Biotechnological, nutritional and therapeutic uses of Pleurotus spp. (Oyster mushroom) related with its chemical composition: a review on the past decade findings

The particular characteristics of growth and development of mushrooms in nature result in the accumulation of a variety of secondary metabolites, several of them with biological activities. The genus Pleurotus is a cosmopolitan group of mushrooms with high nutritional value and therapeutic properties, besides a wide array of biotechnological and environmental applications. Scope and approach: The present report aims to provide a critical review on aspects related to chemical compounds isolated from the genus Pleurotus with possible biotechnological, nutritional and therapeutic uses. Investigations on the genus have immensely accelerated during the last ten years, so that only reports published after 2005 have been considered. Key findings and conclusions: The most important Pleurotus species cultivated in large scale are P. ostreatus and P. pulmonarius. However, more than 200 species have already been investigated to various degrees. Both basidiomata and mycelia of Pleurotus are a great renewable and easily accessible source of functional foods/nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and immunomodulatory effects. A series of compounds have already been precisely defined including several polysaccharides, phenolics, terpenes and sterols. However, intensification of structure determination is highly desirable and demands considerable efforts. Further studies including clinical trials need to be carried out to ascertain the safety of these compounds as adequate alternatives to conventional drugs. Not less important is to extend the search for novel bioactives to less explored Pleurotus species.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FTC, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (Pest-OE/AGR/UI0690/2014). R.C.G. Correa thanks CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil (CAPES fellow, process number BEX 3974/14-6). R.M. Peralta and A. Bracht are Research Fellows of CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico)

Agaricus blazei Murrill from Brazil: An ingredient for nutraceutical and cosmeceutical applications

Operations for sorting mushrooms at the industrial level usually generate large amounts of bio-residues not conforming to strict morphological criteria for commercial purposes, even though their biological content is not compromised. In this context, the present work aimed at evaluating the potential for reutilizing industrially discarded Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM). Thus, the content of essential nutrients and the chemical composition were determined, and MTT and LDH assays were used to evaluate the viability and cell death of Caco-2 and HT29 cell lines of an ethanolic extract prepared from ABM (preliminary safety tests for nutraceutical applications). The extract was incorporated into a semi-solid base cosmetic cream and cell viability effects of the extract, and of the final cream formulation, on a keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) were studied (preliminary safety tests for cosmeceutical applications). Essential nutrients, such as proteins and carbohydrates, and a low fat content were determined for ABM. Twenty-two fatty acids were detected, with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (∼53%) being the most abundant fraction. The cell viabilities of Caco-2 and HT29 cells were maintained up to 100 μg mL−1. After incorporation into the base cream, a formulation with a pale yellow colour and favourable pH was obtained. The cell viability of HaCaT cells in the presence of the extract and the final cream formulation was maintained in a concentration dependent manner, which indicates the safety of this extract for cosmeceutical applications. The results suggest that ABM residues can be used as an inexpensive and sustainable source of nutraceutical and cosmeceutical ingredients.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and the FEDER under Programme PT2020 for providing financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/ 00690/2013). This work was funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) through the Rural Development Program (PDR2020) within the scope of Project MicoCoating (PDR2020-101-031472), which also supported Oludemi Taofiq’s research grant. Francisca Rodrigues is thankful to the project Operação NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000011 for her postdoc research grant. Rosane Marina Peralta is a recipient of project number 307944/2015-8 from the CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento). This work received financial support from the European Union (FEDER funds through COMPETE) under Partnership Agreement PT2020 and National Funds (FCT, Foundation for Science and Technology) through project LAQV/UID/QUI/50006/2013 and NORTE-07-0124- FEDER-000069 – Food Science. This work also received financial support through the project POCI-01-0145 FEDER-006984 (LA LSRE-LCM), funded by FEDER, through POCI-COMPETE2020 and FCT.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

New phytochemicals as potential human anti-aging compounds: reality, promise, and challenges

