A comprehensive study on diesel oil bioremediation under microcosm conditions using a combined microbiological, enzymatic, mass spectrometry, and metabarcoding approach.

This study aims at the application of a marine fungal consortium (Aspergillus sclerotiorum CRM 348 and Cryptococcus laurentii CRM 707) for the bioremediation of diesel oil-contaminated soil under microcosm conditions. The impact of biostimulation (BS) and/or bioaugmentation (BA) treatments on diesel-oil biodegradation, soil quality, and the structure of the microbial community were studied. The use of the fungal consortium together with nutrients (BA/BS) resulted in a TPH (Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon) degradation 42% higher than that obtained by natural attenuation (NA) within 120 days. For the same period, a 72 to 92% removal of short-chain alkanes (C12 to C19) was obtained by BA/BS, while only 3 to 65% removal was achieved by NA. BA/BS also showed high degradation efficiency of long-chain alkanes (C20 to C24) at 120 days, reaching 90 and 92% of degradation of icosane and heneicosane, respectively. In contrast, an increase in the levels of cyclosiloxanes (characterized as bacterial bioemulsifiers and biosurfactants) was observed in the soil treated by the consortium. Conversely, the NA presented a maximum of 37% of degradation of these alkane fractions. The 5-ringed PAH benzo(a)pyrene, was removed significantly better with the BA/BS treatment than with the NA (48 vs. 38 % of biodegradation, respectively). Metabarcoding analysis revealed that BA/BS caused a decrease in the soil microbial diversity with a concomitant increase in the abundance of specific microbial groups, including hydrocarbon-degrading (bacteria and fungi) and also an enhancement in soil microbial activity. Our results highlight the great potential of this consortium for soil treatment after diesel spills, as well as the relevance of the massive sequencing, enzymatic, microbiological and GC-HRMS analyses for a better understanding of diesel bioremediation.

NMR-Based Metabolomics Reveals Effects of Water Stress in the Primary and Specialized Metabolisms of Bauhinia ungulata L. (Fabaceae).

Bauhinia ungulata is a plant used in Brazilian traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Phytochemical studies revealed flavonoids and the saccharide pinitol related to hypoglycemic activity of the Bauhinia species. To determine the effects of water deficit on ecophysiological parameter and metabolite fingerprints of B. ungulata, specimens were treated with the following water regimens under greenhouse conditions: daily watering (control), watering every 7 days (group 7D), and watering every 15 days (group 15D). Metabolite profiling of the plants subjected to water deficit was determined by LC-HRMS/MS. An NMR-based metabolomics approach applied to analyze the extracts revealed increased levels of known osmoprotective and bioactive compounds, such as D-pinitol, in the water deficit groups. Physiological parameters were determined by gas exchange in planta analysis. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in gas exchange under severe drought stress, while biomass production was not significantly different between the control and group 7D under moderate stress. Altogether, the results revealed that primary and specialized/secondary metabolism is affected by long periods of severe water scarcity downregulating the biosynthesis of bioactive metabolites such as pinitol, and the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol. These results may be useful for guiding agricultural production and standardizing medicinal herb materials of this medicinal plant.

Metabolomic- and Molecular Networking-Based Exploration of the Chemical Responses Induced in Citrus sinensis Leaves Inoculated with Xanthomonas citri.

Citrus canker, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (X. citri), is a plant disease affecting Citrus crops worldwide. However, little is known about defense compounds in Citrus. Here, we conducted a mass spectrometry-based metabolomic approach to obtain an overview of the chemical responses of Citrus leaves to X. citri infection. To facilitate result interpretation, the multivariate analyses were combined with molecular networking to identify biomarkers. Metabolite variations among untreated and X. citri-inoculated Citrus samples under greenhouse conditions highlighted induced defense biomarkers. Notably, the plant tryptophan metabolism pathway was activated, leading to the accumulation of N-methylated tryptamine derivatives. This finding was subsequently confirmed in symptomatic leaves in the field. Several tryptamine derivatives showed inhibitory effects in vitro against X. citri. This approach has enabled the identification of new chemically related biomarker groups and their dynamics in the response of Citrus leaves to Xanthomonas infection.

Physiological responses of Amaranthus cruentus L. to drought stress under sufficient- and deficient-nitrogen conditions.

