Immunostimulant effects of diet supplementation with yellow (Pouteria campechiana), white (Casimiroa edulis), and black (Diospyros digyna) sapote nanocapsules on laying hens: in vitro and in vivo study.

Poultry is commonly infected by different bacteria and parasites in the environment, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality, but immunostimulants have been enhancing non-specific defense mechanisms conferring laying hens' protection. For this purpose, the pulp of yellow (Pouteria campechiana), white (Casimiroa edulis), and black (Diospyros digyna) sapotes were nanoencapsulated (YWB-SN) and evaluated in laying hens' peripheral blood leukocytes to test their addition to the experimental diets at a concentration of 0.5% (5g/kg of dry food) for 1 month (with two samples at days 15 and 30). The YWB-SN were safe when exposed to peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs). The in vitro experiment showed that these nanocapsules enhanced reactive oxygen species production, and B-SN stimulated phagocytosis activity. Concerning the proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) transcription, this gene was upregulated after W-SN stimulation, while B-SN upregulated the IgG gene expression significantly. IgM was upregulated with any YBW-SN in PBLs after 24 h of stimulation. The in vivo study showed a notable B-SN immunostimulation in serum and an upregulation of TNF-α, IgM, and IgG mRNA transcription. Therefore, this study provides a new result of the yellow, white, and black sapote nanocapsules as a functional food for the poultry industry, highlighting the black sapote Diospyros digyna immunostimulant effect.

Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Pouteria macrophylla Fruit Extract, a Natural Source of Gallic Acid.

Pouteria macrophylla (cutite) fruits are rich in phenolic acids, resulting in antioxidant and skin depigmenting activity. The aim of this study, then, is to evaluate the cutite extract stability under three variations of light, time, and temperature using a Box-Behnken experimental design to analyze through the surface response the variations of the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and gallic acid content (GA). A colorimetric assay was also performed, and a decrease in the darkening index was noticed due to the high phenolic coloration in the presence of light, indicating less degradation to extract stability. The experimental planning showed variations in all responses, and second-order polynomial models were calculated and considered predictable, as well as the effects were significant. The TPC exhibited a variation in less concentrated samples (0.5% p/v) at higher temperatures (90 °C). In contrast, the temperature was the only influential variable for AA, where only higher temperatures (60-90 °C) were able to destabilize the fruit extract. Differently, GA showed only the concentration as the influential variable, exhibiting that neither temperature nor time of exposure could affect the gallic acid content stability of P. macrophylla extract. For this, P. macrophylla extract was shown to be highly stable, providing a great perspective on cosmetic application.

Vitamin A- and C-rich Pouteria camito fruit derived superparamagnetic nanoparticles synthesis, characterization, and their cytotoxicity.

Background: Recently, green nanoparticles are gaining importance in drug development because of their lower toxicity, sustainability, cost effectiveness, simplicity, and ecofriendly nature compared with toxic chemicals. Objective: In this study, we developed a nontoxic method for synthesizing iron oxide nanoparticles by using the fruit of Pouteria caimito that is rich in vitamin A and C and evaluated their cytotoxicity. Methods: Pouteria caimito fruit¬-derived superparamagnetic nanoparticles (PCSNs) were characterized using physical and chemical methods, and their cytotoxicity was examined using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results: Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis spectro) analysis of PSNs showed a peak at 277 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) findings showed that PSNs exhibited a nanorod shape with their sizes ranging from 9.41 nm to 16.96 nm (average size: 13.08 nm). The findings of dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicated that the particle size was 186. 6-847.3 d.nm with an average of 367.5 d.nm. The Zeta potential analysis indicated that PSNs exhibited uniform surface charge distribution, and their surface charge was equal to -13.7 mV. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that PSNs exhibited bands at 3412, 1629, 1384, 1075, 818, 697, and 471 cm-1. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) results showed that iron was the major element present in PCSNs, followed by other biomolecules such as C, O, and Cl, indicating the production of iron oxide nanoparticles. Conclusion: The Pouteria caimito fruit that possesses strong oxidizing and nontoxic properties can be a potentially attractive source for the production of iron oxide nanoparticles. Moreover, the cytotoxicity assay results revealed that iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized using the Pouteria caimito fruit extract derived can be used for targeting cancer cells and treating other diseases because of their nontoxic nature. These nanoparticles can be used for the treatment of cancer and other diseases in the future.

