Potential application of munguba butter in the formulation of nanoemulsified systems.

Munguba butter has bioactive compounds such as vitamin E and phytosterols, which has valued its application in the development of new products, with advantages in its use in emulsified formulations. Therefore, the objective was to develop and evaluate the stability of a nanoemulsion containing munguba butter as the oily phase. Munguba butter was extracted by the ultrasound assisted method and its HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) was determined. Next, formulations varying the concentration of butter from 1-40% were developed and classified into liquid or solid emulsion and phase separation. Liquid emulsions were evaluated for hydrodynamic particle diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), Zeta potential (ζ), rheological characterization, and stability assays. The butter had an HLB of 6.98. The NE 1.0% formulation was selected and demonstrated to be unstable at high temperatures (45 ± 2 °C) and remained stable at room temperature, refrigeration and light radiation for 90 days. Munguba butter, because it has high amounts of saturated fatty acids, hinders its application in the development of new products. However, the success in the development of the NE 1.0% formulation is noteworthy, remaining stable when exposed to refrigeration, room temperature and light radiation.

First sexual maturity and type of spawning of the fish Conodon nobilis (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Amazon coast - Brazil.

The study of reproductive biology is an important tool in identifying protective measures to preserve fish stocks, providing essential data for a reliable management system that ensures a balance between the environment and the economy. This study aims to analyze the first sexual maturity and type of spawning of the fish Conodon nobilis (Linnaeus, 1758) on the Amazon coast, specifically in the Gulf Maranhense region. 360 specimens were obtained from commercial fishing activity in the community of Raposa-MA during the period from January to December 2021. Biometric data were recorded, and the gonadal maturation stages were determined through macro (maturation scale) and microscopic (histology) analyzes. Sex ratio, mean length of first sexual maturation and type of spawning were determined. Negative allometric growth was recorded for both sexes, indicating a greater increase in length than in weight, and the length varied from 11 to 31.8 cm and the sex ratio was 1 male:1.5 female. Individuals in all stages of maturation were observed throughout the year, with a predominance of individuals in spawning capacity and reproductive peaks in January, April and May, indicating that the species presents multiple spawning. The length at first sexual maturity (L50) for females was 18.41 cm and for males was 18.91 cm. Knowledge of the mean size at sexual maturity can help define appropriate regulations for fishing, ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to reproduce at least once before being captured.

Development and stability of intimate soap formulations using Sapindus saponaria L. extract as a natural surfactant.

The use of synthetic surfactants reflects the high demand in the hygiene and cleaning sector for products with low-cost and good-effectiveness. These ingredients are the main components of intimate soap formulations. Sapindus saponaria L. is a plant rich in saponins, with the potential to be used as a natural surfactant due to its amphiphilic character and its foam-forming properties. Therefore, this study aimed to develop intimate soap formulations using S. saponaria extract as a natural surfactant and analyze its stability and surfactant characteristics. Preliminary and accelerated stability parameters, rheological characteristics, surface tension, foaming power, foam stability and emulsification potential were evaluated. The formulations were stable at a pH suitable for the intimate region (4.0 to 4.5), the presence of S. saponaria extract provided greater reduction of surface tension, better foaming and foam stability and greater emulsification power, desirable characteristics for an intimate liquid soap. These results demonstrate that the incorporation of S. saponaria extract into liquid soap formulations is an excellent option as a natural surfactant to reduce the use of synthetic anionic surfactants such as SLES.

Gill and hepatic histological alterations in Sciades herzbergii resulting from trace element contamination in the Port of São Luiz, Brazil.

The objective of this study was to evaluate, through changes in the gills and livers of Sciades herzbergii, the environmental contamination to which estuarine organisms are exposed in two areas in São Marcos Bay - MA. Two collection areas located in São Marcos Bay were selected for this study: A1, an area close to the Port Complex, and A2, an area on Caranguejos Island (included in the Environmental Protection Area of Baixada Maranhense). Collections were carried out during rainy and dry periods. Sediments (for trace element analyses), surface water (for physico-chemical analyses), and specimens of S. herzbergii (for biometric measurements and identification of branchial and hepatic histopathology) were collected. Physico-chemical parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and salinity) were within limits established by Brazilian legislation. Arsenic (in A1) and nickel (in A1 and A2) were above the legal standards in both periods. The highest percentage of histological alterations in the gills (aneurysms, lamellar fusion and detachment of the epithelium) occurred in the port area, in the rainy (93%) and dry (74%) periods. Liver alterations (melanomacrophage centers and necrosis) occurred only in specimens from the same area, in the rainy (41%) and dry (36%) periods. The highest histological indices of gill and liver changes were recorded in A1. This result was further supported by the total HI value of the lesions, which was higher in the port area compared to A2 (less impacted area), suggesting that the environmental conditions in that location are less favorable for the well-being of these organisms. Permanent environmental monitoring of the area is necessary to control environmental impacts efficiently.

The potential antioxidant activity of incorporating bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba Mart.) extract into a nanoemulsion system with baru oil.

The bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba Mart.) peel corresponds to 15% of the whole fruit and is rich in antioxidants with potential application in product development. In nanotechnology, emulsified formulations such as nanoemulsions stand out for providing modified release and improving the bioavailability of conveyed substances. The aim of this work was to develop nanoemulsified systems from baru oil containing hydroalcoholic extract from the bacaba peel, evaluate their stability and antioxidant potential. After the HLB (Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) determination of the baru oil, thirty-two formulations were developed, varying the proportions of surfactants, aqueous phase, and baru oil. Of those 32, 16 formed emulsified systems, and the ones with a higher amount of oil (20%) were incorporated with the BPE. The systems were submitted to stability studies to verify their viability. After that, several tests were performed, such as rheological characteristics, hydrodynamic diameter of the droplets, polydispersion index, zeta potential, and antioxidant potential by DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging methods. After the studies, two samples remained stable and presented a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic profile with thixotropy, hydrodynamic diameter of less than 200 nm, monodispersity, and negative zeta potential. The BPE showed antioxidant potential, with superior activity when incorporated into the nanoemulsified system. A strong negative correlation was found between the two antioxidant methods, where both demonstrated the same profile of potential antioxidant activity for the extract and formulations. The studied formulation showed that the use of BPE is a viable alternative for the development of new products based on sustainable technologies.

Incorporation of Cordia glabrata (Mart.) A.DC. extract in microemulsions and their potential antioxidant, photoprotective and virucidal activities.

Extracts of species from the Cordia genus have been reported with potential biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiparasitic. The aim of this study was to develop microemulsions containing ethanolic extracts of C. glabrata leaves and to evaluate their stability and biological activities. The five developed microemulsions presented physicochemical stability and presented Newtonian behavior when submitted to rheological analysis. The diameter values of the globules ranged between 225.74 and 273.33 nm and the zeta potential of the formulations remained between -22.40 and -25.08. All phenolic acids of the extract, quantified by HPLC, showed consistency after being microemulsified. The EC50 values for the antioxidant activity by the DPPH scavenging method ranged between 38.13 and 45.54 µgmL-1, and between 34.46 and 39.60 mM for the ABTS+ scavenging method. The virucidal activity presented a CV50 <0.195 µgmL-1 and a selectivity index greater than 20. The photoprotection results ranged between 2.14 to 2.84. The study revealed stable microemulsions and potentiation of the antioxidant effect in the microemulsified extracts.

Phytochemical screening of Cordia glabrata (MART.) A.DC. extracts and its potential antioxidant, photoprotective, antimicrobial and antiviral activities.

Species of the genus Cordia have shown biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antiviral, and antifungal activities. The species Cordia glabrata (MART) A.DC. Has no information concerning its phytochemical profile and possible biological activities. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate this profile in ethanolic extracts of young, adult and senescent leaves, as well as their antioxidant, photoprotective, antimicrobial, and virucidal potentials. Phytochemical analysis was performed by TLC (thin-layer chromatography) and showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and terpenes. The evaluation by UPLC-MS/MS (Ultra performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometer) evidenced the presence of caffeic (3.89 mgL-1), p-cumaric (6.13 mgL-1), and ferulic (0.58 mgL-1) acids, whilst, in GC/MS (Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis there was a greater amount of palmitic (51.17%), stearic (20.34%), linoleic (9.62%), and miristic (8.16%) fatty acids. The DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS+ (2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radicals were used to verify the potential antioxidant activity, observing a better activity for the leaf extract in the adult phenological stage: 54.63 ± 1.06 µgmL-1 (DPPH) and 44.21 ± 1.69 mM (ABTS). The potential photoprotective activity of the extracts was determined by spectrophotometry and the in vitro values of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) in young and adult leaves (5.47 and 5.41, respectively) showed values close to the minimum SPF of 6.0 required by ANVISA (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency). It was not observed an antimicrobial activity for Staphylococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 2000 µgmL-1, however the anti-herpetic assay against the Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) showed a potent virucidal activity at the tested concentrations with CV50 value <0.195 µgmL-1 and a Selectivity Index (SI = CC50 / CV50) greater than 448. The results obtained in this study suggest that extracts of leaves of C. glabrata in their adult phenological stage have potential antioxidant, photoprotective and virucidal activity, considering in vitro test results.

Evaluation of new leptin fragments on food intake and body weight of normal rats.

Leptin, a protein hormone originating from adipose tissue, circulates in the plasma and affects the energy balance by interacting with the hypothalamus. Leptin plays an important role in the regulation of a variety of physiological functions, including food intake, body temperature and body weight maintenance. Tertiary structure of the leptin molecule reveals the existence of a four-helix bundle that is characteristic of the short-helix cytokines. To identify regions of the leptin molecule responsible for its bioactivity, we have recently synthesized six peptides based on the protein three-dimensional structure. Our results indicated that the fragments Ac-hLEP(92-115)-NH(2) (IV) and Ac-[Ser(117)]-hLEP(116-140)-NH(2) (V) were recognized by leptin receptor present in hp-75 cells validating that this region of the molecule contain the functional epitope of the leptin molecule. In the present study, a new series of decapeptides encompassing the region of fragments IV and V of leptin were synthesized, and their effects on body weight and food intake were assessed when administered into the lateral cerbroventricle of normal rats. Peptides were synthesized by SPPS, purified by RP-HPLC and characterized by LC/ESI-MS. We also performed a conformational study of the peptides by circular dichroism in order to correlate the biological activity and secondary structure of the leptin fragments. Among the fragments tested, we found that Ac-hLEP(110-119)-NH(2) (VI) induce a significant reduction in both body weight and food intake. The use of synthetic leptin-derivate fragments may offer the basis for the development of compounds with potential application in human obesity or to its related metabolic dysfunctions.