Aging is an inevitable process influenced by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Indirect evidence shows that several phytochemicals can have anti-aging capabilities, although direct evidence in this field is still limited. This report aims to provide a critical review on aspects related to the use of novel phytochemicals as anti-aging agents, to discuss the obstacles found when performing most anti-aging study protocols in humans, and to analyze future perspectives. In addition to the extensively studied resveratrol, epicatechin, quercetin, and curcumin, new phytochemicals have been reported to act as anti-aging agents, such as the amino acid L-theanine isolated from green tea, and the lignans arctigenin and matairesinol isolated from Arctium lappa seeds. Furthermore, this review discusses the application of several new extracts rich in phytochemicals with potential use in anti-aging therapies. Finally, this review also discusses the most important biomarkers to test anti-aging interventions, the necessity of conducting epidemiological studies and the need of clinical trials with adequate study protocols for humans.R.C.G. Correa thanks Coordena¸c~ao de Aperfei¸coamento do Pessoal do Ensino Superior (CAPES) and Funda¸c~ao Arauc aria for the financial support provided for her postgraduate studies in Federal Technological University of Paran a (contract 100/2014). R.M. Peralta (Project number 307944/2015-8), C.W.I. Haminiuk (Project number 303238/2013-5), and A. Bracht (Project number 302615/2011-3) are research grant recipients of Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÍfico e Tecnologia (CNPq). The authors are also grateful to (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER-COMPETE/ QREN/EU for financial support through the research project PEst-OE/ AGR/UI0690/2014.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of a purified polysaccharide from yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis)

This study investigated the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of a purified yerba mate polysaccharide. The yerba mate polysaccharide showed a prominent antioxidant activity as evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•)-radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 1.25 ± 0.10 mg/mL), 3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6- sulphonic acid (ABTS•+)-radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.41 ± 0.05 mg/mL), and hydroxyl scavenging activity (IC50= 3.36 ± 0.31 mg/mL). The antioxidant activity evaluated as the ferric ion reduction power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance radical assay (ORAC), expressed as trolox equivalents,were 20.84±1.61 μMTE/- mg and 556.30± 12.83 μM TE/mg, respectively. The purified yerbamate polysaccharide presented high antimicrobial activity against several bacterial and fungal strains; however, no cytotoxicity against all four tumor human cell lines assessed.The authors thank the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, Proc. 3079/2015-8) for funding this study. Author V.G. Correa thanks Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento do Pessoal do Ensino Superior (CAPES) for the financial support provided for their post-graduate studies in Universidade Estadual de Maringá. R.C.G. Corrêa thanks CAPES Foundation,Ministry of Education, Brazil (process number 88881.120010/2016–01) for funding her postdoctoral internship in Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. A. Bracht, R.A. Peralta and R.M. Peralta are research grant recipients of CNPq.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A natural food ingredient based on ergosterol: Optimization of the extraction from: Agaricus blazei, evaluation of bioactive properties and incorporation in yogurts

In recent years, mycosterols have emerged as potential functional ingredients for the development of sterol-enriched food products and dietary supplements. Agaricus blazei is a mushroom rich in bioactive compounds. For commercial purposes, their fruiting bodies must obey rigid morphological criteria. Those not conforming to these criteria are usually discarded, although this does not mean impairment of their content in bioactives. The aim of the present work was to propose the use of commercially discarded A. blazei fruiting bodies for obtaining an extract rich in ergosterol as a fortifier ingredient for yogurts. For extraction, the Soxhlet technology was used and the highest ergosterol yield (around 12%) was achieved in the 5th cycle, yielding 58.53 ± 1.72 μg of ergosterol per 100 g of mushroom (dry weight). The ergosterol rich extract presented notable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, besides showing no hepatotoxicity. When added to the yogurts it significantly enhanced their antioxidant properties. Furthermore, it did not significantly alter the nutritional or the individual fatty acid profiles of the final dairy products. Thus, A. blazei fruiting bodies that do not conform to the commercial requirements of the market and are normally discarded could be exploited for obtaining a natural high added-value food additive, following the circular bioeconomy concept.R. C. G. Correa thanks the CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education, Brazil (CAPES fellow, process number 88881.120010/2016-01), for the financial support provided for her postdoctoral research in the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and the FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/ 00690/2013), L. Barros contract and A. Fernandes grant (SFRH/ BPD/114753/2016). This work was also funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds (FEEI) through the Regional Operational Program North 2020, within the scope of Project Mobilizador ValorNatural®. Rosane Marina Peralta and Adelar Bracht are recipients of scientific productivity research grants from CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brazil), grants numbers 307944/2015- 8 and 304090/2016-6, respectively. M. Sokovic is grateful for financial support to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of Republic of Serbia, Grant No. 173032.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

High-resolution stable isotope stratigraphy of the upper Cambrian and Ordovician in the Argentine Precordillera: Carbon isotope excursions and correlations

