The Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Potential of Coccoloba alnifolia Leaf Extracts.

Oxidative stress has been associated with different diseases, and different medicinal plants have been used to treat or prevent this condition. The leaf ethanolic extract (EE) and aqueous extract (AE) from Coccoloba alnifolia have previously been characterized to have antioxidant potential in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we worked with EE and AE and two partition phases, AF (ethyl acetate) and BF (butanol), from AE extract. These extracts and partition phases did not display cytotoxicity. The EE and AE reduced NO production and ROS in all three concentrations tested. Furthermore, it was observed that EE and AE at 500 µg/mL concentration were able to reduce phagocytic activity by 30 and 50%, respectively. A scratch assay using a fibroblast cell line (NHI/3T3) showed that extracts and fractions induced cell migration with 60% wound recovery within 24 h, especially for BF. It was also observed that AF and BF had antioxidant potential in all the assays evaluated. In addition, copper chelation was observed. This activity was previously not detected in AE. The HPLC-DAD analysis showed the presence of phenolic compounds such as p-cumaric acid and vitexin for extracts, while the GNPS annotated the presence of isoorientin, vitexin, kanakugiol, and tryptamine in the BF partition phase. The data presented here demonstrated that the EE, AE, AF, and BF of C. alnifolia have potential immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant effects, as well as in vitro wound healing characteristics, which are important for dynamic inflammation process control.

Redox homeostasis at SAM: a new role of HINT protein.

MAIN CONCLUSION: ScHINT1 was identified at sugarcane SAM using subtractive libraries. Here, by bioinformatic tools, two-hybrid approach, and biochemical assays, we proposed that its role might be associated to control redox homeostasis. Such control is important for plant development and flowering transition, and this is ensured with some protein partners such as PAL and SBT that interact with ScHINT1. The shoot apical meristem transition from vegetative to reproductive is a crucial step for plants. In sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), this process is not well known, and it has an important impact on production due to field reduction. In view of this, ScHINT1 (Sugarcane HISTIDINE TRIAD NUCLEOTIDE-BINDING PROTEIN) was identified previously by subtractive cDNA libraries using Shoot Apical Meristem (SAM) by our group. This protein is a member of the HIT superfamily that was composed of hydrolase with an AMP site ligation. To better understand the role of ScHINT1 in sugarcane flowering, here its function in SAM was characterized using different approaches such as bioinformatics, two-hybrid assays, transgenic plants, and biochemical assays. ScHINT1 was conserved in plants, and it was grouped into four clades (HINT1, HINT2, HINT3, and HINT4). The 3D model proposed that ScHINT1 might be active as it was able to ligate to AMP subtract. Moreover, the two-hybrid approach identified two protein interactions: subtilase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. The evolutionary tree highlighted the relationships that each sequence has with specific subfamilies and different proteins. The 3D models constructed reveal structure conservation when compared with other PDB-related crystals, which indicates probable functional activity for the sugarcane models assessed. The interactome analysis showed a connection to different proteins that have antioxidative functions in apical meristems. Lastly, the transgenic plants with 35S::ScHINT1_AS (anti-sense orientation) produced more flowers than wild-type or 35S::ScHINT1_S (sense). Alpha-tocopherol and antioxidant enzymes measurement showed that their levels were higher in 35S::ScHINT_S plants than in 35S::ScHINT1_AS or wild-type plants. These results proposed that ScHINT1 might have an important role with other proteins in orchestrating this complex network for plant development and flowering.

Characterization of an AP endonuclease from sugarcane - ScARP1.

