Chemical Characterization, Antilipidemic Effect and Anti-Obesity Activity of Ludwigia octovalvis in a Murine Model of Metabolic Syndrome.

Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H. Raven is widely used in traditional medicine for different illnesses, including diabetes and hypertension. However, its impact on lipotoxicity and metabolic syndrome in vivo has not been addressed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of this plant on the metabolic syndrome parameters in a C57BL6J mouse hypercaloric diet model. L. octovalvis hydroalcoholic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction (25 mg/kg/day) were used for sub-chronic assessment (10 weeks). Additionally, four subfractions (25 mg/kg) were evaluated in the postprandial triglyceridemia test in healthy C57BL6J mice. The hydroalcoholic extract and ethyl acetate fraction significantly decreased body weight gain (-6.9 g and -1.5 g), fasting glycemia (-46.1 and -31.2 mg/dL), systolic (-26.0 and -22.5 mmHg) and diastolic (-8.1 and 16.2 mmHg) blood pressure, free fatty acid concentration (-13.8 and -8.0 µg/mL) and insulin-resistance (measured by TyG index, -0.207 and -0.18), compared to the negative control. A postprandial triglyceridemia test showed that the effects in the sub-chronic model are due, at least in part, to improvement in this parameter. L. octovalvis treatments, particularly the hydroalcoholic extract, improve MS alterations and decrease free fatty acid concentration. These effects are possibly due to high contents of corilagin and ellagic acid.

Effect of Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth in a Murine Model of Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of abnormalities related to insulin resistance with an unfortunately high prevalence worldwide. Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. Ex Kunth. is a well-known medicinal plant that has been studied in several biological models related to diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of T. stans on a hypercaloric diet-induced metabolic syndrome model. An organic fraction obtained using liquid-liquid separation from the hydroalcoholic extract of T. stans and four subfractions of this organic fraction were administered for ten weeks to C57BL6J male mice previously fed with a hypercaloric diet. The hypercaloric diet caused changes in glucose levels (from 65.3 to 221.5 mg/dL), body weight (31.3 to 42.2 g), triglycerides (91.4 to 177.7 mg/dL), systolic (89.9 to 110.3 mmHg) and diastolic (61.6 to 73.7 mg/dL) blood pressure, and insulin resistance (4.47 to 5.16). Treatment with T. stans resulted in improvements in triglycerides (83.4-125.0 mg/dL), systolic blood pressure (75.1-91.8 mmHg), and insulin resistance (4.72-4.93). However, the organic fraction and hydroalcoholic extract produced a better response in diastolic blood pressure (52.8-56.4 mmHg). Luteolin, apigenin, and chrysoeriol were the major constituents in the most active subfractions. Treatment with T. stans, particularly a luteolin-rich organic fraction, achieved an improvement in metabolic syndrome alterations.

Molecular Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Mobile Phones.

The widespread use of mobile phones (MP) among healthcare personnel might be considered as an important source of contamination. One of the most pathogenic bacteria to humans is Staphylococcus aureus, which can be transmitted through the constant use of MP. Nevertheless, which specific type of strains are transmitted and which are their sources have not been sufficiently studied. The aim of this study is to determine the source of contamination of MP and characterize the corresponding genotypic and phenotypic properties of the strains found. Nose, pharynx, and MP samples were taken from a group of health science students. We were able to determinate the clonality of the isolated strains by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and spa gene typing (spa-type). Adhesin and toxin genes were detected, and the capacity of biofilm formation was determined. Several of the MP exhibited strains of S. aureus present in the nose and/or pharynx of their owners. methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (HA-MRSA), and community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) strains were found, which indicated a variety of genotypes. This study concludes that MP can be contaminated with the strains of S. aureus present in the nose and/or pharynx of the owners; these strains can be of different types and there is no dominant genotype.

Moss (Hypnum amabile) as biomonitor of genotoxic damage and as bioaccumulator of atmospheric pollutants at five different sites of Mexico City and metropolitan area.

