Phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of three thymus species plants

Thymus plants comprise distinct species with claimed health properties [1], commonly associated to their essential oils and phenolic compounds. Albeit that, the phenolic composition and the biological activities of many Thymus species remain unclear. This work aimed to elucidate the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts from Thymus herba barona, Thymus caespetitus and Thymus fragrantissimus. The aqueous extracts of the three Thymus species were evaluated for their total phenolic compounds by an adaptation of the Folin-Ciocalteu method [2], and individual phenolic compounds were identified by high performance liquid chromatography associated with electrospray mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn) in the negative mode. The antioxidant activity of each extract was carried out by DPPH● scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays [3]. Total phenolic compounds in the three extracts ranged from 236±27 (T. caespetitus) to 273±17 μg GAE/mg (T. fragrantissimus). Similarly to other Thymus species [1,4], these extracts were rich in caffeic acid derivatives (characteristic UV spectra maxima at 290 and 328 nm) and mainly composed of rosmarinic acid (MW 360). Other caffeic acid derivatives included salvianolic acid K (MW 556) and 3′-O-(8″-Z-caffeoyl)rosmarinic acid (MW 538). High amounts of the flavone luteolin-O-glucuronide ([M-H]− at m/z 461→285) were found in T. caespetitus while the others species contained moderate amounts of this compound. T. herba barona, T. caespetitus and T. fragrantissimus extracts showed high DPPH radical scavenge ability (EC50 values 11.6±0.9, 13.8±0.6 and 10.9±1.2 μg/mL respectively), as well as high reducing power (EC50 values of 35.1±4.5, 39.3±2.7 and 32.4±4.3 μg/mL, respectively), that were comparable to those of reference compounds. This work is an important contribution for the phytochemical characterization and the antioxidant capacity of these three Thymus species

Phenolic composition of four sage species: salvia farinacea, salvia mexico, salvia greggii and salvia officinalis

Salvia species are used worldwide for medicine purposes. In general, these medicinal plants have high amounts of flavonoids and phenolic acids, that are thought to be closely related to their health properties [1,2]. In this work, the aerial parts of Salvia farinacea, Salvia mexico, Salvia greggii and Salvia officinalis were extracted with hot water [3]. Extracts were evaluated for their total phenolic content by an adaptation of the Folin-Ciocalteu method and further analysed by high performance liquid chromatography associated with electrospray mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn) in the negative ion mode [4], in order to identify their individual phenolic constituents. The aqueous extracts of S. farinacea, S. mexico, S. officinalis and S. greggii contained, respectively, 106±13, 159±38, 175±46 and 136±1 μg GAE/mg of total phenolics. These four species were characterized by a clear prevalence of caffeic acid derivatives, in particular of rosmarinic acid (MW 360), that is generally the most abundant phenolic compound in Salvia species [2,3]. In addition, S. mexico and S. officinalis contained moderate amounts of salvianolic acid B (MW 718). Among these two, S. mexico was richer in O-caffeoylquinic acid (MW 354), while the latter presented high amounts of salvianolic acid K (MW 556) and moderate amounts of its structural isomer. All the extracts were enriched in flavones: S. farinacea and S. officinalis contained high amounts of luteolin-O-glucuronide while S. mexico contained luteolin-C-glucoside with respective characteristic mass spectrometry fragmentation pattern m/z at 461→285 and m/z at 447→357, 327. Similarly, S. greggii extract presented high content of luteolin-7-O-glucoside ([M-H]− at m/z 447→ 285) and luteolin-C-glucoside and moderate quantities of apigenin-C-hexoside ([M-H]− at m/z 431→341, 311). Further studies are being undertaken in order to understand the contribution of these phenolic constituents in the biological activities of Salvia plants

Health-promoting effects of Thymus phenolic-rich extracts: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumoral properties

Thymus genus comprises numerous species that are particularly abundant in the West Mediterranean region. A growing body of evidence suggests that many of these species are a rich source of bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds such as rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acids and luteolin glycosides, able to render them potential applications in a range of industrial fields. This review collects the most relevant studies focused on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer of phenolic-rich extracts from Thymus plants, highlighting correlations made by the authors with respect to the main phenolic players in such activities.Science and Technology Foundation/Ministry of Education and Science (FCT/MEC) funded the Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE) (UIDB/50006/2020) and CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020), through national funds and, where applicable, co-financed by FEDER, within the Portugal 2020. Project AgroForWealth (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000001), funded by Centro2020, through FEDER and PT2020, financed the research contract of Susana M. Cardoso.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Salvia species as nutraceuticals: focus on antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties

Salvia plants belong to the Lamiaceae family and are recognized as being strongly aromatic, being widely used for different purposes in culinary or traditional medicine. These plants are well recognized as being rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids and terpenic compounds, which exhibit health-beneficial activities, protecting against oxidative and inflammatory-related diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Because of these properties, phytochemicals from Salvia species have been investigated as health promoting agents, for application in distinct fields. However, the growing demand for natural products with possible uses and applications in industry requires scientific validation studies. This review consists of a compilation of relevant studies with an emphasis on the antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties of phenolic-rich extracts from Salvia plants.The Science and Technology Foundation/Ministry of Education and Science (FCT/MEC) funded the Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE) (UIDB/50006/2020) and CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020), through national funds and, where applicable, co-financed by FEDER, Portugal 2020. Project PTDC/BAA-AGR/ 31015/2017 (Algaphlor) financed the research contract of Susana M. Cardoso.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Microbial water quality of public swimming pool in the district of Bragança

The poor water quality of recreational and rehabilitation pools,has been correlated to insufficient disinfection or human contamination, and can be a vehicle for transmitting diseasesto users. Because people with different characteristics attendpublic swimming pools with different purposes, the pool water quality control is essential to minimize hazards related tounsafe water.MethodsThis study was based on data collection of 144 samples between 2018 and 2020 in therapeutic and recreational pools(indoor and outdoor) in the Braganca district. The proportionof the number of bathers were estimated, as well as the microbial parameters: Total coliforms,Escherichia coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, total Staphylococcus,Staphylococcus coagulase-positive and mesophilic microbial count. Results: The E. coli, enterococci and mesophilic microbial count werenot found in any sample. Unsafe pool water was mainly contaminated by both photogenicP. aeruginosa(6.3%) and total Sthaphylococcus (10.4%). Levels ofP. aeruginosaintherapeutic pools was greater than in recreational pools (indoor and outdoor) (10.5% vs 6.8% and 4.5%, respectively),while total Sthaphylococcus was absent in therapeutic pools and represent 13.6% and 10.6% of positivity in indoor and outdoors wimming pools, respectively. The bathers number medium of therapeutic, indoor and outdoor pools was 4.8, 3.4 and 6.9,respectively. Conclusions: Overall, the results endorse the good water quality of theseswimming pools, mainly by the absent of faecally-derivedbacteria. The presence of P. aeruginosain therapeutic pools canbe explained by the type of users, while the high number of bathers may promote the growth of some microorganisms,particularly in outdoor poolsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Health-promoting effects of Thymus herba-barona, Thymus pseudolanuginosus, and Thymus caespititius decoctions

Thymus herba-barona, Thymus pseudolanuginosus, and Thymus caespititius decoctions were screened for their phenolic constituents, along with their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. The total phenolic compounds in the extracts of the three plants ranged from 236.0 ± 26.6 mgGAE/g (T. caespititus) to 293.0 ± 30.5 mgGAE/g of extract (T. pseudolanuginosus), being particularly rich in caffeic acid derivatives, namely rosmarinic acid and its structural isomers, as well as flavones, such as luteolin-O-glucuronide. The T. pseudolanuginosus extract presented the best DPPH radical scavenging ability (EC 50 = 10.9 ± 0.7 µg/mL), a high reducing power (EC 50 = 32.2 ± 8.2 µg/mL), and effectively inhibited the oxidation of β-carotene (EC 50 = 2.4 ± 0.2 µg/mL). The extracts also showed NO· scavenging activity close to that of ascorbic acid, and thus might be useful as anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, they exhibited antibacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus strains were the most sensitive bacteria to thyme extracts, with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values in the range of 0.6–3.5 mg/mL. Overall, this work is an important contribution for the phytochemical characterization and the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities of these three Thymus species, which have been poorly explored.The authors acknowledge to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), the European Union, the National Strategic Reference Framework (QREN), the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), and Operational Programme Competitiveness Factors (COMPETE), for funding the Organic Chemistry Research Unit (QOPNA) (project PEst-C/QUI/UI0062/2013; FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-037296).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Metabolites and biological activities of Thymus zygis, Thymus pulegioides, and Thymus fragrantissimus grown under organic cultivation

Thymus plants are marketed for diverse usages because of their pleasant odor, as well as high nutritional value and wealth of health-promoting phytochemicals. In this study, Thymuszygis, Thymuspulegioides, and Thymusfragrantissimus grown under organic cultivation regime were characterized regarding nutrients and phenolic compounds. In addition, the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of these species were screened. The plants were particularly notable for their high K/Na ratio, polyunsaturated fatty acids content and low omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids ratios, which are valuable features of a healthy diet. Caffeic acid and/or its derivatives, mainly rosmarinic acid and caffeoyl rosmarinic acid, represented the majority of the phenolic constituents of these plants, although they were less representative in T. pulegioides, which in turn was the richest in flavones. The latter species also exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity (DPPH● EC50 of 9.50 ± 1.98 μg/mL and reducing power EC50 of 30.73 ± 1.48 μg/mL), while T. zygis was the most active towards Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Overall, the results suggest that the three thyme plants grown in organic farming are endowed with valuable metabolites that give them high commercial value for applications in different industries.The authors wish to acknowledge the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), the European Union, the National Strategic Reference Framework (QREN), the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), and Operational Programme Competitiveness Factors (COMPETE), for funding the Organic Chemistry Research Unit (QOPNA) (FCT UID/QUI/00062/2013) and Mountain Research Center (CIMO) (UID/AGR/00690/2013), through national funds and where applicable co-financed by FEDER, within the PT2020 Partnership Agreement. Susana Cardoso wishes to thank the research contract under the project AgroForWealth: Biorefining of agricultural and forest by-products and wastes: integrated strategic for valorisation of resources towards society wealth and sustainability (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000001), funded by Centro2020, through FEDER and PT2020.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Tuberculin skin testing versus interferon-gamma release assay among users of a public health unit in Northeast Portugal

