Arabinan-rich pectic polysaccharide fraction from Malpighia emarginata fruits alleviates inflammatory pain in mice.

Malpighia emarginata (Malpighiaceae), popularly known as "acerola", is a tropical and subtropical fruit native to the Americas. Despite its high vitamin C content, which gives it a high antioxidant property, soluble dietary fibers, such as polysaccharides, are also abundant constituents of acerola (10% of the dried fruit). The acerola cold-water soluble (ACWS) fraction presented anti-fatigue and antioxidant effects in vivo and in vitro. To infer further systemic effects of ACWS, this study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of ACWS in murine models of pain. In formalin-induced nociception, ACWS (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg) reduced only the inflammatory phase, and also (10 and 30 mg/kg) attenuated the acetic acid-induced writhing and leukocyte migration in the peritoneal cavity. The mechanical allodynia and paw edema induced by intraplantar injection of carrageenan were greatly reduced by ACWS (10 mg/kg). At the inflammatory pick induced by carrageenan (4 h), ACWS significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and PGE2 levels, and restored IL-10 levels. ACWS also exhibited antioxidant properties by decreasing lipid hydroperoxides content, increasing GSH levels, and restoring superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the carrageenan model and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. Collectively, these results support the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of ACWS and reveal a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory pain conditions.

Are the floral morphology and anatomy of Galphimia australis, an atypical neotropical Malpighiaceae, associated to a new pollination syndrome?

The flowers of the species of Malpighiaceae in the Neotropical Region are relatively uniform in their morphology due to their dependence on oil-collecting bees as their main pollinators. However, many species of the genus Galphimia seem to have acquired a different floral syndrome, lacking markedly zygomorphic flowers and developed elaiophores in the calyx. Likewise, these species present anthers with great development, probably in response to the selection of pollinators that collect pollen. Galphimia australis incorporated some of these traits but also retained some residual characteristics typical of species pollinated by oil bees. This leads to many questions on how these flowers ensure their pollination. Inquiring about the reduction or modification of these characteristics allows us to understand how G. australis achieves a different pollination syndrome. In this research, we carry out a detailed morphological and anatomical study of the flowers and pollen grain devolvement of G. australis and floral visitors were observed and captured. Results were analyzed in order to determine how this species changed from the oil-floral syndrome, typical of neotropical Malpighiaceae, to one syndrome with pollen as the main reward.

Development, Validation, and Use of 1H-NMR Spectroscopy for Evaluating the Quality of Acerola-Based Food Supplements and Quantifying Ascorbic Acid.

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata D.C.) is an exotic fruit with high agro-industrial potential due to its high content of ascorbic acid (AA), phenolic compounds, and carotenoid pigments. Acerola fruit is processed into concentrated juice or powder to be incorporated into food supplements. The ascorbic acid content of concentrated juice or powders must be controlled and well assessed. Therefore, the development of optimal methods and procedures for the rapid and accurate determination of the ascorbic acid content in juice concentrate and juice powder remains of considerable commercial interest. NMR spectroscopy is currently a powerful spectroscopic tool for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of molecules of all types and sizes. Firstly, this article presents the NMR-based metabolomic profiling of acerola juice and concentrate powder to describe and compare their composition. Thirty-six metabolites were identified. The AA over choline ratio and the NMR metabolomic profiles could be used for authentication in the future. Secondly, a rapid (8 min), reliable, and non-destructive method for the quantification of ascorbic acid by 1D 1H-NMR spectroscopy was developed and validated. The LOD and LOQ were 0.05 and 0.15 mg/mL, respectively. These two approaches could be combined to better characterize ingredients derived from acerola and incorporated into food supplements.

Untargeted metabolomic profile of recovered bioactive compounds by subcritical water extraction of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) pomace.

The untargeted metabolomics approach was used to compare the chemical profiles of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) pomace extracts. The effect of drying the raw material before subcritical water extraction (SWE) at different temperatures on the yield, phenolic content, and in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated. The results were compared with those obtained via Soxhlet and the findings suggest that SWE saves time (15 min) and solvent for extracting valuable components as compared to Soxhlet (6 h). An increase in temperature significantly improved the extraction yield (23.9 to 33.4 %), phenolic content (119.1 to 362 mgGAEg-1), and antioxidant activity, and higher values were obtained with SWE as compared to Soxhlet. The most abundant compounds detected by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS were ascorbic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. The investigation of different moisture contents in the SWE showed promising results for eliminating the drying operation, saving time and energy, and obtaining highly concentrated phenolic-rich by-products.