Pouteria ramiflora leaf extract on emulgel in wound healing activity in diabetic rats / Ação do extrato de folhas de Pouteria ramiflora em emulgel na atividade de cicatrização de feridas em ratos diabéticos

The genus Pouteria has been studied because it presents various activities, among which is its anti-inflammatory potential. The effects of Pouteria ramiflora Carbopol gel on the healing of skin wounds in diabetic rats were evaluated by microscopic imaging. Streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally in animals that had fasted for 12 hours, a situation confirmed by the glycemic index (> 240 mg dL-¹). An excision on the back of the animals was performed and three groups were formed: Control (Gel), Ethanolic extract (Ext) and Gel + extract 2% (Ext+gel); the histopathological evaluation occurred on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 30th days after the post-operative period. The results of the phytochemical prospecting of P. ramiflora extract demonstrated the major presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids; the assessment of the inflammatory infiltrate on the 7th day was higher on group Ext and Ext+gel when compared to group Control; on the 14th day control and Ext (p<0.05). The quantification of fibroblasts was higher on the 7th day among the three treatments, control and Ext (p<0.05), on the 21st day. Angiogenesis showeda higher number of vessels in Ext+gel group (p<0.05) on the 7th day; in Control, Ext and Ext+gel (p<0.05) on the 14th day; and Control and Ext (p<0.05)on the 21st day. The histopathological results showed that the formulation Ext+gel was efficient in tissue reparation and decrease in inflammatory cells on the diabetic's animals.

O gênero Pouteria apresenta várias aplicações terapêuticas e, dentre elas, grande potencial antiflamatório. Os efeitos do gel de Pouteria ramiflora sobre a cicatrização de feridas na pele de ratos diabéticos foram avaliados pela histomorfometria. A estreptozotocina foi administrada por via intraperitoneal em animais após jejum de 12 horas, a confirmação de indução da diabetes foi confirmada pelo índice glicêmico (> 240 mg dL-1). Foi realizada uma incisão no dorso do animal e foram criados 3 grupos de tratamento: controle (gel carbopol), extrato etanólico (Ext) e Gel + extrato etanólico à 2% (Ext+gel); a avaliação histopatológica foi realizada no 7º, 14º, 21º e 30º dias após o período pós operatório. Os resultados da prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos de P. ramiflora demonstraram majoritariamente a presença de compostos fenólicos e flavonóides; o infiltrado inflamatório avaliado no 7º dia foi maior para animais do grupo controle em relação aos grupos Ext (p<0.05) e Ext+gel 2% (p<0.05); no 14º dia o controle e Exp (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento significativo dos infiltrados inflamatórios. A presença de fibroblastos foi elevada no 7º dia em todos os tratamentos. O processo da angiogênese mostrou um maior número de vasos sanguíneos entre os grupos Ext e Ext+gel (p<0.05) no 7º dia; no 14º dia o grupo controle, Ext (p<0.05), Control e Ext+gel (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento de vascularização, e no 21º dia apenas os grupos controle e Ext (p<0.05). Os resultados histopatológicos mostraram que a formulação gel carbopol + extrato etanólico a 2% foi eficiente na reparação de tecidos e na diminuição de células inflamatórias nos animais diabéticos.

Pouteria ramiflora leaf extract on emulgel in wound healing activity in diabetic rats / Ação do extrato de folhas de Pouteria ramiflora em emulgel na atividade de cicatrização de feridas em ratos diabéticos

