Bioactives of Melipona rufiventris Propolis: Exploring its Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activities.

This study explores the potential of propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, from Melipona rufiventris species. With its composition encompassing resin, wax, pollen, and soil, propolis holds historical significance in traditional medicine within tropical regions. This research is driven by the scarcity of information surrounding M. rufiventris propolis, prompting an investigation into its chemical constituents, in vivo toxicity, and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This exploration could potentially uncover novel applications for this natural product, bolstering both meliponiculture practices and the preservation of native bee populations. The propolis was sampled in Cabo Verde-MG and underwent ethanolic extraction to yield an extract (EEP) for analysis. Chemical assessments (Folin-Ciocalteau, and UHPLC-HRMS) revealed the presence of polyphenols, including flavonoids. The EEP demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and exhibited efficacy against multiresistant strains isolated from complex wounds. Synergistic interactions with commercial antibiotics were also observed. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory evaluations showcased the EEP's potential in reducing NF-kB activation and TNF-α release at non-toxic concentrations. Despite these promising biological activities, the EEP exhibited no antiproliferative effects and demonstrated safety in both the MTS assay and the G. mellonella model. Collectively, these findings highlight the M. rufiventris propolis extract as a valuable reservoir of bioactive compounds with multifaceted potential.

Brain fatty acid and transcriptome profiles of pig fed diets with different levels of soybean oil.

BACKGROUND: The high similarity in anatomical and neurophysiological processes between pigs and humans make pigs an excellent model for metabolic diseases and neurological disorders. Lipids are essential for brain structure and function, and the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have anti-inflammatory and positive effects against cognitive dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. Nutrigenomics studies involving pigs and fatty acids (FA) may help us in better understanding important biological processes. In this study, the main goal was to evaluate the effect of different levels of dietary soybean oil on the lipid profile and transcriptome in pigs' brain tissue. RESULTS: Thirty-six male Large White pigs were used in a 98-day study using two experimental diets corn-soybean meal diet containing 1.5% soybean oil (SOY1.5) and corn-soybean meal diet containing 3.0% soybean oil (SOY3.0). No differences were found for the brain total lipid content and FA profile between the different levels of soybean oil. For differential expression analysis, using the DESeq2 statistical package, a total of 34 differentially expressed genes (DEG, FDR-corrected p-value < 0.05) were identified. Of these 34 DEG, 25 are known-genes, of which 11 were up-regulated (log2 fold change ranging from + 0.25 to + 2.93) and 14 were down-regulated (log2 fold change ranging from - 3.43 to -0.36) for the SOY1.5 group compared to SOY3.0. For the functional enrichment analysis performed using MetaCore with the 34 DEG, four pathway maps were identified (p-value < 0.05), related to the ALOX15B (log2 fold change - 1.489), CALB1 (log2 fold change - 3.431) and CAST (log2 fold change + 0.421) genes. A "calcium transport" network (p-value = 2.303e-2), related to the CAST and CALB1 genes, was also identified. CONCLUSION: The results found in this study contribute to understanding the pathways and networks associated with processes involved in intracellular calcium, lipid metabolism, and oxidative processes in the brain tissue. Moreover, these results may help a better comprehension of the modulating effects of soybean oil and its FA composition on processes and diseases affecting the brain tissue.

Transcriptome profile of skeletal muscle using different sources of dietary fatty acids in male pigs.