Water and nitrogen availability are two major environmental factors that can impair plant growth, and when combined, their effects on plant performance can be either intensified or reduced. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of nitrogen availability on the responses of Amaranthus cruentus's metabolism to water stress. The plants were cultivated in plastic pots filled with vermiculite, kept under greenhouse conditions, and were watered three times a week with 70% of a full strength nitrogen-free Long Ashton solution, containing 1.97 or 9.88 kg N ha-1 as ammonium nitrate. Photosynthetic parameters were evaluated in planta, and leaves were harvested for chemical analysis of photosynthetic pigments, proline, and phenolic contents. Higher nitrogen supply increased the shoot dry matter, photosynthetic pigments, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, total leaf nitrogen, proline, nitrate, and ammonium but reduced the concentration of flavonoids and total phenols. Six days of water stress did not affect dry matter, photosynthetic pigments, leaf nitrogen, ammonium, or specialized metabolites but increased the proline under high nitrogen and negatively affected stomatal conductance, transpiration, photosynthesis, relative water content, instantaneous water use efficiency, and leaf nitrate. The negative effect was more pronounced under high nitrogen supply. The results show that the addition of a high amount of nitrogen made the physiological processes of plants more sensitive to water stress, indicating that the plant response to water restriction depends on the interaction between the different environmental stressors to which the plants are subjected.

The Effect of Toothpastes Containing Natural Extracts on Bacterial Species of a Microcosm Biofilm and on Enamel Caries Development.

This study investigated the effects of herbal toothpaste on bacterial counts and enamel demineralization. Thirty-six bovine enamel samples were exposed to a microcosm biofilm using human saliva and McBain saliva (0.2% sucrose) for 5 days at 37 °C and first incubated anaerobically, then aerobically-capnophilically. The following experimental toothpaste slurries (2 × 2 min/day) were applied: (1) Vochysia tucanorum (10 mg/g); (2) Myrcia bella (5 mg/g); (3) Matricaria chamomilla (80 mg/g); (4) Myrrha and propolis toothpaste (commercial); (5) fluoride (F) and triclosan (1450 ppm F), 0.3% triclosan and sorbitol (Colgate®, positive control); (6) placebo (negative control). The pH of the medium was measured, bacteria were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and enamel demineralization was quantified using transverse microradiography. The total bacterial count was reduced by toothpaste containing Myrcia bella, Matricaria chamomilla, fluoride, and triclosan (commercial) compared to the placebo. As far as assessable, Myrcia bella, Matricaria chamomilla, and Myrrha and propolis (commercial) inhibited the outgrowth of S. mutans, while Lactobacillus spp. were reduced/eliminated by all toothpastes except Vochysia tucanorum. Mineral loss and lesion depth were significantly reduced by all toothpastes (total: 1423.6 ± 115.2 vol% × µm; 57.3 ± 9.8 µm) compared to the placebo (2420.0 ± 626.0 vol% × µm; 108.9 ± 21.17 µm). Herbal toothpastes were able to reduce enamel demineralization.

Effect of denture liners surface modification with Equisetum giganteum and Punica granatum on Candida albicans biofilm inhibition.

Aim: This study investigated the effect of denture liners surface modification with Equisetum giganteum (EG) and Punica granatum (PG) on Candida albicans biofilm inhibition supposing its usage as a sustained-release therapeutical delivery system for Candida-associated denture stomatitis. Materials & methods:C. albicans biofilm (SC5314 or ATCC 90028) was formed on soft liners superficially modified by a primer mixed to drugs at minimum inhibitory concentrations (0.100 g for EG and PG or 0.016 g for nystatin per ml of primer). After 24 h, 7 or 14 days, antibiofilm activity was evaluated by colony-forming unit counts. Results: Not all groups were equi-efficient to nystatin after 24 h and 7 days. After 14 days, EG and PG efficacies were not different from nystatin (almost 100% inhibition). Conclusion: The proposed protocol presents a promising option to allopathic drugs for Candida-associated denture stomatitis treatment.

Hydroalcoholic Extract of Myrcia bella Loaded into a Microemulsion System: A Study of Antifungal and Mutagenic Potential.

