Advances in Antitumor Effects Using Liposomal Citrinin in Induced Breast Cancer Model.

The study aimed to evaluate the antitumor and toxicogenetic effects of liposomal nanoformulations containing citrinin in animal breast carcinoma induced by 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA). Mus musculus virgin females were divided into six groups treated with (1) olive oil (10 mL/kg); (2) 7,12-DMBA (6 mg/kg); (3) citrinin, CIT (2 mg/kg), (4) cyclophosphamide, CPA (25 mg/kg), (5) liposomal citrinin, LP-CIT (2 µg/kg), and (6) LP-CIT (6 µg/kg). Metabolic, behavioral, hematological, biochemical, histopathological, and toxicogenetic tests were performed. DMBA and cyclophosphamide induced behavioral changes, not observed for free and liposomal citrinin. No hematological or biochemical changes were observed for LP-CIT. However, free citrinin reduced monocytes and caused hepatotoxicity. During treatment, significant differences were observed regarding the weight of the right and left breasts treated with DMBA compared to negative controls. Treatment with CPA, CIT, and LP-CIT reduced the weight of both breasts, with better results for liposomal citrinin. Furthermore, CPA, CIT, and LP-CIT presented genotoxic effects for tumor, blood, bone marrow, and liver cells, although less DNA damage was observed for LP-CIT compared to CIT and CPA. Healthy cell damage induced by LP-CIT was repaired during treatment, unlike CPA, which caused clastogenic effects. Thus, LP-CIT showed advantages for its use as a model of nanosystems for antitumor studies.

Antibacterial and Healing Effect of Chicha Gum Hydrogel (Sterculia striata) with Nerolidol.

Chicha gum is a natural polymer obtained from the Sterculia striata plant. The hydroxyl groups of its structure have a chemical affinity to form hydrogels, which favors the association with biologically active molecules, such as nerolidol. This association improves the biological properties and allows the material to be used in drug delivery systems. Chicha gum hydrogels associated with nerolidol were produced at two concentrations: 0.01 and 0.02 g mL-1. Then, the hydrogels were characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and rheological analysis. The antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The cytotoxicity was evaluated against Artemia salina. Finally, an in vivo healing assay was carried out. The infrared characterization indicated that interactions were formed during the gel reticulation. This implies the presence of nerolidol in the regions at 3100-3550 cm-1. The rheological properties changed with an increasing concentration of nerolidol, which resulted in less viscous materials. An antibacterial 83.6% growth inhibition effect was observed using the hydrogel with 0.02 g mL-1 nerolidol. The in vivo healing assay showed the practical activity of the hydrogels in the wound treatment, as the materials promoted efficient re-epithelialization. Therefore, it was concluded that the chicha hydrogels have the potential to be used as wound-healing products.

Biopolymer from Water Kefir as a Potential Clean-Label Ingredient for Health Applications: Evaluation of New Properties.

The present work aimed to characterize the exopolysaccharide obtained from water kefir grains (EPSwk), a symbiotic association of probiotic microorganisms. New findings of the technological, mechanical, and biological properties of the sample were studied. The EPSwk polymer presented an Mw of 6.35 × 105 Da. The biopolymer also showed microcrystalline structure and characteristic thermal stability with maximum thermal degradation at 250 °C. The analysis of the monosaccharides of the EPSwk by gas chromatography demonstrated that the material is composed of glucose units (98 mol%). Additionally, EPSwk exhibited excellent emulsifying properties, film-forming ability, a low photodegradation rate (3.8%), and good mucoadhesive properties (adhesion Fmax of 1.065 N). EPSwk presented cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of this study expand the potential application of the exopolysaccharide from water kefir as a potential clean-label raw material for pharmaceutical, biomedical, and cosmetic applications.

Potential Wound Healing Effect of Gel Based on Chicha Gum, Chitosan, and Mauritia flexuosa Oil.