Pork is of great importance in world trade and represents the largest source of fatty acids in the human diet. Lipid sources such as soybean oil (SOY), canola (CO), and fish oil (FO) are used in pig diets and influence blood parameters and the ratio of deposited fatty acids. In this study, the main objective was to evaluate changes in gene expression in porcine skeletal muscle tissue resulting from the dietary oil sources and to identify metabolic pathways and biological process networks through RNA-Seq. The addition of FO in the diet of pigs led to intramuscular lipid with a higher FA profile composition of C20:5 n-3, C22:6 n-3, and SFA (C16:0 and C18:0). Blood parameters for the FO group showed lower cholesterol and HDL content compared with CO and SOY groups. Skeletal muscle transcriptome analyses revealed 65 differentially expressed genes (DEG, FDR 10%) between CO vs SOY, and 32 DEG for CO vs FO, and 531 DEG for SOY vs FO comparison. Several genes, including AZGP1, PDE3B, APOE, PLIN1, and LIPS, were found to be down-regulated in the diet of the SOY group compared to the FO group. The enrichment analysis revealed DEG involved in lipid metabolism, metabolic diseases, and inflammation between the oil groups, with specific gene functions in each group and altered blood parameters. The results provide mechanisms to help us understand the behavior of genes according to fatty acids.

Cocoa powder and fermented jackfruit seed flour: A comparative cell-based study on their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities after simulated gastrointestinal digestion.

BACKGROUND: Jackfruit seed flour can be used as a cocoa aroma replacer with similar technological properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo toxicity and in vitro antioxidant activity of fermented jackfruit seed flour (Fjs) and non-alkaline cocoa powder (Nac). RESULTS: Fjs and Nac extracts (Fjs-E and Nac-E) were produced and submitted to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion producing digested fractions named Fjs-D and Nac-D, respectively. Nac-E showed over two-fold higher oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) than Fjs-E. However, after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (in vitro), there were no significant differences between Nac-D and Fjs-D (P < 0.01). Similarly, the cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) of Nac-D and Fjs-D was not significantly different (P < 0.01). The anti-inflammatory assay in transgenic RAW 264.7 murine macrophages showed that Fjs-E did not affect cell viability up to 300 µg mL-1 (P > 0.05) and reduced by 15% the release of TNF-α (P < 0.05). Fjs-D did not affect cell viability up to 300 µg mL-1 (P > 0.05) and showed 58% reduction of NF-κB activation (P < 0.05), with no effects on TNF-α levels. Treatment with Nac-E up to 300 µg mL-1 did not decrease cell viability (P > 0.05) and reduced the release of TNF-α levels by 34% and 66% at 100 and 300 µg mL-1 , respectively (P < 0.05). Nac-D did not reduce the NF-κB activation or TNF-α levels at any tested concentration. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these findings indicate that Fjs is a safe and promising functional ingredient with biological activities even after gastrointestinal digestion. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Isolation of diterpenes from Araucaria sp Brazilian brown propolis and development of a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method for its analysis.

Propolis comprises a complex resinous product composed of plant's parts or exudates, pollen, bee wax, and enzymes. Brazilian brown propolis from Araucaria sp displays several biological activities. Considering the lack of validated analytical methods for its analysis, we are reporting the development of a validated high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector method to analyze Araucaria brown propolis. The crude propolis were extracted and chromatographed, furnishing six main diterpenes. The isolated standards were used to draw the analytical curves, allowing the studies of selectivity, precision, accuracy, recovery, robustness, the determination of limits of detection and limits of quantification. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% acetic acid in water and acetonitrile, using an octadecylsilane column, 1 mL/min flow rate and detection at 200 or 241 nm. Relative standard deviation values obtained for intra-day and inter-day precision were lower than 4% for all diterpenes. From the five parameters for robustness, wavelength detection and flow rate were the critical ones. Limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.808 to 10.359 µg/mL and from 2.448 to 31.392 µg/mL, respectively. The recoveries were between 105.03 and 108.13%, with relative standard deviation values around 5.0%. The developed method is precise, sensitive, and reliable for analyzing Araucaria brown propolis.

Do Flavonoids from Durum Wheat Contribute to Its Bioactive Properties? A Prospective Study.

