Comparative Analysis of Water Extracts from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Plants and Callus Cells: Constituents, Effects on Human Skin Cells, and Transcriptome Profiles.

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a plant that has traditionally been used in various food and beverage products. Here, we investigated the potential of water extracts derived from Roselle leaves and callus cells for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes. We generated calluses from Roselle leaves and produced two different water extracts through heat extraction, which we named Hibiscus sabdariffa plant extract (HSPE) and Hibiscus sabdariffa callus extract (HSCE). HPLC analysis showed that the two extracts have different components, with nucleic acids and metabolites such as phenylalanine and tryptophan being the most common components in both extracts. In vitro assays demonstrated that HSCE has strong anti-melanogenic effects and functions for skin barrier and antioxidant activity. Transcriptome profiling of human skin cells treated with HSPE and HSCE showed significant differences, with HSPE having more effects on human skin cells. Up-regulated genes by HSPE function in angiogenesis, the oxidation-reduction process, and glycolysis, while up-regulated genes by HSCE encode ribosome proteins and IFI6, functioning in the healing of radiation-injured skin cells. Therefore, we suggest that the two extracts from Roselle should be applied differently for cosmetics and pharmaceutical purposes. Our findings demonstrate the potential of Roselle extracts as a natural source for skincare products.

Leaves and Fruits Preparations of Pistacia lentiscus L.: A Review on the Ethnopharmacological Uses and Implications in Inflammation and Infection.

There is an increasing interest in revisiting plants for drug discovery, proving scientifically their role as remedies. The aim of this review was to give an overview of the ethnopharmacological uses of Pistacia lentiscus L. (PlL) leaves and fruits, expanding the search for the scientific discovery of their chemistry, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antimicrobial activities. PlL is a wild-growing shrub rich in terpenoids and polyphenols, the oil and extracts of which have been widely used against inflammation and infections, and as wound healing agents. The more recurrent components in PlL essential oil (EO) are represented by α-pinene, terpinene, caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene, with high variability in concentration depending on the Mediterranean country. The anti-inflammatory activity of the oil mainly occurs due to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the arachidonic acid cascade. Interestingly, the capacity against COX-2 and LOX indicates PlL EO as a dual inhibitory compound. The high content of polyphenols enriching the extracts provide explanations for the known biological properties of the plant. The protective effect against reactive oxygen species is of wide interest. In particular, their anthocyanins content greatly clarifies their antioxidative capacity. Further, the antimicrobial activity of PlL oil and extracts includes the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, periodontal bacteria and Candida spp. In conclusion, the relevant scientific properties indicate PlL as a nutraceutical and also as a therapeutic agent against a wide range of diseases based on inflammation and infections.

Water extract of shepherd's purse prevents high-fructose induced-liver injury by regulating glucolipid metabolism and gut microbiota.

Shepherd's purse as a wild vegetable is getting more and more attention on health benefits. Water extract of shepherd's purse (WESP) was prepared and analyzed for the chemical constituents. The mice were fed high-fructose (HF) diet and treated with WESP at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg·bw for 8 weeks. The HF-fed mice receiving WESP exhibited the inhibitions against abnormal weight gain, hepatic fat accumulation and lipid metabolic by down-regulating FAS and ACC expressions. WESP also significantly alleviated hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response by regulating of NF-κB pathway. Moreover, WESP dose-dependently increased the acetic, propionic, and butyric acids levels in HF-fed mice. Furthermore, WESP significantly alleviated the HF-induced gut dysbiosis by reducing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and increasing the abundance of potential beneficial bacteria. Our findings indicate that WESP may be an effective dietary supplement for preventing the liver damage.

Rapid on site assessment of a compost chemical stability parameter by UV and fluorescence spectroscopy coupled with mathematical treatment.