Plants are sessile organisms that need to cope with different conditions. The Base Excision Repair (BER) pathway is an important mechanism protecting the genome from DNA lesions. Apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonucleases are key BER enzymes that process AP sites arising either spontaneously or as BER intermediates. In Arabidopsis there are three AP endonucleases: AtARP1, AtAPE1L, and AtAPE2, and in sugarcane two AtARP1 homologues have been identified: ScARP1 and ScARP3. ScARP1 shares 59% sequence identity with Arabidopsis AtARP. Protein modeling of ScARP1 and AtARP1 revealed conserved active sites and metal binding sites. For biochemical characterisation, recombinant ScARP1 protein displayed AP endonuclease activity both in the presence of MnCl2 or MgCl2 and the optimal temperature for its activity was 37 °C. Under these conditions, 3'-exonuclease, 3'-phosphatase, and 3'-phosphodiesteterase activities were not detectable. We also show that ScARP1 protein is able to complement mutant atarp-/- cell extracts deficient in AP endonuclease activity. These results suggest that AP endonucleases from different plant species preserve AP endonuclease activity. The biochemical characterisation of ScARP1 extends our knowledge of the BER pathway to a monocot crop plant group.

Caulerpa Cupressoides Var. Flabellata.

Green seaweeds are rich sources of sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) with potential biomedical and nutraceutical applications. The aim of this work was to evaluate the immunostimulatory activity of SPs from the seaweed, Caulerpa cupressoides var. flabellata on murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. SPs were evaluated for their ability to modify cell viability and to stimulate the production of inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cytokines. Additionally, their effect on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) gene expression was investigated. The results showed that SPs were not cytotoxic and were able to increase in the production of NO, ROS and the cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). It was also observed that treatment with SPs increased iNOS and COX-2 gene expression. Together, these results indicate that C. cupressoides var. flabellata SPs have strong immunostimulatory activity, with potential biomedical applications.

Building the sugarcane genome for biotechnology and identifying evolutionary trends.

BACKGROUND: Sugarcane is the source of sugar in all tropical and subtropical countries and is becoming increasingly important for bio-based fuels. However, its large (10 Gb), polyploid, complex genome has hindered genome based breeding efforts. Here we release the largest and most diverse set of sugarcane genome sequences to date, as part of an on-going initiative to provide a sugarcane genomic information resource, with the ultimate goal of producing a gold standard genome. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventeen chiefly euchromatic BACs were sequenced. A reference set of one thousand four hundred manually-annotated protein-coding genes was generated. A small RNA collection and a RNA-seq library were used to explore expression patterns and the sRNA landscape. In the sucrose and starch metabolism pathway, 16 non-redundant enzyme-encoding genes were identified. One of the sucrose pathway genes, sucrose-6-phosphate phosphohydrolase, is duplicated in sugarcane and sorghum, but not in rice and maize. A diversity analysis of the s6pp duplication region revealed haplotype-structured sequence composition. Examination of hom(e)ologous loci indicate both sequence structural and sRNA landscape variation. A synteny analysis shows that the sugarcane genome has expanded relative to the sorghum genome, largely due to the presence of transposable elements and uncharacterized intergenic and intronic sequences. CONCLUSION: This release of sugarcane genomic sequences will advance our understanding of sugarcane genetics and contribute to the development of molecular tools for breeding purposes and gene discovery.

Plukenetia volubilis leaves as source of anti-Helicobacter pylori agents.

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection is a major issue worldwide, with widespread prevalence, combined with its link to gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Meanwhile, effectiveness of current treatment protocols is limited by increasing antibiotic resistance and patient compliance issues due to long regimens and side effects. Plukenetia volubilis, or sacha inchi, is a valuable source of bioactive molecules. However, studies on its antimicrobial activity, especially against H. pylori, are lacking. Methods: In this study, the anti-H. pylori activity of P. volubilis leaves water extract was explored using in vitro and in silico approaches. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Electrospray Ionisation and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI- QTOF-MS-MS) analysis of the water extract from the leaves was used to characterise the chemical composition of the plant and allowed identification of some flavonoids, such as astragalin, and some phenolic compounds. Then, high-speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC) was used to fractionate the ethyl acetate partition obtained from the water extract from the leaves. Results and Discussion: The presence of flavonoids derived from kaempferol was confirmed and astragalin was isolated for the first time in P. volubilis. The P. volubilis water infusion, ethyl acetate extract and the isolated astragalin exhibited anti-bacterial activity against H. pylori J99 and two clinical isolates (e.g., minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.53, 0.51 and 0.49 µg/mL, respectively, for clarithromycin-resistant clinical isolate SSR366). Then, using molecular docking for potential protein targets for H. pylori, it was verified that astragalin could interact with these proteins by in silico analysis. Conclusion: These findings highlight that P. volubilis and astragalin produce a bacteriostatic activity against H. pylori and may have potential to be used in treatment against H. pylori, after further research.