Wounds are considered a clinically critical issue, and effective treatment will decrease complications, prevent chronic wound formation, and allow rapid healing. The development of products based on naturally occurring materials is an efficient approach to wound healing. Natural polysaccharides can mimic the extracellular matrix and promote cell growth, thus making them attractive for wound healing. In this context, the aim of this work was to produce a gel based on chicha gum, chitosan, and Mauritia flexuosa oil (CGCHO) for wound treatment. TG and DTG analyzed the thermal behavior of the materials, and SEM investigated the surface roughness. The percentages of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants were determined, presenting a value of 81.811 ± 7.257 µmol gallic acid/g Mauritia flexuosa oil, 57.915 ± 0.305 µmol quercetin/g Mauritia flexuosa oil, and 0.379 mg/mL, respectively. The anti-inflammatory was determined, presenting a value of 10.35 ± 1.46% chicha gum, 16.86 ± 1.00% Mauritia flexuosa oil, 10.17 ± 1.05% CGCHO, and 15.53 ± 0.65% chitosan, respectively. The materials were tested against Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria and a fungus (Candida albicans). The CGCHO formulation showed better antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, an in vivo wound healing study was also performed. After 21 days of treatment, the epidermal re-epithelialization process was observed. CGCHO showed good thermal stability and roughness that can help in cell growth and promote the tissue healing process. In addition to the good results observed for the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities and providing wound healing, they provided the necessary support for the healing process, thus representing a new approach to the wound healing process.

Sweet cherry phenolics revealed to be promising agents in inhibiting P-glycoprotein activity and increasing cellular viability under oxidative stress conditions: in vitro and in silico study.

This study aimed to explore the total phenolic and anthocyanin content (TPC and TAC, respectively), and the biological potential of Portuguese sweet cherry cultivars. The TPC and TAC values ranged between 72.9 and 493.6 gallic acid equivalents per 100 g fresh weight (fw), and from 1.0 to 179.1 cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside equivalents per 100 g fw, respectively. Cristalina total extract was the most effective in capturing DPPH reactive species, whereas the colored fraction and the total extract of Saco cultivar were the most efficient in scavenging ferric and peroxide species. Celeste total extract was the most effective in inhibiting α-glucosidase enzyme. Phenolic-rich extracts and standard phenolics also revealed ability to interfere with the P-gp activity on MDCK-II and MDCK-MDR1 cells and to increase cellular viability under conditions of oxidative stress. Computational studies were performed to evaluate the interaction between phenolics and the P-gp activity. This study revealed that cherry extracts and their phenolic compounds present notable biological properties, encouraging the development of cherry-based dietary and medicinal supplements. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The interest in phenolic-rich sources has increased significantly in recent years, given their capacity to prevent the development of chronic disorders, such as cancer. Recent evidence suggests that phenolic compounds can act as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors, an important drug efflux transporter, preventing multidrug resistance, and thus, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of some drugs in certain target cells. Our results indicate that enriched-fractions from sweet cherries can effectively interfere with the P-gp activity on MDCK-II and MDCK-MDR1 cells and protect against oxidative damage.

A study of the bioactive potential of seven neglected and underutilized leaves consumed in Brazil.

This study investigated the vitamin C content, total phenolic compounds (TPC), and the potential bioactivities (antioxidant, antiproliferative, antibacterial activities, and inhibition capacity against N-nitrosation) of seven neglected and underutilized species (NUS): culantro (Eryngium foetidum), false roselle (Hibiscus acetosella), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), tree basil (Ocimum gratissimum), Barbados Gooseberry (Pereskia aculeata), purslane (Portulaca oleracea), and tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium). Phenolic-rich extracts were obtained by a sequential optimization strategy (Plackett-Burman and Central Composite Design). O. gratissimum presented the highest TPC and X. sagittifolium the greater total vitamin C content. Overall, the plant extracts presented promising bioactive capacities, as scavenging capacity against HOCl, H2O2 and ROO• induced oxidation. P. oleracea demonstrated the highest cytostatic effect against ovarian and kidney tumor cells. O. gratissimum effectively inhibited S. Choleraesuis growth. Maximum inhibition on n-nitrosation was showed by O. gratissimum and E. foetidum. These results highlight the studied NUS as sources of potential health-promoting compounds.

Biocompatible Gels of Chitosan-Buriti Oil for Potential Wound Healing Applications.

The buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) can be associated with polymeric matrices for biomedical applications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chitosan gel (CG) associated with buriti oil (CGB) as a healing agent. The fatty acids and volatile compounds composition of buriti oil were performed and the composite gels were characterized using FTIR and thermal analysis. Biological tests including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and healing effects were also investigated. Buriti oil is composed of oleic and palmitic acids, and the main volatile compounds were identified. The buriti oil did not show antimicrobial activity, on the other hand, the composite gel (chitosan and oil) proved to be efficient against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia at the 10 mg/mL. Similar behavior was observed for antioxidant activity, determined by the ß-carotene bleaching assay, composite gels presenting higher activity and buriti oil showed anti-inflammatory activity, which may be related to the inhibition of the release of free radicals. Regarding wound healing performed using in vivo testing, the composite gel (CGB) was found to promote faster and complete wound retraction. The results indicated that the gel chitosan-buriti oil has a set of properties that improve its antibacterial, antioxidant and healing action, suggesting that this material can be used to treat skin lesions.

Synthesis of catalyst composed of palygorskita-TiO2 and silver nanoparticles for the development of assays antioxidant based on the generation of reactive oxygen species.

The great interest in compounds that present antioxidant capacity has generating the urgent need for analytical methods that could determine the antioxidant potential of these sources. A method based on generation of reactive oxygen species in water from catalyst composed of palygorskita-TiO2 and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs/TiO2-PAL) was developed and applied to antioxidant assays. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using silver nitrate solution, sodium borohydride reducing agent and Caraia gum as stabilizing agent. Incorporation of AgNPs into the previously synthesized TiO2-PAL was performed. The catalyst AgNPs/TiO2-PAL was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The catalyst AgNPs/TiO2-PAL were used to perform an antioxidant activity method which consisted in monitoring the discoloration of acid yellow 73 dye (AY73) in the presence of gallic acid antioxidant comparing to the dye discoloration in the absence of the antioxidant. A microplate reader was used to measure the discoloration of the aqueous solutions of AY73, irradiated by UV light for 60 min. The effect of reactive oxygen species generated by AgNPs/TiO2-PAL based in photocatalytic kinetics of AY73 dye was investigated. The oxidation of AY73 dye by photocatalysis in the system with AgNPs/TiO2-PAL catalysts was carried out mainly by the participation of O2 ·-, HO· and 1O2 species, in this order of importance. The results showed that the synthesis of the AgNPs/TiO2-PAL catalyst was successfully carried out and the application of this material in the development of an innovative methodology for the determination of antioxidant activity was extremely promising.

Extracts of Peels and Seeds of Five Varieties of Brazilian Jabuticaba Present High Capacity to Deactivate Reactive Species of Oxygen and Nitrogen.

Jabuticaba has a high concentration of phenolic compounds, which have a significant antioxidant capacity. Methodologies have been developed to evaluate the ability of plant extracts to fight free radicals such as H2O2, O2•-, HOCl, ONOO- and ROO•. Thus, the capacity of deactivation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in peel and seed extracts of five varieties of jabuticaba was evaluated. Sabará peel (SFP) deactivated HOCl with IC50 9.24 µg. mL-1; Paulista seed (PF) deactivated O2•- with IC50 16.15 µg. mL-1; Coroada seed (CFP) deactivated ONOO- with IC50 3.84 µg. mL-1; the peel of CFP deactivated ONOO- with IC50 5.88 µg. mL-1; the peel of SFP deactivated the ROO• at 918.16 µmol TE. g-1; and Sabará seed deactivated H2O2 with 49.11% inhibition at a concentration of 125 µg. mL-1 of extract. These results demonstrate the high antioxidant potential of this fruit, indicating that it could be extremely beneficial to human health.

Cinnamaldehyde induces changes in the protein profile of Salmonella Typhimurium biofilm.

The effect of cinnamaldehyde against biofilm cells of Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028 was evaluated. We also assessed differential protein patterns that were expressed by biofilms compared with planktonic cells and protein expression by cinnamaldehyde-treated biofilms cells. This compound decreased biofilm biomass and metabolic activity of biofilms at both concentrations tested. Cinnamaldehyde treatment reduced the number of attached cells in polypropylene, reflected by colony count and scanning electron microscopy. The proteomic analysis of biofilms compared with planktonic cells indicated that several proteins were upregulated or downregulated, especially proteins that are involved in energy metabolism. Peroxiredoxin, ATP synthase alpha chain protein, conjugal transfer nickase/helicase TraI and elongation factor G were upregulated in untreated-biofilm cells, and their expression decreased as a function of cinnamaldehyde treatment. Cinnamaldehyde had antibiofilm activity, and several differentially expressed proteins identified provide potential and interesting targets to explore new control strategies for S. Typhimurium biofilms.