Sewage sludges are problematic due to the constant increase of urban population. The high level of organic matter in sludges can be valorized by co-composting with green waste. Many chemical changes occur in the compost maturation process, resulting on stabilized organic matter by humification which is recoverable as soil amendment. In this way, the knowledge of organic matter stability and maturity of compost is essential. However, estimation of chemical parameters allowing the management of compost quality usually need complex time consuming laboratory measurements. Indeed, there is not yet rapid, simple and robust method for their on site assessment at the moment. Among usual parameters used to monitor compost evolution, the C/N ratio is a fundamental chemical parameter. The aim of this work is the estimation of the C/N ratio using a Partial Least Squares regression based on UV and fluorescence spectroscopic data and pH from compost water extracts at various steps of composting process and measured on site. A mathematical linear model is established based on selected data (pH, spectroscopic indices) resulting on average relative error for C/N estimation of 5.26% (range between 0.5% min. and 9.5% max.). This tool leads to a rapid and simple on site estimation of the compost stabilization, allowing qualification of the end-product resulting on a global spectroscopic index of stability.

A systematic strategy for screening therapeutic constituents of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill infiltrated blood-brain barrier oriented in lesions using ethanol and water extracts: a novel perspective for exploring chemical material basis of herb medicines.

Schisandra chinensis, a widely used Chinese herbal medicine, was considered as central nervous system (CNS) drug for years. Both ethanol extracts (EES) and water extracts (WES) of it were applied clinically. Unfortunately, the difference of their efficacy and even effective material foundation of S. chinensis remains obscure. In this study, to explore the active constituents of S. chinensis, we compared pharmacodynamics and chemical profiles in vitro/in vivo of EES/WES for the first time using multiple chemical analysis, pharmacological and data processing approaches. It was proved that there was no significant difference in the anti-depressive effects between WES and EES. However, the contents of most components in vitro and in plasma were higher in EES than those in WES, which was unconvincing for their similar efficacy. Therefore, we further explored components of S. chinensis targeted onto brain and the results showed that 5 lignans were identified with definite absorptivity respectively both in EES and WES caused by the limitation of blood-brain barrier. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis predicted their anti-depressive action. Above all, the systematic strategy screened 5 brain-targeted effective substances of S. chinensis and it was suggested that exploring the components into nidi would promote the studies on herbs effective material basis.

Mulberry fruits extracts induce apoptosis and autophagy of liver cancer cell and prevent hepatocarcinogenesis in vivo.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in Taiwan. Many risks factors induce liver chronic inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Mulberry fruits containing polyphenols to remove free radicals and mitigate inflammation has been reported to not only against gastric cancer, melanoma and leukemia but also prevent liver injury induced by alcohol or CCl4 in previous researches. The aim of this study is to examine whether Mulberry could inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis. In animal experiment, diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was used to induce hepatic tumorgenesis. After injecting DEN, the rats treated with mulberry water extracts (MWE) had less and smaller tumor than others without MWE. Moreover, MWE reduced the serum ALT and AST, HCC marker, cleavage caspases, Ser-15-p53 and Ser46-p53 induced by DEN. Further, we observed that mulberry polyphenol extracts (MPE) inhibited the cell growth of HepG2 cell and Hep3B cell. By using flow cytometry and western blotting methods, MPE induced HepG2 cell apoptosis by increase subG1 cells and the elevated expression of caspase-3/8/9. Instead of apoptosis, MPE caused Hep3B cells autophagy by inhibiting Akt and mTOR phosphorylation. Comprehensively, mulberry extracts has a potential to be a health supplement to prevent hepatocarcinogenesis in the future.