Mexico City has been classified as one megacity, its altitude, thermal inversions, and high seasonal radiation are factors that prevent dispersion of pollutants, which effects are detrimental to health. Therefore, it is important to have an organism that allows evaluate the damage caused by such exposure, as is the case of mosses that obtain nutrients from the atmosphere; this property makes them excellent biomonitors to evaluate genotoxic damage caused by exposure to pollutants, in addition to its large accumulation capacity. For these reasons and to relate the effects of atmospheric pollution with a biological response, we propose to use the moss Hypnum amabile as a bioaccumulator of atmospheric pollutants and biomonitor of the genotoxic effect that the air pollution can induce it through the comet assay. Mosses were placed in five localities of Mexico City and the metropolitan area on the first days of each month of the dry (cold and warm) and rainy seasons, with a 30-day exposure, after which they were changed for a new sample (for 8 months). Each month, the moss exposed was collected and nuclei were isolated to perform comet assay. To demonstrate heavy metal bioaccumulation capacity, samples were observed in a transmission electron microscope and qualitative microanalysis by scanning electron microscopy was carried out parallel. The chemical analysis detected 14 heavy metals by mass spectrometry method with inductively coupled plasma source. Additionally, 22 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were also determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed to compare DNA damage of each station against control, which was maintained in the laboratory in a chamber with filtered air. This is the first study on the genotoxicity of mosses exposed to the atmosphere of Mexico City and metropolitan area that in addition to proving their accumulation capacity shows their ability to respond to atmospheric pollutants.

Cytotoxic Activity of Cu/TiO2 Nanoparticles on Uterine-Cervical Cancer Cells.

Nanoparticles based on metal oxides serve as carrier matrices for molecules of biological interest. In this work, we used different copper complexes that were coupled to TiO2 nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were prepared with the sol-gel method. The Cu/TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized through ultraviolet-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, nitrogen physisorption analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Their biological activity was determined through DNA degradation and their cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells. The Cu/TiO2 nanoparticles presented a pore size between 2 and 6 nm, the size of nanoparticles agglomerates was between 100 and 500 nm. The nanoparticles of Cu/TiO2 degraded DNA starting at 15 min. The half maximal inhibitory concentration in HeLa cells depends on the used cooper complexes, the kinetics of cell death is of first order. Results revealed that these nanoparticles could be applied in uterine-cervical cancer treatment.

Cytotoxic activity of the chloroform extract and four diterpenes isolated from Salvia ballotiflora

Abstract New compounds with chemotherapeutic activity are sought after, and plants are an important source of these compounds. Four diterpenes, 19-deoxyicetexone, 7,20-dihydroanastomosine, icetexone and 19-deoxyisoicetexone, were isolated from the hexane-washed chloroform extract of Salvia ballotiflora. The cytotoxic activity of the hexane-washed chloroform extract and its four diterpenes were tested using the MTT assay against three tumor cell lines: HeLa (cervical cancer), A549 (lung cancer) and MCF7 (breast cancer), and two murine cell line: J774A.1 (epithelial cancer) and CT26 (colon cancer), and their IC50 values were determined. 19-Deoxyisoicetexone had the greatest effect on HeLa cells with IC50 of 3.2 µg/ml (9.36 µM), whereas hexane-washed chloroform extract had the best cytotoxic effect on A549 cells with an IC50 of 2.29 µg/ml. These effects of 19-deoxyisoicetexone and hexane-washed chloroform extract were with similar activity compared to cisplatin (IC50 = 1.06 µg/ml in HeLa cells, and 4.6 µg/ml (15.21 µM) in A549 cells).

Antispasmodic Effects and Action Mechanism of Essential Oil of Chrysactinia mexicana A. Gray on Rabbit Ileum.

The Chrysactinia mexicana A. Gray (C. mexicana) plant is used in folk medicine to treat fever and rheumatism; it is used as a diuretic, antispasmodic; and it is used for its aphrodisiac properties. This study investigates the effects of the essential oil of C. mexicana (EOCM) on the contractility of rabbit ileum and the mechanisms of action involved. Muscle contractility studies in vitro in an organ bath to evaluate the response to EOCM were performed in the rabbit ileum. EOCM (1-100 µg·mL(-1)) reduced the amplitude and area under the curve of spontaneous contractions of the ileum. The contractions induced by carbachol 1 µM, potassium chloride (KCl) 60 mM or Bay K8644 1 µM were reduced by EOCM (30 µg·mL(-1)). Apamin 1 µM and charybdotoxin 0.01 µM decreased the inhibition induced by EOCM. The d-cAMP 1 µM decreased the inhibition induced by EOCM. l-NNA 10 µM, Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS 1 µM, d,l-propargylglycine 2 mM, or aminooxyacetic acid hemihydrochloride 2 mM did not modify the EOCM effect. In conclusion, EOCM induces an antispasmodic effect and could be used in the treatment of intestinal spasms or diarrhea processes. This effect would be mediated by Ca(2+), Ca(2+)-activated K⁺ channels and cAMP.

