Evaluation of cytotoxicity, acute toxicity, genotoxicity and antioxidant and antigenotoxicity activities of the sarcotesta fraction of punica granatum L. rich in lectin (PgTel).

Punica granatum, popularly known as pomegranate, is a fruit tree with wide worldwide distribution, containing numerous phytochemicals of great medicinal value. The aim of the present study was to determine the phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential of a protein fraction (PF) derived from P. granatum sarcotesta which is rich in lectin. In addition, the acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of this protein fraction (PF) from P. granatum sarcotesta was measured. The phytochemical profile of PF was determined using HPLC. The in vitro antioxidant effect was assessed using the methods of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging. Acute oral toxicity was determined in female Swiss mice administered a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. This PF was examined for genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, utilizing mouse peripheral blood cells. Phytochemical characterization detected a high content of ellagic acid and antioxidant capacity similar to that of ascorbic acid (positive control). PF was not toxic (LD50 >2000 mg/kg) and did not exert a genotoxic effect in mice. PF protected the DNA of peripheral blood cells against damage induced by cyclophosphamide. In conclusion, this PF fraction exhibited significant antioxidant activity without initiating toxic or genotoxic responses in mice.

Phytochemical profile and determination of cytotoxicity, acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Pseudobombax marginatum (A. St.-Hil.) A. Robyns.

Pseudobombax marginatum, popularly known as "embiratanha," is widely used by traditional communities as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical profile as well as cytotoxicity, acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity attributed to exposure to aqueous (AqEx) and ethanolic (EtEx) extracts of embiratanha bark. Phytochemical screening was conducted using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Cell viability was analyzed using MTT assay with human mammary gland adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) and macrophage (J774A.1) cell lines, exposed to concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 µg/ml of either extract. For acute oral toxicity, comet assay and micronucleus (MN) tests, a single dose of 2,000 mg/kg of either extract was administered orally to Wistar rats. TLC analysis identified classes of metabolites in the extracts, including cinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, hydrolyzable tannins, condensed tannins, coumarins, and terpenes/steroids. In the cytotoxicity assay, the varying concentrations of extracts derived from embiratanha induced no significant alterations in the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells. The lowest concentration of EtEx significantly increased macrophage J774A.1 viability. However, the higher concentrations of AqEx markedly lowered macrophage J774A.1 viability. Animals exhibited no toxicity in the parameters analyzed in acute oral toxicity, comet assay, and MN tests. Further, EtEx promoted a significant reduction in DNA damage index and DNA damage frequency utilizing the comet assay, while the group treated with AqEx exhibited no marked differences. Thus, data demonstrated that AqEx or EtEx of embiratanha may be considered safe at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg orgally under our experimental conditions tested.

Development of gel containing Psidium glaziovianum essential oil has in vitro antimicrobial activity and improves healing of excisional wounds in mice.

Wounds encompass physical, chemical, biological, induced damages to the skin or mucous membranes. In wound treatment, combating infections is a critical challenge due to their potential to impede recovery and inflict systemic harm on patients. Previously, the essential oil extracted from Psidium glaziovianum (PgEO) demonstrated antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory attributes, along with negligible oral toxicity. Hence, our study aimed to assess the effects of topically applying a gel formulation containing PgEO to excisional wounds in mice. Additionally, an in vitro antimicrobial assessment was conducted. The formulated gel underwent characterization and toxicological evaluation on erythrocytes, as well as a dermal irritation test. Its antimicrobial activity was tested against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi. Subsequently, an assessment of its efficacy in excisional wound healing was conducted in mice. The findings of this investigation highlight the gel's efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi. Moreover, this study underscores that the PgEO-gel treatment enhances skin wound healing, potentially due to its capacity to trigger antioxidant enzymes and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the gel exhibited minimal toxicity to erythrocytes and skin irritation. These findings hold promise for prospective preclinical and clinical trials across diverse wound types. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the potential therapeutic applications of the gel formulation containing essential oil from P. glaziovianum in the context of wound healing.

Fixed oil from the Caatinga palm Syagrus coronata with effect on Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis.