The genus Pouteria has been studied because it presents various activities, among which is its anti-inflammatory potential. The effects of Pouteria ramiflora Carbopol gel on the healing of skin wounds in diabetic rats were evaluated by microscopic imaging. Streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally in animals that had fasted for 12 hours, a situation confirmed by the glycemic index (> 240 mg dL-1). An excision on the back of the animals was performed and three groups were formed: Control (Gel), Ethanolic extract (Ext) and Gel + extract 2% (Ext+gel); the histopathological evaluation occurred on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 30th days after the post-operative period. The results of the phytochemical prospecting of P. ramiflora extract demonstrated the major presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids; the assessment of the inflammatory infiltrate on the 7th day was higher on group Ext and Ext+gel when compared to group Control; on the 14th day control and Ext (p<0.05). The quantification of fibroblasts was higher on the 7th day among the three treatments, control and Ext (p<0.05), on the 21st day. Angiogenesis showed a higher number of vessels in Ext+gel group (p<0.05) on the 7th day; in Control, Ext and Ext+gel (p<0.05) on the 14th day; and Control and Ext (p<0.05)on the 21st day. The histopathological results showed that the formulation Ext+gel was efficient in tissue reparation and decrease in inflammatory cells on the diabetic's animals.

O gênero Pouteria apresenta várias aplicações terapêuticas e, dentre elas, grande potencial antiflamatório. Os efeitos do gel de Pouteria ramiflora sobre a cicatrização de feridas na pele de ratos diabéticos foram avaliados pela histomorfometria. A estreptozotocina foi administrada por via intraperitoneal em animais após jejum de 12 horas, a confirmação de indução da diabetes foi confirmada pelo índice glicêmico (> 240 mg dL-1). Foi realizada uma incisão no dorso do animal e foram criados 3 grupos de tratamento: controle (gel carbopol), extrato etanólico (Ext) e Gel + extrato etanólico à 2% (Ext+gel); a avaliação histopatológica foi realizada no 7º, 14º, 21º e 30º dias após o período pós operatório. Os resultados da prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos de P. ramiflora demonstraram majoritariamente a presença de compostos fenólicos e flavonóides; o infiltrado inflamatório avaliado no 7º dia foi maior para animais do grupo controle em relação aos grupos Ext (p<0.05) e Ext+gel 2% (p<0.05); no 14º dia o controle e Exp (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento significativo dos infiltrados inflamatórios. A presença de fibroblastos foi elevada no 7º dia em todos os tratamentos. O processo da angiogênese mostrou um maior número de vasos sanguíneos entre os grupos Ext e Ext+gel (p<0.05) no 7º dia; no 14º dia o grupo controle, Ext (p<0.05), Control e Ext+gel (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento de vascularização, e no 21º dia apenas os grupos controle e Ext (p<0.05). Os resultados histopatológicos mostraram que a formulação gel carbopol + extrato etanólico a 2% foi eficiente na reparação de tecidos e na diminuição de células inflamatórias nos animais diabéticos.

Pouteria lucuma Pulp and Skin: In Depth Chemical Profile and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity.

Pouteria lucuma Ruiz and Pav., known as the 'Gold of the Incas' or 'lucuma', is a subtropical fruit belonging to the Sapotaceae family, with a very sweet flavor, used to prepare cakes, ice creams as well as in the baking and dairy industries. To date, the content of primary metabolites is known, but little information is reported about the composition in specialized metabolites. Moreover, no study is reported on skin which represent an important agricultural waste due to the high demand for lucuma. In order to have a preliminary metabolite profile of Pouteria lucuma, the extracts of pulp and skin have been analyzed by LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS/MS in negative ion mode. The careful analysis of the accurate masses, of the molecular formulas and of the ESI/MS spectra allowed to identify specialized metabolites belonging to phenolic, flavonoid and polar lipid classes. The LC-MS/MS analysis guided the isolation of compounds occurring in the pulp extract whose structures have been characterized by spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments and ESI-MS analysis. Furthermore, the phenolic content of the extracts along with the antioxidant activity of extracts and isolated compounds was evaluated.

Green synthesis and characterization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using leaf extract of Pouteria campechiana and larvicidal and pupicidal activity on Aedes aegypti.

