Chemical Evaluation of Liquidambar styraciflua L. Fruits Extracts and Their Potential as Anticancer Drugs.

Liquidambar styraciflua L. is an aromatic species, popularly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, coughs, and skin sores. The present study was designed to investigate the chemical composition and biological potential of extracts obtained from the fruits of this plant. For the chemical evaluation, it was used mainly liquid and gas chromatography, plus NMR, and colorimetric methods. The aqueous extract (EA) originated two other fractions: an aqueous (P-EA) and an ethanolic (S-EA). The three extracts were composed of proteins, phenolic compounds, and carbohydrates in different proportions. The analyses showed that the polysaccharide extract (P-EA) contained pectic polysaccharides, such as acetylated and methyl esterified homogalacturonans together with arabinogalactan, while the fraction S-EA presented phenolic acids and terpenes such as gallic acid, protocathecuic acid, liquidambaric acid, combretastatin, and atractyloside A. EA, P-EA, and S-EA showed antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 4.64 µg/mL, 16.45 µg/mL, and 3.67 µg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxicity followed the sequence S-EA > EA > P-EA, demonstrating that the toxic compounds were separated from the non-toxic ones by ethanol precipitation. While the fraction S-EA is very toxic to any cell line, the fraction P-EA is a promising candidate for studies against cancer due to its high toxicity to tumoral cells and low toxicity to normal cells.

Phytochemical Evaluation and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana Extracts.

The plant Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana has been popularly used in Brazil to treat chronic inflammatory disturbances, such as osteoarthritis. This disease affects 250 million people worldwide, and is associated with intense pain and loss of articular function. There is a lack of information about the phytochemistry and bioactivity of M. albicans. Therefore, this study determined the chemical composition of some extracts and evaluated their cytotoxicity, along with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, activities using in vitro models. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared. Afterwards, a liquid-liquid partition was developed using chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The extracts were characterized by LC-MS, and their biological activities were evaluated on epithelial cells (Vero), tumoral hepatic cells (Hep-G2), and THP-1 macrophages. LC-MS analyses identified several flavonoids in all fractions, such as quercetin, myricetin, and their glycosides. The crude extracts and n-butanol fractions did not present cytotoxicity to the cells. The non-toxic fractions presented significant antioxidant activity when evaluated in terms of DPPH scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation, and ROS inhibition. THP-1 macrophages treated with the n-butanol fraction (250 µg/mL) released fewer pro-inflammatory cytokines, even in the presence of LPS. In the future, it will be necessary to identify the phytochemicals that are responsible for anti-inflammatory effects for the discovery of new drugs. In vivo studies on M. albicans extracts are still required to confirm their possible mechanisms of action.

Quercetin-Rich Extracts from Onions (Allium cepa) Play Potent Cytotoxicity on Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines, and Quercetin Induces Important Anticancer Properties.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare subtype of cancer, with a poor prognosis in children and adults. Mitotane is the only approved adrenolytic drug for the treatment of ACC, which has controversies regarding its efficacy and side effects on patients. Onion (Allium cepa), a worldwide consumed food, is associated with many health benefits. Along with its glycosides, the flavonoid quercetin is abundant in onions. After evaluating the cytotoxicity of A. cepa extracts on adrenocortical carcinoma cell line (H295R), the rich quercetin fractions had better results. Then, we aimed to compare the quercetin vs. mitotane effectiveness, using adrenocortical carcinoma cell lines H295R and SW-13. Quercetin showed a higher cytotoxicity response on both cancerous cell lines after 10 µM concentration, while mitotane only after 30 µM. Cell cycle dynamics were altered upon quercetin treatments, with G2 phase increase with 30 µM of quercetin on H295R cell line and G1 arrest on SW-13 cell line with 15 µM. Early and late apoptosis, alongside intracellular calcium, were increased on SW-13 treated with 30 µM of quercetin, and ROS rates were reduced by quercetin on H295R. Therefore, quercetin-rich onions have the potential to be a natural source of anticancer agents for adrenocortical carcinoma.

Ilex paraguariensis extract as an alternative to pain medications.

Pain is a common and distressing symptom of many diseases and its clinical treatment generally involves analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. This study evaluated the toxicity of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. (Aquifoliaceae) aqueous extract (leaves, petioles and branches) and its performance in a nociceptive response. Hepatotoxicity, psycho-stimulant test and evaluation of enzyme markers for liver damage were also tested. Chromatographic analysis by UPLC-MS demonstrated a series of isomeric monocaffeoylquinic acids, isomers of dicaffeoylquinic acid, flavonol glycosides, and saponins. Phase I and II of nociception were obtained for meloxicam, dexamethasone and aqueous Ilex paraguariensis extract. Ilex paraguariensis extract concentration was negatively correlated (R = -0.887) with alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.05) in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity test, indicating hepatoprotective activity of this extract. Ilex paraguariensis extract also presented analgesic properties equivalent to drugs that already have proven efficacy. Notably, the administration of multiple doses of Ilex paraguariensis extract was considered safe from the therapeutic point of view.

Consumption of latex from Euphorbia tirucalli L. promotes a reduction of tumor growth and cachexia, and immunomodulation in Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Euphorbia tirucalli L. is an African plant that grows well in Brazil. Individuals diagnosed with cancer frequently consume latex from E. tirucalli, dissolved in drinking water. In vitro studies confirm the antitumor potential of E. tirucalli latex, but in vivo evaluations are scarce. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the effect of intake of an aqueous solution of E. tirucalli latex on tumor growth, cachexia, and immune response in Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Latex from E. tirucalli was collected and analyzed by LC-MS. Sixty male Wistar rats (age, 90 days) were randomly divided into four groups: C, control group (without tumor); W, Walker 256 tumor-bearing group; SW1, W animals but treated with 25 µL latex/mL water; and SW2, W animals but treated with 50 µL latex/mL water. Animals received 1 mL of latex solution once a day by gavage. After 15 d, animals were euthanized, tumor mass was determined, and glucose and triacylglycerol serum levels were measured by using commercial kits. Change in the body weight during tumor development was calculated, and proliferation capacity of tumor cells was assessed by the Alamar Blue assay. Phagocytosis and superoxide anion production by peritoneal macrophages and circulating neutrophils were analyzed by enzymatic and colorimetric assays. Data are analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test, with the significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: The analysis of the latex revealed the presence of triterpenes. The ingestion of the latex aqueous solution promoted 40% and 60% reduction of the tumor mass in SW1 and SW2 groups, respectively (p < 0.05). The proliferative capacity of tumor cells from SW2 group was 76% lower than that of cells from W group (p < 0.0001). Animals treated with latex gained, on average, 20 g (SW1) and 8 g (SW2) weight. Glucose and triacylglycerol serum levels in SW1 and SW2 animals were similar to those in C group rats. Peritoneal macrophages and blood neutrophils from SW1 and SW2 animals produced 30-40% less superoxide anions than those from W group animals (p < 0.05), but neutrophils from SW2 group showed an increased phagocytic capacity (20%, vs. W group). CONCLUSIONS: E. tirucalli latex, administered orally for 15 d, efficiently reduced tumor growth and cachexia in Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats. Decreased tumor cell proliferative capacity was one of the mechanisms involved in this effect. Further, the data suggest immunomodulatory properties of E. tirucalli latex. The results agree with folk data on the antitumor effect of latex ingestion, indicating that it may be useful as an adjunct in the treatment of cancer patients. For this, further in vivo studies in animal and human models need to be conducted.

A peptidogalactomannan isolated from Cladosporium herbarum induces defense-related genes in BY-2 tobacco cells.

Cladosporium herbarum is a plant pathogen associated with passion fruit scab and mild diseases in pea and soybean. In this study, a peptidogalactomannan (pGM) of C. herbarum mycelium was isolated and structurally characterized, and its role in plant-fungus interactions was evaluated. C. herbarum pGM is composed of carbohydrates (76%) and contains mannose, galactose and glucose as its main monosaccharides (molar ratio, 52:36:12). Methylation and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) spectroscopy analysis have shown the presence of a main chain containing (1 → 6)-linked α-D-Manp residues, and ß-D-Galf residues are present as (1 → 5)-interlinked side chains. ß-Galactofuranose containing similar structures were characterized by our group in A. fumigatus, A. versicolor, A. flavus and C. resinae. Tobacco BY-2 cells were used as a model system to address the question of the role of C. herbarum pGM in cell viability and induction of the expression of plant defense-related genes. Native and partially acid hydrolyzed pGMs (lacking galactofuranosyl side-chain residues) were incubated with BY-2 cell suspensions at different concentrations. Cell viability drastically decreased after exposure to more than 400 µg ml-1 pGM; however no cell viability effect was observed after exposure to a partially acid hydrolyzed pGM. BY-2 cell contact with pGM strongly induce the expression of plant defense-related genes, such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and lipoxygenase (LOX), as well as the pathogen-related PR-1a, PR-2 and PR-3 genes, suggesting that pGM activates defense responses in tobacco cells. Interestingly, contact with partially hydrolyzed pGM also induced defense-related gene expression at earlier times than native pGM. These results show that the side chains of the (1 → 5)-linked ß-D-galactofuranosyl units from pGM play an important role in the first line fungus-plant interactions mediating plant responses against C. herbarum. In addition, it was observed that pGM and/or C. herbarum conidia are able to induced HR when in contact with tobacco leaves and in vitro plantlets roots, producing necrotic lesions and peroxidase and NO burst, respectively.

Phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory evaluation of compounds from an aqueous extract of Croton cajucara Benth.

Croton cajucara Benth. is a medicinal plant popularly used in the Brazilian Amazonia, where it is known as sacaca, being consumed as tea, decoction or infusion of the leaves and stem bark. From a decoction of the leaves, a comprehensive phytochemical analysis was developed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Many compounds were identified for the first time in C. cajucara, such as O-glycosides of kaempferol and quercetin, flavonoid-C-glycosides, tannins and cinnamic acid derivatives. These compounds were fractionated by polarity and assayed for their anti-inflammatory activity, using a model of mice edema, induced by an intraplantar injection of carrageenan. All fractions exhibited anti-inflammatory properties.

Role of Organic Anion Transporters in the Uptake of Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins by Human Endothelial Cells and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Expression.

Organic anion transporters (OATs) are involved in the uptake of uremic toxins such as p-cresyl sulfate (PCS) and indoxyl sulfate (IS), which play a role in endothelial dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). In this study, we investigated the role of OAT1 and OAT3 in the uptake of PCS and IS into human endothelial cells. PCS was synthesized via p-cresol sulfation and characterized using analytical methods. The cells were treated with PCS and IS in the absence and presence of probenecid (Pb), an OAT inhibitor. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. The absorbed toxins were analyzed using chromatography, OAT expression using immunocytochemistry and western blot, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell viability decreased after toxin treatment in a dose-dependent manner. PCS and IS showed significant internalization after 60 min treatment, while no internalization was observed in the presence of Pb, suggesting that OATs are involved in the transport of both toxins. Immunocytochemistry and western blot demonstrated OAT1 and OAT3 expression in endothelial cells. MCP-1 expression increased after toxins treatment but decreased after Pb treatment. PCS and IS uptake were mediated by OATs, and OAT blockage could serve as a therapeutic strategy to inhibit MCP-1 expression.

Gastroprotective effect and chemical characterization of a polysaccharide fraction from leaves of Croton cajucara.

Croton cajucara Benth. is a tree from the Amazon Forest, where it is known as sacaca. Its leaves and barks are used in medicinal preparations to treat different diseases, including gastric ulcers. The crude polysaccharide fraction (CCP), obtained from the hot aqueous extract of C. cajucara leaves, was able to promote gastroprotection on an ethanol induced gastric ulcer model. Therefore, a bioguided fractionation was performed to isolate the active polysaccharide fraction. After freezing-thawing, ultrafiltration and dialyses at 100, 50, and 25kDa cut-off membranes, fraction 25R was obtained. It contained glucose, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose, galacturonic acid and mannose in a 7:5:5:3:1:1 molar ratio approximately, and had a Mw of 42,840g/mol. Methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy indicated that 25R is a very complex polysaccharide fraction containing type I rhamnogalacturonan, arabinan, type I arabinogalactan, type II arabinogalactan, rhamnan, starch and mannan. It was able to reduce ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, through preservation of mucus and GSH levels.

Ureaplasma diversum Genome Provides New Insights about the Interaction of the Surface Molecules of This Bacterium with the Host.

