The Wound Healing Property of N-Methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-Hydroxy-L-Proline from Sideroxylon obtusifolium is Related to its Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions.

Wound healing involves the interaction of blood cells, proteins, proteases, growth factors, and extracellular matrix components. Inflammation is one of the first events occurring during this process. Previously, we showed that the N-Methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-Hydroxy-L-Proline (NMP) from Sideroxylon obtusifolium leaves (a Brazilian medicinal species) presents an anti-inflammatory action. Considering inflammation as an important event in the wound healing process, the objectives were to investigate the topical effects of the NMP gel on a mice wound-induced model. Male Swiss mice were divided into 4 groups: Sham (surgical procedure only), Control (gel-base treated), and 3% or 10% NMP gel-treated groups. Measurements of wound areas and microscopic analyses (HE [hematoxylin-eosin] and PSR [picrosirius red] stainings) were carried out, at the 7th and 12th, days after the wound induction. Furthermore, immunohistochemical assays for iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and biochemical measurements for TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), GSH (glutathione), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also performed, at the second day after the wound induction. The work showed that NMP decreases the wound areas, after topical application, relatively to the Sham and Control groups. In addition, microscopic alterations were reduced and collagen deposition was increased, at the 7th and 12th days, in the 10% NMP group. While iNOS and COX-2 immunostainings and GSH contents increased, in relation to the Sham and Control groups, TBARS and MPO decreased. Altogether, the results showed NMP to improve the wound healing process, by upregulating iNOS and COX-2 activities, reducing lipid peroxidation and MPO activity, and increasing GSH contents. In addition, NMP certainly contributes to the increased collagen deposition. These data may stimulate translational studies dealing with the possible use of NMP from Sideroxylon obtusifolium or from other sources for the management of wound healing.

Standardized extract of Erythrina velutina Willd. attenuates schizophrenia-Like behaviours and oxidative parameters in experimental animal models.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of the standardized extract from the leaves of Erythrina velutina in behavioural and oxidative parameters in the ketamine-induced schizophrenia model. METHODS: Mice received ketamine (KET) or saline for 7 days. From 8th to 14th day, the animals received Erythrine (Eryt) (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg) or olanzapine (Olanz), 1 h after KET administration. At 14th day, 30 min after the last administration of KET, the open-field and pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) tests were performed. Then, the animals were sacrificed and the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HC) and striatum (ST) were dissected for the oxidative tests. KEY FINDINGS: Ketamine increased spontaneous locomotor activity and grooming. KET decreased the PPI, which was reversed by combining it with Eryt or olanzapine. KET decreased GSH concentration in PFC and ST this was reversed by Eryt. KET increased MDA concentration in PFC and HC this was reversed by Eryt. Eryt and Olanzapine reduced MDA concentration in ST when compared to KET group. Nitrite concentration was reduced by administration of KET in the PFC. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the standardized extract of E. velutina can prevent behavioural symptoms and oxidative stress induced by repeated doses of KET.

Análise espectrofotométrica da atividade fotoprotetora in vitro de extratos das folhas de Byrsonima sericea / Spectrophotometric analyses of in vitro photoprotective activity of extracts from the leaves of Byrsonima sericea

No Brasil, o número de casos de câncer de pele tem aumentado, representando um considerável problema de saúde pública. Diversos fitocosméticos têm sido desenvolvidos com filtros solares e sob ponto de vista mercadológico a adição de produtos naturais, em particular contendo compostos fenólicos, tem sido alvo de vários estudos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi determinar o Fator de Proteção Solar (FPS) dos extratos etanólico (ET-NOV e ET FEV) e aquoso (AQFEV) das folhas de murici (Byrsonima sericea) e avaliar o seu potencial de aditivação do FPS em uma emulsão contendo o filtro químico metoxicinamato de octila. Foi realizada uma triagem fitoquímica preliminar para cada extrato. O Fator de Proteção Solar (FPS) foi determinado pelo método espectrofotométrico. A triagem fitoquímica revelou a presença de taninos e heterosídeos digitálicos para todos os extratos. O fator de proteção solar (FPS) para os extratos etanólico (ETNOV e ET FEV) e aquoso (AQ-FEV) das folhas do murici (Byrsonima sericea) não foram significativos (FPS 1.44, 1.36 e 0.68, respectivamente). Da mesma forma, a associação do extrato etanólico da folhas da Byrsonima sericea e metoxinamato de octila não mostraram ação sinérgica.

In Brazil, the number of cases of skin cancer has increased, representing a significant public health problem. Various phytocosmetics have been developed with sunscreens and from marketing's point of view the addition of natural products in particular containing phenolic compounds, has been the subject of several studies. The aim of this study was to determine the sun protection factor (SPF) of Birsonima sericea leaves ethanolic extract (ET-NOV and ET-FEV) and aqueous extract (AQ­FEV)) and assess its potential for additive in SPF in a formulation containing the chemical filter metoxycinamate octyl. The method in vitro used in the calculation of SPF was by spectrophotometry method. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins and glycosides in all the extracts. The sun protection factor (SPF) of B. sericea leaves ethanolic extract (ET-NOV and ET-FEV) and aqueous extract (AQ­FEV) was not expressive (SPF 1.44, 1.36 and 0.68, respectively). Similarly, the combined emulsion of B. sericea leaves ethanolic extract (ET-NOV) and metoxycinamate octyl not showed synergistic action.