We report the occurrence of important carbon isotope excursions in early Paleozoic formations of the Eastern and Central Argentine Precordillera. The Steptoean positive isotope carbon excursion (SPICE) is known from North America, Kazakhstan, South China, Australia and South America, and the negative isotope carbon excursion (SNICE) has been described for the first time in South America. We report here the record of the SPICE and SNICE in a single section in the Eastern Precordillera. In the Central Precordillera, a minor middle Darriwilian positive carbon isotope excursion (MDICE) and a late Sandbian positive isotope carbon excursion, the GICE (~ + 3‰; C. bicornis biozone) are reported from two sections. One pre-GICE positive carbon-isotope excursion (Sandbian Sa1, N. gracilis biozone) in the Central Precordillera with a δ13C peak of ~ + 2‰ is, perhaps, equivalent to the positive Spechts Ferry δ13C excursion of North America. A positive δ13C excursion (~ 6‰; N. persculptus biozone) recorded at the base of the late Hirnantian La Chilca Formation probably corresponds to HICE. These carbon-isotope excursions resulted from more than one factor where paleoceanographic events probably played a major role: (a) sea-level fall and vigorous fluctuations in the Steptoean (SPICE), (b) sea-level rise in the Sunwaptan (SNICE), (c) important transgression in the Sandbian (pre-GICE and GICE), and (d) sea-level fall in the late Hirnantian (HICE). In the Darriwilian and Sandbian stages, organic burial has led to a large 12C sequestration in the deep anoxic ocean with saline bottom water, recorded by the graptoliferous black shales of the Gualcamayo and Los Azules formations in Central Precordillera, helped the building of the MDICE and GICE anomalies. δ18O values for the Upper Cambrian carbonates are likely near-primary isotope signals that point to progressive cooling from the SPICE to the SNICE, whereas for Sandbian carbonates they suggest strong temperature fluctuations. The δ13C peak of the GICE coincides with a cooler period with temperatures warming up towards the late Hirnantian to Rhuddanian. The Upper Cambrian to the Middle Ordovician of the Precordillera recorded a decrease of seawater 87Sr/86Sr ratios in accordance to the global picture. This decrease probably reflects the influence of widespread volcanic activity from arc terranes in low-latitude settings along eastern margins of Laurentia and in the Argentine Precordillera in the Early to Middle Ordovician. Five carbonate samples (from San Juan, Gualcamayo and Los Azules formations) yielded εNd values that along seven already published values seem to plot along the Nd isotopic evolution trend of the Iapetus Ocean. Together, the record of global Upper Cambrian and Ordovician carbon-isotope excursions in the Argentine Precordillera is a valuable proxy in refining Early Paleozoic stratigraphy, establishing of regional/global high-resolution correlations, and sea-level change history in South America.Fil: Sial, A. N.. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; BrasilFil: Peralta, Silvio Heriberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Juan; ArgentinaFil: Gaucher, C.. No especifíca;Fil: Toselli, Alejandro Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Correlación Geológica. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo. Departamento de Geología. Cátedra Geología Estructural. Instituto Superior de Correlación Geológica; ArgentinaFil: Ferreira, V. P.. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; BrasilFil: Frei, R.. Universidad de Copenhagen; DinamarcaFil: Parada, M. A.. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Pimentel, M. M.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Silva Pereira, Natan. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Brasi

Biological activities and chemical constituents of Araucaria angustifolia: An effort to recover a species threatened by extinction

Background: Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze (A. brasiliensis), known as Paraná pine, is the sole native gymnosperm of the Atlantic forest in Brazil and has great economic, cultural and social importance. Its seed, known as pinhão, has been consumed since prehistoric times. Besides the nutritional aspects, different parts of A. angustifolia are also used in the Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, respiratory infections, fatigue, anemia, among other disorders. Timber exploration has dramatically reduced the species population, and currently, A. angustifolia is classified as vulnerable regarding the risk of extinction. Scope and Approach: This review presents the most recently uncovered details about the chemical composition of the various parts of the plant. Emphasis is given to the main isolated and identified compounds or fractions and their corresponding bioactivities. Key Findings and Conclusions:.Apart from the nutritional properties of the pinhão, particularly as a starch source, this review reveals that a number of biological activities have been found in different parts of A. angustifolia (leaves, bark and pinhão coat), such as protection against DNA UV-induced damage, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiviral and digestive enzyme inhibiting activities. Further investigations should include parts of A. angustifolia that are currently discarded, such as the bark, bracts and the pinhão coat, with potential for use in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Studies on A. angustifolia must combine two important elements: the need for preservation of a typical ecosystem and the implementation of the A. angustifolia forests as a true economic alternative for local residents.The authors thank the Fundação Araucária for funding this study. R.F. Oliveira, R.C.G. Correa, L. Bertonha and V.G. Correa thank Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento do Pessoal do Ensino Superior (CAPES) for the financial support provided for their post-graduate studies in Universidade Estadual de Maringá. R.M. Peralta and A. Bracht are research grant recipients of Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnologia (CNPq)

Merlot grape pomace hydroalcoholic extract improves the oxidative and inflammatory states of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis

Grape pomace is an agro-industrial residue produced worldwide. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify the main phenolics present in an hydroalcohlic extract of a Merlot grape pomace and to investigate its effect on the oxidative and inflammatory states of adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. Daily doses of 250 mg of the extract per kg body weight were administered during 23 days. Several oxidative stress indicators in arthritic rats were maintained at their normal or closely normal levels in the plasma, liver and brain by the treatment. Additionally, the grape pomace also showed significant anti-inflammatory effects. From the 25 phenolics identified in the grape pomace extract the most abundant ones were catechin and catechin derivatives, which are possibly the most important antioxidant agents. The results suggest a potential applicability of the Merlot grape pomace hydroalcoholic extract in the improvement of the oxidative and inflammatory states in arthritic patients.The authors which to thank Anacharis Babeto de Sá-Nakanishi, Jurandir Fernando Comar and Leomara Floriano Ribeiro for their expert technical assistance. This work was financially supported by grants from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, Proc. 302615/2011-3 and Proc. 307944/2015-8) and Fundação Araucária (Proc. 215/2014). Andréia A. Soares and Rúbia C. G. Corrêa were post-doc fellowship recipients of the Coordenação do Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal do Ensino Superior (CAPES) and Fundação Araucária. The authors are also thankful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Program PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2013) and L. Barros (SFRH/BPD/107855/2015) grant. To POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006984 (LA LSRE-LCM), funded by ERDF, through POCI-COMPETE2020 and FCT.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Yerba mate aqueous extract improves the oxidative and inflammatory states of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis

Healthy and adjuvant-induced arthritic rats were treated for 23 days with daily doses of 400 and 800 mg kg−1 Ilex paraguariensis extract. This treatment (a) diminished the ROS levels in the liver and brain, (b) decreased oxidative protein and lipid damage in liver and brain, (c) increased the plasma antioxidant capacity, (d) increased the GSH levels and the GSH/GSSH ratio in both the liver and the brain, (e) almost restored the enzymatic activities linked to the metabolism of GSH–GSSG, and (f ) reversed the modified activities of xanthine oxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase. The anti-inflammatory actions (firstly) and the antioxidant actions (in the second place) of the yerba mate constituents (e.g., chlorogenic acid derivatives) are the causes of these beneficial effects. Daily ingestion of traditional yerba mate beverages may be effective in attenuating the symptoms of inflammatory diseases, especially in older adults.This work was financially supported by grants from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq-307944/2015-8), Coordenação do Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal do Ensino Superior (CAPES) and Fundação Araucária. The authors are also indebted to Jailson Araújo Dantas for his technical assistance and to Dr Ciomar A. B. Amado for facilitating access to equipment of the Pharmacology and Therapeutics Department of the State University of Maringá. The authors are also grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2013) and L. Barros contract.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Phytochemicals and bioactive properties of Ilex paraguariensis: an in-vitro comparative study between the whole plant, leaves and stems

Leaves, stems and whole plant of Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) were characterized in terms of their chemical composition and biological activities in order to determine which part of the plant is more interesting to develop bioactive formulations. The yerba mate samples contain at least five free sugars, five organic acids, eighteen fatty acids, one tocopherol, nine hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives and two flavonols. The leaves extract revealed the highest antioxidant activity, correlating with its highest levels of phenolic compounds. By contrast, the stems extract showed the highest anti-inflammatory potential and was also the most potent against MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines, probably due to the presence of other phytochemicals. The absence of hepatotoxicity of the extracts was confirmed in porcine liver primary cells. Although the yerba mate extracts have been widely studied, this report shows for the first time the distinct potentialities of each individual part of the plant.The authors are grateful to Foundation for Science and Technology (FTC, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (Pest-OE/AGR/UI0690/2014), L. Barros research contract (“Compromisso para a Ciência”) and R.C. Calhelha grant (SFRH/BPD/68344/2010). R.C.G. Correa and A. H. P. Souza thank CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil (CAPES fellows, process numbers BEX 3974/14-6 and BEX 3972/14-03, respectively). The authors also thank to A. Fernandes for all the support in some of the laboratorial work