Bioactivity of hydroalcoholic extracts from tropaeolum majus L. (tropaeolaceae) on the germination, initial plant development and cell cycle of Lactuca sativa L.

Natural products are usually considered harmless; however, these substances need to be consumed with caution. Biological assays with plant models are a suitable alternative for prospective studies to assess natural product-initiated toxicity. The aim of this study was to examine the toxic potential of leaf and flower extracts derived from Tropaeolum majus L. a widely used plant in traditional medicine. Seeds of Lactuca sativa L. were exposed to T. majus extracts and based upon the seedling growth curve values, the 50% Inhibition Concentration (IC50) was calculated and applied for cell cycle analysis exposure. Both extracts contained organic acids, proteins, amino acids, and terpene steroids. Sesquiterpene lactones and depside were detected in leaf extracts. The higher concentration tested exhibited a marked phytotoxic effect. The extracts induced clastogenic, aneugenic cytotoxic, and potential mutagenic effects. The possible relationships between the classes of compounds found in the extracts and effects on cells and DNA were determined.

Structural Characterization, and Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Phylloxanthobilins in Tropaeolum majus, a Plant with Relevance in Phytomedicine.

Tropaeolum majus (garden nasturtium) is a plant with relevance in phytomedicine, appreciated not only for its pharmaceutical activities, but also for its beautiful leaves and flowers. Here, we investigated the phytochemical composition of senescent nasturtium leaves. Indeed, we identified yellow chlorophyll catabolites, also termed phylloxanthobilins, which we show to contribute to the bright yellow color of the leaves in the autumn season. Moreover, we isolated and characterized the phylloxanthobilins from T. majus, and report the identification of a pyro-phylloxanthobilin, so far only accessible by chemical synthesis. We show that the phylloxanthobilins contribute to bioactivities of T. majus by displaying strong anti-oxidative effects in vitro and in cellulo, and anti-inflammatory effects as assessed by COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibition, similar to other bioactive ingredients of T. majus, isoquercitrin, and chlorogenic acid. Hence, phylloxanthobilins could play a role in the efficacy of T. majus in the treatment of urinary tract infections, an established indication of T. majus. With the results shown in this study, we aid in the completion of the phytochemical profile of T. majus by identifying additional bioactive natural products as relevant components of this medicinal plant.

Centranthus ruber (L.) DC. and Tropaeolum majus L.: Phytochemical Profile, In Vitro Anti-Denaturation Effects and Lipase Inhibitory Activity of Two Ornamental Plants Traditionally Used as Herbal Remedies.

Ornamental plants often gain relevance not only for their decorative use, but also as a source of phytochemicals with interesting healing properties. Herein, spontaneous Centranthus ruber (L.) DC. and Tropaeolum majus L., mainly used as ornamental species but also traditionally consumed and used in popular medicine, were investigated. The aerial parts were extracted with methanol trough maceration, and resultant crude extracts were partitioned using solvents with increasing polarity. As previous studies mostly dealt with the phenolic content of these species, the phytochemical investigation mainly focused on nonpolar constituents, detected with GC-MS. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was also verified, and HPTLC analyses were performed. In order to explore the potential antiarthritic and anti-obesity properties, extracts and their fractions were evaluated for their anti-denaturation effects, with the use of the BSA assay, and for their ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase. The antioxidant properties and the inhibitory activity on the NO production were verified, as well. Almost all the extracts and fractions demonstrated good inhibitory effects on NO production. The n-hexane and dichloromethane fractions from T. majus, as well as the n-hexane fraction from C. ruber, were effective in protecting the protein from heat-induced denaturation (IC50 = 154.0 ± 1.9, 270.8 ± 2.3 and 450.1 ± 15.5 µg/mL, respectively). The dichloromethane fractions from both raw extracts were also effective in inhibiting pancreatic lipase, with IC50 values equal to 2.23 ± 0.02 mg/mL (for C. ruber sample), and 2.05 ± 0.02 mg/mL (T. majus). Obtained results support the traditional use of these species for their beneficial health properties and suggest that investigated plant species could be potential sources of novel antiarthritic and anti-obesity agents.

Nutritional Evaluation of Non-Conventional Vegetables in Brazil.