Five New Polyoxypregnane Glycosides from the Vines of Aspidopterysobcordata and Their Antinephrolithiasis Activity.

From the dried vines of Aspidopterys obcordata Hemsl, five new polyoxypregnane glycosides, named obcordatas J-N (1-5), were obtained. Their structures were fully elucidated and characterized by HRESIMS and extensive spectroscopic data. In addition, all of the new compounds were screened for their antinephrolithiasis activity in vitro. The results showed that compounds 1-3 have prominent protective effects on calcium oxalate crystal-induced human kidney 2 (HK-2) cells, with EC50 values ranging from 6.72 to 14.00 µM, which is consistent with the application value of A. obcordata in folk medicine for kidney stones.

Galloylquinic acid derivatives from Byrsonima fagifolia leaf extract and potential antifungal activity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Byrsonima fagifolia Niedenzu (Malpighiaceae) and other Byrsonima species are popularly employed in Brazilian traditional medicine in the form of preparations as cicatrizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. AIM OF THE STUDY: To characterize the phytochemical profile of the hydromethanolic extract obtained from B. fagifolia leaves (BF extract) and to evaluate the toxicity and the antifungal activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The compounds from BF extract were isolated by HPLC and the structures were elucidated based on extensive analyses of 1D and 2D NMR spectra (HMQC, HMBC and COSY) data. The antifungal effect was determined by the broth microdilution method and the toxicity was evaluated on erythrocytes from sheep's blood and Galleria mellonella larvae. RESULTS: Phytochemical investigation of the BF extract led to the isolation and characterization of pyrogallol, n-butyl gallate, 3,4-di-O-galloylquinic acid, 3,5-di-O-galloylquinic acid, 3,4,5-tri-O-galloylquinic acid, and 1,3,4,5-tetra-O-galloylquinic acid. The BF extract showed high content of galloylquinic acid derivatives reaching more than twenty-times the quercetin derivatives content, according to the quantification by HPLC. These galloylquinic acid derivatives, obtained during this study, and quercetin derivatives, previously isolated, were submitted to the antifungal assays. The BF extract inhibited yeast growth mainly against Cryptococcus spp., at concentrations of 1-16 µg/mL, comparable to isolated compounds galloylquinic acid derivatives. However, the quercetin derivatives as well as quinic acid, gallic acid, and methyl gallate showed lower antifungal effect compared with galloylquinic derivatives. In addition, the BF extract had no hemolytic effect and no toxicity on G. mellonella. CONCLUSION: The phytochemical analysis revealed that galloylquinic acid derivatives are the major compounds in the leaves of B. fagifolia and they are associated to anti-cryptococcal activity and presented reduced toxicity.

Chemical profile and antioxidant activity in Diplopterys pubipetala (Malpighiaceae).

This work aimed to carry out phytochemical prospecting and evaluate the antioxidant potential of Diplopterys pubipetala, a species of Malpighiaceae family that has not yet been studied.In qualitative analyses of hydroethanolic extracts of leaves and stems were detected the presence of flavonoids, alkaloidsand terpenes. The histochemical evaluation evidenced a greater distribution of these compounds in the tissues of leaf when compared with those of stem. The analysis by mass spectrometry allowed the identification of prenylated xanthones and glycoside flavonoids that have not yet been reported in the literature. The antioxidant activity of the stem extract was considered moderate (IAA = 0.79), but the leaves presented a strong antioxidant activity (IAA = 1.6). In this work we present information about the phytochemicals of D. pubipetala, showing that the species is promising in obtaining compounds with medicinal potential mainly antioxidant potential.