A clear gap with respect to the potential biological properties of wheat flavonoids exists in the available literature. This information is crucial for breeding programs aiming to produce new varieties presenting improved health benefits. Accordingly, advanced breeding lines of whole durum wheat were evaluated in this contribution. The highest recovery of phenolics was achieved using aqueous acetone (50:50, v/v), as verified by multi-response optimization, thus showing that phenolics could be largely underestimated by employing an inappropriate extraction. The concentration of derivatives of apigenin, the main phenolics present, ranged from 63.5 to 80.7%, as evaluated by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. Phenolics from the breeding line 98 exhibited the highest ability in scavenging peroxyl radicals, reducing power as well as in terms of inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity, a key enzyme regulating the absorption of triacylglycerols. In contrast, none of the samples exhibited a significant anti-diabetic potential. Despite their high concentration compared to that of phenolic acids, results of this work do not support a significant antioxidant and pancreatic lipase inhibitory effect of durum wheat flavonoids. Therefore, breeding programs and animal and/or human trials related to the effect of durum wheat flavonoids on oxidative stress and absorption of triacylglycerols are discouraged at this point.

Volatile Compounds Determined by SPME-GC, Bioactive Compounds, In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity and Physicochemical Characteristics of Four Native Fruits from South America.

The aim of the present study was to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by SPME-GC and quantify the bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, total flavonoids and total phenolic content), antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ORAC) and physicochemical characteristics of ocorocillo, cambucá, murici da praia and murici do campo, four native South American fruits. A total of 41 volatile compounds were identified in ocorocillo, of which 17 were terpenes. Cambuca's volatile profile contained aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons and alcohols. Murici da praia and murici do campo contained high levels of fatty acid volatiles and esters, that contribute to their remarkable aroma. Ocorocillo contained high levels of ascorbic acid and total flavonoids, while cambucá presented lower ascorbic acid, flavonoid and phenolic levels. Murici da praia and murici do campo contained high amounts of phenolic compounds and high free-radical scavenging capacity (DPPH and ORAC). In addition, this fruit was sweeter and less acid compared to the other assessed fruits. The results suggest that these native fruits constitute a good source of volatile compounds and bioactive compounds, which may aid in their preservation interest and potential use in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Isoflavonoids from Brazilian red propolis down-regulate the expression of cancer-related target proteins: A pharmacogenomic analysis.

Vestitol and neovestitol are bioactive isoflavonoids isolated from Brazilian red propolis, a unique Apis melifera type of propolis botanically originated from Dalbergia ecastophyllum. Although these molecules have relevant biological effects, including anticancer and immunomodulatory activities, their mechanism(s) of action and the affected pathways remain largely unknown. Here, we carried out a pharmacogenomic analysis to investigate the effects of vestitol and neovestitol on the whole-genome expression in human tumor cells, particularly cancer-related target proteins. HeLa cells were exposed to the compounds at IC20 and genomic information of treated cells was analyzed using the Illumina transcriptome system and GeneGo MetaCore software. Our results showed that vestitol (IC20  = 214.7 µM) reduced the expression of genes enrolled with the alpha tubulin (fold -3.7), tubulin in microtubules (fold -3.7), and histone h3 (fold = -3.03), and that treatment with neovestitol (IC20  = 102.91 µM) downregulated prostaglandin E synthase gene (fold = -3.12), which are considered ideal targets for anticancer therapy. These data open avenues for the study of vestitol and neovestitol as potential promising candidates for anticancer therapy. Toxicological, non-clinical, and clinical validation of the findings presented herein is needed.

Unexplored endemic fruit species from Brazil: Antibiofilm properties, insights into mode of action, and systemic toxicity of four Eugenia spp.