The objective of this study was to characterize the nutritional compounds of interest present in vegetables known as non-conventional, in Brazil. The following evaluations were carried out: antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, calories, carbohydrates, humidity, lipids, proteins, fiber, acidity and quantification of minerals (P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and B). The species studied were Amaranthus hybridus L., Amaranthus viridis L., Basella alba L., Eryngium campestre L., Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Lactuca canadensis L., Rumex acetosa L., Stachys byzantina K. Koch, Tropaeolum majus L. and Xanthosoma sagittifolium L. Representative samples of plant structures of interest were harvested from each species suitable for human consumption such as leaves, flowers and flower buds. The results were submitted to multivariate analysis - principal components analysis (PCA). All the species present nutritional compounds of interest in different levels among the evaluated structures.

Garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) - a source of mineral elements and bioactive compounds

The garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) belongs to the family Tropaeolaceae. Native to South America it was brought to Europe in XVI century. It is a plant with numerous healing properties. Medicinal plants such as the garden nasturtium contain trace elements and bioactive compounds which can be easily absorbed by the human body. The flowers and other parts of the garden nasturtium are a good source of micro elements such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, and macro elements, especially of zinc, copper and iron. The essential oil, the extract from the flowers and leaves, and the compounds isolated from these elements have antimicrobial, antifungal, hypotensive, expectorant and anticancer effects. Antioxidant activity of extracts from garden nasturtium is an effect of its high content of compounds such as anthocyanins, polyphenols and vitamin C. Due to its rich phytochemical content and unique elemental composition, the garden nasturtium may be used in the treatment of many diseases for example the illnesses of the respiratory and digestive systems. High content of erucic acid in nasturtium seeds makes it possible to use its oil as treatment in adrenoleukodystrophy. It is also applied in dermatology because it improves the condition of skin and hair. More recently, the flowers of this species have been used as a decorative and edible element of some types of dishes. Aim of the review was to summarize available data concerning garden nasturtium Tropaeolum majus L.

Fetopathies associated with exposure to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor from Tropaeolum majus L.

The prevalence of the use of herbal medicines is on the rise across the world, especially amongst pregnant women. A fact that draws attention is that many species commonly used by pregnant women, including the Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae), also present inhibitory activity on the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Herein, we have investigated the effects of T. majus extract (HETM) on fetal development, evaluating its relationship with possible ACE inhibitory activity. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated with different HETM doses (3, 30 and 300 mg/kg/day) from gestational days 8-20. Rats were sacrificed on the day 20 of pregnancy and the following parameters were evaluated: clinical symptoms of maternal toxicity; maternal body weight; feed and water intake; maternal liver, kidney, and ovary weights, maternal ACE activity and aldosterone levels, live fetuses mean; dead fetuses percentage, fetus weight, and fetal malformation. All pregnant rats treated with high HETM doses showed significant reduction in plasma ACE activity accompanied by a decrease in serum aldosterone levels. Moreover, significant changes in fetal development were observed, including growth retardation and renal damage after 20 days of gestation. Thus, data presented demonstrate the significant effects of the use of HETM on fetal development during pregnancy.

Antimicrobial Activity and Chromatographic Analysis of Extracts from Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. Tubers.

BACKGROUND: Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. tubers (Tropaeolaceae) are known and used as a condiment and for the treatment of skin infections in Southern Brazil. However, its activity and composition has not yet been investigated. Thus, different extracts and the essential oil from the tubers were tested against a range of microorganisms. The most active extracts were submitted to chromatographic analysis. METHODS: Hydroalcoholic extract (70%), fractions of it, and the essential oil from the tubers were tested against several bacteria, yeasts and molds, furnishing the corresponding inhibitory, bactericidal and fungicidal minimal concentration values. The most active extracts were submitted to GC-MS investigation. RESULTS: The strongest effects against different strains of microorganisms, such as Gram-positive and negative bacteria, Candida spp. and dermatophytes were observed for the essential oil and the chloroform fraction, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) well below 200 µg/mL. GC-MS analysis revealed that the major essential oil constituent is benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), while the chloroform fraction is constituted of BITC, amides, sulfur, fatty acids and its esters, all compounds that may be related to the demonstrated activity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results support the popular use of the plant for the treatment of skin infections, and revealed the main active compounds.

Glucosinolate composition of Colombian accessions of mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruíz & Pavón), structural elucidation of the predominant glucosinolate and assessment of its antifungal activity.