Whole genome sequencing and analyses of Ureaplasma diversum ATCC 49782 was undertaken as a step towards understanding U. diversum biology and pathogenicity. The complete genome showed 973,501 bp in a single circular chromosome, with 28.2% of G+C content. A total of 782 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), and 6 rRNA and 32 tRNA genes were predicted and annotated. The metabolic pathways are identical to other human ureaplasmas, including the production of ATP via hydrolysis of the urea. Genes related to pathogenicity, such as urease, phospholipase, hemolysin, and a Mycoplasma Ig binding protein (MIB)-Mycoplasma Ig protease (MIP) system were identified. More interestingly, a large number of genes (n = 40) encoding surface molecules were annotated in the genome (lipoproteins, multiple-banded antigen like protein, membrane nuclease lipoprotein and variable surface antigens lipoprotein). In addition, a gene encoding glycosyltransferase was also found. This enzyme has been associated with the production of capsule in mycoplasmas and ureaplasma. We then sought to detect the presence of a capsule in this organism. A polysaccharide capsule from 11 to 17 nm of U. diversum was observed trough electron microscopy and using specific dyes. This structure contained arabinose, xylose, mannose, galactose and glucose. In order to understand the inflammatory response against these surface molecules, we evaluated the response of murine macrophages J774 against viable and non-viable U. diversum. As with viable bacteria, non-viable bacteria were capable of promoting a significant inflammatory response by activation of Toll like receptor 2 (TLR2), indicating that surface molecules are important for the activation of inflammatory response. Furthermore, a cascade of genes related to the inflammasome pathway of macrophages was also up-regulated during infection with viable organisms when compared to non-infected cells. In conclusion, U. diversum has a typical ureaplasma genome and metabolism, and its surface molecules, including the identified capsular material, represent major components of the organism immunopathogenesis.

Polysaccharides from Arctium lappa L.: Chemical structure and biological activity.

The plant Arctium lappa L. is popularly used to relieve symptoms of inflammatory disorders. A crude polysaccharide fraction (SAA) resulting of aqueous extraction of A. lappa leaves showed a dose dependent anti-edematogenic activity on carrageenan-induced paw edema, which persisted for up to 48h. Sequential fractionation by ultrafiltration at 50kDa and 30kDa cut-off membranes yielded three fractions, namely RF50, RF30, and EF30. All these maintained the anti-edematogenic effect, but RF30 showed a more potent action, inhibiting 57% of the paw edema at a dose of 4.9mg/kg. The polysaccharide RF30 contained galacturonic acid, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, glucose, and mannose in a 7:4:2:1:2:1 ratio and had a Mw of 91,000g/mol. Methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy indicated that RF30 is mainly constituted by a type I rhamnogalacturonan branched by side chains of types I and II arabinogalactans, and arabinan.

Differentiation of flavonol glucoside and galactoside isomers combining chemical isopropylidenation with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis.

Flavonol glycosides are important components of leaves from vascular plants. A lot of isomers of these compounds are produced by plants, making their analysis very difficult and causing many structural misinterpretations. Galactosides and glucosides as mono- or oligosaccharides yield many diastereoisomers, hindering the analysis by mass spectrometry. In order to enable the mass spectrometric distinctions of these isomers, in this work we combine an isopropylidene based chemical derivatization with liquid chromatography with multiple-stage mass spectrometry (LC-MS(n)) analysis. The isomers of flavonol triglycosides, after the reaction, yielded products with different molecular weight, therefore, they were no longer isomers, allowing their identification by MS(1) analysis. However, to the 4 isomers of flavonol diglycosides, only one yielded, after isopropylidenation, a product with different molecular weight. To the other 3 species, the incorporation of 2 isopropylidene groups retained them in the isomeric form. For such species, chromatographic separation and MS(n) detection targeting the lithium adducts of 3,4-O-isopropylidene-galactosyl or 4,6-O-isopropylidene-glucosyl residues (m/z 209.099) provided specific MS profile.

Chemical characterization of heteropolysaccharides from green and black teas (Camellia sinensis) and their anti-ulcer effect.

In order to obtain polysaccharides from green and black teas (Camellia sinensis), commercial leaves were submitted to infusion and then to alkaline extraction. The extracts were fractionated by freeze-thawing process, giving insoluble and soluble fractions. Complex arabinogalactan protein from the soluble fractions of both teas (GTPS and BTPS) were determined by methylation analysis and (1)H/(13)C-HSQC spectroscopy, showing a main chain of (1→3)-ß-Galp, substituted at O-6 by (1→6)-linked ß-Galp with side chains of α-Araf and terminal units of α-Araf, α-Fucp and α-Rhap. A highly branched heteroxylan from the insoluble fractions (GTPI and BTPI) showed in methylation analysis and (1)H/(13)C-HSQC spectroscopy the main chain of (1→4)-ß-Xylp, substituted in O-3 by α-Araf, ß-Galp and α-Glcp units. Evaluating their gastroprotective activity, the fractions containing the soluble heteropolysaccharides from green (GTPS) and black teas (BTPS) reduced the gastric lesions induced by ethanol. Furthermore, the fraction of insoluble heteropolysaccharides of green (GTPI) and black (BTPI) teas also protected the gastric mucosa. In addition, the maintenance of gastric mucus and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels was involved in the polysaccharides gastroprotection.

Characterization of the mucilage extracted from jaracatiá (Carica quercifolia (A. St. Hil.) Hieron).

The mucilage of the jaracatiá fruit (Carica quercifolia (A. St. Hil.) Hieron) was extracted and for physicochemical characterization. The monosaccharide composition showed the presence of Rha, Ara, Xyl, Gal, Glc and GalA, being confirmed by GC-MS, FTIR and NMR. The mucilage was obtained in crude form by lyophilization of the extract and by precipitation, a process that resulted in a partial purification. Although not remarkable, it showed an antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. The thermogravimetric analysis indicated an easy handling at temperatures below 250°C. The natural reactivity of the material indicates for uses such as adsorbent or raw material for membranes.

Identification of a dicaffeoylquinic acid isomer from Arctium lappa with a potent anti-ulcer activity.

Leaves of Arctium lappa contain several mono- and dicaffeoylquinic acids, as evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. In order to investigate the protection on gastric mucosa against ulcers, rats were treated with fractions from leaf extract prior to ethanol-induced ulcers. The original fraction obtained as ethanol soluble fraction from hot aqueous extract was able to protect de gastric mucosa, and this effect was retained in the ethyl acetate fraction, obtained from liquid/liquid fractionation. The main compound in this fraction was isolated and chemically characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry, assisted by isopropylidene derivatization which gave rise a mass increment of 40 units. Therefore, the underivatized compound that had m/z 515.119 [M-H](-) was shifted to m/z 555.151, being confirmed as 1,3-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, which presented an ED50 of 57 µg kg(-1) on gastric protection, lesser than the therapeutic concentration of omeprazole (40 mg kg(-1)).

Characterization of Scedosporium apiospermum glucosylceramides and their involvement in fungal development and macrophage functions.

Scedosporium apiospermum is an emerging fungal pathogen that causes both localized and disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients. Glucosylceramides (CMH, GlcCer) are the main neutral glycosphingolipids expressed in fungal cells. In this study, glucosylceramides (GlcCer) were extracted and purified in several chromatographic steps. Using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), N-2'-hydroxyhexadecanoyl-1-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-9-methyl-4,8-sphingadienine was identified as the main GlcCer in S. apiospermum. A monoclonal antibody (Mab) against this molecule was used for indirect immunofluorescence experiments, which revealed that this CMH is present on the surface of the mycelial and conidial forms of S. apiospermum. Treatment of S. apiospermum conidia with the Mab significantly reduced fungal growth. In addition, the Mab also enhanced the phagocytosis and killing of S. apiospermum by murine cells. In vitro assays were performed to evaluate the CMHs for their cytotoxic activities against the mammalian cell lines L.929 and RAW, and an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation was observed. Synergistic in vitro interactions were observed between the Mab against GlcCer and both amphotericin B (AmB) and itraconazole. Because Scedosporium species develop drug resistance, the number of available antifungal drugs is limited; our data indicate that combining immunotherapy with the available drugs might be a viable treatment option. These results suggest that in S. apiospermum, GlcCer are most likely cell wall components that are targeted by antifungal antibodies, which directly inhibit fungal development and enhance macrophage function; furthermore, these results suggest the combined use of monoclonal antibodies against GlcCer and antifungal drugs for antifungal immunotherapy.

Gastroprotective bio-guiding fractionation of hydro-alcoholic extracts from green- and black-teas (Camellia sinensis).

Hydro-alcoholic extracts from leaves of Camellia sinensis (green- and black-tea leaves) were submitted to a fractionation, promoting the compound separation according to their polarity, and analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A wide range of compounds could be identified, such as catechins and their gallate (esters) or oxidation derivatives (theaflavins), glycosylated flavonoids and other phenolics, as well as lipids, saponins and alkaloids. Also have been developed, via bio-guided examination, the gastroprotective property of the compounds identified. The samples were assayed using the model of acute gastric lesions induced in rats by ethanol. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of green-tea and black-tea protected the gastric mucosa with ED50=3.6 and 10.2mg/kg, respectively, with participation of gastric mucus and reduced glutathione (GSH). The ethyl acetate fraction from green-tea and aqueous fraction from black-tea were, respectively, 6 and 10 times more effectiveness than the initial extracts. Moreover, the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, 0.204mg/kg), a main component of ethyl acetate fraction from green tea, reduced the gastric lesion by 56% and restored the mucus levels, however the rutin (0.0133mg/kg), a flavonoid found in the most active fraction of black-tea, was less significant at the natural concentrations. These results have confirmed that the different compounds present in green- and black-tea hydro-alcoholic extracts and partitioned fractions produce relevant gastroprotection mainly via maintenance of the protective factors, mucus and GSH.

Antiviral Sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerols (SQDGs) from the Brazilian brown seaweed Sargassum vulgare.

Total lipids from the Brazilian brown seaweed Sargassum vulgare were extracted with chloroform/methanol 2:1 and 1:2 (v/v) at room temperature. After performing Folch partition of the crude lipid extract, the lipids recovered from the Folch lower layer were fractionated on a silica gel column eluted with chloroform, acetone and methanol. The fraction eluted with methanol, presented a strong orcinol-positive band characteristic of the presence of sulfatides when examined by TLC. This fraction was then purified by two successive silica gel column chromatography giving rise to fractions F4I86 and F4II90 that exhibited strong activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2. The chemical structures present in both fractions were elucidated by ESI-MS and ¹H/¹³C NMR analysis HSQC fingerprints based on their tandem-MS behavior as Sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerols (SQDGs). The main SQDG present in both fractions and responsible for the anti-herpes activity observed was identified as 1,2-di-O-palmitoyl-3-O-(6-sulfo-α-D-quinovopyranosyl)-glycerol.

Structural characterization of a glucuronoarabinoxylan from pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merrill) gum exudate.

Native polysaccharide from pineapple gum (PANP) was obtained following alkaline extraction of gum and fractionation with cetylpyridinium chloride. It was characterized as a glucuronoarabinoxylan using NMR, methylation data, controlled Smith degradation, carboxy-reduction, and ESI-MS of oligosaccharides produced on mild acid hydrolysis of PANP. HSPEC-MALLS-RI of carboxy-reduced fraction showed homogeneous profile (Mw 1.943×10(5) g/mol). PANP was composed of Ara, Xyl, Gal, and GlcpA (40:23:7:30 molar ratio). Its main chain presented (1→4)-linked ß-xylan, highly substituted at O-2 and O-3 by side chains of 3-O- and 3,5-di-O-linked α-Araf, 2-O- and 4-O-linked α-GlcpA, and nonreducing end-units of α-Araf, ß-Arap, ß-Galp, and α-GlcpA. ESI-MS of a mixture of oligosaccharides formed on the mild acid hydrolysis of PANP was consistent with repetitive structures of α-GlcpA O-3 linked at ß-Xylp units, whereas in others glucuronoarabinoxylan-type gum exudates, α-GlcpA units had been previously found to be linked at O-2.

Rhamnogalacturonan from Ilex paraguariensis: a potential adjuvant in sepsis treatment.

The present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of a polysaccharide from maté, using a clinically relevant model of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). A polysaccharide from maté (SPI) was obtained from aqueous extraction followed by fractionation, being identified as a rhamnogalacturonan with a main chain of →4)-6-OMe-α-D-GalpA-(1→ groups, interrupted by α-L-Rhap units, substituted by a type I arabinogalactan. SPI was tested against induced-polymicrobial sepsis, at doses of 3, 7 and 10 mg/kg. Via oral administration, SPI prevented the late mortality of infected mice by a rate of 60% at 10 mg/kg, in comparison with untreated mice Dexamethasone, used as positive control, was slightly less effective, with an overall survival rate of 16.7% of mice at the end of the observation period. SPI also affected neutrophil influx, avoiding its accumulation in lungs, and significantly decreased tissue expression of iNOS and COX-2. In this context, maté is a potential nutraceutical, and its polysaccharide a promising adjuvant for sepsis treatment, being consumed as tea-like beverages with no related adverse effects.