Myrcia bella is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of diabetes, hemorrhages, and hypertension in Brazilian folk medicine. Considering that plant extracts are attractive sources of new drugs, the aim of the present study was to verify the influence of incorporating 70% hydroalcoholic of M. bella leaves in nanostructured lipid systems on the mutagenic and antifungal activities of the extract. In this work, we evaluated the antifungal potential of M. bella loaded on the microemulsion against Candida sp for minimum inhibitory concentration, using the microdilution technique. The system was composed of polyoxyethylene 20 cetyl ether and soybean phosphatidylcholine (10%), grape seed oil, cholesterol (10%: proportion 5/1), and purified water (80%). To investigate the mutagenic activity, the Ames test was used with the Salmonella Typhimurium tester strains. M. bella, either incorporated or free, showed an important antifungal effect against all tested strains. Moreover, the incorporation surprisingly inhibited the mutagenicity presented by the extract. The present study attests the antimicrobial properties of M. bella extract, contributing to the search for new natural products with biological activities and suggesting caution in its use for medicinal purposes. In addition, the results emphasize the importance of the use of nanotechnology associated with natural products as a strategy for the control of infections caused mainly by the genus Candida sp.

Evaluation of Myrcia bella in murine osteosarcoma cells: Effect of the extract and enriched fractions of tannins and flavonoids.

Myrcia bella Cambess (Myrtaceae) is an important and common plant, native to the Brazilian Cerrado, with cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties. Therefore, the effects of crude hydroalcoholic extract (CE) and fractions of ellagitannins (ELT) and flavonoids (FV) from Myrcia bella leaves were evaluated in a UMR-106 murine osteosarcoma cells and MC3T3 (normal cell). Cell viability and migration, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 and -9 activities were evaluated. In general, CE (80 µg/mL), ELT (160 µg/mL) and FV (64 µg/mL) reduced cell viability (p < 0.05). FV (64 µg/mL) was more effective in inhibition of cell migration, ROS production, and MMP-2 activity when compared to CE and ELT. Myrcia bella a rich source of phenolic compounds and its fraction of flavonoids have cytotoxic effects on osteosarcoma cells, preserving the viability of normal osteoblasts. Due to its antioxidant capacity, flavonoid may be a new therapeutic strategy for cancer.

Hypoglycemic active principles from the leaves of Bauhinia holophylla: Comprehensive phytochemical characterization and in vivo activity profile.

Bauhinia holophylla leaves, also known as "pata-de-vaca", are traditionally used in Brazil to treat diabetes. Although the hypoglycemic activity of this medicinal plant has already been described, the active compounds responsible for the hypoglycemic activity have not yet been identified. To rapidly obtain two fractions in large amounts compatible with further in vivo assay, the hydroalcoholic extract of B. holophylla leaves was fractionated by Vacuum Liquid Chromatography and then purified by medium pressure liquid chromatography combined with an in vivo Glucose Tolerance Test in diabetic mice. This approach resulted in the identification of eleven compounds (1-11), including an original non-cyanogenic cyanoglucoside derivative. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry. One of the major compounds of the leaves, lithospermoside (3), exhibited strong hypoglycemic activity in diabetic mice at the doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg b.w. and prevents body weight loss. The proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) quantification revealed that the hydroalcoholic leaves extract contained 1.7% of lithospermoside (3) and 3.1% of flavonoids. The NMR analysis also revealed the presence of a high amount of pinitol (4) (9.5%), a known compound possessing in vivo hypoglycemic activity. The hypoglycemic properties of the hydroalcoholic leaves extract and the traditional water infusion extracts of the leaves of B. holophylla seem thus to be the result of the activity of three unrelated classes of compounds. Such results support to some extent the traditional use of Bauhinia holophylla to treat diabetes.

