracts, namely, root and stem bark exhibited anti-HIV-1 PR activity with IC50 values of 24.7 and 26.5 µg/ml, respectively. Stem bark and leaf extracts showed mild toxicity with LC50 values of 65.768 µg/ml and 76.965 µg/ml, respectively, whereas roots were relatively non-toxic (LC50 = 110.042 µg/ml). Phytochemical screening of the extracts indicated presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides and saponins. CONCLUSION: These results provide promising baseline information for the potential development of C. adenogonium extracts in treatment of bacterial and HIV/AIDS-related opportunistic infections.