Bioactivity of Talisia esculenta extracts: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action on RAW 264.7 macrophages and protective potential on the zebrafish exposed to oxidative stress inducers.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Talisia esculenta is a fruit tree commonly found in various regions of Brazil. Its fruit is consumed by the local population, and the leaves are used in infusions within traditional Brazilian medicine. These infusions are employed to alleviate pathological conditions such as rheumatic diseases and hypertension, both of which are strongly linked to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. The investigation of plant extracts represents a promising field of research, as bioactive compounds abundant in plants exhibit pharmacological effects against a variety of pathological conditions. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and toxicity of the infusion and hydroethanolic extracts of T. esculenta leaves (IF and HF) and fruit peels (IC and HC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Initially, the cytotoxicity and the effects of the extracts on oxidative stress in RAW264.7 macrophages were assessed through exposure to H2O2, as well as their impact on NO production in RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to LPS. Additionally, the toxicity and ROS production in zebrafish larvae were evaluated using two oxidative stress inducers: H2O2 and CuSO4 combined with ascorbate. RESULTS: The MTT assay indicated that the extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity, with HF and IF demonstrating protective effects against H2O2 exposure. HC reduced NO production in macrophages by 30%. The zebrafish analysis showed that all four T. esculenta extracts (100 µg/mL) were non-toxic, as they did not affect the survival, heart rate, or body size of the animals. Furthermore, all extracts were capable of reducing ROS levels in zebrafish larvae exposed to the H2O2 stressor. Notably, ROS reduction by HF, IF, and HC extracts exceeded 50% compared to the positive control (H2O2 alone). T. esculenta extracts also demonstrated a significant ability to reduce ROS levels in zebrafish larvae exposed to CuSO4, with a 70% reduction observed for leaf extracts and over 30% for fruit peel extracts. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that T. esculenta extracts exhibit significant activity against oxidative damage and contain components with anti-inflammatory properties. Among the extracts, those obtained from leaves were the most effective in providing oxidative protection, supporting the traditional use of leaf infusions.

Prospecting of the Antioxidant Activity from Extracts Obtained from Chañar (Geoffroea decorticans) Seeds Evaluated In Vitro and In Vivo Using the Tenebrio molitor Model.

Geoffroea decorticans, commonly known as Chañar, is a native Chilean plant widely used in folk medicine for its expectorant, pain relief, and antinociceptive properties. This study explored the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and protective effects of its ethanolic (EE) and aqueous (EA) seed extracts against oxidative stress induced by copper sulfate, using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the extracts. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) identified significant components such as phytol, alpha-tocopherol, vitexin, and rutin, with the EE being particularly rich in phytol and vitexin. Antioxidant assays-measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging, and copper and iron chelation-confirmed their potent antioxidant capabilities. Both extracts were non-cytotoxic and provided protection against CuSO4-induced oxidative stress in the 3T3 cell line. Additionally, the use of Tenebrio molitor as an invertebrate model underscored the extracts' antioxidant and protective potentials, especially that of the EE. In conclusion, this study highlights the significant antioxidant and protective properties of Chañar seed extracts, particularly the ethanolic extract, in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Biological and pharmacological aspects of tannins and potential biotechnological applications.