Syagrus coronata, a native palm tree in the Caatinga domain, produces fixed oil (ScFO) used therapeutically and dietary by Northeast Brazilian communities. This study evaluated its anti-inflammatory potential of CFA-induced arthritis and its effect on behavioral parameters. In the acute model, ScFO at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg showed edematogenic effects similar to indomethacin at 4 mg/kg (p > 0.05). In the arthritis model, 100 mg/kg ScFO treatment was comparable to indomethacin (4 mg/kg) (p > 0.05). TNF-α and IL-1ß levels were significantly reduced in ScFO-treated groups at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, and the indomethacin group (4 mg/kg) versus the positive control (p > 0.05). Radiographs showed severe soft-tissue swelling and bone deformities in the control group, while the 100 mg/kg ScFO group had few alterations, similar to the indomethacin group. Histopathological analysis revealed intense lymphocytic infiltration in the control group, mild diffuse lymphocytic infiltration in the indomethacin group, and mild lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with focal polymorphonuclear infiltrates in the 100 mg/kg ScFO group. Behavioral analysis showed improved exploratory stimuli in ScFO and indomethacin-treated mice compared to the positive control (p > 0.05). ScFO demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in both acute and chronic arthritis models, reducing edema and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improved exploratory behavior due to its analgesic properties.

Chemical characterization of the essential oil from the leaves of Eugenia flavescens DC. (Myrtaceae) and its potential in the treatment of pain, inflammation, and ethanol- and ethanol/HCL-induced gastric ulcers in mice.

Eugenia flavescens is a species cultivated in Brazil for food purposes. Given the potential application of essential oils from plants of the genus Eugenia, this study was carried out to investigate the chemical composition, acute toxicity, antioxidant, antinociceptive, gastroprotective activities, and possible mechanisms of action of the essential oil from the leaves of E. flavescens (EOEf). The EOEf was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the chemical composition was obtained using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activity was evaluated, as well as the acute toxicity and the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice. In addition, the gastroprotective effect was investigated using an acute gastric lesion model, considering possible mechanisms of action. The major components found in the EOEf were guaiol (19.97%), germacrene B (12.53%), bicyclogermacrene (11.11%), and E-caryophyllene (7.53%). The EOEf did not cause signs of toxicity in the acute oral toxicity test and showed in vitro antioxidant activity with IC50 ranging from 247.29 to 472.39 µg/mL in the tests ABTS and DPPH. In the nociceptive test, EOEf showed a 72.05% reduction in nociception at a dose of 100 mg/kg. In evaluating the anti-inflammatory effect, the essential oil inhibited paw edema by 95.50% and 97.69% at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. The results showed that EOEf has a gastroprotective effect, acting through the sulfhydryl compounds (-SH), nitric oxide (NO), and synthesis PGE2 pathways. The results suggested that EOEf is a promising source of constituents with antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and gastroprotective properties with application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Toxicological safety, antioxidant activity and phytochemical characterization of leaf and bark aqueous extracts of Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) J.B. Gillett.

This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile of bark and leaves aqueous extract Commiphora leptophloeos, and conduct in vivo and in vitro assays to determine the presence of any toxicological consequences due to exposure. The phytochemical analysis was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant activity was estimated utilizing DPPH free radical scavenging and phosphomolybdenum assays. Cell viability was measured by the MTT method on J774 and human adenocarcinoma cells, which were treated with concentrations of 12,5, 25, 50, 100 or 200 µg/ml of both extracts. Acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity assays were determined using a single oral dose of 2000 g/kg in male Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus). Biochemical analysis of the blood and histological analyses of the kidneys, liver, spleen, pylorus, duodenum and jejunum were undertaken. Genotoxicity and mutagenicity were determined utilizing blood samples. Gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin were identified in the bark and chlorogenic acid in leaves. Data demonstrated a high content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids associated with significant antioxidant potential. No significant signs in damage or symptoms of toxicity were detected. No marked reduction in cell viability was found at lower concentrations tested. On histomorphometry, only the gastrointestinal organs exhibited significant difference. Renal hepatic and blood parameters were within the normal range. No apparent signs of toxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity or cytotoxicity were found in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Essential oil from leaves of Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential.