Chitosan Hydrogel in combination with Nerolidol for healing wounds.

Chitosan is a natural polymer with antibacterial property, that is biodegradable, extremely abundant and non-toxic. This study aimed to develop and characterize chitosan hydrogels in combination with nerolidol, in order to optimize the antimicrobial and healing properties. The hydrogels were prepared using a reaction of the chitosan with acetic acid solution, followed by the addition of 2 or 4% of the nerolidol. Using thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy, the incorporation of nerolidol in the hydrogel was confirmed. Direct contact tests using hydrogels and Staphylococcus aureus showed a synergistic effect in the materials, enabling total inhibition of bacterial growth. The hydrogel containing 2% nerolidol showed excellent healing effects. The beginning of re-epithelialization and reorganization of collagen was already observed on the 7th day of treatment. The material created proofed to be promising as a healing and antibacterial agent.

Solanum diploconos fruits: profile of bioactive compounds and in vitro antioxidant capacity of different parts of the fruit.

Solanum diploconos is an unexploited Brazilian native fruit that belongs to the same genus of important food crops, such as tomato (Solanum lycorpersicum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum). In this study, we determined, for the first time, the profile of bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and tocopherols) of the freeze-dried pulp and peel of Solanum diploconos fruits, as well as of an extract obtained from the whole fruit. Additionally, the antioxidant potential of the whole fruit extract was evaluated in vitro, against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Eighteen phenolic compounds were identified in the peel and pulp and 6 compounds were found in the whole fruit extract. Coumaric, ferulic and caffeic acid derivatives were revealed to be the major phenolic constituents. All-trans-ß-carotene was the major carotenoid (17-38 µg g(-1), dry basis), but all-trans-lutein and 9-cis-ß-carotene were also identified. The peel and pulp presented <2 µg per mL of tocopherols, and ascorbic acid was not detected. The whole fruit extract exhibited scavenging capacity against all tested ROS and RNS (IC50 = 14-461 µg mL(-1)) with high antioxidant efficiency against HOCl. Thus, Solanum diploconos fruits may be seen as a promising source of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant potential against the most physiologically relevant ROS and RNS.

The seed of the Amazonian fruit Couepia bracteosa exhibits higher scavenging capacity against ROS and RNS than its shell and pulp extracts.

Among the large number of scientifically unstudied fruits from the Amazonia biome, Couepia bracteosa acts as an interesting source of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds and carotenoids, which may be used for protecting human health against oxidative damage. For the first time, the phenolic compounds and carotenoids in extracts obtained from the pulp, shell and seeds of C. bracteosa fruits are reported, as well as their in vitro scavenging capacities against some reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). The shell extract presented the highest phenolic compound and carotenoid contents (5540 and 328 µg per g extract, dry basis, respectively), followed by the pulp and seed extracts. The major phenolic compound was acacetin sulphate (one methoxy and two OH groups) (62%) in the shells; however, only seeds presented apigenin sulphate (three OH groups), in which it was the major compound (44%). The high content of apigenin sulphate may explain why the seed extract had the highest scavenging efficiency against all tested ROS/RNS among the studied extracts. Regarding carotenoids, all-trans-neochrome (17%) and all-trans-ß-carotene (16%) were the major carotenoids in the pulp extracts, while all-trans-lutein (44%) was the most prevalent in the shell extracts and all-trans-α-carotene (32%) and all-trans-ß-carotene (29%) were the major ones in the seed extracts.

Bioactive compounds and scavenging capacity of extracts from different parts of Vismia cauliflora against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.

CONTEXT: Vismia cauliflora A.C.Sm. [Hypericaceae (Clusiaceae)] is a plant from Amazonian forest. It is used by Amerindians to treat dermatosis and inflammatory processes in the skin and has been considered an interesting source of bioactive compounds. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the scavenging capacity of extracts from V. cauliflora (leaf, branch, stem bark, flower, and whole fruit) against reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), namely, superoxide radical ([Formula: see text]), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), singlet oxygen ((1)O2), nitric oxide ((•)NO), and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)). In addition, for the first time, the profile of phenolic compounds and carotenoids was determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The scavenging capacities of each extract were determined using specific probes (fluorescent, colorimetric, and chemiluminescent) to detect different reactive species ((1)O2, HOCl, H2O2, [Formula: see text], (•)NO, and ONOO(-)). The identification and the quantification of phenolic compounds and carotenoids were carried out by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD, respectively. RESULTS: (-)-Epicatechin and proanthocyanidin dimers and trimer were the major phenolic compounds tentatively identified in leaf, branch, stem bark, and flower extracts, while dihydroxybenzoic acids were the major compounds in whole fruit extracts. All-trans-zeinoxanthin and all-trans-ß-carotene were the major carotenoids tentatively identified in leaf extracts. All extracts of V. cauliflora showed high efficiency against all tested ROS and RNS, although flower and stem bark extracts exhibited the most remarkable scavenging capacity, especially for (•)NO and ONOO(-). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Vismia cauliflora has great potential to be used in the development of phytopharmaceutical products due to its characteristic of being a promising source of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant properties.