Phytochemistry, antifungal and antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity of byrsonima gardneriana (A. Juss) extract.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the phytochemical composition of Byrsonima gardneriana (A. Juss) leaf extract (BGE) and its antifungal activity against Candida spp., antioxidant potential and in vitro cytotoxicity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: BGE was obtained and submitted to Gas Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry for phytochemical analysis. The ethanolic extract was tested for its antifungal activity against C. albicans and non-albicans reference strains and clinical isolates in addition to inhibition of C. albicans growth kinetics. It was also tested for antioxidant potential in the presence of phenylhydrazine and reactive oxygen species (ROS). And cytoxicity in human erythrocytes. The data were analyzed by one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's or Dunnett's post-hoc test, with α = 0.05. RESULTS: Pyroglutamic acid (90.77 %), eucalyptol (89.61 %) and octanoic acid (76.22 %) were the major compounds detected in BGE, P (%) is the percent probability of compound identification, according to the mass spectra library. The extract showed fungistatic activity, with MIC of 125 µg/mL against most tested strains. While BGE showed low hemolytic activity on all blood types tested herein, it could not prevent osmotic stress in human erythrocytes. The extract did not have oxidizing effects in the presence of phenylhydrazine, but it showed antioxidant potential against ROS when tested at 31 µg/mL and 62 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: B. gardneriana extract showed antifungal activity against Candida spp., demonstrated low hemolytic potential, no oxidant activity in human erythrocytes and antioxidant activity against ROS. This study opens avenues for the study of BGE as a promising biocompatible antifungal agent.

Genetic Diversity Assessment of a Chinese Medicinal Endemic Species, Aspidopterys obcordata var. obcordata, by Combined Molecular Marker Methods (ISSR & SRAP).

Aspidopterys obcordata var. obcordata, a medicinal plant endemic to China, is a narrowly distributed species and wild resources are extremely limited. To evaluate the genetic variability and degree of genetic divergence of A. obcordata var. obcordata, and to make rational scientific decisions on its harvest and germplasm conservation, we collected 122 samples from across nearly all of its distribution area and studied genetic diversity using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs), sequence-related amplified polymorphisms (SRAPs), and a method combining the two techniques. The results revealed the high genetic diversity of A. obcordata var. obcordata, mainly due to its intra-population diversity, and the top two populations with the highest levels of intra-population diversity were ML and DH, individuals of which can serve as excellent germplasm candidates during the processing of germplasm screening and conservation. In general, the combining method was prior to the ISSR analyses and SRAP analyses results, except for a slight difference in the genetic structure of individual populations. Therefore, we suggest that a combination analysis of the two marker methods is ideal for evaluating the genetic diversity and genetic relationships of A. obcordata var. obcordata.

Antioxidant effect of acerola fruit powder, rosemary and licorice extract in caiman meat nuggets containing mechanically separated caiman meat.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of acerola fruit powder, rosemary and licorice extract in caiman meat nuggets containing high amounts of mechanically separated caiman meat (MSCM) during 120 days of frozen storage. Five treatments were prepared: a control without antioxidant (CON), sodium erythorbate at 500 mg/kg (ERY), acerola fruit powder at 500 mg/kg (AFP), with licorice extract at 500 mg/kg (LIE) and rosemary extract at 500 mg/kg (ROE). The addition of natural antioxidants increased color, cohesiveness, and decreased TBARS values. The redness values were higher for LIE and these values were different to the CON. Nuggets with licorice extract had significantly lower TBARS values at the end of the storage period compared to the control. All the treatments were similar in sensory analysis, with good acceptability. These results indicate licorice extract used in caiman meat nuggets containing a high amount of MSCM caiman has the potential to improve quality during frozen storage.

Metabolic profiling and in vivo hepatoprotective activity of Malpighia glabra L. leaves.

