Fleshy-fruit traits and seed dispersers: which traits define syndromes?

Background and Aims: Fruit traits and their inter-relationships can affect foraging choices by frugivores, and hence the probability of mutualistic interactions. Certain combinations of fruit traits that determine the interaction with specific seed dispersers are known as dispersal syndromes. The dispersal syndrome hypothesis (DSH) states that seed dispersers influence the combination of fruit traits found in fruits. Therefore, fruit traits can predict the type of dispersers with which plant species interact. Here, we analysed whether relationships of fruit traits can be explained by the DSH. To do so, we estimated the inter-relationships between morphological, chemical and display groups of fruit traits. In addition, we tested the importance of each trait group defining seed dispersal syndromes. Methods: Using phylogenetically corrected fruit trait data and fruit-seed disperser networks, we tested the relationships among morphological, chemical and display fruit traits with Pearson's correlations and phenotypic integration indices. Then, we used perMANOVA to test if the fruit traits involved in the analysis supported the functional types of seed dispersers. Key Results: Morphological traits showed strong intragroup relationships, in contrast to chemical and display traits whose intragroup trait relationships were weak or null. Accordingly, only the morphological group of traits supported three broad seed disperser functional types (birds, terrestrial mammals and bats), consistent with the DSH. Conclusions: Altogether, our results give some support to the DSH. Here, the three groups of traits interacted in different ways with seed disperser biology. Broad functional types of seed dispersers would adjust fruit consumption to anatomical limitations imposed by fruit morphology. Once this anatomical filter is sovercome, seed dispersers use almost all the range of variation in chemical and display fruit traits. This suggests that the effect of seed dispersers on fruit traits is modulated by hierarchical decisions. First, morphological constraints define which interactions can actually occur; subsequently, display and composition determine fruit preferences.Fil: Rojas, Tobias Nicolas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Ecología Regional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Ecología Regional; ArgentinaFil: Zampini, Iris Catiana. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Isla, Maria Ines. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Blendinger, Pedro Gerardo. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Ecología Regional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Ecología Regional; Argentin

Inhibition of an extracellular polygalacturonase from Geotrichum candidum by a proteinaceous inhibitor isolated from lemon fruits

An extracellular polygalacturonase [EC 3.2.1.15], named PG-543, was purified from the culture of Geotrichum candidum IEV 543, a phytopathogenic fungi isolated from infected lemon. The molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated to be 26 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The pH optimum determined was 5.5; the enzyme showed high stability in the pH range between 4.0 and 6.0. The temperature optimum was 37 ºC. Furthermore, a proteinaceous inhibitor of the polygalacturonase (PG) named PGIP was isolated from lemon albedo. This protein was able to maintain the inhibitory activity in a wide range of pH and temperature. The maximal interaction between PG-PGIP was reached after 20 min of contact. PGIP did not show toxic effect on Artemia salina in the concentration range that was active on PG enzyme. Also, the proteinaceous inhibitor did not show mutagenic nor phytotoxic effects.Our results suggest that, the PGIP isolated from lemon could be used as a natural product to decrease the propagation of pathogenic fungi responsible for postharvest diseases in citrus by the inhibition of hydrolytic enzymes secreted by pathogens.Fil: Rodriguez, Ivana Fabiola. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; ArgentinaFil: Torres, Sebastián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Sayago, Jorge Esteban. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Zampini, Iris Catiana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Isla, Maria Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Ordóñez, Roxana Mabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; Argentin

Potential use of Native Fruits Waste from Argentina as Nonconventional Sources of Cosmetic Ingredients