A systematic strategy for screening therapeutic constituents of (Turcz) Baill infiltrated blood-brain barrier oriented in lesions using ethanol and water extracts: a novel perspective for exploring chemical material basis of herb medicines

, a widely used Chinese herbal medicine, was considered as central nervous system (CNS) drug for years. Both ethanol extracts (EES) and water extracts (WES) of it were applied clinically. Unfortunately, the difference of their efficacy and even effective material foundation of remains obscure. In this study, to explore the active constituents of , we compared pharmacodynamics and chemical profiles / of EES/WES for the first time using multiple chemical analysis, pharmacological and data processing approaches. It was proved that there was no significant difference in the anti-depressive effects between WES and EES. However, the contents of most components and in plasma were higher in EES than those in WES, which was unconvincing for their similar efficacy. Therefore, we further explored components of targeted onto brain and the results showed that 5 lignans were identified with definite absorptivity respectively both in EES and WES caused by the limitation of blood-brain barrier. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis predicted their anti-depressive action. Above all, the systematic strategy screened 5 brain-targeted effective substances of and it was suggested that exploring the components into nidi would promote the studies on herbs effective material basis.

Role of growth regulators and plant water extracts on the productivity and water use efficiency of wheat genotypes under limited water supply / Papel dos reguladores de crescimento e dos extratos de plantas sobre a eficiência da produtividade e do uso da água dos genótipos de trigo sob abastecimento de água limitada

Empowerment of wheat genotypes by application of growth regulators, compatible solutes and plant extracts under water restriction is an important strategy for getting sustainable yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of drought stress on the growth and yield of wheat genotypes and also monitor and compare the role of ABA, SA as well as moringa and mulbery leaf water extracts in improving drought tolerance of wheat genotypes. The work was performed at the research area of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan. Three wheat cultivars Aas-2011, Faisalabad- 2008 and Triple dwarf-1 were subjected to drought stress (skipping the irrigation at grain filling stage). The wheat genotypes were subjected to treatments viz., T1 i.e. All normal irrigation without application of abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), moringa (MLE) and mulberry leaf water extract (MBLE), T2 i.e. skipping the irrigation at grain filling stage and application of 2µM ABA, T3 i.e. skipping the irrigation at grain filling stage and application of 10 m mol SA, T4 i.e. skipping the irrigation at grain filling stage and application of 15% MLE and T5 i.e. skipping the irrigation at grain filling stage and application of 10% MBLE. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with factorial arrangement and repeated three times. From this study it is concluded that Aas-2011 shown best result under drought condition by applying growth regulators and plant water extracts.

O fortalecimento de genótipos de trigo pela aplicação de reguladores de crescimento, solutos compatíveis e extratos vegetais sob restrição hídrica é uma importante estratégia para obtenção de produção sustentável. Trilha de campo foi realizada na área de pesquisa da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade de Ghazi, Dera Ghazi Khan, Paquistão. Três cultivares de trigo Aas-2011, Faisalabad-2008 e Triple anão-1 foram submetidas a estresse hídrico (pulando a irrigação no estágio de enchimento de grãos). Os genótipos de trigo foram submetidos a tratamentos, T1, ou seja, irrigação normal sem aplicação de ácido abscísico (ABA), ácido salicílico (SA), moringa (MLE) e extrato de água de amoreira (MBLE), T2¬, pular a irrigação em estágio de enchimento de grãos e aplicação de ABA 2µM, T3 ou seja, ignorando a irrigação no estágio de enchimento de grãos e aplicação de 10 m mol SA, T4 ou seja, ignorando a irrigação no estágio de enchimento de grãos e aplicação de 15% MLE e T5 ou seja, ignorando a irrigação no enchimento de grãos estágio e aplicação de 10% MBLE. O experimento foi exposto no delineamento de blocos completos casualizados com arranjo fatorial e repetido três vezes. A partir deste estudo conclui-se que Aas-2011 apresentou melhor resultado sob condição de seca, aplicando reguladores de crescimento e extratos de água de plantas.

