Phthalocyanine derivative attenuates TNF-α production in macrophage culture and prevents alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis.

AIM: This study investigated the activity and mechanism of action of the iron tetracarboxyphthalocyanine (FeTcPc) on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production and its impact on experimental periodontitis. METHODS: RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with FeTcPc, activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 10 ng/mL, and the TNF-α levels were measured, as well as the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Subsequently, a mouth gel containing 1% FeTcPc was topically administered to the gingival tissue of mice with periodontitis-induced ligatures. Bone loss and the gene expression of Tnfα, p65 (NF-κB), and receptor-activating nuclear factor kappa B ligand (Rankl) were quantified in gingival tissue. Finally, the systemic toxicity of FeTcPc was estimated in Galleria mellonella larvae. RESULTS: In an activated RAW 264.7 macrophage culture, 100 µM FeTcPc reduced TNF-α release and NF-κB activation. Regarding experimental periodontitis, topical application of mouth gel containing 1% FeTcPc blocked alveolar bone loss. Additionally, 1% FeTcPc reduced the expression of Tnfα, p65 (NF-κB), and Rankl in gingival tissue. Finally, administration FeTcPc at doses ranging from 1 to 1000 mg/kg did not cause acute systemic toxicity in G. mellonella. CONCLUSION: Overall, we demonstrated the potential of mouth gel containing FeTcPc as a therapeutic strategy for managing osteolytic inflammatory disorders, such as periodontitis.

Optimization of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity from Araticum Peel Using Response Surface Methodology.

The peel represents a significant portion of the araticum fruit (about 40%), which becomes waste after its consumption or processing. Previous studies have shown that the araticum peel is rich in phenolic compounds; however, little is known about the ideal conditions for recovering these compounds. Therefore, response surface methodology, using a central composite rotatable design, was employed to optimize the extraction process to maximize the total phenolic compounds (TPCs) and enhance the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) from araticum peel. The variables optimized were ethanol concentration (EC; 20-80%, v/v), extraction time (ET; 5-45 min), and solid-solvent ratio (SSR; 10-100 mg/mL). Additionally, condensed tannins, antioxidant capacity against synthetic free radicals (TEAC and FRAP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the phenolic compounds profile, were evaluated. Optimum extraction conditions were 50% (v/v) ethanol concentration, 5 min of extraction time, and 10 mg/mL solid-solvent ratio. Under these conditions, experimental TPCs and TEAC values were 70.16 mg GAE/g dw and 667.22 µmol TE/g dw, respectively, comparable with predicted models (68.47 mg GAE/g dw for TPCs and 677.04 µmol TE/g dw for TEAC). A high condensed tannins content (76.49 mg CE/g dw) was also observed and 12 phenolic compounds were identified, predominantly flavonoids (97.77%), including procyanidin B2, epicatechin, and catechin as the major compounds. Moreover, a potent antioxidant activity was observed against synthetic free radicals and ROS, especially in scavenging peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals. From this study, we obtained the ideal conditions for recovering phenolic compounds from araticum peel using a simple, fast, sustainable, and effective method, offering a promising opportunity for the management of this plant byproduct.

Effect of Physical Separation with Ultrasound Application on Brewers' Spent Grain to Obtain Powders for Potential Application in Foodstuffs.

Brewers' spent grain (BSG) is the primary by-product of beer production, and its potential use in food products is largely dependent on its processing, given its moisture content of up to 80%. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical separation with ultrasound application on the color, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, proximate composition, total dietary fibers, and particle size distribution of BSG powders. Wet BSG (W) was subjected to two processes: one without ultrasound (A) and one with ultrasound (B). Both processes included pressing, convective air-drying, sieving, fraction separation (A1 and B1 as coarse with particles ≥ 2.36 mm; A2 and B2 as fine with particles < 2.36 mm), and milling. The total color difference compared to W increased through both processes, ranging from 1.1 (B1 vs. A1) to 5.7 (B1 vs. A2). There was no significant difference in TPC, but process B powders, particularly B2, showed lower antioxidant activity against ABTS•+, likely due to the release of antioxidant compounds into the liquid fraction during pressing after ultrasound treatment. Nonetheless, process B powders exhibited a higher content of soluble dietary fibers. In conclusion, ultrasound application shows potential for further extraction of soluble fibers. However, process A might be more practical for industrial and craft brewers. Further studies on the use of the resulting BSG powders as food ingredients are recommended.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bioactive Compounds and In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Cambuci and Uvaia: An Extensive Description of Little-Known Fruits from the Myrtaceae Family with High Consumption Potential.

Cambuci (Campomanesia phaea O. Berg Landrum) and uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess), both native Atlantic Rainforest fruits, are noteworthy for being rich in bioactive compounds and their significant antioxidant capacity. Despite the numerous known edible fruits in the world, consumption by humans is most often restricted to a few dozen of them. Such behavior occurs, among other reasons, due to the lack of knowledge about fruits not yet commercialized on a large scale. This study quantified the bioactive compound content (total phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid in cambucis and uvaias; proanthocyanidins in cambucis, and total carotenoid profile and individual carotenoids for grapes) and antioxidant capacity of the edible parts (peel and pulp) of cambuci and uvaia accessions, using three methods (ABTS•+, ROO• radical scavenging and HOCl elimination). Cambuci contained higher phenolic compound levels and displayed higher antioxidant capacity determined by the ABTS•+ and ROO• radical scavenging methods than uvaia (139 and 119 mg 100 g-1 of GAE, 10.5 and 7.73 µmol g-1 of TE; 9.17 and 5.92 µmol g-1 of TE, respectively). Vitamin C content and the antioxidant capacity determined by the HOCl elimination method were about 1.5- and 6-fold higher in uvaia compared to cambuci, with the latter being a first-time report for uvaia. Both fruits contained higher levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity than other commonly consumed fruits.

Differential Gene Expression Associated with Soybean Oil Level in the Diet of Pigs.

The aim of this study was to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEG) from the skeletal muscle and liver samples of animal models for metabolic diseases in humans. To perform the study, the fatty acid (FA) profile and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data of 35 samples of liver tissue (SOY1.5, n = 17 and SOY3.0, n = 18) and 36 samples of skeletal muscle (SOY1.5, n = 18 and SOY3.0, n = 18) of Large White pigs were analyzed. The FA profile of the tissues was modified by the diet, mainly those related to monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) FA. The skeletal muscle transcriptome analysis revealed 45 DEG (FDR 10%), and the functional enrichment analysis identified network maps related to inflammation, immune processes, and pathways associated with oxidative stress, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction. For the liver tissue, the transcriptome profile analysis revealed 281 DEG, which participate in network maps related to neurodegenerative diseases. With this nutrigenomics study, we verified that different levels of soybean oil in the pig diet, an animal model for metabolic diseases in humans, affected the transcriptome profile of skeletal muscle and liver tissue. These findings may help to better understand the biological mechanisms that can be modulated by the diet.

A Study on the Anti-NF-κB, Anti-Candida, and Antioxidant Activities of Two Natural Plant Hormones: Gibberellin A4 and A7.

INTRODUCTION: Gibberellins (GA) are terpenoids that serve as important plant hormones by acting as growth and response modulators against injuries and parasitism. In this study, we investigated the in vitro anti-NF-κB, anti-Candida, and antioxidant activity of gibberellin A4 (GA4) and A7 (GA7) compounds, and further determined their toxicity in vivo. METHODS: GA4 and GA7 in vitro toxicity was determined by MTT method, and nontoxic concentrations were then tested to evaluate the GA4 and GA7 anti-NF-κB activity in LPS-activated RAW-luc macrophage cell culture (luminescence assay). GA4 in silico anti-NF-κB activity was evaluated by molecular docking with the software "AutoDock Vina", "MGLTools", "Pymol", and "LigPlot+", based on data obtained from "The Uniprot database", "Protein Data Bank", and "PubChem database". The GA4 and GA7 in vitro anti-Candida effects against Candida albicans (MYA 2876) were determined (MIC and MFC). GA7 was also evaluated regarding the viability of C. albicans preformed biofilm (microplate assay). In vitro antioxidant activity of GA4 and GA7 was evaluated against peroxyl radicals, superoxide anions, hypochlorous acid, and reactive nitrogen species. GA4 and GA7 in vivo toxicity was determined on the invertebrate Galleria mellonella larvae model. RESULTS: Our data show that GA4 at 30 µM is nontoxic and capable of reducing 32% of the NF-κB activation on RAW-luc macrophages in vitro. In vitro results were confirmed via molecular docking assay (in silico), since GA4 presented binding affinity to NF-κB p65 and p50 subunits. GA7 did not present anti-NF-κB effects, but exhibited anti-Candida activity with low MIC (94 mM) and MFC (188 mM) values. GA7 also presented antibiofilm properties at 940 mM concentration. GA4 did not present anti-Candida effects. Moreover, GA4 and GA7 showed antioxidant activity against peroxyl radicals, but did not show scavenging activity against the other tested radicals. Both compounds did not affect the survival of G. mellonella larvae, even at extremely high doses (10 g/Kg). CONCLUSION: Our study provides preclinical evidence indicating that GA4 and GA7 have a favorable low toxicity profile. The study also points to GA4 and GA7 interference with the NF-κB via, anti-Candida activity, and a peroxyl radical scavenger, which we argue are relevant biological effects.