The frequent application of synthetic insecticides creates resistance among insects, including mosquitoes, and causes environmental pollution and health issues. The current work aim at assessing the possibilities to produce and characterize the titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) mediated through the aqueous leaf extract of Pouteria campechiana, and their larvicidal and pupicidal activities against Aedes aegypti. The attained results showed that the aqueous leaf extract of P. campechiana had the efficiency to fabricate TiO2 NPs from TiO2. Under the UV-vis spectrum analysis, a sharp peak was recorded at 320 nm, which indicated the production of TiO2 NPs by the plant extract. The SEM analysis revealed that the synthesized TiO2 NPs were spherical, and 5 dissimilar diffractions were detected in the XRD spectrum analysis related to the TiO2 NPs. In FTIR analysis, a prominent peak was found at 1052.41 cm-1, corresponding to alcohol, and confirmed metal reduction. In the EDX analysis, there was a signal of around 58.44%, confirming the decrease in Ti from TiO2 NPs, and the remaining percentages were Ca, Al, and Mg. About 900 µg mL-1 of TiO2 NPs had excellent lethal activity against various larvae and pupa stages of Ae. aegypti. The attained results showed that the P. campechiana aqueous leaf extract could reduce TiO2 into TiO2 NPs and could be considered a mosquito control agent. Furthermore, this is the initial report about the aqueous leaf extract of P. campechiana effectively synthesizing the TiO2 NPs with anti-mosquito activity.

Pouteria ramiflora leaf extract on emulgel in wound healing activity in diabetic rats.

The genus Pouteria has been studied because it presents various activities, among which is its anti-inflammatory potential. The effects of Pouteria ramiflora Carbopol gel on the healing of skin wounds in diabetic rats were evaluated by microscopic imaging. Streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally in animals that had fasted for 12 hours, a situation confirmed by the glycemic index (˃ 240 mg dL-1). An excision on the back of the animals was performed and three groups were formed: Control (Gel), Ethanolic extract (Ext) and Gel + extract 2% (Ext+gel); the histopathological evaluation occurred on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 30th days after the post-operative period. The results of the phytochemical prospecting of P. ramiflora extract demonstrated the major presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids; the assessment of the inflammatory infiltrate on the 7th day was higher on group Ext and Ext+gel when compared to group Control; on the 14th day control and Ext (p<0.05). The quantification of fibroblasts was higher on the 7th day among the three treatments, control and Ext (p<0.05), on the 21st day. Angiogenesis showed a higher number of vessels in Ext+gel group (p<0.05) on the 7th day; in Control, Ext and Ext+gel (p<0.05) on the 14th day; and Control and Ext (p<0.05)on the 21st day. The histopathological results showed that the formulation Ext+gel was efficient in tissue reparation and decrease in inflammatory cells on the diabetic's animals.

Physicochemical Properties and Effects of Fruit Pulps from the Amazon Biome on Physiological Parameters in Rats.

This study aimed to analyze the physicochemical characteristics and the effects of Amazonian pulp fruits consumption, such as araçá-boi (Eugenia stipitata), abiu grande (Pouteria caimito), araticum (Annona crassiflora), biri-biri (Averrhoa bilimbi L.), and yellow mangosteen (Garcinia xanthochymus), on hematologic, metabolic, renal, and hepatic function parameters in Wistar rats (n = 10 rats/group). The pulp of abiu had the highest levels of soluble solids, sugars, and pH. Biri-biri pulp had the highest levels of ascorbic acid and total titratable acidity, and a low pH. The araticum pulp had higher (p ≤ 0.05) ash content, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity than the pulp of other analyzed fruits. No significant increase in hematocrit, nor reduction of blood glucose, plasma cholesterol, and serum levels of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (TGP), creatinine, and urea was observed in experimental groups relative to the control group of rats after the consumption of fruits pulp. The intake of abiu and araticum pulps promoted a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in total leukocytes of the experimental groups as compared to the control group and only the intake of araticum significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) triglyceride blood levels in rats (99.50 mg/dL). The regular consumption of biri-biri pulp for 30 days significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (TGO) levels in rats (116.83 U/L) compared to the control group (98.00 U/L). More researches are needed to generate knowledge about these promising Amazonian fruits, supporting the native fruit production, in addition to promoting health in the population and sustainability in the Amazon region.

Phytochemical Profile, and Antiproliferative and Proapoptotic Effects of Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk. Leaf Extract, and Its Synergism with Cisplatin in HepG2 Cells.