Secondary metabolites are divided into three classes: phenolic, terpenoid, and nitrogenous compounds. Phenolic compounds are also known as polyphenols and include tannins, classified as hydrolysable or condensed. Herein, we explored tannins for their ROS reduction characteristics and role in homeostasis. These activities are associated with the numbers and degree of polymerisation of reactive hydroxyl groups present in the phenolic rings of tannins. These characteristics are associated with anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-proliferative health benefits. Tannins can reduce the risk of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's, respectively. These biomolecules may be used as nutraceuticals to maintain good gut microbiota. Industrial applications include providing durability to leather, anti-corrosive properties to metals, and substrates for 3D printing and in bio-based foam manufacture. This review updates regarding tannin-based research and highlights its biological and pharmacological relevance and potential applications.

Exploring the Antioxidant Potential of Talisia esculenta Using In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches.

Medicinal plants, such as Talisia esculenta, are rich in antioxidant biomolecules, which are used in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. The antioxidant potential of T. esculenta extracts obtained from leaves and fruit peels was investigated using biochemical and 3T3 cell line assays as well as in vivo assays using an organism model Tenebrio molitor. Four extracts were tested: hydroethanolic extracts from leaves (HF) and from fruit peels (HC), and infusion extracts from leaves (IF) and from fruit peels (IC). The biochemical assays demonstrated an antioxidant capacity verified by TAC, reducing power, DPPH, and copper chelating assays. None of the extracts exhibited cytotoxicity against 3T3 cells, instead offering a protection against CuSO4-induced oxidative stress. The antioxidant activity observed in the extracts, including their role as free radical scavengers, copper chelators, and stress protectors, was further confirmed by T. molitor assays. The CLAE-DAD analysis detected phenolic compounds, including gallic acid, rutin, and quercitrin, as the main constituents of the samples. This study highlights that leaf and fruit peels extracts of T. esculenta could be effective protectors against ROS and copper-induced stress in cellular and invertebrate models, and they should be considered as coadjutants in the treatment and prevention of diseases related to oxidative stress and for the development of natural nutraceutical products.

Freshwater plants synthesize sulfated polysaccharides: heterogalactans from Water Hyacinth (Eicchornia crassipes).

Sulfated polysaccharides (SP) are found mainly in seaweeds and animals. To date, they have only been found in six plants and all inhabit saline environments. Furthermore, there are no reports of SP in freshwater or terrestrial plants. As such, this study investigated the presence of SP in freshwaters Eichhornia crassipes, Egeria densa, Egeria naja, Cabomba caroliniana, Hydrocotyle bonariensis and Nymphaea ampla. Chemical analysis identified sulfate in N. ampla, H. bonariensis and, more specifically, E. crassipes. In addition, chemical analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, histological analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA), as well as agarose gel electrophoresis detected SP in all parts of E. crassipes, primarily in the root (epidermis and vascular bundle). Galactose, glucose and arabinose are the main monosaccharides found in the sulfated polysaccharides from E. crassipes. In activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test, to evaluate the intrinsic coagulation pathway, SP from the root and rhizome prolonged the coagulation time to double the baseline value, with 0.1 mg/mL and 0.15 mg/mL, respectively. However, SP from the leaf and petiole showed no anticoagulant activity. Eichornia SP demonstrated promising anticoagulant potential and have been selected for further studies on bioguided fractionation; isolation and characterization of pure polysaccharides from this species. Additionally in vivo experiments are needed and are already underway.

Phenolic Acids as Antidepressant Agents.

Depression is a psychiatric disorder affecting the lives of patients and their families worldwide. It is an important pathophysiology; however, the molecular pathways involved are not well understood. Pharmacological treatment may promote side effects or be ineffective. Consequently, efforts have been made to understand the molecular pathways in depressive patients and prevent their symptoms. In this context, animal models have suggested phytochemicals from medicinal plants, especially phenolic acids, as alternative treatments. These bioactive molecules are known for their antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. They occur in some fruits, vegetables, and herbal plants. This review focused on phenolic acids and extracts from medicinal plants and their effects on depressive symptoms, as well as the molecular interactions and pathways implicated in these effects. Results from preclinical trials indicate the potential of phenolic acids to reduce depressive-like behaviour by regulating factors associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, autophagy, and deregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, stimulating monoaminergic neurotransmission and neurogenesis, and modulating intestinal microbiota.