Although Malpighia glabra Linn. fruits are well studied for their nutritional and medicinal prominence; little attention has been given to the leaves. Our study intends to investigate the leaves metabolic profile using Q-TOF LC/MS/MS (Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight-Liquid-Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry), and to explore their in vivo hepatoprotective activity in rats using CCL4 -induced hepatic damage model and silymarin as standard. Fifty metabolites were characterized, belonging to different classes; coumarins (capensine, daphnoretin, and scopoletin), flavonoids (mainly quercetin and apigenin glycosides), phenolic acids (cinnamic acid and quinic acid derivatives) and amino acids (adenosine, homoisoleucine, and phenylalanine).These compounds are detected in the leaves for the first time. The hepatoprotective activity at three doses (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) was investigated. The dose of 800 mg/Kg showed the highest hepatoprotective effect as it reduced the elevated serum levels of ALT, AST, NO, and TNF-α liver content by 26, 24, 23, and 42%, respectively, it also remarkably increased the serum level of catalase by 102%. All the tested doses showed higher reduction in serum level of TNF-α compared to silymarin which suggests their strong anti-inflammatory potential. M. glabra leaves are revealed to be a rich source of secondary metabolites and proved to possess significant hepatoprotective potential. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The performed analyses in this study shows the richness of Malpighia glabra Linn. leaves in a plethora of beneficial and safe phytochemicals which are well-known to have a pivotal role in protection against different diseases including liver disorders. The carried-out investigations were done using Q-TOF LC/MS/MS analysis which is a reliable technique for the determination, characterization and identification of bioactive metabolites; in addition to evaluation of the hepatoprotective effect of the leaves. Therefore, this study may emphasize that Malpighia glabra Linn. leaves may have the same nutritional and medicinal importance as its fruits, and they could be incorporated into pharmaceuticals and foods instead of discarding them.

Can Statistical Evaluation Tools for Chromatographic Method Development Assist in the Natural Products Workflow? A Case Study on Selected Species of the Plant Family Malpighiaceae.

Proper chromatographic methods may reduce the challenges inherent in analyzing natural product extracts, especially when utilizing hyphenated detection techniques involving mass spectrometry. As there are many variations one can introduce during chromatographic method development, this can become a daunting and time-consuming task. To reduce the number of runs and time needed, the use of instrumental automatization and commercial software to apply Quality by Design and statistical analysis automatically can be a valuable approach to investigate complex matrices. To evaluate this strategy in the natural products workflow, a mixture of nine species from the family Malpighiaceae was investigated. By this approach, the entire data collection and method development procedure (comprising screening, optimization, and robustness simulation) was accomplished in only 4 days, resulting in very low limits of detection and quantification. The analysis of the individual extracts also proved the efficiency of the use of a mixture of extracts for this workflow. Molecular networking and library searches were used to annotate a total of 61 compounds, including O-glycosylated flavonoids, C-glycosylated flavonoids, quinic/shikimic acid derivatives, sterols, and other phenols, which were efficiently separated by the method developed. These results support the potential of statistical tools for chromatographic method optimization as an efficient approach to reduce time and maximize resources, such as solvents, to get proper chromatographic conditions.

Secondary metabolites from acridocarpus orientalis inhibits 4T1 cells and promotes mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) proliferation.

Among medicinal plants, Acridocarpus orientalis (AO) possesses a remarkable anti-cancer potential, possibly because of its anti-oxidant property. In this study, the leaf and stem extracts from AO were assessed to find the bioactive compound with selective anti-cancer properties. The MTT viability and live and dead assays revealed that around 80% and 98% of 4T1 cells survival were declined after 48 h incubation with leaf and stem extracts, respectively. The leaf extract increased stem cell proliferation by 20% whereas the stem extract inhibited around 22% of stem cells proliferation after 48 h treatment. The live and dead assay of MSCs confirmed that 40% of the MSCs died when treated with AO stem extract. On the other hand, there were no dead cells after two days of treatment with the leaf extract. Followed by the induction of cell cycle arrest in G0/G1-phase, the real-time PCR demonstrated apoptosis properties in 4T1 cells through overexpression of Bax and down-regulation of BCL2 genes. Interestingly, within the pure compounds isolated from AO leaf extract, Morin was responsible for the inhibition of 4T1 cells proliferation as well as MSCs expansion, predicting to play an essential role in the treatment of cancer. The promising in vitro anti-cancer and stem cell-inductive properties of morin isolated from AO extract may provide a great potential to produce selective herbal derived drugs.

Coatings with chitosan and phenolic-rich extract from acerola (Malpighia emarginata D.C.) or jabuticaba (Plinia jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg) processing by-product to control rot caused by Lasiodiplodia spp. in papaya (Carica papaya L.) fruit.