Stem bark and flower extracts of Vismia cauliflora are highly effective antioxidants to human blood cells by preventing oxidative burst in neutrophils and oxidative damage in erythrocytes.

CONTEXT: Vismia cauliflora A.C.Sm. [Hypericaceae (Clusiaceae)] is an Amazonian plant traditionally used by indigenous population to treat dermatosis and inflammatory processes of the skin. Previous research on V. cauliflora extracts suggests its potential to neutralize cellular oxidative damages related to the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. OBJECTIVE: To determine the activity of stem bark and flower extracts of V. cauliflora on the modulation of oxidative burst in human neutrophils, as well as its potential to inhibit oxidative damage in human erythrocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The modulation of neutrophil's oxidative burst by the ethanolic extracts (0.3-1000 µg/mL) was determined by the oxidation of specific probes by reactive species. Additionally, the potential of these extracts to inhibit oxidative damage in human erythrocytes was evaluated by monitoring its biomarkers of oxidative stress. RESULTS: Vismia cauliflora extracts presented remarkable capacity to prevent the oxidative burst in activated human neutrophils (IC50 < 15 µg/mL). However, the maximum percentage of inhibition achieved against hydrogen peroxide was 45%. Concerning the oxidative damage in human erythrocytes, the extracts were able to minimize the tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced hemoglobin oxidation and lipid peroxidation in a very low concentration range (2.7-18 µg/mL). Furthermore, only stem bark extract (100 µg/mL) was able to inhibit the depletion of glutathione (13%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results reinforce the therapeutic potential of stem bark and flower extracts of V. cauliflora to heal topical skin disease, namely in the treatment of neutrophil-related dermatosis and skin conditions related to oxidative stress, including skin aging.

Psidium cattleianum fruit extracts are efficient in vitro scavengers of physiologically relevant reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.

Psidium cattleianum, an unexploited Brazilian native fruit, is considered a potential source of bioactive compounds. In the present study, the in vitro scavenging capacity of skin and pulp extracts from P. cattleianum fruits against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) was evaluated by in vitro screening assays. Additionally, the composition of phenolic compounds and carotenoids in both extracts was determined by LC-MS/MS. The major phenolic compounds identified and quantified (dry matter) in the skin and pulp extracts of P. cattleianum were ellagic acid (2213-3818 µg/g extracts), ellagic acid deoxyhexoside (1475-2,070 µg/g extracts) and epicatechin gallate (885-1,603 µg/g extracts); while all-trans-lutein (2-10 µg/g extracts), all-trans-antheraxanthin (1.6-9 µg/g extracts) and all-trans-ß-carotene (4-6 µg/g extracts) were the major carotenoids identified in both extracts. P. cattleianum pulp extract showed higher scavenging capacity than skin extract for all tested ROS and RNS. Considering the potential beneficial effects to human health, P. cattleianum may be considered as a good source of natural antioxidants and may be useful for the food and phytopharmaceutical industry.

Vismia cauliflora extracts: bioactive compounds and the in vitro scavenging capacity against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.