he screening of groups with a high risk for developing tuberculosis (TB) is a priority in order to control this disease. Since there is no gold standard for the diagnosis of latent TB infection (LTBI), both the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) have been used for this purpose. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of LTBI by using the TST and the IGRA tests, and to assess the risk factors related with discordant results between tests across several risk groups advised for screening in Northeast Portugal. Data were collected from the database of patients with suspected LTBI and advised for the screening in a public health unit (January 2014 to December 2015). The proportion of LTBI was computed using both tests. Logistic regression models assessed risk factors for a positive test and for discordant results between tests. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) and respective 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were obtained. Out of 367 patients included in the analysis, 79.8% had a positive TST and 46.0% of them had a positive IGRA. In comparison with contacts of active TB cases, healthcare workers and inmates presented higher odds of TST positivity (OR 4.38, 95% CI 1.59–12.09 and OR 4.74, 95% CI 1.45–15.49, respectively), but immunocompromised people presented lower odds of TST positivity (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.06–0.31). Instead, healthcare workers (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.24–0.80) and immunocompromised people (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.10–0.56) presented lower odds of a positive IGRA. There were 42.0% concordant positive results, 16.1% concordant negative results, and 41.9% discordant results, with healthcare workers presenting higher odds of discordant results (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.84–6.05). The proportion of LTBI estimated by TST and IGRA among people advised for screening in our setting is high, highlighting the need of preventive strategies. Among healthcare workers, TST results should be read with caution as the higher proportion of discordant results with a positive TST suggests the impact of the booster reaction in this group.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Pesquisa de leucócitos residuais

A presença de leucócitos nos concentrados de eritrócitos (CE) e nos concentrados de plaquetas (CP) está associada a uma maior incidência de reacções febris, com transmissão de citomegalovírus (CMV) e aloimunização a antigénios HLA em indivíduos transfundidos. A exigência de componentes sanguíneos pobres em leucócitos implica a existência de um controlo relativamente à persistência dos leucócitos residuais. As amostras foram adquiridas no citómetro de fluxo e analisadas mediante um programa informático. A citometria de fluxo permite quantificar os leucócitos residuais dos diferentes componentes sanguíneos, avaliando a conformidade ou não conformidade com as normas exigidas pelo conselho da Europa

Salvia elegans, Salvia greggii and Salvia officinalis Decoctions: Antioxidant Activities and Inhibition of Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Enzymes

Salvia elegans Vahl., Salvia greggii A. Gray, and Salvia officinalis L. decoctions were investigated for their health-benefit properties, in particular with respect to antioxidant activity and inhibitory ability towards key enzymes with impact in diabetes and obesity (α-glucosidase, α-amylase and pancreatic lipase). Additionally, the phenolic profiles of the three decoctions were determined and correlated with the beneficial properties. The S. elegans decoction was the most promising in regard to the antioxidant effects, namely in the scavenging capacity of the free radicals DPPH•, NO• and O2•–, and the ability to reduce Fe3+, as well as the most effective inhibitor of α-glucosidase (EC50 = 36.0 ± 2.7 μg/mL vs. EC50 = 345.3 ± 6.4 μg/mL and 71.2 ± 5.0 μg/mL for S. greggii and S. officinalis, respectively). This superior activity of the S. elegans decoction over those of S. greggii and S. officinalis was, overall, highly correlated with its richness in caffeic acid and derivatives. In turn, the S. officinalis decoction exhibited good inhibitory capacity against xanthine oxidase activity, a fact that could be associated with its high content of flavones, in particular the glycosidic forms of apigenin, scutellarein and luteolin.The Science and Technology Foundation/Ministry of Education and Science (FCT/MEC) funded the Organic Chemistry, Natural Products and Food Stuffs Research Unit (QOPNA) research unit (FCT UID/QUI/00062/2013) through national funds and, where applicable, was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), within the Portugal 2020. Project AgroForWealth (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000001), funded by Centro2020, through FEDER and PT2020, financed the research contract of Susana M. Cardoso. The Science and Technology Foundation financed Marcelo D. Catarino (fellowship PD/BD/114577/2016).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio