Four almost unexplored species of Brazilian Connarus (Connaraceae): Chemical composition by ESI-QTof-MS/MS-GNPS and a pharmacologic potential.

INTRODUCTION: Species of Connaraceae are globally used in traditional medicines. However, several of these have not been studied regarding their chemical composition, and some are even at risk of extinction without proper studies. Therefore, the chemical composition and pharmacological potential of Connarus blanchetii Planch., Connarus nodosus Baker, Connarus regnellii G. Schellenb., and Connarus suberosus Planch., which were previously unknown, were analyzed. OBJECTIVE: This work aims to investigate the pharmacological potential of these four Connarus species. The chemical composition of different extracts was determined by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), with subsequent analysis by the GNPS platform and competitive fragmentation modeling (CFM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Leaf extracts (C. blanchetii, C. nodosus, C. regnellii, and C. suberosus) and bark extracts (C. regnellii and C. suberosus) were obtained by decoction, infusion, and maceration. LC/HRMS data were submitted to the GNPS platform and evaluated using CFM in order to confirm the structures. RESULTS: The HRMS-GNPS/CFM analysis indicated the presence of 23 compounds that were mainly identified as phenolic derivatives from quercetin and myricetin, of which 21 are unedited in the Connarus genus. Thus, from the analyses performed, we can identify different compounds with pharmacological potential, as well as the most suitable forms of extraction. CONCLUSION: Using HRMS-GNPS/CFM, 21 unpublished compounds were identified in the studied species. Therefore, our combination of data analysis techniques can be used to determine their chemical composition.

Chemical characterization, in vivo safety profile and effects of the extract from unconventional food plant Acca sellowiana (O. BERG) Burret on endothelial cells under glucose overload.

"Guava" (Acca sellowiana) is an unconventional edible plant from Brazil. It is used in traditional medicine as an anti-diabetic; however, pharmacological studies on this plant are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and safety profile of an aqueous A. sellowiana peel extract (ASPE) and its effects on endothelial EA.hy926 cells under glucose overload and in vivo (Artemia salina). An ethanolic extract from A. sellowiana peels (ASPEetOH) was also produced and characterized. Results showed that ASPE did not present in vivo toxicity, and it was found to contain high phenolic content and redox capacity. ASPE (50 µg/mL; 24 h) prevented oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, besides positively modulating Sirtuins 1 and 3, and prevented the increase of COX-2 and NF-kß expression levels in EA.hy926 cells under glucose overload. Chromatographic fractionation, metabolite profiling, spectroscopic and bioinformatics analyses revealed the presence of phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavones, flavanones, and anthocyanidins, displaying a diversity of compounds in the crude and fractionated ASPEetOH. This study provided evidence on the safety profile, chemical composition, and pharmacological activities of A. sellowiana.