Brazilian endemic fruit species have aroused attention due to their highly valuable, yet unexplored, agro-industrial, food and therapeutic potential. Herein, we describe the antifungal activity of four Eugenia spp. against Candida albicans biofilms, and further demonstrate insights into their potential mode(s) of action and toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Extracts from different parts (seeds, pulps, leaves) of E. leitonii (EL), E. brasiliensis (EB), E. myrcianthes (EM) and E. involucrata (EI) were obtained (S23°23',W45°39') and chemically characterized by GC/MS. The active extracts were tested against C. albicans biofilm viability and architecture, as well as mode of action, and toxicology using RAW 264.7 macrophages and Galleria mellonella larvae. The MIC values ranged from 15.62 to >2000 µg/mL. The most active extracts were EL (seed, 15.62 µg/mL) and EB (leaf and seeds, 31.25 and 15.62 µg/mL, respectively). Treatment with these extracts at 10xMIC reduced biofilm viability by 54-55% (P < 0.0001) as compared to 42% by nystatin. At 10xMIC, all extracts caused damages to biofilm architecture and integrity, and fewer hyphae remained attached to treated biofilms. None of them was found to interfere with cell wall biosynthesis or complexation with ergosterol. The extracts had low toxicity against macrophages in vitro (P > 0.05) and G. mellonella larvae, with mean in vivo LD50 of 1500 mg/kg (EL, seeds); 2500 mg/kg (EB, seeds); and 1250 mg/kg (EB, leaf). The phenolic compounds epicatechin and gallic acid were the major constituents in the extracts. Our findings may open avenues for the application of these yet unexplored native fruits in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Effects of Cinnamoyloxy-mammeisin from Geopropolis on Osteoclast Differentiation and Porphyromonas gingivalis-Induced Periodontitis.

Bone-loss-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, and periodontitis are associated with high rates of morbidity worldwide. These disorders are characterized by an imbalance between the formation and activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, leading to bone loss. In this context, we evaluated the effect of cinnamoyloxy-mammeisin (CNM), an anti-inflammatory coumarin found in Melipona scutellaris geopropolis, on key targets related to bone remodeling. In the present study we investigated the in vitro effects of CNM on osteoclast differentiation and M-CSF+RANKL-induced osteoclastogenic marker expression. Additionally, the interference of CNM treatment on osteoclast activity was evaluated by zymography and resorption area. Finally, we assessed the capacity of the compound to mitigate alveolar bone loss in vivo in experimental murine periodontitis induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis. We observed that treatment with CNM impaired osteoclast differentiation, as evidenced by a reduced number of tartrate-resistant acid-phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells (TRAP+) as well as the expression of osteoclastogenic markers upon M-CSF+RANKL-induced stimulation. Similarly, we observed reduced gelatinolytic and resorption capacity in M-CSF+RANKL-induced cells in vitro. Lastly, CNM attenuated alveolar bone loss in an experimental murine periodontitis model. These findings indicate that CNM may be considered a promising treatment for bone loss diseases.

Cinnamoyloxy-mammeisin Isolated from Geopropolis Attenuates Inflammatory Process by Inhibiting Cytokine Production: Involvement of MAPK, AP-1, and NF-κB.

Chemical compounds belonging to the class of coumarins have promising anti-inflammatory potential. Cinnamoyloxy-mammeisin (CNM) is a 4-phenylcoumarin that can be isolated from Brazilian geopropolis. To our knowledge, its anti-inflammatory activity has never been studied. Therefore, the present study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of CNM and elucidated its mechanism of action on isolated macrophages. Pretreatment with CNM reduced neutrophil migration into the peritoneal and joint cavity of mice. Likewise, CNM reduced the in vitro and in vivo release of TNF-α and CXCL2/MIP-2. Regarding the possible molecular mechanism of action, CNM reduced the phosphorylation of proteins ERK 1/2, JNK, p38 MAPK, and AP-1 (subunit c-jun) in PG-stimulated macrophages. Pretreatment with CNM also reduced NF-κB activation in RAW 264.7 macrophages stably expressing the NF-κB-luciferase reporter gene. On the other hand, it did not alter IκBα degradation or nuclear translocation of p65. Thus, the results of this study demonstrate promising anti-inflammatory activity of CNM and provide an explanation of its mechanism of action in macrophages via inhibition of MAPK signaling, AP-1, and NF-κB.