Myrciaria floribunda is a plant that is distributed across different Brazilian biomes such as the Amazon, Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest, and it possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the essential oil from M. floribunda leaves (MfEO) were examined in this study using mouse models. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to describe the oil, and the results revealed that δ-cadinene, bicyclogermacrene, α-cadinol, and epi-α-muurolol predominated in the chemical profile. The oil stimulated a decrease in nociception in the chemical and thermal models used to evaluate acute antinociceptive activity. Findings from the use of pain pathway blockers to study the presumed underlying mechanism indicated opioid pathway activity. The anti-edematogenic effect, decreased cell migration, and generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines provided evidence of the anti-inflammatory potential of the essential oil from M. floribunda. According to this research, the essential oil from M. floribunda can effectively alleviate acute pain and inflammation.

Influence of Seasonal Variation on the Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oil from Eugenia pohliana DC Leaves.

The purpose of this study was to analyses the influence of seasonal variation on the chemical composition and antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities of the essential oil (EO) extracted from the leaves of Eugenia pohliana. Chemical characterization of the samples - by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry - found 35 and 38 components for summer and winter, respectively, of the EO from E. pohliana leaves, totaling 47 different compounds. Analysis of antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS and TAC) revealed that the summer EO showed greater free radical scavenging capacity than the winter. Similarly, the summer EO exhibited superior antimicrobial potential (MIC=128-512 µg/mL and MMC=128-1024 µg/mL, compared to the winter EO (128-2048 µg/mL and 256-2048 µg/mL, respectively). Results showed that both oils had a low potential to cause hemolysis. This study provides new scientific evidence on the influence of seasonality on the pharmacological properties of E. pohliana leaves and its potential for the development of herbal medicines.

Oral administration of essential oil from Psidium glaziovianum Kiaersk leaves alleviates pain and inflammation in mice.

Plants of the genus Psidium have been employed in "in natura" consumption and agroindustry, and owing to the diversity of phytochemicals, the development of new pharmaceutical forms has received remarkable research interest. In this study, the essential oil obtained from Psidium glaziovianum (PgEO) leaves were evaluated antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated in mouse models. Initially, PgEO was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection, and the profile was dominated by sesquiterpene compounds. In the evaluation of acute antinociceptive activity (abdominal contortions induced by acetic acid, formalin, tail immersion, and hot plate tests), PgEO promoted a reduction in nociception in the chemical and thermal models. Additionally, the potential underlying mechanism was investigated using pain pathway blockers, and the results revealed a combined action of opioidergic and muscarinic pathways. The anti-inflammatory potential was confirmed by anti-edematogenic action, reduced cell migration, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and granuloma formation in chronic processes. This study provides evidence that PgEO can be effective for the treatment of pain and acute and chronic inflammation.

Essential oil from the leaves of Eugenia pohliana DC. (Myrtaceae) alleviate nociception and acute inflammation in mice.

Eugenia pohliana DC.(Myrtaceae) is used in folk medicine by communities in Brazil. However, there are no reports on its biological activity. This is the first study to identify the components of E. pohliana essential oil (EpEO) and evaluate their antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in an in vivo model at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. The essential oil (EO) was obtained by hydrodistillation, and the analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by writhing tests, tail movement, and formalin (neurogenic and inflammatory pain); naloxone was used to determine the nociception mechanism. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by oedema and peritonitis tests. We found that (E)-ß-caryophyllene (BCP) (15.56%), δ-cadinene (11.24%) and α-cadinol (10.89%) were the major components. In the writhing test, there was a decrease in writing by 42.95-70.70%, in the tail movement, an increase in latency time by 69.12-86.63%, and in the formalin test, there was a reduction in pain neurogenic by 29.54-61.74%, and inflammatory pain by 37.42-64.87%. The antinociceptive effect of EpEO occurs through the activation of opioid receptors. In addition, a reduction in inflammation by 74.93‒81.41% was observed in the paw edema test and inhibition of the influx of leukocytes by 51.86‒70.38% and neutrophils by 37.74‒54.72% in the peritonitis test. It was concluded that EpEO has antinociceptive effect by the opioid pathway, as shown by the inhibitory effect of naloxone, and anti-inflammatory actions, and that its use does not cause hemolytic damage or behavioral change.