GC-TOF/MS-based metabolomics analysis to investigate the changes driven by N-Acetylcysteine in the plant-pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant, anti-adhesive, and antimicrobial compound. Even though there is much information regarding the role of NAC as an antioxidant and anti-adhesive agent, little is known about its antimicrobial activity. In order to assess its mode of action in bacterial cells, we investigated the metabolic responses triggered by NAC at neutral pH. As a model organism, we chose the Gram-negative plant pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (X. citri), the causal agent of citrus canker disease, due to the potential use of NAC as a sustainable molecule against phytopathogens dissemination in citrus cultivated areas. In presence of NAC, cell proliferation was affected after 4 h, but damages to the cell membrane were observed only after 24 h. Targeted metabolite profiling analysis using GC-MS/TOF unravelled that NAC seems to be metabolized by the cells affecting cysteine metabolism. Intriguingly, glutamine, a marker for nitrogen status, was not detected among the cells treated with NAC. The absence of glutamine was followed by a decrease in the levels of the majority of the proteinogenic amino acids, suggesting that the reduced availability of amino acids affect protein synthesis and consequently cell proliferation.

The Effect of Solutions Containing Extracts of Vochysia tucanorum Mart., Myrcia bellaCambess., Matricaria chamomilla L. and Malva sylvestris L. on Cariogenic Bacterial Species and Enamel Caries Development.

This study evaluated the effect of experimental solutions containing plant extracts on bacterial species and enamel caries prevention. Microcosm biofilm was produced from human saliva mixed with McBain saliva (0.2% sucrose) on bovine enamel for 5 days (3 days under anaerobiosis and 2 days under aerobiosis) at 37°C. From the 2nd day, the following treatments were applied (1 × 60 s/day): Vochysia tucanorum (10 mg/mL); Myrcia bella (5 mg/mL); Matricaria chamomilla (80 mg/mL); Malva sylvestris, fluoride, and xylitol (Malvatricin Plus®); 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX, PerioGard®); and PBS (negative control). The medium pH was measured. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed for the detection of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. Enamel demineralization was measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The data were compared by means of the Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, two-way ANOVA/Bonferroni, and ANOVA/Tukey tests (p < 0.05). The pH decreased after sucrose exposure; only CHX reestablished pH >5.5 by the last day. CHX also eliminated Lactobacillusspp., but the other treatments did not differ significantly from PBS. Malvatricin Plus® and CHX eliminated S. mutans, but the other treatments did not differ from PBS. Similar results were seen concerning the reduction of lesion depth and reflectivity. The experimental natural-extract solutions were ineffective against cariogenic bacteria and in preventing the development of enamel caries.

Vochysia tucanorum Mart. butanol fraction presents antitumoral activity in vivo and prevents the installation of cachexia in solid Ehrlich tumor model.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a multifactorial disease caused by uncontrolled proliferation of cells. About 50-80% of cancer patients develop cachexia, a complex metabolic syndrome associated with an increase of mortality and morbidity. However, there are no effective therapies in medical clinic for cancer cachexia. Vochysia tucanorum Mart. is a common three of the Brazilian "Cerrado". The butanolic fraction of V. tucanorum (Fr-BuVt), very rich in triterpenes with various biological activities, might be interesting in being tested in cancer cachexia syndrome. Hence, the present study was undertaken to investigate the antitumoral activity of Fr-BuVt and its potential against cachexia development. METHODS: Ehrlich tumor was used as model of cancer cachexia. Ascitic Ehrlich tumor cells were collected, processed and inoculated subcutaneously in saline solution (1 × 107/100 µl; ≥95% viability) for the obtention of solid Ehrlich carcinoma. After inoculation, solid Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice were treated by 14 consecutive days by gavage with Fr-BuVt (200 mg/kg). Body weight and tumor volume were measure during the treatment period. Tumors were removed, weighed and properly processed to measure the content and phosphorylation levels of key-proteins involved to apoptotic and proliferation process by Western Blot. Muscles and adipose tissues were removed for weighed. Serum was collected to cytokines levels and energetic blood markers measurements. RESULTS: The treatment with the Fr-BuVt (200 mg/kg, 14 days) decreased the solid Ehrlich tumor volume and weight besides increased the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins caspase-3 and BAX, but also decreased the expression of the proteins involved in proliferation NFκB, mTOR and ERK. In addition, our data shows that the administration of Fr-BuVt was able to prevent the installation of cancer cachexia in Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice, since prevented the loss of body weight, as well as the loss of muscle and adipose tissue. Moreover, an improvement in some blood parameters such as decrease in cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 levels is observed. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that Fr-BuVt has antitumoral activity and prevent installation of cancer cachexia in Ehrlich model. Therefore, Fr-BuVt may represent an alternative treatment for cancer cachexia.