Non-target molecular network and putative genes of flavonoid biosynthesis in Erythrina velutina Willd., a Brazilian semiarid native woody plant.

Erythrina velutina is a Brazilian native tree of the Caatinga (a unique semiarid biome). It is widely used in traditional medicine showing anti-inflammatory and central nervous system modulating activities. The species is a rich source of specialized metabolites, mostly alkaloids and flavonoids. To date, genomic information, biosynthesis, and regulation of flavonoids remain unknown in this woody plant. As part of a larger ongoing research goal to better understand specialized metabolism in plants inhabiting the harsh conditions of the Caatinga, the present study focused on this important class of bioactive phenolics. Leaves and seeds of plants growing in their natural habitat had their metabolic and proteomic profiles analyzed and integrated with transcriptome data. As a result, 96 metabolites (including 43 flavonoids) were annotated. Transcripts of the flavonoid pathway totaled 27, of which EvCHI, EvCHR, EvCHS, EvCYP75A and EvCYP75B1 were identified as putative main targets for modulating the accumulation of these metabolites. The highest correspondence of mRNA vs. protein was observed in the differentially expressed transcripts. In addition, 394 candidate transcripts encoding for transcription factors distributed among the bHLH, ERF, and MYB families were annotated. Based on interaction network analyses, several putative genes of the flavonoid pathway and transcription factors were related, particularly TFs of the MYB family. Expression patterns of transcripts involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and those involved in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses were discussed in detail. Overall, these findings provide a base for the understanding of molecular and metabolic responses in this medicinally important species. Moreover, the identification of key regulatory targets for future studies aiming at bioactive metabolite production will be facilitated.

Antioxidant Activities of Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) J. B. Gillett) (Burseraceae) Leaf Extracts Using In Vitro and In Vivo Assays.

Commiphora leptophloeos is widely used in folk medicine without any scientific basis. Considering this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical profile and the antioxidant activity of C. leptophloeos leaf extracts using in vitro and in vivo assays. Six extracts were obtained from fresh leaves using a serial extraction (nonpolar to polar solvents). These extracts were first evaluated with the presence of phytochemical compounds using the methods thin layer chromatography (TLC), ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-DAD), and high performance liquid chromatography, both with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Based on the compounds identified, it was used some bioinformatics tools in order to identify possible pathway and gene targets. After that, the antioxidant capacity from these extracts was analysed by in vitro assays and in vivo assays using Caenorhabditis elegans model. Phytochemical analyses showed the presence of polyphenols, such as rutin, vitexin, and quercetin diglycosides in all extracts, especially in ethanol extract (EE) and methanol extract (EM). Bioinformatics analysis showed these polyphenols linked to antioxidant pathways. Furthermore, EE and EM displayed a high antioxidant capacity in DPPH and superoxide radical scavenging assays. They also had no effect on cell viability for 3T3 nontumour cell. However, for B16-F10 tumour cell lines, these extracts had toxicity effect. In vivo assays using C. elegans N2 showed that EE was not toxic, and it did not affect its viability nor its development. Besides, EE increased worm survival under oxidative stress and reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by 50%. Thus, C. leptophloeos EE displayed an important in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacity. The EE extract has polyphenols, suggesting that these compounds may be responsible for a myriad of biological activities having this potential to be used in various biotechnological applications.

Erythrina velutina Willd. alkaloids: Piecing biosynthesis together from transcriptome analysis and metabolite profiling of seeds and leaves.