BACKGROUND: The content of individual and total glucosinolates in 65 mashua tuber accessions (Tropaeolum tuberosum) from the germplasm bank at Universidad Nacional de Colombia was determined by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography on enzymatically desulfated extracts. The predominant glucosinolate was identified and the possible structure of the glucosinolate present in lower proportion was postulated from evidence obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance and bi-dimensional experiments. The biological action of the hydrolysis products generated from the glucosinolates in the accessions that showed a higher content of these compounds was assessed in the presence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi, Rhizoctonia solani and Phytophthora infestans. RESULTS: The total content of glucosinolates ranged between >3.00 × 10-1 and 25.8 µmol g-1 dry matter. p-Methoxybenzyl glucosinolate was identified as the predominant glucosinolate in Colombian mashua accessions; besides, the possible presence of p-hydroxybenzyl glucosinolate was postulated. In vitro assays established an important fungal growth inhibition of the potato pathogen P. infestans. CONCLUSION: The biological action from p-methoxybenzyl glucosinolate and p-hydroxybenzyl glucosinolate found in Colombian mashua accessions depends on their concentration, with the Tt30 accession, characterized for showing the highest content of glucosinolates, being the most promising to control the assessed pathogens. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Xyloglucan from Tropaeolum majus Seeds Induces Cellular Differentiation of Human Keratinocytes by Inhibition of EGFR Phosphorylation and Decreased Activity of Transcription Factor CREB.

Xyloglucan XG (molecular weight 462 kDa, 1,4-/1,4,6-(pGlc) linked backbone, side chains of 1-pXyl, 1,2-pXyl, 1-p-Gal) was isolated from the seeds of Tropaeolum majus. XG (100 µg/mL) induced terminal cellular differentiation of human keratinocytes, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot using cytokeratin 10 and involucrin as marker proteins. Differentiation was also induced by XG-derived oligosaccharides (degree of polymerization 7-9). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed the induction of gene expression of typical differentiation markers (cytokeratin, filaggrin, involucrin, loricrin, transglutaminase) in a time-dependent manner. Whole human genome microarray indicated that most of upregulated genes were related to differentiation processes. Microarray findings on selected genes were subsequently confirmed by qPCR. For identification of the molecular target of xyloglucan PAGE of keratinocyte membrane preparations was performed, followed by blotting with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled XG. XG interacting proteins were characterized by MS. Peptide fragments of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and integrin ß4 were identified. Subsequent phospho-kinase array indicated that phosphorylation of EGFR and transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was decreased in the XG-treated cells. Thus, the XG-induced differentiation of keratinocytes is proposed to be mediated by the inhibition of the phosphorylation of EGFR, leading to a dimished CREB activation, which is essential for the activation of cellular differentiation.

Nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity in edible flowers: characterisation of phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn.

Edible flowers are commonly used in human nutrition and their consumption has increased in recent years. The aim of this study was to ascertain the nutritional composition and the content and profile of phenolic compounds of three edible flowers, monks cress (Tropaeolum majus), marigold (Tagetes erecta) and paracress (Spilanthes oleracea), and to determine the relationship between the presence of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity. Proximate composition, total dietary fibre (TDF) and minerals were analysed according to official methods: total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined with Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent, whereas antioxidant capacity was evaluated using Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assays. In addition, phenolic compounds were characterised by HPLC-DAD-MSn. In relation to the nutritional value, the edible flowers had a composition similar to that of other plant foods, with a high water and TDF content, low protein content and very low proportion of total fat-showing significant differences among samples. The levels of TPC compounds and the antioxidant capacity were significantly higher in T. erecta, followed by S. oleracea and T. majus. Thirty-nine different phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, with flavonols being the major compounds detected in all samples, followed by anthocyanins and hydroxycynnamic acid derivatives. In T. erecta small proportions of gallotannin and ellagic acid were also identified.

Tropaeolum majus L. and low dose gamma radiation suppress liver carcinoma development via EGFR-HER2 signaling pathway.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal cancers around the world and remain asymptomatic in early stage. An alcoholic extract prepared from leaves of Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae) was assessed for its potential activity against diethylnitrosamine-induced liver carcinoma in vivo. Oral administration of the extract significantly decreased the inflammatory marker translation NF-kB and supressed HCC progression in combination with 0.5 Gy gamma radiation via EGF-HER-2 pathway. Histopathological and immunohistopathological features also showed the recovery of a hepatic architecture. Immunohistochemical study showed the T. majus and LDR enhancement effect on proapoptotic markers (caspase-3 and Bax) and inhibition of anti-apoptotic factor (BCl2). HPLC-DAD-MSn analysis of the extract revealed the annotation of twelve compounds. T. majus could mediate a defensive influence against diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and serve as a respectable option in amelioration of the hepatocellular carcinoma development in combination with low dose of gamma radiation.