Antinociceptive and anti-arthritic effects of kramecyne.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive (acute assays) and anti-inflammatory (chronic assays) effects of kramecyne (KACY), a peroxide isolated from Krameria cytisoides. MAIN METHODS: The antinociceptive activity of KACY was evaluated using the hot plate, acetic acid and formalin tests. The effects of KACY on heat-induced hemolysis in rat erythrocytes were also evaluated. The in vivo anti-inflammatory assays were performed using the chronic TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate) method to induce ear edema and carrageenan-kaolin induced arthritis (CKIA). In the CKIA model, the hot plate test was performed, serum samples were obtained for the quantitation of pro-inflammatory (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines. KEY FINDINGS: KACY possess antinociceptive effects with comparable activity to naproxen (NPX). KACY inhibited hemolysis (EC50 = 180 µg/mL), in comparison to the untreated group and with a higher potency than NPX (EC50 = 263 µg/mL). KACY at 50 mg/kg decreased inflammation by 38% (chronic TPA-induced edema model) and by 26% (CKIA model), in comparison with the vehicle group and with similar activity to the positive controls 8 mg/kg indomethacin (IND) and 1 mg/kg methotrexate (MTX), respectively. In the CKIA model, KACY increased the release of anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines but reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α). KACY at 50 and 100 mg/kg showed antinociceptive effects by 27% and 23%, respectively, in mice with mono-arthritis. SIGNIFICANCE: KACY might be a good alternative for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.

Bioassay-guided chemical study of the anti-inflammatory effect of Senna villosa (Miller) H.S. Irwin & Barneby (Leguminosae) in TPA-induced ear edema.

Senna villosa (Miller) is a plant that grows in México. In traditional Mexican medicine, it is used topically to treat skin infections, pustules and eruptions and to heal wounds by scar formation. However, studies of its potential anti-inflammatory effects have not been performed. The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of extracts from the leaves of Senna villosa and to perform a bioassay-guided chemical study of the extract with major activity in a model of ear edema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). The results reveal that the chloroform extract from Senna villosa leaves has anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. Nine fractions were obtained from the bioassay-guided chemical study, including a white precipitate from fractions 2 and 3. Although none of the nine fractions presented anti-inflammatory activity, the white precipitate exhibited pharmacological activity. It was chemically characterized using mass spectrometry and infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, resulting in a mixture of three aliphatic esters, which were identified as the principal constituents: hexyl tetradecanoate (C20H40O2), heptyl tetradecanoate (C21H42O2) and octyl tetradecanoate (C22H44O2). This research provides, for the first time, evidence of the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties of compounds isolated from Senna villosa.

Nutraceutical value of black cherry Prunus serotina Ehrh. fruits: antioxidant and antihypertensive properties.

In Mexico black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) fruits are consumed fresh, dried or prepared in jam. Considering the evidence that has linked intake of fruits and vegetables rich in polyphenols to cardiovascular risk reduction, the aim of this study was to characterize the phenolic profile of black cherry fruits and to determine their antioxidant, vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects. The proximate composition and mineral contents of these fruits were also assessed. Black cherry fruits possess a high content of phenolic compounds and display a significant antioxidant capacity. High-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis indicated that hyperoside, anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid were the main phenolic compounds found in these fruits. The black cherry aqueous extract elicited a concentration-dependent relaxation of aortic rings and induced a significant reduction on systolic blood pressure in L-NAME induced hypertensive rats after four weeks of treatment. Proximate analysis showed that black cherry fruits have high sugar, protein, and potassium contents. The results derived from this study indicate that black cherry fruits contain phenolic compounds which elicit significant antioxidant and antihypertensive effects. These findings suggest that these fruits might be considered as functional foods useful for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Hyptis albida Chloroform Extract on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Peritoneal Macrophages.

We examined the effects of a chloroform extract of Hyptis albida (CHA) on inflammatory responses in mouse lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced peritoneal macrophages. Our findings indicate that CHA inhibits LPS-induced production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF- α ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). During the process, levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nitric oxide (NO) increased in the mouse peritoneal macrophages; however, the extract suppressed them significantly. These results provide novel insights into the anti-inflammatory actions of CHA and support its potential use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Vasodilator compounds derived from plants and their mechanisms of action.

The present paper reviews vasodilator compounds isolated from plants that were reported in the past 22 years (1990 to 2012) and the different mechanisms of action involved in their vasodilator effects. The search for reports was conducted in a comprehensive manner, intending to encompass those metabolites with a vasodilator effect whose mechanism of action involved both vascular endothelium and arterial smooth muscle. The results obtained from our bibliographic search showed that over half of the isolated compounds have a mechanism of action involving the endothelium. Most of these bioactive metabolites cause vasodilation either by activating the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway or by blocking voltage-dependent calcium channels. Moreover, it was found that many compounds induced vasodilation by more than one mechanism. This review confirms that secondary metabolites, which include a significant group of compounds with extensive chemical diversity, are a valuable source of new pharmaceuticals useful for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Kramecyne--a new anti-inflammatory compound isolated from Krameria cytisoides.