Phytochemical screening of Cordia glabrata (MART.) A.DC. extracts and its potential antioxidant, photoprotective, antimicrobial and antiviral activities / Triagem fitoquímica de extratos de Cordia glabrata (MART.) A.DC. e sua potencial atividade antioxidante, fotoprotetora, antimicrobiana e antiviral

Abstract Species of the genus Cordia have shown biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antiviral, and antifungal activities. The species Cordia glabrata (MART) A.DC. Has no information concerning its phytochemical profile and possible biological activities. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate this profile in ethanolic extracts of young, adult and senescent leaves, as well as their antioxidant, photoprotective, antimicrobial, and virucidal potentials. Phytochemical analysis was performed by TLC (thin-layer chromatography) and showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and terpenes. The evaluation by UPLC-MS/MS (Ultra performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometer) evidenced the presence of caffeic (3.89 mgL-1), p-cumaric (6.13 mgL-1), and ferulic (0.58 mgL-1) acids, whilst, in GC/MS (Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis there was a greater amount of palmitic (51.17%), stearic (20.34%), linoleic (9.62%), and miristic (8.16%) fatty acids. The DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS+ (2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radicals were used to verify the potential antioxidant activity, observing a better activity for the leaf extract in the adult phenological stage: 54.63 ± 1.06 µgmL-1 (DPPH) and 44.21 ± 1.69 mM (ABTS). The potential photoprotective activity of the extracts was determined by spectrophotometry and the in vitro values of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) in young and adult leaves (5.47 and 5.41, respectively) showed values close to the minimum SPF of 6.0 required by ANVISA (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency). It was not observed an antimicrobial activity for Staphylococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 2000 μgmL-1, however the anti-herpetic assay against the Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) showed a potent virucidal activity at the tested concentrations with CV50 value <0.195 μgmL-1 and a Selectivity Index (SI = CC50 / CV50) greater than 448. The results obtained in this study suggest that extracts of leaves of C. glabrata in their adult phenological stage have potential antioxidant, photoprotective and virucidal activity, considering in vitro test results.

Resumo Espécies do gênero Cordia apresentam atividades biológicas, como anti-inflamatória, analgésica, antioxidante, antiviral e antifúngica. Para a espécie Cordia glabrata (MART) A.DC., ainda não existem informações sobre seu perfil fitoquímico e possíveis atividades biológicas, deste modo, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar este perfil em extratos etanólicos de folhas jovens, adultas e senescentes, bem como o potencial antioxidante, fotoprotetor, antimicrobiano e virucida. A análise fitoquímica foi realizada por CCD (Cromatografia em Camada Delgada), mostrando a presença de flavonóides, taninos e terpenos. Na avaliação por CLAE EM/EM (Cromatografia Líquida de Ultra Eficiência acoplada a Espectrometria de Massas) foi evidenciado a presença dos ácidos caféico (3,89 mgL-1), p-cumárico (6,13 mgL-1) e ferúlico (0,58 mgL-1), paralelamente, na CG/EM (Cromatografia Gasosa acoplada a Espectrometria de Massas) verificou-se maior quantidade dos ácidos graxos palmítico (51,17%), esteárico (20,34%), linoléico (9,62%) e mirístico (8,16%). Os radicais DPPH (2,2-Difenil-1-picrilhidrazil) e ABTS+ (2′-Azino-bis (ácido 3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-sulfônico)) foram utilizados para verificar o potencial antioxidante, observando-se uma atividade superior para o extrato da folha em sua fase fenológica adulta: 54,63 ± 1,06 µgmL-1 (DPPH) e 44,21 ± 1,69 mM (ABTS+). A potencial atividade fotoprotetora dos extratos foi determinada espectrofotometricamente e os valores in vitro de FPS (Fator de Proteção Solar) em folhas jovens e adultas (5,47 e 5,41 respectivamente) apresentaram valores próximos ao FPS mínimo de 6,0 exigido pela ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária). Não foi observada atividade antimicrobiana para Staphylococcus aureus sendo a concentração inibitória mínima de 2000 μgmL-1, no entanto o ensaio anti-herpético contra o vírus Herpes simplex tipo 2 (HSV-2) mostrou uma potente atividade virucida nas concentrações testadas com um valor de CV50 <0,195 μgmL-1 e um Índice de Seletividade (IS = CC50 / CV50) maior que 448. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo sugerem que extratos de folhas de C. glabrata em seu estágio fenológico adulto apresentam potencial antioxidante, fotoprotetora e virucida, considerando os resultados de testes in vitro.