Different species of the genus Pouteria have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation, fever, ulcers, diabetes, and diarrhea. We analyzed the phytochemical profile of the hydroethanolic extract from Pouteria ramiflora leaves by electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection, and examined whether it alone and in combination with cisplatin interfered with cell proliferation and death processes in HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) and FGH (human gingival fibroblasts) cells. Five compounds were identified in the extract: gallic acid, myricetin-3-O-α-l-arabinopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-ß-d-galactopyranoside, myricetin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, and myricetin-3-O-ß-d-galactopyranoside. The extract was cytotoxic to both cell lines by inducing apoptotic cell death and acted in synergy with cisplatin; such effect was stronger in HepG2 cells than in FGH cells, demonstrating some selectivity to tumor cells. In HepG2 cells, the extract exerted antiproliferative effect mediated by induction of cell cycle arrest at the S and G2/M phases. Association of the extract with cisplatin enhanced the latter's antiproliferative effect, arrested the cell cycle at the S phase by CDK2 modulation, and reduced the number of anti-cyclin D1-stained HepG2 cells. Simultaneous treatment with the extract and cisplatin increased the latter's cytotoxicity, apoptotic cell death, and BAX expression in HepG2 cells. Altogether, the results reported herein indicate that P. ramiflora extract is a possible adjuvant to cancer therapy, which can circumvent the cisplatin-mediated resistance mechanisms in cancer cells.

Biological activity and chemical characterization of Pouteria lucuma seeds: A possible use of an agricultural waste.

Pouteria lucuma fruit is widely used to prepare cakes, ice creams and juice or also commercialized as pulp and flour. As result of this business thousands of tons of seeds are generated as an agricultural waste. This study presents the antioxidant and antiulcer activities, and the identification of secondary metabolites by UHPLC/ESI/MS/MS of an agroindustrial waste of Pouteria lucuma seeds. Fifty-nine compounds were tentatively identified including eight aminoacids, five organic acids, one nucleoside, five phenolic acids, five phenolic alcohols, nineteen flavonoids, six lipids, and seven unknowns in the methanol extract of P. lucuma seeds. The total phenolic content of the seeds was 52.82 ±â€¯0.09 µmol GAE/g dry weight, while total flavonoid content was 5.99 ±â€¯0.01 µmol Q/g dry weight. The antioxidant activity was 58.14 ±â€¯0.05, 66.97 ±â€¯0.00, 272.50 ±â€¯0.00, and 67.02 ±â€¯2.23 for the DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and superoxide anion assays, respectively. The highest gastroprotective activity was obtained at 100 mg/kg (78%), which as higher than the positive control lansoprazole (75%). Our findings showed that P. lucuma seed extracts have moderate to high antioxidant activity and gastroprotective properties. Therefore, it was demostrated that lucuma seeds commonly eliminated as an agricultural industry waste, could be useful for the preparation of nutritional supplements.

13,27-Cycloursane, ursane and oleanane triterpenoids from the leaves of Lucuma nervosa.

One hitherto unknown 24-nor-13,27-cycloursane-type triterpenoid, lucumic acid A (1), one new 24-nor-ursane triterpenoid, lucumic acid B (2), along with six known triterpenoids were isolated from the ethanol extract of the leaves of Lucuma nervosa. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation. Lucumic acid A (1) is the first example of a 24-nor-triterpenoid with a 13,27-cyclopropane ring.

Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk. extract: Flavonoids quantification and chemopreventive effect on HepG2 cells.

Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk., popularly known as curriola, is commonly used in Brazil as medicinal plant to treat worm infections, dysentery, pain, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. At present the safety of this extract when used therapeutically in human remains to be determined. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine cytotoxicity, antiproliferative, and antimutagenic actions of this extract. The hydroalcoholic extract from P. ramiflora leaves consisted of flavonoids identified and quantified as myricetin-3-O-ß-D-galactopyranoside (13.55 mg/g) and myricetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (9.61 mg/g). The extract exhibited cytotoxicity at concentrations higher than 1.5 µg/ml in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2)and 2.5 µg/ml in non-tumoral primary gastric (GAS) cells using the MTT assay, and at concentrations higher than 3 µg/ml in HepG2 and 3.5 µg/ml in GAS cells by the neutral red assay. The extract did not show antiproliferative effect as evidenced by the nuclear division index (NDI). However, in the presence of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) (positive control), an enhanced cytostatic effect in the NDI and flow cytometry was noted. It is of interest that when the extract was co-incubated with BaP a significant decrease in DNA damage was observed indicating an antimutagenic action. This protective effect might be attributed to myricetin and gallic acid found in P. ramiflora extract. The low cytotoxicity action and protective effect observed in the present study encourage further studies regarding other biological effects of P. ramiflora, as well as its potential use as a chemopreventive agent.

Evaluation of antidiabetic activity of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles using Pouteria sapota in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have proven to be good sources of agents effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The present study focused on the green synthesis of AgNPs from the aqueous leaf extract of Pouteria sapota in order to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic properties of this extract and the synthesized AgNPs. METHODS: The AgNPs were biologically synthesized under ambient conditions from an aqueous leaf extract of P. sapota using the hot percolation method and were characterized using spectroscopic methods, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The in vitro antidiabetic activity of the aqueous leaf extract and AgNPs was confirmed by non-enzymatic glycosylation of hemoglobin, glucose uptake by yeast cells following exposure of cells to 5 or 10 mmol/L glucose solution, and inhibition of α-amylase. Further, in vivo antidiabetic activity was assessed in streptozotocin-induced rats. Rats were treated with aqueous leaf extract (100 mg/kg) or AgNPs (10 mg/kg) for 28 days. Following treatment, rats were killed for biochemical and histopathological analysis of kidney and liver samples. RESULTS: A significant reduction in blood sugar levels was noted in rats treated with leaf extract or AgNPs. Results of in vitro and in vivo analyses in rats treated with leaf extract or AgNPs show that both the extract and the biologically synthesized AgNPs have antidiabetic activity. CONCLUSION: The aqueous leaf extract of P. sapota and AgNPs exhibited efficient antidiabetic activity in the rat model of diabetes and therefore could have potential for development for medical applications in the future.

Triterpenes from Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk. Leaves (Sapotaceae).

Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk. (Sapotaceae) is a species used by inhabitants from the Cerrado for its edible fruits and medicinal value. Hexane crude extracts from leaves and fractions were evaluated for in vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity and antioxidant potential. The fraction with the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity was submitted to a phytochemical study. Three triterpenes were isolated, friedelin, epi-friedelanol, and taraxerol. This is the first report of these compounds isolated from P. ramiflora. Moreover, this is the first report of friedelin isolated from Pouteria sp. Epi-friedelanol was present in significant amounts, suggesting that this compound could be a candidate marker for this species.

Pouteria torta epicarp as a useful source of α-amylase inhibitor in the control of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes plays a major role in public health, affecting about 400 million adults. One of the used strategies to control type 2 diabetes is the inhibition of α-amylase activity to reduce post-prandial blood glucose levels. Therefore, in past decades, the search of new α-amylase inhibitors has led to the evaluation of natural products as a source of these compounds. Pouteria torta (Sapotaceae) is widespread in Brazil and bears edible fruits. Epicarp and pulp crude extracts of fresh fruits were studied for in vitro α-amylase inhibition activity. The pulp did not present activity while epicarp, usually considered as waste, showed a high α-amylase inhibitory capacity when compared with acarbose and Triticum aestivum. Therefore, an assay-guided fractionation study of epicarp crude extract was performed. Fraction VI shows very high inhibitory activity with IC50 of 9 µg/mL. However, subsequent fractionation led to lower inhibition potential (IC50 of 22.1 µg/mL). The qualitative characterization of fraction VI were performed by chromatographic and spectrometric analysis and showed the presence of epicatechin, catechin, sucrose, glucose, and fructose. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity were also assessed and there seemed to be no correlation between phenolic or flavonoids-rich fractions and antioxidant capacity or α-amylase inhibitory activity.

Antinociceptive and Antihyperalgesic Activity of a Traditional Maya Herbal Preparation Composed of Pouteria Campechiana, Chrysophyllum Cainito, Citrus Limonum, and Annona Muricata.