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

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

Effect of dietary soybean oil inclusion on liver-related transcription factors in a pig model for metabolic diseases.

Dietary fatty acids (FA) are components of the lipids, which contribute to membrane structure, energy input, and biological functions related to cellular signaling and transcriptome regulation. However, the consumers still associate dietary FA with fat deposition and increased occurrence of metabolic diseases such as obesity and atherosclerosis. Previous studies already demonstrated that some fatty acids are linked with inflammatory response, preventing metabolic diseases. To better understand the role of dietary FA on metabolic diseases, for the first time, a study to identify key transcription factors (TF) involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory response by transcriptome analysis from liver samples of animal models was performed. The key TF were identified by functional enrichment analysis from the list of differentially expressed genes identified in liver samples between 35 pigs fed with 1.5% or 3.0% soybean oil. The functional enrichment analysis detected TF linked to lipid homeostasis and inflammatory response, such as RXRA, EGFR, and SREBP2 precursor. These findings demonstrated that key TF related to lipid metabolism could be modulated by dietary inclusion of soybean oil. It could contribute to nutrigenomics research field that aims to elucidate dietary interventions in animal and human health, as well as to drive food technology and science.

Phenolic Profile and the Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Properties of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) Meal: A Prospective Study.

The mechanical extraction of oils from Brazilian açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart) produces significant amounts of a byproduct known as "meal", which is frequently discarded in the environment as waste material. Nevertheless, plant byproducts, especially those from oil extraction, may contain residual polyphenols in their composition and be a rich source of natural bioactive compounds. In this study, the phenolic composition and in vitro biological properties of a hydroethanolic açaí meal extract were elucidated. The major compounds tentatively identified in the extract by high-resolution mass spectrometry were anthocyanins, flavones, and flavonoids. Furthermore, rhamnocitrin is reported in an açaí byproduct for the first time. The extract showed reducing power and was effective in scavenging the ABTS radical cation (820.0 µmol Trolox equivalent∙g-1) and peroxyl radical (975.7 µmol Trolox equivalent∙g-1). NF-κB activation was inhibited at 10 or 100 µg∙mL-1 and TNF-α levels were reduced at 100 µg∙mL-1. However, the antibacterial effects against ESKAPE pathogens was not promising due to the high concentration needed (1250 or 2500 µg∙mL-1). These findings can be related to the diverse polyphenol-rich extract composition. To conclude, the polyphenol-rich extract obtained from açaí meal showed relevant biological activities that may have great applicability in the food and nutraceutical industries.

An insight into the botanical origins of propolis from permanent preservation and reforestation areas of southern Brazil.

Brown propolis from permanent preservation and reforestation areas of southern Brazil have attracted international commercial interest and have a unique composition, although little is known about their botanical origins, which are the plant resins used by bee foragers to produce propolis. Hence, the volatile profiles of organic and non-organic brown propolis and resins of suspected botanical origins-Araucaria angustifolia, Pinus elliott and Pinus taeda-were determined using static headspace gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (SHS-GCMS) and compared. Nighty nine volatiles were tentatively identified, and monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were the most abundant classes. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed similarity between organic propolis and A. angustifolia volatile profiles (p < 0.05). Hierarchical clustering analysis showed singularities among propolis, even between propolis produced 1 km away from each other. Heatmaps were used to identify peaks present in similar relative intensities in both propolis and conifer resins. Hence, the approach using volatile profiles shed light to propolis botanical origins, which is important for authentication and traceability purposes.

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

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

Inajá oil processing by-product: A novel source of bioactive catechins and procyanidins from a Brazilian native fruit.

Agro-industrial activities generate large amounts of solid residues, which are generally discarded or used as animal feed. Interestingly, some of these by-products could serve as natural sources of bioactive compounds with great potential for industrial exploitation. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of phenolic antioxidants from the pulp residue (oil processing by-product) of inajá (Maximiliana maripa, a native species found in the Brazilian Amazon). The antioxidant properties of the optimized extract and its phenolic profile by high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS) were further determined. Central composite rotatable design and statistical analysis demonstrated that the temperature of 70 °C and 50% (v/v) ethanol concentration improved the extraction of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. The optimized extract also showed scavenging activity against the ABTS radical cation and reactive oxygen species (ROS; peroxyl and superoxide radical, and hypochlorous acid). Moreover, the optimized extract was able to reduce NF-κB activation and TNF-α release, which are modulated by ROS. Flavan-3-ols were the major phenolics present in the optimized extract. Collectively, our findings support the use of inajá cake as a new source of bioactive catechins and procyanidins. This innovative approach adds value to this agro-industrial by-product in the functional food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and/or cosmetic industries and complies with the circular economy agenda.

Active Antioxidant Phenolics from Brazilian Red Propolis: An Optimization Study for Their Recovery and Identification by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS.

Brazilian red propolis (BRP) is a natural product widely known for its phenolic composition and strong antioxidant properties. In this study, we used the Box-Behnken Design (BBD) with Surface Response Methodology to optimize the extraction conditions for total phenolic content (TPC) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity(TEAC) of bioactive phenolics from BRP. The extraction time, ethanol/water concentration and temperature, were tested. All variables had significant effects (p ≤ 0.05), with a desirability coefficient of 0.88. Under optimized conditions (90% ethanol at 80 °C for 30 min), the BRP extract showed a TPC of 129.00 ± 2.16 mg GAE/g and a TEAC of 3471.76 ± 53.86 µmol TE/g. Moreover, FRAP and ORAC assays revealed that the optimized BRP extract had 1472.86 ± 72.37 µmol Fe2+/g and 4339.61 ± 114.65 µmol TE/gof dry weight, respectively. Thirty-two phenolic compounds were tentatively identified by LC-QTOF-ESI-MS/MS, of which thirteen were found for the first time in BRP, including four flavones, one flavanol, two flavanones, two chalcones, and four isoflavonoids. Thus, our results highlight the importance of BRP as a source of a wide variety of phenolic compounds with significant antioxidant properties.

Evaluation of antioxidant capacity, fatty acid profile, and bioactive compounds from buritirana (Mauritiella armata Mart.) oil: A little-explored native Brazilian fruit.

Buritirana (Mauritiella armata Mart.) is a fruit species native to the Amazon and Cerrado region, belonging to the Arecaceae family. It has high nutritional and functional potential, yet little explored. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the overall yield, behavior of total carotenoids in the extraction kinetics, fatty acid profile, bioactive compounds, and the antioxidant capacity of the oil from buritirana fractions obtained by supercritical CO2. The highest extraction yield was found in the pulp and whole without seed at 60 °C (18.06 ± 0.40 and 14.55 ± 1.10 g 100 g-1 of the freeze-dried sample (fdw), respectively), and in the peel at 40 °C (8.31 ± 0.73 g 100 g-1 fdw). During the extraction kinetics, the pulp had the highest yields of oil (41.57%) and total carotenoids (8.34 mg g-1) after 61 min at 40 °C. The antioxidant potential, fatty acid profile, and α-tocopherol content were dependent on both fraction and temperature, with oleic acid being the main fatty acid. The oil from the whole fraction without seed had the largest number (20) of identified phenolic compounds. The extraction at 60 °C reduced the relative intensity of most compounds in the whole without seed and pulp. Moreover, it increased the intensity of the compounds in the peel. These results suggest that buritirana is a good oil source with great bioactive potential to produce new products with functional claims.

Antihyperglycemic activity of crude extract and isolation of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves grown in Southern Brazil.

The antihyperglicemic activity of crude extract from Moringa oleifera leaves and isolation of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity using bioguided assay were employed by the first time in leaves cultivated in Brazil. The hydroalcoholic extract (HE) was produced by using ethanol:water (80:20 v/v) and purified by solid-liquid procedure using solvents in ascending order of polarity. The ethyl acetate fraction (Fr-EtOAc) presented high antioxidant potential and it was purified using chromatographic techniques rendering isolated compounds that were identified from the spectral data. The HE extract (500 mg kg-1) was adimistrated in diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin and chemical markers and lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney were evaluated. The Fr-EtOAc showed high antioxidant potential by FRAP reduction method (1678 µmol Fe2+ g-1), DPPH and ABTS scavenging methods (526.7 and 671.5 µmol TEAC g-1 respectively) and ORAC assay (3560.6 µmol TEAC g-1). Therefore, the Fr-EtOAc was purified and yielded three bioactive subfractions (S-12, S-13 abd S-15) that were rechromatoghaphed in HPLC-SemiPrep. After that, two main bioactive glycosylated flavonoids (isoquercitrin and astragalin) and phenolic acid (3-O-caffeoylquinic acid) were obtained. Additionally, the HE extract provided protection against oxidative damage in liver and kidney of diabetic rats ameliorating endogenous antioxidant defenses by increase catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and non-protein thiol groups (NPSH) levels as well as decreased the lipid peroxidation in these tissues. Our results indicate that three phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity were isolated and, the chemical composition of HE crude extract, rich in flavonoids glycosylated could be intimately related to antihyperglycemic action. So, it is possible to suggest that these compounds may be used as chemical biomarkers for this plant in Brazil, ensuring quality and supporting the use of aerial parts in tradicional medicine.