Addition of a surfactant to water increases the acaricidal activity of extracts of some plant species used to control ticks by Zimbabwean smallholder farmers.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have revealed that bioactive compounds for different indications are not extracted from plants with water, the only extractant practically available to rural communities. We compared the acaricidal activity of acetone extracts of 13 species used traditionally to protect cattle against ticks. We also investigated if the extraction of biologically active compounds against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus ticks could be enhanced by adding a liquid soap that is locally available to smallholder farmers. METHODS: A total of 13 plant species selected based on reported traditional use in Zimbabwe, were dried and finely ground before extraction with water, or water plus a surfactant, or acetone. The adapted Shaw Larval Immersion Test (SLIT) method was used to determine the activity of acetone and crude water extracts with or without liquid soap against the tick larvae. The activity of four fractions of crude acetone extracts (extracted using solvents of different polarity), of the most active plant species, Maerua edulis (tuber and leaf) was also compared to identify the most active fraction. RESULTS: Aqueous plant extracts were not toxic to ticks, but the addition of 1% liquid soap as a surfactant increased mortality of the R. (B) decoloratus larvae significantly. With the Maerua edulis tuber extract, the efficacy of the 1% liquid soap was comparable to that of the amitraz based commercial synthetic acaricide. The use of acetone as an extractant, also increased the mortality of the tick larvae in all the plant species. With M. edulis (tuber and leaf), Monadenium lugardae and Kleinia sp. acetone extracts, the activity was comparable to that of the positive control (a commercially available amitraz-based synthetic acaricide). The non-polar fractions of the acetone extract of leaf and tuber of M. edulis caused up to 100% mortality. This indicates that non-polar to intermediate polarity compounds are responsible for the acaricidal activity. CONCLUSION: Organic solvents such as acetone extracted active compounds but water did not. By adding commonly available dishwashing soap to water active compounds were extracted leading to a high acaricidal activity of the plant extracts. In some cases, it was as active as non-polar extracts and a synthetic commercial acaricide (positive control). This approach makes it possible for the smallholder farmers and traditional healers to extract biologically active compounds from plants by using water.

The Anti-Obesity Effect of Polysaccharide-Rich Red Algae (Gelidium amansii) Hot-Water Extracts in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Hamsters.

This study investigated the anti-obesity effect of a polysaccharide-rich red algae Gelidium amansii hot-water extract (GHE) in high-fat (HF) diet-induced obese hamsters. GHE contained 68.54% water-soluble indigestible carbohydrate polymers. Hamsters were fed with a HF diet for 5 weeks to induce obesity, and then randomly divided into: HF group, HF with 3% guar gum diet group, HF with 3% GHE diet group, and HF with orlistat (200 mg/kg diet) group for 9 weeks. The increased weights of body, liver, and adipose in the HF group were significantly reversed by GHE supplementation. Lower plasma leptin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 levels were observed in the GHE+HF group compared to the HF group. GHE also increased the lipolysis rate and decreased the lipoprotein lipase activity in adipose tissues. GHE induced an increase in the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the protein expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and uncoupling protein (UCP)-2 in the livers. The decreased triglyceride and total cholesterol in the plasma and liver were also observed in obese hamsters fed a diet with GHE. These results suggest that GHE exerts a down-regulation effect on hepatic lipid metabolism through AMPK phosphorylation and up-regulation of PPARα and UCP-2 in HF-induced obese hamsters.

Essential oil composition of five Nepeta species cultivated in Lithuania and evaluation of their bioactivities, toxicity and antioxidant potential of hydrodistillation residues.

Essential oils of Nepeta cataria var. citriodora, N. transcaucasica, N. melissifolia, N. sibirica and N. nuda were investigated. The yields of EO were from 0.78 (N. nuda) to 5.94 (N. cataria) mg/g plant dry weight (pdw). In total, 143 compounds were identified and quantified in Nepeta plant EOs by GC-MS/FID. 4aα,7α,7aß-Nepetalactone (NL) was dominant constituent in N. cataria and N. nuda EO (50.16 and 55.72%, respectively) followed by 4aα,7α,7aα-NL (35.64 and 6.20%, respectively); other quantitatively important compounds were ß-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, some monoterpene alcohols and their aldehydes. N. transcaucasica EO was composed mainly of citronellol (17.69%), 4aα,7ß,7aα-NL (14.34%), geranial (9.05%) and geranyl acetate (8.20%), whereas EOs of N. melissifolia and N. sibirica contained high percentages of 1,8-cineole (37.35 and 42.58%, respectively) and caryophyllene oxide (22.06 and 20.35%, respectively). In order to valorize EO distillation residues their antioxidant potential was evaluated by several in vitro assays: water extracts were considerably stronger radical scavengers than acetone extracts isolated from the solid EO distillation residue. The bioactivities and toxicological data of Nepeta spp. and their main EO components were assessed based on the most recently reported data.