Evaluation of the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activity of the sesquiterpene nerolidol.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activities of nerolidol. The antioxidant activity of nerolidol was determined using the total antioxidant activity method. Antibacterial activity was performed using the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against seven standard strains of the ATCC and four bacterial clinical isolates with a resistance profile, following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The antibiofilm activity of nerolidol was performed using the crystal violet method. The results of the antioxidant test revealed a total antioxidant activity of 93.94%. Nerolidol inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 1 mg/mL), Streptococcus mutans (MIC = 4 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 0.5 mg/mL), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC = 0.5 mg/mL). For clinical isolates, nerolidol showed an inhibitory potential against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (MIC = 0.5 mg/mL), methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MIC = 2 mg/mL), and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MIC = 2 mg/mL). Nerolidol showed similar antibacterial activity against ATCC strains and hospital clinical isolates with resistance profile, suggesting that even though these strains are resistant to antibiotics, they are still sensitive to nerolidol. Nerolidol exerted a dose-dependent effect on the inhibition of biofilm formation, even at subinhibitory concentrations. Nerolidol inhibited bacterial biofilms of ATCC strains at a rate ranging from 51 to 98%, at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 4 mg/mL. For clinical bacterial isolates, biofilm inhibition ranged from 6 to 60%. Therefore, the present study showed the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm properties of nerolidol.

Insecticidal activity of a chemotype VI essential oil from Lippia alba leaves collected at Caatinga and the major compound (1,8-cineole) against Nasutitermes corniger and Sitophilus zeamais.

Lippia alba is an aromatic shrub known to produce a diversity of essential oils, which can be classified into chemotypes. This study reports on the insecticidal activity of essential oil from L. alba leaves collected at Caatinga and its major compound against termite Nasutitermes corniger and maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais. The chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of 19 compounds, with 1,8-cineole being the most common (70.01%). When ingested, the oil promoted the mortality of N. corniger (LC50: 18.25 and 8.4 nL/g for workers and soldiers, respectively). The compound 1,8-cineole was also termiticidal for workers (LC50: 13.7 nL/g). The oil inhibited the activity of N. corniger exoglucanase, xylanase, and proteases. Toxicity by ingestion to S. zeamais was detected for the oil (LC50: 0.297 µL/g) but not for 1,8-cineole; however, both the oil and 1,8-cineole showed anti-nutritional effects. Fumigant effects of the oil and 1,8-cineole against S. zeamais (LC50 of 78.0 and 13.64 µL/L in air, respectively) were detected. This is the first record of a chemotype VI oil from L. alba collected at Caatinga and the first report of the insecticidal activity of a chemotype VI oil. Our study demonstrates that essential oil from L. alba and 1,8 cineole have the potential for the development of natural insecticides.

Chemodiversity and Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil of Leaves of Croton argyrophyllus.

The Croton argyrophyllus leaf essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytotoxic among other activities. However, there are chemical composition variations in the literature. This work reports the first study of the intraspecific chemical variation of C. argyrophyllus population from Pernambuco state, Brazil. The essential oils of nine specimens (OCA1 to OCA9) were analyzed by GC/MS and NIR to identify the chemical compositions and to verify the similarities between the analyzed samples. These analyses resulted in the identification of bicyclogermacrene (mean 38.42 %), (Z)-caryophyllene (mean of 14.06 %), epi-longipinanol (mean of 9.78 %) and germacrene B (mean of 9.1 %) as the major constituents, as well as the same chemical markers for all oil samples. However, these are different to those that were previously registered in the literature for C. argyrophyllus essential oil. The data obtained from the analysis by NIR spectroscopy were treated by PCA and HCA and showed similarities in the chemical samples' profile. By statistical analyses three clusters were obtained: OCA1-6, OCA7-8 and OCA9. All these groups were potentially active against Staphylococcus aureus. However, the OCA7-8 group was the most active.

Caesalpinia ferrea C. Mart. (Fabaceae) Phytochemistry, Ethnobotany, and Bioactivities: A Review.

Caesalpinia ferrea C. Mart., popularly known as "Jucá" or "Pau-ferro", belongs to the Fabaceae family, and is classified as a native and endemic species in Brazil. Numerous studies that portray its ethnobotany, chemical composition, and biological activities exist in the literature. The present study aimed to systematically review publications addressing the botanical aspects, uses in popular medicine, phytochemical composition, and bioactivities of C. ferrea. The searches focused on publications from 2015 to March 2020 using the Scopus, Periódicos Capes, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases. The leaves, fruits, seeds, and bark from C. ferrea are used in popular medicine to treat disorders affecting several systems, including the circulatory, immune, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, and conjunctive systems. The most commonly found chemical classes in phytochemical studies are flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, and other phenolic compounds. The biological properties of the extracts and isolated compounds of C. ferrea most cited in the literature were antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and healing potential. However, further studies are still needed to clarify a link between its traditional uses, the active compounds, and the reported pharmacological activities, as well as detailed research to determine the toxicological profile of C. ferrea.