This study evaluated if coatings with chitosan (Chi) and phenolic-rich extract from acerola (Malpighia emarginata D.C., PEA) or jabuticaba (Plinia jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg, PEJ) processing by-products are effective to control the development of rot caused by Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae, L. viticola, L. euphorbicola, L. theobromae and L. hormozganensis in papaya (Carica papaya L.) fruit. Effects of formulated coatings on some physicochemical parameters indicative of postharvest quality of papaya were investigated. Twenty-six different phenolics were found in PEA and PEJ, including flavonoids, stilbenes, tannins and phenolic acids. Chi (1-5 mg/mL), PEA and PEJ (25-100 mg/mL) separately caused mycelial growth inhibition on all isolates. Combinations of Chi (3 and 4 mg/mL) and PEA (50 and 75 mg/mL) or PEJ (75 and 100 mg/mL) had additive interactions. Coatings with Chi (4 mg/mL) and PEA (50 or 75 mg/mL) or PEA (75 or 100 mg/mL) inhibited rot development in papaya fruit infected with Lasiodiplodia isolates during 8 days of room temperature storage. Coatings with 4 mg/mL Chi and 75 mg/mL PEA or 100 mg/mL PEJ were the most effective to control rot development. These coatings did not affect negatively physicochemical parameters indicative of postharvest quality of papaya fruit during storage. Coatings with combined Chi and PEA or PEJ could be novel strategies to control postharvest rot caused by Lasiodiplodia in papaya fruit.

Anti-inflammatory and antixidant properties of blend formulated with compounds of Malpighia emarginata D.C (acerola) and Camellia sinensis L. (green tea) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Malpighia emarginata D.C (acerola) and Camellia sinensis L. (green tea) have been studied, particularly as an alternative in medicinal approach for different physio pathological conditions. Here we develop an powder blend formulated with both Malpighia emarginata D.C and Camellia sinensis L. which have in the composition higher content of ascorbic acid and epigallatocathechin-3-gallate respectively. Using different conditions for microencapsulation of biocompounds, we performed the powder production through spray-drying process. After, we evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of blends formulated with Malpighia emarginata D.C and Camellia sinensis L. in an in vitro model of inflammation, using LPS-stimulated RAW-264.7 macrophage cell line. We observed that co-treatment with blends was able to modulate the redox parameters in cells during the in vitro inflammatory response. Moreover, the co-treatment with blends were able to modulate inflammatory response by altering the secretion of cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. Taken together, our results demonstrate for the first time the synergistic effects antioxidant and anti-inflammatory of Malpighia emarginata D.C and Camellia sinensis L. These results warrant further use of the blend powder for use in the products to heath beneficial, principally in terms of prevention of chronic diseases.

Structure and development of anthers and connective glands in two species of Stigmaphyllon (Malpighiaceae): are heteromorphic anthers related to division of labour?

Heteranthery has been largely associated with a division of labour between anthers. Most species of Stigmaphyllon (Malpighiaceae) present heteromorphic anthers and glandular connectives of different development; yet, the functional meaning of this condition has never been explored in the genus. The aims of this study were to provide a comparative description of the structure and development of anthers and their connective glands in S. bonariense and S. jatrophifolium and to assess the existence of division of functions. Natural populations were selected to collect flowers at different stages. Anthers were subjected to morpho-anatomical, histochemical and pollen viability studies. For both species, abundance of pollen grains and size of anther and their connective glands were estimated. Three types of stamens are recognized: stamen with small, intermediate and large anthers. Anthers of both species exhibit a similar glandular tissue in the connective, and the histochemical analysis revealed that it produce a mucilagous secretion. The pattern of anther wall development, stainability and release of pollen grains was identical among anther types. For both species, we observed a positive relationship between anther size and abundance of pollen grains, but an inverse relationship between area of anthers and size (area and thickness) of connective glands in small anthers vs. intermediate and large ones. Our results evidence a specialization of anthers related to division of labour between heteromorphic stamens in two species of Stigmaphyllon. Thus, one set of anthers produces large amount of pollen grains for pollination and another sets large quantities of mucilage, which would improve pollen transport (better adherence to pollinator body and dampness maintenance). Nevertheless, heteranthery in both Stigmaphyllon species would represent a transitional state towards the division of labour rather than a stable state.