Vismia cauliflora, a scientific unexploited plant from Amazonian forest, used by Amerindians to treat dermatosis and inflammatory processes in the skin may be considered an interesting source of bioactive compounds. Thus, we evaluated for the first time in literature, the scavenging capacity of five extracts of V. cauliflora (leaf, branch, stem bark, flower and whole fruit) against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. In addition, the phenolic compounds and carotenoids were also identified and quantified (dry basis). In general, (-)-epicatechin and proanthocyanidin dimers and trimer were the major phenolic compounds identified in leaf, branch, stem bark and flower extracts, while dihydroxybenzoic in whole fruit extracts. The highest phenolic contents were found in stem bark extract (106mg/g extract), followed by leaf (103mg/g) and flower (85mg/g). Regarding carotenoids composition, leaf extract presented the highest contents (0.6mg/g extract) and the major compound tentatively identified was all-trans-zeinoxanthin, followed by all-trans--carotene. All V. cauliflora extracts showed high efficiency against superoxide anion radical, hypochlorous acid, singlet oxygen, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite; however, flower and stem bark exhibited the most remarkable scavenging capacity (IC50 from 0.9 to 11.5g/mL). Therefore, V. cauliflora has a great potential to be used in the development of phytopharmaceutical products due to its characteristic to be a promising source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties.

Stem bark and flower extracts of Vismia cauliflora: modulation of oxidative burst in human neutrophils' and inhibition of oxidative damage in human erythrocytes.

Vismia cauliflora is an Amazonian plant traditionally used to treat dermatosis and inflammatory processes of the skin by indigenous population. Our research group showed that stem bark and flower extracts of V. cauliflora are efficient in vitro scavengers of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. In this study, we determined the activity of stem bark and flower extracts of V. cauliflora plant on the modulation of in vitro oxidative burst in human neutrophils and their potential to inhibit the oxidative damage in human erythrocytes. The oxidative burst in activated neutrophils were monitored by specific probes to detect the oxidizing effect of superoxide anion radical (MCLA), hydrogen peroxide (amplex red) and hypochlorous acid (APF), and both extracts were efficient to neutralize the oxidative burst (IC50 from 3 to 15µg/mL). These same extracts were also effective against oxidative damage in erythrocytes by inhibiting hemoglobin oxidation (IC50=18µg/mL) and lipid peroxidation (IC50=2.7 and 7.5µg/mL, flower and stem bark, respectively). In addition, stem bark extract (100µg/mL) inhibited the depletion of glutathione by 13%. These extracts have similar phenolic composition, but flower presents quercetin (14%) in its composition. Therefore, these results reinforce the potential therapeutic of stem bark and flower extracts of V. cauliflora to heal topical skin disease and requires further research targeted effectively to develop phytopharmaceutical drug based on this plant.

Treinamento em boas práticas para merendeiras de escolas e creches municipais da cidade de Iretama, PR / Training in good practices for school lunch ladies of the City Iretama, PR

Atualmente a qualidade é considerada componente fundamental dos alimentos, assim como a segurança é componente indispensável à qualidade. O manipulador de alimentos relaciona-se diretamente com as condições higiênico-sanitarias do produto, podendo mesmo comprometer a qualidade desses alimentos durante as diferentes fases de elaboração. Por isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi treinar os 25 manipuladores de alimentos (merendeiras) das 9 escolas e 3 creches municipais da cidade de Iretama – PR, avaliando posteriormente o aproveitamento do treinamento sobre boas práticas de manipulação de alimentos.

Aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and zearalenone in maize-based food products

A ocorrência de aflatoxinas B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1) e G2 (AFG2), ocratoxina A (OA) e zearalenona (ZEA) foi avaliada em 121 amostras de alimentos à base de milho, que foram coletadas no comércio da cidade de Maringá, PR, Brasil, entre os meses de Janeiro/2002 a Fevereiro/2003. A cromatografia em camada delgada foi empregada para a determinacão das micotoxinas. As médias das recuperacões foram 106,6%, 109,4%, 106,6%, 109,4%, 101,8% e 101,7% para AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, OA e ZEA, respectivamente. Três amostras (2,5%) foram positivas para AFB1 (8 a 59 µg/kg), duas (1,7%) para AFB2 (2,4 µg/kg), uma (0,8%) para OA (64 µg/kg) e uma (0,8%) para ZEA (448 µg/kg). A maior freqüência de amostras positivas e também a mais alta concentracão de AFB1 foi encontrada nas amostras de pipoca (8,3%, 59 µg/kg). Os dados demonstraram uma baixa freqüência de micotoxinas em produtos à base de milho comercializados em Maringá, mas a Ingestão Diária Provável Média (IDPM) de AFB1 foi alta nos produtos analisados. Portanto, torna-se necessário a realizacão de uma vigilância ativa destas micotoxinas nestes produtos alimentícios, a fim de proporcionar seguranca à saúde da populacão brasileira.