Discovery of a sugar-based nanoparticle universally existing in boiling herbal water extracts and their immunostimulant effect.

Herbal medicine is mainly prepared from boiling herbal water extracts. Many epoch-making immunosuppressant drugs, such as glycyrrhizic acid (old example) and FTY720 (current example), were developed from herbal secondary metabolites in the boiling water extract by partition with organic solvents. However, few immunostimulants have been discovered by this method. Instead of the usual method, we aimed to find a novel immunostimulant component by two unique methods in the research of herbal medicine: ultracentrifugation and electron microscopy. The immunostimulant was not a secondary metabolite, as expected, but the structure was a nanoparticle formed by a polysaccharide. In addition, we clarified the immune effect of the nanoparticle. Intake of the nanoparticle by phagocytosis resulted in immunostimulant effects by increasing the genes and proteins of inflammatory cytokines in macrophage cells. The immunostimulant effects were inhibited by a phagocytosis inhibitor, cytochalasin D. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the discovery of a nanoparticle in boiling herbal water extracts and its immunostimulant properties. This study will provide additional understanding of the efficacy of herbal medicine, in that the immunostimulant nanoparticle universally exists in boiling herbal water extracts. Thus, traditional herbal medicine may be an oldest known nanomedicine. Furthermore, this study suggests that the immunostimulant nanoparticle simply can be obtained from herbal medicine only by ultracentrifugation. We hope that this simple strategy will substantially contribute to drug development, including vaccine adjuvant, in the future.

[Hypoglycemic effects of mulberry leaf extracts on diabetic mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study hypoglycemic effects of different mulberry leaf extracts on diabetic mice. METHODS: STZ-induced diabetic mice were intragastricly administrated with different mulberry leaf extracts( water extracts: 800 mg/kg, ethanol extracts: 500 mg/kg, water extracts + ethanol extracts: low dose 150 mg/kg, high dose300 mg/kg) and positive control group( melbine: 227. 5 mg/kg). Four weeks later, serum glucose levels, insulin levels, antioxidase activities were tested. Liver and pancreas pathological changes were observed by HE staining. RESULTS: Compared with model group, each mulberry leaf extracts group could decrease serum glucose and insulin levels and increase antioxidase activities. The mixture of water extracts and ethanol extracts at high dose showed the most obvious effects. In this group, serum glucose levels, insulin levels, insulin resistance index and insulin sensitivity index were 61. 0%, 64. 1%, 42. 9% and 1. 18 times of those in the model group( P < 0. 05), and no significant differences were found between this group and the positive group( P > 0. 05). CONCLUSION: The mixture of mulberry leaf water and ethanol extracts showed synergistic hypoglycemic effects by increasing antioxidase activities, repairing pancrea and liver oxidative damages, and improving insulin resistance status.

Protective effect of Opuntia ficus-indica L. cladodes against UVA-induced oxidative stress in normal human keratinocytes.

Opuntia ficus-indica L. is known for its beneficial effects on human health, but still little is known on cladodes as a potent source of antioxidants. Here, a direct, economic and safe method was set up to obtain water extracts from Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes rich in antioxidant compounds. When human keratinocytes were pre-treated with the extract before being exposed to UVA radiations, a clear protective effect against UVA-induced stress was evidenced, as indicated by the inhibition of stress-induced processes, such as free radicals production, lipid peroxidation and GSH depletion. Moreover, a clear protective effect against apoptosis in pre-treated irradiated cells was evidenced. We found that eucomic and piscidic acids were responsible for the anti-oxidative stress action of cladode extract. In conclusion, a bioactive, safe, low-cost and high value-added extract from Opuntia cladodes was obtained to be used for skin health/protection.