Antiproliferative Constituents of Geopropolis from the Bee Melipona scutellaris.

Fractionation of geopropolis from Melipona scutellaris, guided by antiproliferative activity against two colon cancer cell lines (COLO205 and KM12), led to the isolation of two new cinnamic acid esters, mammea-type coumarins 5,7-dihydroxy-6-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-8-(4-cinnamoyl-3-methyl-1-oxobutyl)-4-propyl-coumarin (1) and 5,7-dihydroxy-6-(4-cinnamoyl-3-methyl-1-oxobutyl)-4-phenylcoumarin (2), along with five known coumarins, mammeigin (3), hydroxymammeigin (4), mammeisin (5), cinnamoyloxy-mammeisin (6), and mammein (7), and the prenylated benzophenone ent-nemorosone (8). Among the isolated compounds, 5 and 7 showed the highest cell growth inhibition against COLO205 (GI50 9.7 and 10.7 µM, respectively) and KM12 (GI50 12.0 and 10.9 µM, respectively). The presence of these compounds suggests that plants of Clusiaceae family, especially the genera Kielmeyera and Clusia, are likely to be major sources of geopropolis produced by M. scutellaris.

Physicochemical, Functional and Antioxidant Properties of Tropical Fruits Co-products.

The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical, functional and antioxidant properties of mango (MAC), pineapple (PAC) and passion fruit (PFC) co-products in order to evaluate them as ingredients for food application. Proximate composition showed low fat content (0.95-5.64 g/100 g), and high levels of dietary fiber. In pineapple and passion fruit co-products, dietary fiber represented more than 50 % of the sample. Low pH, water activity, along with high acidity indicated that these co-products would not be easily susceptible to deterioration as food ingredients. Pineapple and passion fruit co-products had significant (p < 0.05) water holding capacity (4.96 and 4.31 g water/g sample, respectively), however oil holding capacity was low (1.59-1.85 g oil/g sample) for the three matrices studied. Regarding the phenolic content, values ranged from 3.78 to 4.67 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, with MAC showing the highest content. Through high performance liquid chromatography analysis, six compounds were identified and quantified (gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, and mangiferin) in the fruit co-products. As observed for the phenolic content, the highest antioxidant activity (p < 0.05) was found in MAC when measured by both DPPH and ABTS methods. The results indicated that the fruit co-products under evaluation could be used as functional ingredient to provide dietary fiber and natural antioxidants to food products.

Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils and Their Isolated Constituents against Cariogenic Bacteria: A Systematic Review.

Dental caries remains the most prevalent and costly oral infectious disease worldwide. Several methods have been employed to prevent this biofilm-dependent disease, including the use of essential oils (EOs). In this systematic review, we discuss the antibacterial activity of EOs and their isolated constituents in view of a potential applicability in novel dental formulations. Seven databases were systematically searched for clinical trials, in situ, in vivo and in vitro studies addressing the topic published up to date. Most of the knowledge in the literature is based on in vitro studies assessing the effects of EOs on caries-related streptococci (mainly Streptococcus mutans) and lactobacilli, and on a limited number of clinical trials. The most promising species with antibacterial potential against cariogenic bacteria are: Achillea ligustica, Baccharis dracunculifolia, Croton cajucara, Cryptomeria japonica, Coriandrum sativum, Eugenia caryophyllata, Lippia sidoides, Ocimum americanum, and Rosmarinus officinalis. In some cases, the major phytochemical compounds determine the biological properties of EOs. Menthol and eugenol were considered outstanding compounds demonstrating an antibacterial potential. Only L. sidoides mouthwash (1%) has shown clinical antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens thus far. This review suggests avenues for further non-clinical and clinical studies with the most promising EOs and their isolated constituents bioprospected worldwide.

Antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of stingless bee Melipona scutellaris geopropolis.