Effects of Qualea grandiflora Extract on the Expression of MMP-14 and HIF-1α in Cultured Fibroblasts and Preosteoblasts

Abstract Background: Qualea grandiflora (QG) (Vochysiaceae), also known as "pau-ferro", "pau-terra" or "pau-de-tucano", is a very common deciduous tree in the Brazilian Cerrado used in traditional medicine to treat inflammations, ulcers, diarrhea, and infections. There are reports in the scientific literature that demonstrate the medicinal effects of the bark and leaf of the QG. However, studies involving this plant are rather imited. Aim of the study: To perform the phytochemical analysis of the QG hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) of leaves, and to investigate it effects on fibroblast and preosteoblasts. Methods: Phytochemical analysis was done by HPLC-DAD. Murine NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts cell lines (ATCC) were used for the experiments. Cell viability was assessed by the MTT colorimetric assay and the expression of MMP-14 and HIF-1α by immunofluorescence. Results and conclusion: The following compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD, such as quinic acid, ethyl galate, ellagic acid derivatives as O-methylellagic acid O-galloyl, O-methylellagic acid O-deoxyhexoside, galloyl derivatives, flavonol glycoside as kaempferol-O-deoxyhexoside, quercetin-O-deoxyhexoside, myricetin-O-deoxyhexoside and the pentacyclic triterpene arjunglucoside. Cell viability results demonstrated no cytotoxic effects in the studied concentrations. We found in QG HAE some compounds with therapeutic properties that can increase the expression of MMP-14 and HIF-1α, in fibroblasts and preosteoblasts. These data suggest that QG HAE has an action on these two molecules widely involved in physiological conditions, such as collagen remodeling, bone development and growth and pathological processes as HIF signaling in cancer metastasis.

Metabolomics of Myrcia bella Populations in Brazilian Savanna Reveals Strong Influence of Environmental Factors on Its Specialized Metabolism.

Environmental conditions influence specialized plant metabolism. However, many studies aiming to understand these modulations have been conducted with model plants and/or under controlled conditions, thus not reflecting the complex interaction between plants and environment. To fully grasp these interactions, we investigated the specialized metabolism and genetic diversity of a native plant in its natural environment. We chose Myrcia bella due to its medicinal interest and occurrence in Brazilian savanna regions with diverse climate and soil conditions. An LC-HRMS-based metabolomics approach was applied to analyze 271 samples harvested across seven regions during the dry and rainy season. Genetic diversity was assessed in a subset of 40 samples using amplified fragment length polymorphism. Meteorological factors including rainfall, temperature, radiation, humidity, and soil nutrient and mineral composition were recorded in each region and correlated with chemical variation through multivariate analysis (MVDA). Marker compounds were selected using a statistically informed molecular network and annotated by dereplication against an in silico database of natural products. The integrated results evidenced different chemotypes, with variation in flavonoid and tannin content mainly linked to soil conditions. Different levels of genetic diversity and distance of populations were found to be correlated with the identified chemotypes. These observations and the proposed analytical workflow contribute to the global understanding of the impact of abiotic factors and genotype on the accumulation of given metabolites and, therefore, could be valuable to guide further medicinal exploration of native species.