Preclinical Research The purpose of this work was to assess the antinociceptive and antihyperalgesic properties of an herbal preparation, composed of four vegetal species: Pouteria campechiana (P. campechiana), Chrysophyllum cainito (C. cainito), Citrus limonum (C. limonum), and Annona muricata (A. muricata), that is commonly used in combination (PCCA) in traditional Mayan medicine for the treatment of diabetes and pain. An ethanolic extract of PCCA was prepared at a ratio of 1:1:1:1 for each plant. The systemic antinociceptive effect of PCCA extract (50-600 mg/kg, p.o.) was dose-dependent in the rat formalin (1%) producing 66% antinociceptive response at 400 mg/kg, p.o. A concentration-dependent antinociceptive effect of the PCCA extract (20-160 mg/paw) was also demonstrated in the rat capsaicin (0.2%) test. The PCCA extract (100-400 mg/kg, p.o.) had antihyperalgesic effects in alloxan diabetic rats. These findings demonstrate the antinociceptive and antihyperalgesic effects of PCCA and supports the use of the plant extracts in Mayan folk medicine. Drug Dev Res 78 : 91-97, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Talarofuranone, a New Talaroconvolutin Analog from the Endophytic Fungus Talaromyces purpurogenus from Pouteria campechiana Seeds.

An endophytic fungus Talaronyces pinpurogenus was isolated from the seeds of the popular edible fruit Pouteria campechiana. The fungus was fermented in potato dextrose agar and the fungal media were extracted with EtOAc. Chromatographic separation of the EtOAc extracts over silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and preparative thin layer chromatography furnished a furanone analogue of talaroconvolutin A, named talarofuranone (1), along with talaroconvolutin A (2), 4-hydroxyactophenone, tyrosol and ergosterol. The structure of 1 was determined by comparing the NMR data with that of 2 and by HRFABMS.

Activity of crude extracts from Brazilian cerrado plants against clinically relevant Candida species.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants have traditionally been used in many parts of the world as alternative medicine. Many extracts and essential oils isolated from plants have disclosed biological activity, justifying the investigation of their potential antimicrobial activity. In this study, the in vitro antifungal activity of six Brazilian Cerrado medicinal plant species were evaluated against clinically relevant Candida species. METHODS: The crude extract plants were evaluated against American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) standard strains of Candida spp. using disk diffusion method and determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The chemical study results were confirmed by HPLC method. RESULTS: All six plant species showed antifungal activity. Among the species studied, Eugenia dysenterica and Pouteria ramiflora showed significant inhibitory activity against C. tropicalis at lowest MIC value of 125 and 500 µg/disc, respectively. The Eugenia dysenterica also disclosed MIC value of 125 µg/disc against C. famata, 250 µg/disc against C. krusei and 500 µg/disc against C. guilliermondii and C. parapsilosis. Pouteria torta, Bauhinia rufa, Erythroxylum daphnites and Erythroxylum subrotundum showed activity against the yeast strains with MIC value of 1000 µg/disc. The chemical study of the most bioactive extracts of Eugenia dysenterica and Pouteria ramiflora revealed catechin derivatives and flavonoids as main components. CONCLUSIONS: All six evaluated plant species showed good antifungal potential against several Candida strains. However, E .dysenterica and P. ramiflora showed the higher inhibitory effect against the non-albicans Candida species. Our results may contribute to the continuing search of new natural occurring products with antifungal activity.

Characterization of main primary and secondary metabolites and in vitro antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties in the mesocarp of three biotypes of Pouteria lucuma.

Pouteria lucuma is an Andean fruit from pre-Incas' times highly appreciated due to its characteristic flavor and taste in its homeland. We characterized the primary (e.g., sugars and organic acids), and secondary (e.g., phenolics and carotenoids) and in vitro antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties of Rosalia, Montero and Leiva 1 lucuma biotypes. Significant differences were found in these metabolites and functional properties related to biotype and ripeness stage. Results showed significant amounts of sugars (119.4-344 mg total sugars g(-1)DW) and organic acids (44.4-30.0 mg g(-1)DW) and functional associated compounds such as ascorbic acid (0.35-1.07 mg g(-1)DW), total phenolics (0.7-61.6 mg GAE g(-1)DW) and total carotenoids (0.22-0.50 mg ß-carotene g(-1)DW). Important in vitro antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties were found and provide the base for the standardization of lucuma harvest and postharvest focused not only on the enhancement of sensory but functional properties.