The protective effect of Epimedii Folium and Curculiginis Rhizoma on Alzheimer's disease by the inhibitions of NF-κB/MAPK pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome.

The purpose of the current study was to explore the effects of the water extracts of Epimedii Folium and Curculiginis Rhizoma (EX) on Aß-induced Alzheimer's disease. Aß1-42 was stereotaxically injected bilaterally into the dorsal hippocampus, and then the rats were orally received EX at the doses of 2 g/kg and 6 g/kg for 30 days. Behavior was monitored through Morris water maze test. The neuroprotective effect of EX were examined with methods of histochemistry and biochemistry. EX reduced the contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in hippocampus and cortex. EX also reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the serum. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that EX inhibited the expressions of NLRP3. In addition, we further confirmed that EX suppressed the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome. EX inhibited the phosphorylations MAPKs, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88), cathepsin B. In conclusion, these results suggest that EX may be a potential agent for treating Alzheimer's disease.

Rhizoma smilacis glabrae protects rats with gentamicin-induced kidney injury from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by inhibiting caspase-3 activation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Rhizoma smilacis glabrae (RSG), which is mild-natured and tastes sweet or bland, has pharmacological action of eliminating dampness, detoxifying, and ensuring that joints were healthy and supple in traditional Chinese medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: To discuss the protective effect of RSG on gentamicin (GM)-induced kidney injury in rats and its regulatory mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by inhibiting caspase-3 activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group, model group, and RSG low, middle, and high dose groups (0.75，1.5，3gkg-1). Six hours after intramuscular GM injections, rats in the model group were given distilled water by intragastric administration, and rats in the 3 RSG intervention groups were given different dosages of RSG water-extracts. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, blood and kidney samples were collected to test for biochemical indexes of kidney injury, oxidative stress, histopathological defects, apoptosis rate, and caspase-3 protein expression to assess the protective effect of RSG water-extracts against GM-induced kidney injury. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, serum TP and ALB levels were significantly higher (P<0.05), and BUN, CRE, and UA levels were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the 3 RSG intervention groups. In kidney tissues, SOD, CAT, and GSH levels increased significantly (P<0.05), while MDA level decreased significantly (P<0.05). Total apoptosis rate dropped markedly (P<0.01), and the protein expressions of caspase-3 increased, while expressions of activated caspase-3 decreased. Histopathological analysis showed shrinkage of kidney cells reduced with appearance of complete kidney structure and decrease in activated caspase-3 expressions in impaired renal tubules decreased. Among the 3 RSG intervention groups, the middle dose group (1.5gkg-1) showed the best protective effect. CONCLUSIONS: RSG water-extracts had protective effects against GM-induced kidney injury in rats, and its mechanism of action was related to oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by inhibiting caspase-3 activation.

Mulberry water extracts inhibit atherosclerosis through suppression of the integrin-ß3/focal adhesion kinase complex and downregulation of nuclear factor κB signaling in vivo and in vitro.

Previous studies have shown that mulberry water extracts (MWEs), which contain polyphenolic compounds, have an antiatherosclerotic effect in vivo and in vitro through stimulating apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Histological analysis was performed on atherosclerotic lesions from high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed rabbits after treatment with 0.5-1% MWEs for 10 weeks. Immunohistochemistry showed that the expressions of SMA, Ras, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 in the VSMCs were dose-dependently inhibited after MWE treatment. The antimigratory effects of MWEs on A7r5 VSMCs were assessed by western blot analysis of migration-related proteins, visualization of F-actin cytoskeleton, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that MWEs inhibited VSMC migration through reducing interactions of the integrin-ß3/focal adhesion kinase complex, alterations of the cytoskeleton, and downregulation of glycogen synthase kinase 3ß/nuclear factor κB signaling. Taken together, MWEs inhibited HCD-induced rabbit atherogenesis through blocking VSMC migration via reducing interactions of integrin-ß3 and focal adhesion kinase and downregulating migration-related proteins.