In the present work we describe the structure and anti-inflammatory activity of a new compound, kramecyne, isolated from a methanol extract of Krameria cytisoides (Krameriaceae). The structure of kramecyne was determined by IR, NMR, MS, and elemental analysis, which indicated that the structure corresponded to a hexamer of cyclic peroxide monomers. This compound exhibited good anti-inflammatory activity in the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema (51.8 ± 6.9% inhibition) and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema models at doses of 50 mg/kg. The compound significantly reduced edema to 63.1% after 1.0 h, and the effect was unchanged for 5 h. Kramecyne did not present acute toxicity, even at doses of 5,000 mg/kg.

Bioactivity of Carica papaya (Caricaceae) against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The composition of a chloroform seed extract of C. papaya was determined by GC-MS. Nineteen compounds were identified, with oleic (45.97%), palmitic (24.1%) and stearic (8.52%) acids being the main components. The insecticidal and insectistatic activities of the extract and the three main constituents were tested. Larval duration increased by 3.4 d and 2.5 d when the extract was used at 16,000 and 9,600 ppm, respectively, whereas the pupal period increased by 2.2 d and 1.1 d at the same concentrations. Larval viability values were 0%, 29.2%, and 50% when the extract was applied at 24,000, 16,000, and 9,600 ppm, respectively; pupal viability was 42.9% and 66.7% at 16,000 and 9,600 ppm; and pupal weight decreased by 25.4% and 11.5% at 16,000 and 9,600 ppm. The larval viability of the main compounds was 33.3%, 48.5%, and 62.5% when exposed to 1,600 ppm of palmitic acid, oleic acid, or stearic acid, respectively.

Anti-inflammatory evaluation and antioxidant potential of Senna crotalarioides and Penstemon roseus / Evaluación anti-inflamatoria y potencial antioxidante de Senna crotalarioides y Penstemon roseus

Chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of Penstemon roseus and Senna crotalarioides were investigated for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aqueous extract had no activity on TPA-induced ear edema, but the chloroform and methanol extracts of both plants caused a significant inhibition of the edema. The chloroform extracts showed activity on carrageenan-induced paw edema and mouse ear edema induced by multiple topical applications of TPA, and only P. roseus (dose of 100 mg/kg) exhibited anti-arthritic activity. The methanol extracts of P. roseus and S. crotalarioides had the most activity in the DPPH and reducing power tests. The LD50 values in mice of both chloroform extracts were considerate as slight acute toxic and higher than the doses used in this study.

Las propiedades antiinflamatorias y antioxidantes de los extractos de cloroformo, metanol y agua de Penstemon roseus y Senna crotalarioides fueron investigadas. El extracto acuoso no tuvo actividad sobre el edema auricular inducido con TPA, pero el extracto de cloroformo y etanol de ambas plantas inhibieron significativamente el edema. El extracto de cloroformo mostró actividad sobre el edema plantar inducido con carragenina y el edema auricular en ratón inducido por múltiples aplicaciones de TPA, y solo P. roseus y S. crotalarioides tuvieron la mejor actividad en las pruebas de DPPH y poder reductor. Los valores de la DL50 en ratón de ambos extractos de cloroformo son considerados con ligera toxicidad aguda y mayores que las dosis empleadas en el estudio.

Actividad hipoglucemiante de Bouvardia terniflora, Brickellia veronicaefolia y parmentiera edulis / Hypoglycemic activity of Bouvardia terniflora, Brickellia veronicaefolia and parmentiera edulis

Objetivo. Evaluar la actividad hipoglucemiante de los extractos de hexano, cloroformo y metanol de Brickellia veronicaefolia, Bouvardia terniflora y Parmentiera edulis. Material y métodos. Se probaron los extractos de las plantas (100, 200 y 300 mg/kg, vía intraperitoneal) en ratones normoglucémicos y con diabetes inducida con aloxana. Resultados. La administración de 300 mg/kg de los extractos clorofórmicos de P. edulis, B. terniflora y hexánico de B. veronicaefolia en ratones diabéticos disminuye el nivel de glucosa sanguínea en 43.75, 58.56 y 72.13 por ciento, respectivamente. Estos extractos (300 mg/kg), administrados en ratones normoglucémicos, reducen la glucosa sanguínea en 29.61, 33.42 y 39.84 por ciento, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Con este estudio se confirma la actividad hipoglucemiante de estas plantas usadas en la medicina tradicional para el tratamiento de las diabetes