Background: Collagenase, hyaluronidase, elastase, and tyrosinase enzymes are overexpressed and overactive in the skin aging process and hydrolyze the components of the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) of the skin; these enzymes produce the clinical framework of aging, which includes skin dryness, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and inelasticity. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the potential use of waste from two Argentine native fruits, namely Ziziphus mistol, and red and orange varieties of Solanum betaceum, as sources of bioactive compounds. Methods: Phenolic enriched extracts (PEE) from waste of Z. mistol and S. betaceum were obtained, and their total contents of phenolics and flavonoids were evaluated. The bioactive properties of the extracts were analyzed by measuring their antioxidant capacity and the inhibitory activity on collagenase, hyaluronidase, elastase, and tyrosinase enzymes. Results: The increased ability to inhibit the collagenase was demonstrated by the PEE of Z. mistol seeds and peel, while the enzyme elastase was mostly inhibited by extracts of S. betaceum skin. Z. mistol seed extract was the most active to inhibit hyaluronidase, reaching 96% inhibition at a concentration of 100 μg GAE/mL. The most active extracts to inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme were obtained from the peel of two varieties of chilto fruits, orange and red, and the mistol seed. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that Z. mistol and S. betaceum waste may be considered as a source of bioactive phenolics. Here, Argentine native fruits waste is presented as a most promising alternative in cosmetic products, with future uses such as hydrogels, creams, or lotions.Fil: Orqueda, Maria Eugenia. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Zampini, Iris Catiana. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Bravo, Karent. Universidad de Antioquia; ColombiaFil: Osorio, Edison. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Isla, Maria Ines. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; Argentin

Influence of in vitro gastro-duodenal digestion on the antioxidant activity of single and mixed three “Jarilla” species infusions

Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Zp), Larrea cuneifolia Cav. (Lc) and Larrea divaricata Cav. (Ld), are shrubs commonly called “Jarillas” and used in Argentinian local communities as medicinal plants. In this work, phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of infusions prepared from aerial parts and mixtures in different proportions, before and after a simulated gastro-duodenal digestion was determined. The main phytochemical groups, protein, sugar and mineral content were analyzed, whereas some chemical markers were quantified by HPLC-DAD. All infusions exhibited antioxidant activity measured by different mechanisms (total reducing power and free radical scavenging). Although the antioxidant potential was lower after passing through the gastro-duodenal digestion process, in some cases an enhancement or synergism was observed. The mixture infusion prepared from 50% Lc, 25% Ld and 25% Zp showed higher antioxidant power after digestion and bioactive component recovery. These beverages could be important sources of antioxidant compounds for the prevention of chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress.Fil: Carabajal, Monica Patricia Antonella. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Isla, Maria Ines. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Borsarelli, Claudio Darío. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Zampini, Iris Catiana. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; Argentin

Propolis from the Monte Region in Argentina: A Potential Phytotherapic and Food Functional Ingredient

The aim of this review is to provide overall information on Argentine propolis and to shed light on its potential, especially the one from the Monte region so as to support future research in the field. Around 1999, the Argentine propolis began to be chemically and functionally characterized to give it greater added value. Because Argentina has a wide plant biodiversity, it is expected that its propolis will have various botanical origins, and consequently, a different chemical composition. To date, five types have been defined. Based on their functionality, several products have been developed for use in human and veterinary medicine and in animal and human food. Because the Argentine propolis with the greatest potential is that of the Monte eco-region, this review will describe the findings of the last 20 years on this propolis, its botanical source (Zuccagnia punctata Cav.), its chemical composition, and a description of markers of chemical quality (chalcones) and functionality. Propolis can regulate the activity of various pro-inflammatory enzymes and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism enzymes, as well as remove reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Consequently, it can modulate metabolic syndrome and could be used as a functional ingredient in food. Furthermore, hydroalcoholic extracts can act against human and animal pathogenic bacteria and human yeast, and mycelial pathogenic fungi. The ability to stop the growth of post-harvest pathogenic bacteria and fungi was also demonstrated. For this reason, Argentine propolis are natural products capable of protecting crops and increasing the lifespan of harvested fruit and vegetables. Several reports indicate the potential of Argentine propolis to be used in innovative products to improve health, food preservation, and packaging. However, there is still much to learn about these natural products to make a wholesome use of them.EEA FamailláFil: Zampini, Iris Catiana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Zampini, Iris Catiana. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Zampini, Iris Catiana. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales; Argentina.Fil: Salas, Ana Lilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Salas, Ana Lilia. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Salas, Ana Lilia. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Maldonado, Luis Maria. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá; ArgentinaFil: Simirgiotis, Mario J. Universidad Austral de Chile. Facultad de Ciencias. Instituto de Farmacia; ChileFil: Isla, María Inés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Isla, María Inés. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Isla, María Inés. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales; Argentina