Antibiofilm and anti-caries effects of an experimental mouth rinse containing Matricaria chamomilla L. extract under microcosm biofilm on enamel.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the antibiofilm and anti-caries effects of an experimental mouth rinse containing aqueous extract of Matricaria chamomilla L. METHODS: Microcosm biofilm was produced on bovine enamel, from pooled human saliva mixed with McBain saliva, under 0.2 % sucrose exposure, for 5 days. The biofilm was daily treated using (1 mL/1 min): Vochysia tucanorum Mart. (2.5 mg/mL); Myrcia bella Cambess. (1.25 mg/mL); Matricaria chamomilla L. (20 mg/mL); Malva sylvestris (Malvatricin® Plus-Daudt); 0.12 % Chlorhexidine (PerioGard®-Palmolive, Positive control) and PBS (Negative control). The % dead bacteria, biofilm thickness, EPS biovolume, lactic acid concentration, the CFU counting (total microorganisms, Lactobacillus sp., total streptococci and Streptococcus mutans/S. sobrinus) were determined. Enamel demineralization was measured by TMR. RESULTS: All mouth rinses induced bacterial death compared to PBS (p < 0.0001). The biofilm thickness varied from 12 ±â€¯2 µm (chlorhexidine) to 18 ±â€¯2 µm (V. tucanorum) (ANOVA/Tukey, p < 0.0001). The EPS biovolume varied from 7(4)% (chlorhexidine) to 30(20)% (PBS) (Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, p < 0.0001). The lactic acid production was reduced by M. sylvestris (1.1 ±â€¯0.2 g/L) and chlorhexidine (0.6 ±â€¯0.2 g/L) compared to PBS (2.6 ±â€¯1.3 g/L) (ANOVA, p < 0.0001). Malva sylvestris and chlorhexidine showed significant low CFU for total microorganisms, Lactobacillus sp. and total streptococci. Only chlorhexidine significantly reduced S. mutans/S. sobrinus. CFUs for total streptococci and Lactobacillus sp, were also significantly reduced by M. chamomilla L. Malva sylvestris (63.4 % of mineral loss reduction), chlorhexidine (47.4 %) and M. chamomilla L. (39.4 %) significantly reduced enamel demineralization compared to PBS (ANOVA/Tukey, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: M. chamomilla L. has lower antibiofilm action, but comparable anti-caries effect to those found for chlorhexidine, under this model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study shows that the antibiofilm and anti-caries potential may vary between the commercial and experimental mouth rinses containing natural agents, with promising results for those containing Matricaria chamomilla L. and Malva Sylvestris.

Genotoxicity, anti-melanoma and antioxidant activities of Hymenaea courbaril L. seed extract.

Hymenaea courbaril has been used to treat different diseases, although its properties are yet to be scientifically validated. The objective of this study was to determine the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, antigenotoxicity and antioxidant potentials of hydroethanolic extract from H. courbaril seeds. Therefore, for the cytotoxicity test an anti-melanoma assay was performed in B16F10 strain cells. The genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity was evaluated in bone marrow cells (Permit number: 002/2010) of mice, the antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH test and the total flavonoid content was also determined. The hydroethanolic extract showed antigenotoxic effect and antioxidant activity. It was verified that total flavonoid content was 442.25±18.03 mg RE/g dry extract. HPLC-PAD chromatogram revealed presence of flavones as majority compound in evaluated extract. The results allowed us to also infer that the hydroethanolic extract from seeds shows cytotoxic activity against B16F10 melanoma cells line and it has dose-and-time-dependency.

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Myracrodruon urundeuva All. and Qualea grandiflora Mart. leaves on the viability and activity of microcosm biofilm and on enamel demineralization.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Myracrodruon urundeuva All. and Qualea grandiflora Mart. leaves hydroalcoholic extracts on viability and metabolism of a microcosm biofilm and on enamel demineralization prevention. METHODOLOGY: Microcosm biofilm was produced on bovine enamel using inoculum from pooled human saliva mixed with McBain saliva, under 0.2% sucrose exposure, for 14 days. The biofilm was daily-treated with the extracts for 1 min. At the end, it was analyzed with respect to viability by fluorescence, CFU counting and extracellular polysaccharides (phenol-sulphuric acid colorimetric assay) and lactic acid (enzymatic assay) production. The demineralization was measured by TMR. The data were compared using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis (p<0.05). RESULTS: M. urundeuva All. at 100, 10 and 0.1 µg/mL and Q. grandiflora Mart. at 100 and 0.1 µg/mL reduced biofilm viability similarly to positive control (chlorhexidine) and significantly more than the negative-vehicle control (35% ethanol). M. urundeuva at 1000, 100 and 0.1 µg/mL were able to reduce both lactobacilli and mutans streptococci CFU counting, while Q. grandiflora (1000 and 1.0 µg/mL) significantly reduced mutans streptococci CFU counting. On the other hand, the natural extracts were unable to significantly reduce extracellular polysaccharides and lactic acid productions neither the development of enamel carious lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The extracts showed antimicrobial properties on microcosm biofilm, however, they had no effect on biofilm metabolism and caries protection.