Aspidoptoids A-D: Four New Diterpenoids from Aspidopterys obcordata Vine.

Four new diterpenoids, named aspidoptoids A-D (1-4), together with two known analogues (5-6) were isolated from Aspidopterys obcordata vine. Aspidoptoids A-B (1-2) are the first examples of phenylethylene-bearing 20-nor-diterpenoids of which aspidoptoid B (2) possesses a rare 3,10-oxybridge. Their structures and absolute configuration were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses (IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. In addition, all the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities and inhibitory effects on the nitric oxide (NO) production.

Graviola Fruit Bar Added Acerola By-Product Extract Protects Against Inflammation and Nociception in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Studies involving foods associated with pain reversal and anti-inflammatory effects using zebrafish are rarely reported in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of graviola (Annona muricata L.) fruit bar (GFB) and GFB added with acerola (Malpighia glabra L) seed extract (ASE) on acute nociception and abdominal inflammation in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Acute nociception was induced by formalin, capsaicin, cinnamaldehyde, acidic saline, glutamate (cutaneous models), and hypertonic saline (corneal model), and inflammation was induced by carrageenan. Both GFB and ASE exhibited antinociceptive effect modulated by the nitrergic system, guanylate cyclase, and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 and acid-sensing ion channels. The antinociceptive effect of GFB also appears to be modulated by the opioid system and glutamatergic receptors (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor). Only ASE presented corneal antinociceptive effect. Both samples showed anti-inflammatory effect, being more significant the effect of GFB. The addition of acerola by-product extract in GFB results in a product with greater biological potential.

Amazon Fruits Inhibit Growth and Promote Pro-apoptotic Effects on Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Lines.

Murici (Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth and B. verbascifolia (L.) DC.) and tapereba (Spondias mombin) are Amazonian fruits that contain bioactive compounds. Biochemical and molecular characterization of these fruits can reveal their potential use in preventing diseases, including cancer. The extracts were characterized regarding the presence and profile of carotenoids by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total phenolic content by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, and antioxidant activity by antioxidant value 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) content analysis, 22,20-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) content analysis, Ferric-Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) analysis. The extracts of tapereba and murici studied were important sources of total carotenoids and lutein, respectively. The extracts were then tested for their effect on the viability of the A2780 ovarian cancer (OC) cell line and its cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant derived cell line, called ACRP, by using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays. Their influence on cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by using flow cytometry. Murici and tapereba cell extracts exhibited a strong bioactivity by inhibiting A2780 and ACRP cell viability by 76.37% and 78.37%, respectively, besides modulating the cell cycle and inducing apoptotic cell death. Our results open new perspectives for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies using these Amazon fruit extracts to sensitize ovarian cancer cells to current chemotherapeutic options.

Differential Cytotoxic Potential of Acridocarpus orientalis Leaf and Stem Extracts with the Ability to Induce Multiple Cell Death Pathways.

This study systematically analyzed the anticancer potential of Acridocarpus orientalis (AO), a traditional medicinal plant of the Arabian Peninsula/East Africa known for its anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties. Tests of serial organic fractions from methanolic extracts of its leaves and stems revealed that only some fractions showed anti-proliferative potential with the dichloromethane fraction from leaves (AOD (L)) showing the most cytotoxic effect against both breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines. The n-butanol fraction from the stems (AOB (S)), on the other hand, was more effective against cervical cancer cells and did not harm the normal cells. Further characterization of the mode of cell killing revealed that AOD (L) depended more on non-apoptotic pathways for its cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells, while it could activate some apoptosis and necroptosis in HeLa cells. The AOB (S) fraction could primarily activate apoptosis and some necroptosis in HeLa cells. Both fractions perturbed autophagy, but in a dissimilar manner. Thus, different parts of A. orientalis revealed variable potential to induce cell death in cancer cells via apoptotic and non-apoptotic pathways, making A. orientalis a valuable plant for the exploration of anticancer bioactive reagents, some of which may be protective for normal cells.