Introduction: Natural products of pharmaceutical interest often do not reach the drug market due to the associated low yields and difficult extraction. Knowledge of biosynthetic pathways is a key element in the development of biotechnological strategies for plant specialized metabolite production. Erythrina species are mainly used as central nervous system depressants in folk medicine and are important sources of bioactive tetracyclic benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs), which can act on several pathology-related biological targets. Objectives: In this sense, in an unprecedented approach used with a non-model Fabaceae species grown in its unique arid natural habitat, a combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses (seeds and leaves) is presented. Methods: The Next Generation Sequencing-based transcriptome (de novo RNA sequencing) was carried out in a NextSeq 500 platform. Regarding metabolite profiling, the High-resolution Liquid Chromatography was coupled to DAD and a micrOTOF-QII mass spectrometer by using electrospray ionization (ESI) and Time of Flight (TOF) analyzer. The tandem MS/MS data were processed and analyzed through Molecular Networking approach. Results: This detailed macro and micromolecular approach applied to seeds and leaves of E. velutina revealed 42 alkaloids, several of them unique. Based on the combined evidence, 24 gene candidates were put together in a putative pathway leading to the singular alkaloid diversity of this species. Conclusion: Overall, these results could contribute by indicating potential biotechnological targets for modulation of erythrina alkaloids biosynthesis as well as improve molecular databases with omic data from a non-model medicinal plant, and reveal an interesting chemical diversity of Erythrina BIA harvested in Caatinga.

Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 tracks early interstate transmission of P.1 lineage and diversification within P.2 clade in Brazil.

The sharp increase of COVID-19 cases in late 2020 has made Brazil the new epicenter of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The novel viral lineages P.1 (Variant of Concern Gamma) and P.2, respectively identified in the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Rio de Janeiro, have been associated with potentially higher transmission rates and antibody neutralization escape. In this study, we performed the whole-genome sequencing of 185 samples isolated from three out of the five Brazilian regions, including Amazonas (North region), Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba and Bahia (Northeast region), and Rio de Janeiro (Southeast region) in order to monitor the spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Brazil in the first months of 2021. Here, we showed a widespread dispersal of P.1 and P.2 across Brazilian regions and, except for Amazonas, P.2 was the predominant lineage identified in the sampled states. We estimated the origin of P.2 lineage to have happened in February, 2020 and identified that it has differentiated into new clades. Interstate transmission of P.2 was detected since March, but reached its peak in December, 2020 and January, 2021. Transmission of P.1 was also high in December and its origin was inferred to have happened in August 2020. We also confirmed the presence of lineage P.7, recently described in the southernmost region of Brazil, to have spread across the Northeastern states. P.1, P.2 and P.7 are descended from the ancient B.1.1.28 strain, which co-dominated the first phase of the pandemic in Brazil with the B.1.1.33 strain. We also identified the occurrence of a new lineage descending from B.1.1.33 that convergently carries the E484K mutation, N.9. Indeed, the recurrent report of many novel SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants in Brazil could be due to the absence of effective control measures resulting in high SARS-CoV2 transmission rates. Altogether, our findings provided a landscape of the critical state of SARS-CoV-2 across Brazil and confirm the need to sustain continuous sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 isolates worldwide in order to identify novel variants of interest and monitor for vaccine effectiveness.

Coccoloba alnifolia Leaf Extract as a Potential Antioxidant Molecule Using In Vitro and In Vivo Assays.

The genus Coccoloba is widely used in traditional folk medicine, but few scientific data exist for this genus. The goal of this study was to characterise the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of C. alnifolia leaf extracts using in vitro and in vivo assays. Six extracts were obtained: hexane (HE), chloroform (CE), ethanol (EE), methanol (ME), water end extract (WEE), and water extract (WE). Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis showed the presence of phenols, saponins, terpenes, and flavonoids. In vitro assays demonstrated substantial antioxidant potential, especially for polar extracts (EE, ME, WEE, and WE). Moreover, no toxic effects were observed on mammalian cell lines for most of the extracts at the concentrations evaluated. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was also used as an in vivo model for testing antioxidant potential. The EE and WE were chosen, based on previously obtained results. It was observed that neither the EE nor the WE had any toxic effect on C. elegans development. Additionally, the antioxidant potential was evaluated using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as a stressor agent. The EE increased the life span of C. elegans by 28% compared to that of the control, and the WE increased the range to 39.2-41.3%. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) showed the presence of gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, and vitexin in the WE. Therefore, in vitro and in vivo data demonstrated the antioxidant potential of C. alnifolia extracts and their possible biotechnological applications.