The polyphenol extract from Sechium edule shoots inhibits lipogenesis and stimulates lipolysis via activation of AMPK signals in HepG2 cells.

Fatty liver may have implications for metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Therefore, the development of pharmacological or natural agents to reduce fat accumulation in the liver is an important effort. The Sechium edule shoots have already been verified to decrease serum lipids and cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis. However, how Sechium edule shoots modulate hepatic lipid metabolism is unclear. This study was designed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of polyphenol extracts (SPE) of Sechium edule shoots in reducing lipid accumulation in oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells. We found that water extracts (SWE) of Sechium edule shoots could decrease serum and hepatic lipid contents (e.g., triacylglycerol and cholesterol). Furthermore, SWE and SPE through the AMPK (AMP-activating protein kinase) signaling pathway could decrease lipogenic relative enzymes, such as FAS (fatty acid synthase), HMGCoR (HMG-CoA reductase), and SREBPs (sterol regulatory element binding proteins), and increase the expression of CPT-I (carnitine palmitoyltransferase I) and PPARα (peroxisome proliferators activated receptor α), which are critical regulators of hepatic lipid metabolism. These observations suggested that Sechium edule shoots have potential for developing health foods for preventing and remedying fatty liver.

Atividade antifúngica de óleo e extratos vegetais sobre Sclerotinia sclerotiorum / Antifungal activity of vegetable oils and extracts against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Considerando a importância do mofo branco, causado pelo patógeno Sclerotinia sclerotiorum na cultura da soja (Glycine max) e a falta de estudos sobre alternativas de controle deste patógeno, este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o efeito de óleos e extratos vegetais sobre o crescimento micelial de S. sclerotiorum. No experimento de óleos essenciais, concentrações de 25, 50, 75 e 100 µg de i.a mL-1 de azadiractina, obtida de nim indiano (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), foram estudadas em associação às doses de 0, 1/3, 1/6, 1/8 e 1/10 do óleo de Karanja (Pongamia glabra). Quanto ao experimento de extratos vegetais, estudou-se as espécies Aroeirinha (Schinus molle L.), Mentrasto (Ageratum conyzoides L.), Alfavaca (Ocimum gratissimum L.), Losna (Artemisia absinthium L.), Jambolão (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels), Arruda (Ruta graveolens L.), Mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz), Santa Bárbara (Melia azedarach L.) e Pimenta longa (Piper aduncum L.) na concentração de 30%. Óleos e extratos vegetais foram incorporados, separadamente, ao meio de cultura BDA e vertido em placa de Petri de 9 cm de diâmetro, na qual depositou-se um disco de BDA, contendo micélio do fungo. As placas foram incubadas à temperatura de 22 ± 3 oC e fotoperíodo de 12 horas. As avaliações consistiram em medições diárias do diâmetro da colônia, durante 48 horas. A maior inibição do crescimento micelial foi diretamente proporcional ao aumento das concentrações dos óleos de nim indiano e de Karanja. A concentração de azadiractina, correspondente a 100 µg de i.a mL-1 com 1/3 de óleo de Karanja foi a mais eficiente na redução do crescimento micelial, com 63% de inibição. Em relação aos extratos vegetais, o fruto de pimenta longa foi o mais promissor sobre a redução do crescimento micelial, com 43% de inibição.

