Saline extract from Malpighia emarginata DC leaves showed higher polyphenol presence, antioxidant and antifungal activity and promoted cell proliferation in mice splenocytes.

Currently, the research of new natural compounds with biological potential demonstrates great ethnopharmacological importance. In this study, we evaluated the biological properties promoted by saline extract from Malpighia emarginata DC leaves, whose objective is to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity potential. Phytochemical characterization was performed by UPLC-MS chromatography to identify the chemical compounds. For the antioxidant potential, DPPH, ATT and FRAP methods were used. The antibacterial and antifungal tests were performed evaluating the MIC50, MIC90, CMB and CMF parameters. Moreover, antibiofilm action was evaluated. Cytotoxicity and proliferation were performed using splenocytes from Balb/c mice and were evaluated by cytometry. We found a list of phenolic compounds among other bioactive compounds in the M. emarginata saline extract. In addition, higher antioxidant profile and antifungal activity against different strains of Candida spp. was promoted by the saline extract. Splenocytes showed greater cell viability (more than 90%) and showed higher proliferate index in 24 and 48 hours of incubation with the extract. Saline extract from Malpighia emarginata DC has potential action like antioxidant and antifungal agent without promote animal cell damage.

Agarose-silver particles films: Effect of calcium ascorbate in nanoparticles synthesis and film properties.

New nanoparticles containing biomaterials are emerging as versatile active platforms in a great number of applications, for example, as skin substitutes and therapeutic media. The present study describes the preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded in agarose films and the impact of calcium ascorbate in the formation of ANPs as well as in the final properties of the films. Colloidal AgNPs were synthetized by two chemical reduction routes: (i) applying calcium ascorbate and NaBH4 and (ii) applying only NaBH4. AgNPs synthetized using NaBH4 showed sizes ranging from 5 to 18 nm while AgNPs were calcium ascorbate was used showed micrometer from 164 to 955 nm size. Films were prepared in three formulations: agarose control film (A1); agarose + AgNPs without calcium ascorbate (A2) and agarose + AgNPs with calcium ascorbate (A3). The characterization of films by SEM and EDS showed agarose agglomerates in A2 and unreacted calcium ascorbate crystals on surface of A3. Thus, the presence of calcium ascorbate influenced the properties of A3 film. In addition, the antimicrobial analysis showed a silver particles release dependence on the film composition and only the A3 presented activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The results found in this study open an important way for development of new biomaterials, economically competitive, and with medical application.

Evaluation of embryotoxic and embryostatic effects of the aqueous extract of Rhizophora mangle and tannic acid on eggs and larvae of Aedes aegypti.

Rhizophora mangle is an abundant plant in mangroves and tannic acid is a polyphenol produced by the secondary metabolism of plants. The aim of the study was to evaluate the embryotoxic and embriostatic effects of the aqueous extract of R. mangle and synthetic tannic acid on eggs and larvae of Aedes aegypti. A. aegypti eggs were exposed in duplicate at concentrations of 250, 500, 750 and 1000 µg/mL of extract and tannic acid for a period of 14 days. Mineral water was used as a negative control. The eggs were observed and counted in a stereomicroscope (1.2x). In all extract concentrations there was stimulation in hatching in relation to the control, but only in concentration of 750 mg/mL it was statistically significant. In tannic acid (250µg/ml) there was significant stimulus in hatching, but in 500, 750 and 1000 µg/mL there was significant inhibition. All concentrations of aqueous extract and tannic acid on larvae showed embryotoxic and embryostatic effects when compared to the control. The aqueous extract of R. mangle showed effect on hatching of A. aegypti eggs and synthetic tannic acid showed embryotoxic and embryostatic effects. On larvae, both the aqueous extract as tannic acid showed embryotoxic and embryostatic effects.

Acute Toxicity and Cytotoxicity Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Spondias tuberosa Arruda Bark: Hematological, Biochemical and Histopathological Evaluation.

