Neuroprotective potential of Cannabis sativa-based oils in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Substances from the Cannabis sativa species, especially cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), have attracted medical attention in recent years. The actions of these two main cannabinoids modulate the cholinergic nervous system (CholNS) involving development, synaptic plasticity, and response to endogenous and environmental damage, as a characteristic of many neurodegenerative diseases. The dynamics of these diseases are mediated by specific neurotransmitters, such as the GABAergic nervous system (GNS) and the CholNS. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an important experimental model, which has different neurotransmitter systems that coordinate its behavior and has a transgene strain that encodes the human ß-amyloid 1-42 peptide in body wall muscle, one of the main proteins involved in Alzheimer´s disease. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the protective potential of terpenoids found in C. sativa in the GNS and CholNS of C. elegans. The effect of two C. sativa oils with variations in CBD and THC concentrations on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, lipid peroxidation, and behavior of C. elegans was evaluated. C. sativa oils were efficient in increasing pharyngeal pumping rate and reducing defecation cycle, AChE activity, and ROS levels in N2 strains. In the muscle:Abeta1-42 strain, mainly when using CBD oil, worm movement, body bends, and pharyngeal pumping were increased, with a reduced AChE activity. Consequently, greater investments in scientific research are needed, in addition to breaking the taboo on the use of the C. sativa plant as an alternative for medicinal use, especially in neurodegenerative diseases, which have already shown positive initial results.

Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of pitaya fruit on Cu-induced stress in adult zebrafish.

The harmful effects of heavy metals on organisms have not been fully described. At present, there is a close relationship between neurodegenerative diseases and copper toxicity. In addition, the copper effect on the central nervous system is followed by high levels of free radicals in different body tissues. An increase in free radical levels leads to aging-related diseases, resulting in the appearance of senile comorbidities. An increase in the consumption of natural compounds that could help to reduce this dangerous effect on organisms was observed. Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) is a tropical fruit with great antioxidant potential and can help the organism with oxidative damage. This study evaluated the effect of H. undatus on zebrafish organisms in front of copper-induced toxicity. Therefore, the behavior, cholinergic system, antioxidant enzymes, and ALAD activity were evaluated as biomarkers. Our results highlight the great potential of Pitaya's pulp to reduce the levels of anxiety and aggressivity in fish and reduce cortisol levels. It could mediate the normal response of the cholinergic nervous system, antioxidant enzymes, and ALAD activity. Therefore, our data suggest that pitaya might improve the senile aging. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The potential practical application of this study is related to the neuroprotective effect of the Hylocereus undatus microencapsulated pulp extract against metal-induced impairments. The results have shown that this extract is able to reduce the copper-induced damage modulating the antioxidant system and the cholinergic nervous system. One of the implicated potentials of use for this extract is the food supplementation to its fortification.

Pitaya fruit extract ameliorates the healthspan on copper-induced toxicity of Caenorhabditis elegans.

Copper (Cu) is an essential metal and it is important for metabolism. However, in high concentrations, it becomes toxic. Metal-induced toxicity is the cause of many neurodegenerative diseases. So it is necessary to search mechanisms to find ways of healthy aging. Natural compounds and diets based on fruits are increasingly common and could lead to a healthy life. Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) is a tropical and Latin American, fruit that is gaining more popularity due to its antioxidant properties. Here, we evaluate the preventive and curative effect of different doses of microencapsulated pulp H. undatus extract on copper-induced toxicity. For this we use the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, to investigate the effects of pitaya extract on behavior, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant chaperon, and cholinergic nervous system (ColNS). Results showed behavioral changes, decreased cell death biomarkers, and lipid peroxidation caused by copper, and these toxic effects were prevented and reverted by Pitaya's extract. After all, the extract can be used in diet as a supplement and studied to treat or prevent specific diseases, some of them linked to contamination and senility-related conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This research has been aimed to provide the uses of Hylocereus undatus microencapsulated pulp extract for the prevention and treatment of copper-induced toxicity. We have been shown that Pitaya is a good source of antioxidant compounds that can ameliorate the antioxidant system as well as the cholinergic nervous system avoiding behavior changes before and after the metal toxicity of copper. Therefore, the potential applications and common use of this extract can serve as food supplementation to prevent metal oxidative damage as well as to repair clinical cases of copper poisoning.

Fruit extract of red pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) prevents and reverses stress-induced impairments in the cholinergic and antioxidant systems of Caenorhabditis elegans.

The addition of fruit to the diet is very important, and we can use nutraceutical and functional foods for this supplement. A little-known fruit is a red pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) that has been widely reported to have a high antioxidant potential. In this study, we analyzed the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacity of microencapsulated pitaya extract on the behavior, antioxidant, and nervous system of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The worms were treated with fruit extract before and after juglone-induced stress, to determine the protective or curative effects of pitaya. We have been evaluated cholinergic, antioxidant, and behavioral biomarkers. We have evidenced that the pulp of pitaya contains antioxidant compounds and can serve as a potential nutraceutical product. In addition, the fruit extract was effective in preventing and/or reverse the stress-induced damages, even at high levels of chemical stress at all evaluated parameters. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The potential applications and uses aimed by this research are related to the supplementation of foods given the antioxidant effect. Our data suggested that the effect of the pitaya fruit microencapsulated pulp extract was effective to prevent and repair the damage caused by oxidative stress. Besides the use of this microencapsulated extract can be an auxiliary in the treatment of diseases related to oxidative damage as well as promoting senescent aging. Another important use is the application of this extract as a dietary supplement to fortify the antioxidant system.

Microencapsulated and Lyophilized Propolis Co-Product Extract as Antioxidant Synthetic Replacer on Traditional Brazilian Starch Biscuit.

The residue from commercial propolis extraction may have significant antioxidant power in food technology. However, among the challenges for using the propolis co-product as an inhibitor of lipid oxidation (LO) in baked goods is maintaining its bioactive compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the propolis co-product extracts' capability to reduce LO in starch biscuit formulated with canola oil and stored for 45 days at 25 °C. Two co-product extracts were prepared: microencapsulated propolis co-product (MECP) (with maltodextrin) and lyophilized propolis co-product (LFCP), which were subjected to analysis of their total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (AA). Relevant antioxidant activity was observed using the methods of analysis employed. The spray-drying microencapsulation process showed an efficiency of 63%. The LO in the biscuits was determined by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) test and fatty acid composition by gas chromatography analysis. Palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoelaidic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids were found in biscuits at constant concentrations throughout the storage period. In addition, there was a reduction in malondialdehyde values with the addition of both propolis co-product extracts. Therefore, the propolis co-product extracts could be utilized as a natural antioxidant to reduce lipid oxidation in fatty starch biscuit.

Pressurized liquid extraction and chemical characterization of safflower oil: A comparison between methods.

This work investigates the extraction process of safflower oil using pressurized ethanol, and compares the chemical composition obtained (in terms of fatty acids) with other extraction techniques. Soxhlet and Ultrasound showed maximum global yield of 36.53% and 30.41%, respectively (70°C and 240min). PLE presented maximum global yields of 25.62% (3mLmin(-1)), 19.94% (2mLmin(-1)) and 12.37% (1mLmin(-1)) at 40°C, 100bar and 60min. Palmitic acid showed the lower concentration in all experimental conditions (from 5.70% to 7.17%); Stearic and Linoleic acid presented intermediate concentrations (from 2.93% to 25.09% and 14.09% to 19.06%, respectively); Oleic acid showed higher composition (from 55.12% to 83.26%). Differences between percentages of fatty acids, depending on method were observed. Results may be applied to maximize global yields and select fatty acids, reducing the energetic costs and process time.