Considering the importance of white mold, caused by the pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, to soybeans (Glycine max) and the lack of studies about alternative control ways of plant pathogens, this study evaluated the effect of vegetable oils and extracts on the mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum. Concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg a.i. mL-1 of azadiractine, obtained from neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), were evaluated associated with the doses of 0, 1/3, 1/6, 1/8 or 1/10 of Karanja (Pongamia glabra) oil in the experiment with essential oils. Vegetable extracts of the species Schinus molle L., Ageratum conyzoides L., Ocimum gratissimum L., Artemisia absinthium L., Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, Ruta graveolens L., Manihot esculenta Crantz, Melia azedarach L. and Piper aduncum L. were evaluated in the concentration of 30%. Oils and vegetable extracts were incorporated, separately, into PDA culture medium and poured in 9-cm diameter petri plates, over which a PDA disk containing mycelium of the fungus was placed. The plates were incubated at 22 ± 3 oC and 12 hours lighting. The evaluations consisted of daily measurements of colony diameter for two days. The greatest mycelial growth inhibition was directly proportional to the concentration increase of neem and Karanja oils. Azadiractin concentration corresponding to 100 µg a.i. mL-1 with 1/3 Karanja oil was the most effective on reducing mycelial growth, with 63% inhibition. Among the vegetable extracts, fruits of long pepper were the most promising for reducing mycelial growth, with 43% inhibition.

Water extracts of Brazilian leguminous seeds as rich sources of larvicidal compounds against Aedes aegypti L.

This study assessed the toxicity of seed water extracts of 15 leguminous species upon Aedes aegypti larvae. A partial chemical and biochemical characterization of water extracts, as well as the assessment of their acute toxicity in mice, were performed. The extracts of Amburana cearensis, Anadenanthera macrocarpa, Dioclea megacarpa, Enterolobium contortisiliquum and Piptadenia moniliformis caused 100 percent of mortalit y after 1 to 3 h of exposure. They showed LC50 and LC90 values ranging from 0.43 ± 0.01 to 9.06 ± 0.12 mg/mL and from 0.71 ± 0.02 to 13.03 ± 0.15 mg/mL, respectively. Among the secondary metabolite constituents, the seed water extracts showed tannins, phenols, flavones, favonols, xanthones, saponins and alkaloids. The extracts also showed high soluble proteins content (0.98 to 7.71 mg/mL), lectin (32 to 256 HU/mL) and trypsin inhibitory activity (3.64 = 0.43 to 26.19 = 0.05 gIT/kg of flour) The electrophoretic profiles showed a great diversity of protein bands, many of which already described as insecticide proteins. The extracts showed low toxicity to mice (LD50 > 0.15 = 0.01 g/kg body weight), but despite these promising results, further studies are necessary to understand the toxicity of these extracts and their constituentsfrom primary and secondary metabolism upon Ae. aegypti.

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a toxicidade dos extratos aquosos de sementes de 15 espécies de leguminosas contra larvas de Aedes aegypti. Foi realizada uma caracterização química e bioquímica parcial dos extratos aquosos e a avaliação da toxicidade aguda em camundongos. Os extratos de Amburana cearensis, Anadenanthera macrocarpa, Dioclea megacarpa, Enterolobium contortisiliquum e Piptadenia moniliformis causaram 100 por cento de mortalidade depois de 1 a 3 h de exposição e mostraram valores de CL50 e CL90 entre 0,43 = 0,01 e 9,06 ± 0,12 e entre 0,71 = 0,02 e 13,03 = 0,15 mg/mL, respectivamente. Dentre os constituintes do metabolismo secundário, os extratos das sementes apresentaram taninos, fenóis, flavonas, flavonóis, xantonas, saponinas e alcalóides. Os extratos apresentaram alto teor de proteínas solúveis (0,98 to 7,71 mg/mL), lectina (32 to 256 UH/mL) e inibidor de tripsina (3,64 ± 0,43 to 26,19 = 0,05 gIT/kg de farinha). O perfil eletroforéticomostrou uma grande diversidade de proteínas, muitas dasquais já descritas como inseticidas. Os extratos mostraram baixa toxicidade ao camundongo (DL50 > 0,15 = 0,01 g/kg peso corporal), porém apesar desses resultados promissores, estudos posteriores são necessários para compreender a toxicidade desses extratos e de seus constituintes do metabolismo primário e secundário sobre Ae. aegypti.