Evaluation of cytotoxic potential, oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity of organic extracts of Pityrocarpa moniliformis.

The objective of this study was to determine the cytotoxicity of organic extracts of P. moniliformis in vitro and identify the acute toxicity and genotoxicity in vivo. The leaves were extracted using three organic solvents (cyclohexane [EP1], ethyl acetate [EP2], and methanol [EP3]). Phytochemical qualitative analysis was performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Cytotoxicity tests were performed on human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells and J774 murine macrophages. Acute toxicity in mice was measured after intraperitoneal (ip) administration of 2000 mg/kg, while evaluation of genotoxicity and mutagenicity were assessed using the comet assay and the micronucleus (MN) test, respectively. The TLC analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, and saponins. In the cytotoxicity assay, extracts EP1 and EP3 altered proliferation of HEK cells, and all organic extracts increased the viability of J774 cells. In the toxicity tests, no deaths or behavioral alterations were observed in mice exposed to the acute dose of the extracts. Although some extracts led to changes in hematological and histological parameters, these results did not indicate physiological changes. In relation to the MN test and comet assay, no significant changes were detected in the DNA of the animals tested with the extracts EP1, EP2, and EP3. Thus, extracts of P. moniliformis were not considered to be toxic and did not induce formation of MN or damage to cellular DNA in the genotoxicity tests.

In vitro evaluation of mercury (Hg2+) effects on biofilm formation by clinical and environmental isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The increase in urbanization and industrialization has contributed to the contamination of different environments by means of xenobiotic compounds, such as heavy metals, causing changes in microbial communities. Among these metals, the Mercury (Hg2+) is one the most prevalent toxic metals for the environment The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of mercury on the formation of biofilm by environmental (collected from urban stream water) and clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae. In addition, antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, and genetic diversity were investigated. Taxonomic identity of eight isolates (one reference, two clinical, and five environmental isolates) was performed by MALDI-TOF-MS, while the antibiotic susceptibility profile was assessed by the disc diffusion method. The ability to form biofilms was evaluated by culture on Congo red agar and by crystal violet staining. Biofilm structure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The hydrophobicity profile and the presence of the virulence genes cps, fimH, and mrkD was investigated. The presence of merA and its relationship with antimicrobial resistance were also assessed. The identity of all isolates was confirmed by MALDI-TOF-MS, and different profiles of resistance to mercury and antibiotics as well as of biofilm formation were identified for the clinical and environmental isolates. All isolates were hydrophilic and positive for the virulence genes cps, fimH, and mrkD; only the clinical isolate K36-A2 was positive for merA. The diversity of the isolates was confirmed by ERIC-PCR, which revealed high heterogeneity among the isolates. In conclusion, the data demonstrate that the investigated isolates present different responses to exposure to Hg2+ and correspond to distinct populations of K. pneumoniae disseminated in the investigated environment. The data obtained in this work will aid in understanding the mechanisms of survival of this pathogen under adverse conditions.

Effects of Caatinga Plant Extracts in Planktonic Growth and Biofilm Formation in Ralstonia solanacearum.

This study describes the first antibiofilm and antibacterial screening for plants from Caatinga against Ralstonia solanacearum, a causal agent of bacterial wilt that presents serious difficulties in control. There were prepared 22 aqueous extracts of plants collected in the Vale do Catimbau-PE, Brazil. The potential antibacterial activity was evaluated by absorbance in OD600 and the antibiofilm activity through the crystal violet method, both of them performed in microplate against isolates of R. solanacearum biofilm formers. The results of the screening showed that Jacaranda rugosa presented antimicrobial activity higher than 90%, while Harpochilus neesianus and Myroxylon peruiferum presented antibiofilm activity higher than 50% for all tested isolates. However, Croton heliotropiifolius showed both the activities, being thus very promising for application in the control of this phytopathogen. The search for viable alternatives to the development of new bioactive compounds safe for the environment, humans, and animals from an adverse and scarce environment such as the Caatinga and encouraged us to find plants that produce effective metabolites against phytopathogenic microorganisms. This in vitro screening is important to guide the development of new products in addition to guide research studies of bioactive compounds.

Hexane extract from Spondias tuberosa (Anacardiaceae) leaves has antioxidant activity and is an anti-Candida agent by causing mitochondrial and lysosomal damages.

BACKGROUND: Spondias tuberosa is a plant that produces a fruit crop with high economic relevance at Brazilian Caatinga. Its roots and leaves are used in folk medicine. METHODS: Chemical composition of a hexane extract from S. tuberosa leaves was evaluated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Antioxidant potential was investigated by DPPH and ABTS assays. Antifungal action on Candida species was evaluated determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC50) and putative mechanisms were determined by flow cytometry analysis. In addition, hemolytic activity on human erythrocytes was assessed and the concentration required to promote 50% hemolysis (EC50) was determined. RESULTS: Phytochemical analysis by TLC showed the presence of flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, saponins and terpenes. The HPLC profile of the extract suggested the presence of gallic acid (0.28 ± 0.01 g%) and hyperoside (1.27 ± 0.01 g%). The representative 1H NMR spectrum showed saturated and unsaturated fatty acids among the main components. The extract showed weak and moderate antioxidant activity in DPPH (IC50: 234.00 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50: 123.33 µg/mL) assays, respectively. It was able to inhibit the growth of C. albicans and C. glabrata with MIC50 of 2.0 and 0.078 mg/mL, respectively. The treatment of C. glabrata cells with the extract increased levels of mitochondrial superoxide anion, caused hyperpolarization of mitochondrial membrane, and compromised the lysosomal membrane. Weak hemolytic activity (EC50: 740.8 µg/mL) was detected. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the pharmacological potential of the extract as antioxidant and antifungal agent, aggregating biotechnological value to this plant and stimulating its conservation.

The Caatinga endemic Manilkara rufula possesses remarkable activity against Trichomonas vaginalis and Tritrichomonas foetus.

Tritrichomonas foetus infects the bovine urogenital tract, causing bovine trichomoniasis. Significant economic losses may occur due to infertility and abortion among cattle. Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of trichomoniasis; the most common but overlooked non-viral sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Human and bovine trichomoniasis present treatment restrictions and efforts to identify new alternatives are essential. The present study evaluated the anti-trichomonads activities of seven fractions from northwest endemic plant Manilkara rufula. Flavonoids and condensed tannins were identified from these fractions by LC-DAD-MS/MS and MALDI-MS/MS. Altogether, the results demonstrated for the first time the structural description of tannins from leaves of M. rufula and the relation of these compounds with anti-T. vaginalis and anti-T. foetus activities. Overall, this report reveals the potential of M. rufula fractions against both parasites and shows new alternatives to treat the infection caused by trichomonads.

Antimicrobial activity of Buchenavia tetraphylla against Candida albicans strains isolated from vaginal secretions.

CONTEXT: Buchenavia tetraphylla (Aubl.) RA Howard (Combretaceae: Combretoideae) is an ethnomedicinal plant with reported antifungal action. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the antimicrobial activity of B. tetraphylla leaf extracts against clinical isolates of Candida albicans. The morphological alterations, combinatory effects with fluconazole and the cytotoxicity of the active extract were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracts were obtained using different solvents (hexane: BTHE; chloroform: BTCE; ethyl acetate: BTEE; and methanol: BTME). Antimicrobial activity was determined by the broth microdilution method using nine strains of C. albicans isolated from vaginal secretions and one standard strain (UFPEDA 1007). RESULTS: All extracts showed anti-C. albicans activity, including against the azole-resistant strains. The MIC values ranged from 156 to 2500 µg/mL for the BTHE; 156 to 1250 µg/mL for the BTCE; 625 to 1250 µg/mL for the BTME and 625 µg/mL to 2500 µg/mL for the BTEE. BTME showed the best anti-C. albicans activity. This extract demonstrated additive/synergistic interactions with fluconazole. Scanning electron microscopy analysis suggested that the BTME interferes with the cell division and development of C. albicans. BTME showed IC50 values of 981 and 3935 µg/mL, against J774 macrophages and human erythrocytes, respectively. This extract also enhanced the production of nitric oxide by J774 macrophages. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Buchenavia tetraphylla methanolic extract (BTME) is a great source of antimicrobial compounds that are able to enhance the action of fluconazole against different C. albicans strains; this action seems related to inhibition of cell division.