BACKGROUND: Geopropolis is a type of propolis containing resin, wax, and soil, collected by threatened stingless bee species native to tropical countries and used in folk medicine. However, studies concerning the biological activity and chemical composition of geopropolis are scarce. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial and antiproliferative activity of the ethanolic extract of geopropolis (EEGP) collected by Melipona scutellaris and its bioactive fraction against important clinical microorganisms as well as their in vitro cytotoxicity and chemical profile. METHODS: The antimicrobial activity of EEGP and fractions was examined by determining their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against six bacteria strains as well as their ability to inhibit Streptococcus mutans biofilm adherence. Total growth inhibition (TGI) was chosen to assay the antiproliferative activity of EEGP and its bioactive fraction against normal and cancer cell lines. The chemical composition of M. scutellaris geopropolis was identified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: EEGP significantly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus strains and S. mutans at low concentrations, and its hexane fraction (HF) presented the highest antibacterial activity. Also, both EEGP and HF inhibited S. mutans biofilm adherence (p < 0.05) and showed selectivity against human cancer cell lines, although only HF demonstrated selectivity at low concentrations. The chemical analyses performed suggest the absence of flavonoids and the presence of benzophenones as geopropolis major compounds. CONCLUSIONS: The empirical use of this unique type of geopropolis by folk medicine practitioners was confirmed in the present study, since it showed antimicrobial and antiproliferative potential against the cancer cell lines studied. It is possible that the major compounds found in this type of geopropolis are responsible for its properties.

Application of spray drying, spray chilling and the combination of both methods to produce tucumã oil microparticles: characterization, stability, and ß-carotene bioaccessibility.

The aim of this work was to produce tucumã oil (PO) microparticles using different encapsulation methods, and to evaluate their properties, storage stability and bioaccessibility of the encapsulated ß-carotene. Gum Arabic was used as carrier for spray drying (SD), while vegetable fat was the wall material for spray chilling (SC) and the combination of the methods (SDC). Powders were yellow (hue angle around 80°) and presented particles with small mean diameters (1.57-2.30 µm). PO and the microparticles possess high ß-carotene contents (∼0.35-22 mg/g). However, some carotenoid loss was observed in the particles after encapsulation by SD and SDC (around 20%). After 90 days of storage, SDC particles presented the lowest degradation of total carotenoids (∼5%), while SD samples showed the highest loss (∼21%). Yet, the latter had the lowest contents of conjugated dienes (4.1-5.3 µmol/g) among treatments. At the end of simulated digestion, PO and the microparticles provided low ß-carotene bioaccessibility (<10%), and only SC increased this parameter compared to the pure oil. In conclusion, carotenoid-rich microparticles with attractive color were obtained through microencapsulation of PO by SD, SC and SDC, revealing their potential as natural additives for the development of food products with improved nutritional properties. The SC method stood out for providing microparticles with high carotenoid content and retention, high oxidative stability, and improved ß-carotene bioaccessibility.

RNA-seq transcriptome profiling of pigs' liver in response to diet with different sources of fatty acids.

Pigs (Sus scrofa) are an animal model for metabolic diseases in humans. Pork is an important source of fatty acids (FAs) in the human diet, as it is one of the most consumed meats worldwide. The effects of dietary inclusion of oils such as canola, fish, and soybean oils on pig gene expression are mostly unknown. Our objective was to evaluate FA composition, identify changes in gene expression in the liver of male pigs fed diets enriched with different FA profiles, and identify impacted metabolic pathways and gene networks to enlighten the biological mechanisms' variation. Large White male pigs were randomly allocated to one of three diets with 18 pigs in each; all diets comprised a base of corn and soybean meal to which either 3% of soybean oil (SOY), 3% canola oil (CO), or 3% fish oil (FO) was added for a 98-day trial during the growing and finishing phases. RNA sequencing was performed on the liver samples of each animal by Illumina technology for differential gene expression analyses, using the R package DESeq2. The diets modified the FA profile, mainly in relation to polyunsaturated and saturated FAs. Comparing SOY vs. FO, 143 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified as being associated with metabolism, metabolic and neurodegenerative disease pathways, inflammatory processes, and immune response networks. Comparing CO vs. SOY, 148 DEGs were identified, with pathways related to FA oxidation, regulation of lipid metabolism, and metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Our results help explain the behavior of genes with differential expression in metabolic pathways resulting from feeding different types of oils in pig diets.

Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils against Streptococcus mutans and their Antiproliferative Effects.

This study aimed to evaluate the activity of essential oils (EOs) against Streptococcus mutans biofilm by chemically characterizing their fractions responsible for biological and antiproliferative activity. Twenty EO were obtained by hydrodistillation and submitted to the antimicrobial assay (minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations) against S. mutans UA159. Thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were used for phytochemical analyses. EOs were selected according to predetermined criteria and fractionated using dry column; the resulting fractions were assessed by MIC and MBC, selected as active fractions, and evaluated against S. mutans biofilm. Biofilms formed were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Selected EOs and their selected active fractions were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against keratinocytes and seven human tumor cell lines. MIC and MBC values obtained for EO and their active fractions showed strong antimicrobial activity. Chemical analyses mainly showed the presence of terpenes. The selected active fractions inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation (P < 0.05) did not affect glycolytic pH drop and were inactive against keratinocytes, normal cell line. In conclusion, EO showed activity at low concentrations, and their selected active fractions were also effective against biofilm formed by S. mutans and human tumor cell lines.

Gamma radiation induced oxidation and tocopherols decrease in in-shell, peeled and blanched peanuts.

In-shell, peeled and blanched peanut samples were characterized in relation to proximate composition and fatty acid profile. No difference was found in relation to its proximate composition. The three major fatty acids were palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. In order to investigate irradiation and storage effects, peanut samples were submitted to doses of 0.0, 5.0, 7.5 or 10.0 kGy, stored for six months at room temperature and monitored every three months. Peanuts responded differently to irradiation, particularly with regards to tocopherol contents, primary and secondary oxidation products and oil stability index. Induction periods and tocopherol contents were negatively correlated with irradiation doses and decreased moderately during storage. α-Tocopherol was the most gamma radiation sensitive and peeled samples were the most affected. A positive correlation was found among tocopherol contents and the induction period of the oils extracted from irradiated samples. Gamma radiation and storage time increased oxidation compounds production. If gamma radiation is considered an alternative for industrial scale peanut conservation, in-shell samples are the best feedstock. For the best of our knowledge this is the first article with such results; this way it may be helpful as basis for future studies on gamma radiation of in-shell crops.

Brazilian Organic Honey from Atlantic Rainforest Decreases Inflammatory Process in Mice.

Honey is an ancient food in the human diet, and the chemical composition of some types of honey has been associated with several beneficial biological effects. Among them, honey has been highlighted to improve health and control inflammatory processes. However, there is no study elucidating the mechanism of action of honey produced organically. Here, we separated organic honey (OH) samples from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest into eight different profiles (OH-1 to OH-8) and evaluated, in vitro and in vivo, their anti-inflammatory potential. To determine cell viability, RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with several concentrations of OH-1 up to OH-8, and anti-inflammatory activity was assessed through NF-κB activation and TNF-α levels. All types of the studied honey up to a concentration of 4% (w/v) did not interfere with macrophage viability and decreased NF-kB activation and TNF-α levels in macrophage culture in vitro. OH-7 was selected as the most promising anti-inflammatory and used in subsequent assays. Mice pretreated orally with OH-7 showed a decrease in neutrophil migration and TNF-α level. Thus, these types of Brazilian organic honey show promising anti-inflammatory potential, particularly the OH-7 variety. Brazilian organic honey may lead to the development of new products and/or be incorporated into food for use in veterinary medicine and human health as well.