Evaluation of different doses of mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) on the reduction of sperm production, motility and morphology in adult male rats.

Mashua is an edible-tuber crop that grows in the Andean region. Folk medicine describes the use of mashua to reduce reproductive function in men. The present study aimed: (i) to determine whether different doses of mashua (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 2 g kg(-1)) produced a dose-response reduction on sperm production and quality; and, (ii) to determine whether these anti-reproductive effects of mashua can be reversible after cessation of treatment (12 and 24 days of recovery time). Mashua-treated rats showed lower values of daily sperm production, epididymal and vas deferens sperm count and sperm motility; meanwhile, mashua increased the percentage of abnormal sperm morphology and epididymal sperm transit rate. The following variables follow a dose-response effect: sperm number in vas deferens, sperm motility and sperm transit rate. In addition, it was demonstrated that the reduction in reproduction function in male rats treated with mashua was reversible after 24 days of recovery time. Finally, lower doses mashua reduces sperm number and quality (motility and morphology), and these adverse effects on male reproductive system may be reversible after 24 days after cessation of the treatment.

Phenolic compounds from Andean mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) tubers display protection against soybean oil oxidation.

Phenolic compounds from mashua tuber were evaluated as potential antioxidants to retard the oxidation of crude soybean oil submitted to accelerated storage and frying. During the accelerated storage, an ethanolic crude extract, a purified extract, an aqueous fraction and an ethyl acetate fraction from mashua containing different gallic acid equivalent concentrations (100, 300 and 600 ppm) in oil were evaluated at 55 °C. After 15 days of storage, better effects were evidenced against soybean oil oxidation at 300 and 600 ppm of ethyl acetate fraction in comparison to 200 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene and the control (no antioxidant added). During the frying process at ∼180 °C, principal component analysis revealed that the content of trienes and dienes were strongly correlated with the frying batch. Ethyl acetate fraction at 200 ppm showed the highest efficacy against oil oxidation in terms of polar compound values, free fatty acids and conjugated dienes and trienes in comparison to the oil containing 200 ppm tert-butylhydroquinone and control. Differential scanning calorimetry corroborated the efficacy of ethyl acetate fraction phenolic and it is strongly recommended as method for validation of results. This study provides strong evidence related to the excellent protective effects against soybean oil oxidation of mashua phenolics. This crop could be utilized as an alternative source of natural antioxidants by the oil industry.

Anti-glycative and anti-inflammatory effects of macamides isolated from Tropaeolum tuberosum in skin cells.

Tropaeolum tuberosum, commonly known as Mashua, is an herbal remedy used on the skin in order to treat local pain and to heal wounds. This study aimed to evaluate the extracts and isolated compounds from T. tuberosum with anti-glycative and anti-inflammatory activities. Guided isolation by bioassay led to the isolation and characterisation by NMR and MS of (S)-(-)-N-(α-methylbenzyl)-oleamide (1) and (S)-(-)-N-(α-methylbenzyl)-linoleamide (2). Both compounds inhibited the production of TNF-α with IC50 values of 9.38 µM (NIH/3T3 cells) and 10.06 µM (PA317 cells) for compound 1, and 5.3 µM (NIH/3T3 cells) and 6.48 µM (PA317 cells) for compound 2. Compounds 1 and 2 showed the inhibitory effect on the BSA-MGO formation at concentrations of 9.38 µM (3.39%) and 5.30 µM (8.53%), respectively. Moreover, both compounds showed significant breaking properties on the MGO-AGE-protein crosslink with percent modification of 6.58% (9.38 µM) and 18.08% (5.30 µM), respectively.

Formation and stability of isothiocyanate protein conjugates at different pH values and bread types enriched with nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.).

Brassicaceae vegetables are rich in glucosinolates (GLS), which degrade into various breakdown products, including isothiocyanates (ITC), during food processing. ITC are associated with health-promoting properties; therefore, producing food products enriched with a high content of these compounds is of interest for improving and maintaining human health. The present study aimed at evaluating a potential increase in ITC formation in Brassicaceae-enriched bread while minimizing ITC-protein conjugates. The influence of pH on GLS degradation was evaluated in different bread types and pH-adjusted model breads. In all samples, ITC, nitriles, and ITC-amino acid conjugates were analyzed by GC-MS and LC-ESI-MS/MS, respectively. The highest ITC-Lys levels with 33.9 µmol BITC-Lys/g bread could be found in a (more alkaline soda) bread with a pH of 7.2, while "free" BITC content was the lowest. However, this finding could not be directly correlated to pH value, because in model breads no significant relation between the pH and the BITC content could be identified. Especially the baking process impacted the ITC content as it was reduced from dough to the bread by 98%. Therefore, a heated food product is not suitable for an enrichment with GLS-rich vegetables to achieve a high content on BITC. Nevertheless, in the bread matrix itself the degradation products and BITC-Lys conjugates were stable during storage.

High throughput analytical approach based on µQuEChERS combined with UHPLC-PDA for analysis of bioactive secondary metabolites in edible flowers.

Mallow blue (Malva sylvestris L.), hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) and nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.), are common edible flowers rich in bioactive secondary metabolites (BASMs) whose use in sophisticated gastronomy present currently as increasing trend. In this study the BASMs profile of these edible flowers was established using an emerging green extraction technique, µQuEChERS followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array detection system (UHPLC-PDA). After validation the µQuEChERS/UHPLC-PDA methodology allow to identify that apigenin and epigallocatechin gallate are the most abundant BASMs in mallow blue flowers, while catechin and dicaffeoylquinic acid are predominant in hibiscus flowers, and myricitrin and dicaffeoylquinic acid in nasturtium flowers. Total polyphenol content is the highest in the extract of hibiscus. Nasturtium shows the greatest radical scavenging activity. The results revealed that these flowers constitute a potential source of BASMs with different bioactive properties suggesting its use in design of new functional foods.

Antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of ethanolic extracts from Moringa oleifera, Tropaeolum tuberosum and Annona cherimola in colorrectal cancer cells.

Moringa oleifera, Tropaeolum tuberosum and Annona cherimola are medicinal plants traditionally used in Ecuador. However, their therapeutic properties are not completely known. We analyzed chromatographically ethanolic extracts of the seeds of M. oleifera, A. cherimola and the tubers of T. tuberosum; all presented a high content of polyphenols. The extract of A. cherimola showed the highest antioxidant activity and M. oleifera had the highest capacity to enhance the activity of detoxifying enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase and quinone oxidoreductase. The antitumor effect of these extracts was evaluated in vitro with colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines T84, HCT-15, SW480 and HT-29, as well as with cancer stem cells (CSCs). A. cherimola and M. oleifera extracts presented the lowest IC50 in T-84 and HCT-15 (resistant) cells, respectively, as well as the highest level of inhibition of proliferation in multicellular tumor spheroids of HCT-15 cells. The inhibitory effect on CSCs is noteworthy because in vivo, these cells are often responsible for cancer recurrences and resistance to chemotherapy. Moreover, all extracts showed a synergistic activity with 5-Fu. The antiproliferative mechanism of the extracts was related to overexpression of caspases 9, 8 and 3 and increased production of reactive oxygen species. In addition, we observed cell death by autophagy in M. oleifera and T. tuberosum extracts. Therefore, these ethanolic extracts are excellent candidates for future molecular analysis of the presence of bioactive compounds and in vivo studies which could improve colon cancer therapy.

Local/traditional uses, secondary metabolites and biological activities of Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruíz & Pavón).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruíz & Pavón (Tropaeolaceae). Sim (commonly called Mashua) is an indigenous plant that has medicinal values for various ethnic groups of the regions of the Andes mountain range of South America, which use it for the treatment of diseases venereal, lung and skin; for the healing of internal and external wounds; and as an analgesic for kidney and bladder pain. AIM OF THE REVIEW: We critically summarised the current evidence on the botanic characterisation and distribution, ethnopharmacology, secondary metabolites, pharmacological activities, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and toxicology of T. tuberosum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relevant information on T. tuberosum was gathered from worldwide accepted scientific databases via electronic search (Google scholar, Elsevier, SciFinder, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley Online, Mendeley, Scielo and Dialnet electronic databases). Information was also obtained from the literature and books as well as PhD and MSc dissertations. Plant names were validated by 'The Plant List' (www.theplantlist.org). RESULTS: T. tuberosum has diverse uses in local and popular medicine, specifically for relieving pain and infections in humans. Regarding its biological activities, polar extracts (aqueous, hydroalcoholic) and isolated compounds from the tubers have exhibited a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities. Quantitative analysis (e.g., NMR, HPLC, GC-MS) indicated the presence of a set of secondary metabolites, including hydroxybenzoic acids, tannins, flavanols, anthocyanins, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, phytosterols, fatty acids and alkamides in the tubers of T. tuberosum. Likewise, glucosinolates have been identified in the seeds and isothiocyanates have been detected in leaves, flowers and seeds. CONCLUSIONS: T. tuberosum has been tested for various biological activities and the extracts (tubers in particular) demonstrated a promising potential as an antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and inhibitors of benign prostatic hyperplasia. A lack of alignment between the ethno-medicinal uses and existing biological screenings was observed, indicating the need to explore its potential for the treatment against respiratory affections, urinary affections and blood diseases. Likewise, it is necessary to analyse deeply the relationship that exists between the different tuber colours of T. tuberosum and its use for the treatment of certain diseases. Validation of clinical studies of the antibacterial, antioxidant/anti-inflammatory, anti-spermatogenic activities and as inhibitors of benign prostatic hyperplasia is required. Moreover, studies on the toxicity, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics, in addition to clinical trials, are indispensable for assessing the safety and efficacy of the active metabolites or extracts obtained from T. tuberosum. Other areas that need investigation are the development of future applications based on their active metabolites, such as neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease). Finally, the work purposes to motivate other research groups to carry out a series of scientific studies that can fill the gaps that exist with respect to Mashua properties, and thus be able to change the focus of T. tuberosum (Mashua) that currently has in the consumer society.

A Phytocomplex Consisting of Tropaeolum majus L. and Salvia officinalis L. Extracts Alleviates the Inflammatory Response of Dermal Fibroblasts to Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides.

BACKGROUND: The antimicrobial activity and effects of a phytocomplex consisting of Tropaeolum flos (T) and Salviae folium (S) extracts on the cytokine levels and transcription factors on dermal fibroblast BJ exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharides were examined. METHODS: In order to select the most optimal combination ratio of the two extracts for using in vitro, the physicochemical characterization of vegetal extract mixtures was performed and the antioxidant and antibacterial activities were evaluated on five different formulations of T : S, namely, 1 : 1, 1 : 2, 2 : 1, 3 : 1, and 1 : 3. The best combination of bioactive compounds with regard to antioxidant and antibacterial activities (T : S 1 : 2) was selected for in vitro evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect. Human dermal fibroblast BJ cells were treated with two doses of the extract mixture and then exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The levels of the cytokines involved in inflammatory response, namely, interleukin- (IL-) 6, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, IL-31, and IL-33, were quantified by ELISA, and the expression of transcription factors, namely, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and phosphorylated NFκB (pNFκB), were evaluated by western blot analysis. RESULTS: The results have shown that the mixture of T : S 1 : 2 exhibited significant antibacterial effects on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. LPS exposure increased the cytokine levels in BJ cells and enhanced the NFκB expression. The pretreatment of BF cells exposed to LPS with the two doses of the extract mixture markedly inhibited the increase of IL-33 and TNF-α levels and amplified the NFκB expression and its activation, especially with the high dose. The low doses of the extract reduced NFκB expression but increased its activation. CONCLUSIONS: These experimental findings suggest that the mixture of T : S 1 : 2 can exert some protection against bacterial infections and inflammation induced by LPS in BJ cells being a good therapeutic option in related conditions associated with inflammation.

Morphological, technological and nutritional properties of flours and starches from mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) and melloco (Ullucus tuberosus) cultivated in Ecuador.

Morphological, technological and nutritional analyses were done in two scarcely studied starches from Andean tubers (mashua and melloco). The low sedimentation values, and the high zeta potential of mashua and melloco starches in cold dispersions, as consequence of their electronegativity, indicated a better behaviour as stabilizer than potato starch. During heating, mashua and melloco starches presented much higher viscosity than potato starch, associated with their higher average particle size and greater amylose content. DSC and TGA analyses indicated that melloco starch had the highest gelatinization enthalpy ΔHgel (12.32 J g-1) and degradation temperature (270 °C), in comparison with potato starch, which are indicators of a better thermal resistance. Consequently, extracted mashua and melloco starches could be excellent and cost-effective thickening or gelling agents in both foods and a wide range of biomaterials. Mashua and melloco starches exhibited a digestion rate close to 80%, which agreed with the low resistant starch content.