Spondias tuberosa Arruda, popularly named as umbu, is native from savanna-like vegetation and widely used for medicinal purposes, however, the toxicological profile is not available yet. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and acute toxicity and citoxicity of Ethanolic Extract of Spondias tuberosa Arruda Bark (EEStb) in hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters. Female Wistar rats were divided into: control (C) and animal treated single doses of 300mg/Kg (EEStb300) or 2.000mg/kg body weight (ESStb2.000) of the EEStb. After 24 hours and 14 days from gavage, the behavior, hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters were assayed. Cytotoxicity effect was evaluated on HEp-2 cell lines. Neither EEStb300 nor EEStb2.000 produced mortality nor changes in body weight during the 14-days of observation, but EEStb2.000 reduced quietly the food and water intake as well as locomotor activity at first day. There were no changes in macroscopic, histopathological, biochemical and hematological parameters. EEStb in concentrations of 6.25- 50µg ml-1 on HEp-2 cell did not produce cytotoxic effect. These results suggest that EEStb did not cause acute toxicity and cytotoxic, suggesting a good safety rate for Spondias tuberosa Arruda.

Influence of static stretching on hamstring flexibility in healthy young adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of static stretching on hamstring flexibility in healthy young adults by means of systematic review and meta-analysis. The search strategy included MEDLINE, PEDro, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, LILACS, and manual search from inception to June 2015. Randomized and controlled clinical trials studies that have compared static stretching to control group, and evaluated range of motion (ROM), were included. On the other hand, studies that have worked with special population such as children, elderly people, athletes, and people with any dysfunction/disease were excluded, as well as articles that have used contralateral leg as control group or have not performed static stretching. The meta-analysis was divided according to three types of tests. Nineteen studies were included out of the 813 articles identified. In all tests, the results favored static stretching compared to control group: passive straight leg raise (12.04; 95% CI: 9.61 to 14.47), passive knee extension test (8.58; 95% CI: 6.31 to 10.84), and active knee extension test (8.35; 95% CI: 5.15 to 11.55). In conclusion, static stretching was effective in increasing hamstring flexibility in healthy young adults.

Biological activity and photostability of biflorin micellar nanostructures.

Capraria biflora L. is a shrub from the Scrophulariaceae family which produces in its roots a compound named biflorin, an o-naphthoquinone that shows activity against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi and also presents antitumor and antimetastatic activities. However, biflorin is hydrophobic and photosensitive. These properties make its application difficult. In this work we prepared biflorin micellar nanostructures looking for a more effective vehiculation and better preservation of the biological activity. Biflorin was obtained, purified and characterized by UV-Vis, infrared (IR) and 1H- and 13C-NMR. Micellar nanostructures of biflorin were then assembled with Tween 80®, Tween 20® and saline (0.9%) and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results showed that the micellar nanostructures were stable and presented an average size of 8.3 nm. Biflorin micellar nanostructures' photodegradation was evaluated in comparison with biflorin in ethanol. Results showed that the biflorin in micellar nanostructures was better protected from light than biflorin dissolved in ethanol, and also indicated that biflorin in micelles were efficient against Gram-positive bacteria and yeast species. In conclusion, the results showed that the micellar nanostructures could ensure the maintenance of the biological activity of biflorin, conferring photoprotection. Moreover, biflorin vehiculation in aqueous media was improved, favoring its applicability in biological systems.

Influence of gamma radiation on the antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of Anacardium occidentale L., Anacardiaceae, rich in tannins

Anacardium occidentale L. Anacardiaceae, known as cashew, commonly found in northeastern of Brazil, has high levels of secondary metabolites, particularly tannins, used as raw material for herbal medicines. An efficient alternative to decontaminate plant products is the total sterilization or reduction of the initial microbial count, the process of gamma irradiation with 60Co. The objective of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of bark and leaves of A. occidentale, based on the quantification of total phenols and tannins, before and after exposure to gamma radiation from 60Co. The extracts were obtained in the laboratory by cold maceration in ethanol, filtered and dryness. They were divided into non-irradiated control group (0 kGy) and irradiated: groups exposed to gamma radiation at doses of 5, 7.5 and 10 kGy. The total phenols was obtained by the Folin-Ciocalteau method and tannins, by the precipitation of casein. The antimicrobial potential activities of these extracts were also evaluated. The results showed that gamma radiation doses employed in this study did not influence statistically the percentage of total phenols and tannins in the bark extracts, at levels ranging from 5.73±0.14 and 5.20±0.14, respectively. The levels of metabolites in the leaves were statistically (p<0.05) influenced by radiation, observed average total phenols between 3.13±0.04 (0 kGy) and 3.50±0.08 (10 kGy), and tannin between 2.47±0.06 (0 kGy) and 2.93±0.04 (10 kGy). The extracts of bark and leaves were active against Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Candida albicans. Gamma radiation caused an increase in antimicrobial activity of extracts against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive), with average inhibition zones for shells: 14.33±058 (0 kGy) and 22.33±0.58 (10 kGy), and leaves: 11.33±0.58 (0 kGy) and 19.00±1.00 (10 kGy). Exposure to radiation caused changes in physical and chemical constituents of phenolic extracts of leaves of cashew, increasing levels of tannins.