Antiproliferative xylan from corn cobs induces apoptosis in tumor cells.

Xylan is one of the most abundant hemicellulose constituents in the plant kingdom. We extracted xylan from corn cobs (XCC) using ultrasound. The structure of XCC was determined by NMR analysis, which revealed a composition of xylose:glucose:arabinose:galactose:mannose:glucuronic acid in a molar percentage ratio of 48:21:16:10:2.5:2.5. XCC induced the proliferation of murine macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) and inhibited the proliferation of human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (A549) by 20% and human cervical adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) by 60%. Several cell death-associated morphological changes were observed after the exposure of HeLa cells to XCC for 24 h. In addition, by using fluorescent probes, we observed a larger number of irregular and pyknotic nuclei with condensed chromatin bodies (nuclear condensation). FACS analysis showed an increase in the number of annexin V-positive and propidium iodide (PI)-positive cells (37.0%) in the presence of XCC compared with that of the negative control cells (5.0%). XCC also increased the ratio of Bax:Bcl-2 (3.5:1) and the levels of cytochrome c, caspase 3, and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) in treated cells. Therefore, the results demonstrated the antiproliferative potential of XCC, which induced apoptosis in HeLa cells.

In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Biofilm, and Solar Protection Activities of Melocactus zehntneri (Britton & Rose) Pulp Extract.

Cactaceae plants are important due to their nutritional and therapeutic values. This study aimed to identify the phytochemical profile and biological activities of six Melocactus zehntneri pulp extracts: hexane extract (HE), chloroform extract (CE), ethanol extract (EE), methanol extract (ME), final water extract (FWE), and water extract (WE). Sugar, phenolic compounds, and protein content of the extracts were determined. Then thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed to detect the presence of terpenes (ursolic and oleanolic acids), saponins, sugars, and glycoproteins. These extracts were analyzed for antioxidant activity via in vitro assay. HE showed 75% ferric chelating activity. All extracts showed 80-100% superoxide and hydroxyl radical-scavenging activities, respectively. Further, all extracts at 25 µg/mL showed 60% activity against DPPH. Moreover, in the 3T3 cells lines, no cytotoxicity was observed; however, therapeutic activity against the effects of the H2O2 treatment was exhibited. Finally, the polar extracts (EE, ME, FWE, and WE), particularly WE, elicited activity against the biofilms of Staphylococcus epidermidis, and HE and CE expressed a capacity for solar protection.

Myrciaria tenella (DC.) O. Berg (Myrtaceae) Leaves as a Source of Antioxidant Compounds.

Myrciaria species are widely studied to identify their chemical composition and evaluate their biological activity. Since evidence supporting the potential antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of Myrciaria tenella is lacking, the aim of this work was to evaluate these activities in six different leaf extracts: hexane (CHE), chloroform (CCE), ethanolic (CEE), methanolic (CME), aqueous final (CFAE), and only aqueous (CAE). The presence of phenolic compounds, tannin, saponin, and ursolic acid was determined by thin layer chromatography (TLC). CEE, CME, and CFAE showed in vitro antioxidant activity at the initiation, propagation, and termination stages of oxidative damage. Moreover, no toxicity was observed in the 3T3 non-cancerous cell line. On the other hand, all extracts promoted cell death in the tumor cell lines human cervical adenocarcinoma cell line (HeLa) and human stomach gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). Based on these results, the effect of CEE on the AGS cell line was analyzed using flow cytometry, and necrosis and late apoptosis were observed. Finally, the Caenorhabditis elegans model showed that CEE was able to reduce the basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) analysis showed rutin as the major compound in CEE. Therefore, Myrciaria tenella fresh leaves may be potential sources of molecules possessing antioxidant and antiproliferative activities.