Hypoglycaemic activity of Bauhinia holophylla through GSK3-ß inhibition and glycogenesis activation.

CONTEXT: Bauhinia L. species, including Bauhinia holophylla (Bong.) Steud. (Fabaceae), have traditionally been used to treat diabetes. Bauhinia is a complex botanical genus, and the indiscriminate use of the diverse Bauhinia species is reflected in the experimental divergence of their medicinal potential. OBJECTIVE: The hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects, molecular mechanism of action and phytochemical properties of an authentic extract of B. holophylla leaves were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phytochemical study of a 70% EtOH extract was performed using FIA-ESI-IT-MS/MSn and HPLC-PAD-ESI-IT-MS. The extract (200 or 400 mg/kg b.w.) was administered for 14 days to streptozotocin-induced diabetic Swiss mice. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, blood parameters, gene and protein expression, and the in vivo and in vitro inhibition of intestinal glucosidases were assessed. RESULTS: HPLC-PAD-ESI-IT-MS analysis identified flavonoid derivatives of quercetin, myricetin, luteolin and kaempferol. Treatment with 400 mg/kg of the extract reduced blood glucose (269.0 ± 32.4 mg/dL vs. 468.0 ± 32.2 mg/dL for diabetic animals), improved glucose tolerance, decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increased the mRNA expression of proteins involved in glucogenesis in the liver and muscle, such as PI3-K/Akt, GS, GSK3-ß (ser-9), AMPK and Glut4. The activity of intestinal maltase was inhibited in vitro (IC50: 43.0 µg/mL for the extract compared to 516.4 µg/mL for acarbose) and in vivo. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with B. holophylla was associated with a marked hypoglycaemic effect through the stimulation of glycogenesis and inhibition of gluconeogenesis and intestinal glucose absorption, without increasing basal insulinaemia.

An extract from Myracrodruon urundeuva inhibits matrix mineralization in human osteoblasts.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Phytotherapy based on plant-derived compounds is an alternative medicinal strategy for the relief of symptoms and the curing of diseases. The leaves of Myracrodruon urundeuva a medicinal plant also known as "aroeira", has been used in traditional medicine as healing, antiulcer and anti-inflammatory to treat skeletal diseases in Brazil, but its role in bone cell toxicity, as well as in bone formation, remains to be established. AIM OF THE STUDY: We sought to determine the in vitro osteogenic effects of a hydroalcoholic M. urundeuva leaves extract in primary human osteoblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and matrix mineralization were evaluated by MTT assay, DCFH-DA probe, colorimetric-based enzymatic assay and Alizarin Red-staining, respectively. Besides, the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and progressive ankylosis protein homolog (ANKH) gene expression were determined by real-time RT-qPCR and MMP-2 activity by zymography. RESULTS: Exposure of osteoblasts to M. urundeuva extract significantly decreased viability and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, regardless of the extract concentration. The M. urundeuva extract at 10 µg/mL also downregulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, while upregulating progressive ankylosis protein homolog (ANKH) gene expression. By contrast, the MMP-2 activity was unchanged. The M. urundeuva extract at 10 µg/mL also reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings suggest that the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization promoted by M. urundeuva may be due more to an increase in oxidative stress than to the modulation of MMP-2 and ANKH expression.

Antimicrobial activity of denture adhesive associated with Equisetum giganteum- and Punica granatum-enriched fractions against Candida albicans biofilms on acrylic resin surfaces.

Candida biofilms adhere to the internal surface of removable dentures, which is an etiological factor in the pathogenesis of denture stomatitis (DS). Adhesive materials are used at the base of maxillary complete dentures to improve their retention and chewing qualities. This article reports the antimicrobial activity of the enriched fractions of Equisetum giganteum and Punica granatum incorporated into a denture adhesive against C. albicans biofilm. The biofilms were induced on the surface of heat-cured acrylic resin specimens that were previously treated with a mixture of adhesive/herb extracts. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by CFU counts, XTT reduction, and SEM and CLSM analysis. Both herb extracts amplified the anti-biofilm action of the adhesive on the acrylic resin by up to 12 h. Therefore, when these extracts were combined with COREGA®, they played a collaborative and innovative role in biofilm control and can be considered alternatives for temporary use in the treatment and/or prevention of DS.