Influence of biflorin on the labelling of red blood cells, plasma protein, cell protein, and lymphocytes with technetium-99m: in vitro study

In this paper we report the results of an in vitro study involving the influence of biflorin (an o-quinone isolated from Capraria biflora L. that has potent antimicrobial activity) on the Tc-99m labeling of red blood cells, plasma protein, cells protein, and lymphocytes. Blood was withdrawn from Wistar rats and incubated with various concentrations of biflorin, and solutions of stannous chloride and Tc-99m were added. Plasma (P) and red blood cells (RBC) were isolated, precipitated, and centrifuged, and soluble (SF) and insoluble (IF) fractions were isolated. The results show that the highest concentration (100 percent) of biflorin is able to reduce the uptake of Tc-99m ( percentATI) on RBC and the fixation on IF-P. To study the influence of biflorin on 99mTc lymphocyte labeling, human blood was submitted to a technique with Ficoll-Hypac and centrifuged, and white cells were isolated. Lymphocytes (2.5 mL; 1.0 x 10(6) cells/mL) were obtained and a 0.2 mL solution was incubated with biflorin (0.1 mL). Solutions of stannous chloride and 99mTc were added. Lymphocytes were separated and the percentATI bound in these cells was evaluated. A reduction in percentATI (from 97.85 ± 0.99 to 88.86 ± 5) was observed for RBC and for IF-P (73.24 ± 5.51 to 20.72 ± 6.95). In this case the results showed no decrease in percentATI for the lymphocytes with biflorin.

Neste artigo relatam-se os resultados de um estudo in vitro envolvendo a influência da biflorina (uma o-quinona isolada de Capraria biflora L. que possui uma potente atividade antimicrobiana) na marcação do Tc-99m em células vermelhas do sangue, proteínas do plasma, proteínas celulares e em linfócitos. O sangue foi coletado de ratos Wistar e incubado com várias concentrações de biflorina, e soluções de cloreto estanoso (SnCl2) adicionando-se Tc-99m. O plasma (P) e as células vermelhas do sangue (CVS) foram isolados, precipitados e centrifugados, isolando-se as frações solúveis (FS) e insolúveis (FI). A maior concentração de biflorina (100 por cento) é capaz de reduzir a captação do Tc-99m ( por centoATI) nas CVS e a fixação na FI-P. Uma solução de 0,2 mL de linfócitos (2,5 mL; 1.0 x 10(6) células/mL), obtidos por centrifugação de sangue humano tratado com Ficoll-Hypac, foi incubada com biflorina (0,1 mL). Soluções de cloreto estanoso e Tc-99m foram então adicionadas. Os linfócitos foram separados e o por centoATI presente nessas células foi avaliado. Uma redução no por centoATI (de 97,85 ± 0,99 a 88,86 ± 5) foi observada para CVS e para FI-P (73,24 ± 5,51 a 20,72 ± 6,95). Os resultados não mostraram decréscimo no por centoATI para os linfócitos com biflorina.

Cytotoxic pyranonaphthoquinones from Melloa quadrival vis (Bignoniaceae).

Three new pyranonaphthoquinones: 5-hydroxy-6-methoxy-alpha-lapachone, 5,6-dihydroxy-a-lapachone and 4',5-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-alpha-lapachone, and two known compounds: lapachol and 5,5'-dihydroxy-3',4',7-trimethoxyflavanone, were isolated from the stem bark of Melloa quadrivalvis. Their structures were established by spectrometric data, mainly 1D- and 2D-NMR and mass spectra. The methylazoetetrazolium (MTT) method using viable cells of the strain Hep2 and the strain NCIH-292 demonstrated cytotoxic activity. The CI50 was also calculated. The chloroform extract and 5-hydroxy-6-methoxy-alpha-lapachone inhibited cell growth.