Nutraceutical Properties and Toxicity Studies of Flour Obtained from Capsicum pubescens Fruits and Its Comparison with “Locoto” Commercial Powder

The aim of this research was to evaluate the phytochemical profiles of flour from red, yellow and green fruits of Capsicum pubescens (commun name: locoto) and compare with “locoto” commercial powder (Lcp). Soluble protein (SP), total sugar (TS), free phenolic compounds (FPC), ascorbic acid (AA), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA), condensed and hydrolizable tannin (CT, HT) and carotenoids (C) were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Multielemental composition by ICP-MS was also done. The flour showed low amounts of calories and high potassium and low sodium levels. Flour from “locoto” fruits contained mainly carotenoids (0.82 to 20 g Eβ-C/100g DW), polyphenolic compounds (681 - 822 mg GAE/100g DW) and ascorbic acid (100 - 199 mg AA/100g DW). The polyphenolic profile of Lcp was similar to flour obtained in our laboratory but the level of carotenoid was lower than that of flour. The fiber content of flour was around 3% in all cases. All preparations obtained from flour and Lcp showed antioxidant activity with SC50 values between 1.4 and 3 μg GAE/mL. Inhibitory capacity on Lipo-oxygenase enzyme was also demonstrated. Non mutagenic effect was detected. The “locoto” flour showed nutraceutical characteristics that are demanded by functional food and could be used as a dietary supplement.Fil: Rivas, Marisa Ayelen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; ArgentinaFil: Vignale, Nilda Dora. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Ordóñez, Roxana Mabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; ArgentinaFil: Zampini, Iris Catiana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; ArgentinaFil: Alberto, Maria Rosa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; ArgentinaFil: Sayago, Jorge Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; ArgentinaFil: Isla, Maria Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; Argentin

Actividad antibacteriana de constituyentes no volátiles de Rosmarinus officinalis contra 37 aislamientos clínicos de bacterias multirresistentes

In this paper we investigated the antibacterial activity of a methanolic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and their main constituents, carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, against 37 nosocomial strains of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Results obtained showed that both the rosemary extract and carnosic acid inhibited all clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-resistant and Enterococcus faecalis gentamicin and streptomycin-resistant bacteria examined (MICs 60 μg/mL vs. 200 μg/mL, respectively). Rosemary extract showed MIC values between 400 and 1600 μg/ml against the Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria: Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella morganii and Providencia stuartii, while carnosic acid showed MIC of 120 to 240 μg/mL. Bactericidal effect of carnosic acid against S. aureus and E. faecalis was observed at their MIC value, while 2 x MIC to 4 x MIC were needed to kill Gram-negative bacteria. Rosmarinic acid showed a narrow spectrum of action against a few Gram-negative clinical isolates. Our findings suggest that carnosic acid would be a good lead candidate useful in counteracting drug-resistant infections.En este trabajo evaluamos la actividad antibacteriana de un extracto metanólico de Rosmarinus officinalis L. y sus principales componentes el ácido carnósico y ácido rosmarínico, contra 37 cepas de bacterias multirresistentes nosocomiales. Los resultados muestran que el extracto de romero y el ácido carnósico, inhibieron las bacterias Gram-positivas Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a meticilina y Enterococcus faecalis resistentes a gentamicina y estreptomicina (CIM 200 μg/mL y 60 μg/mL, respectivamente). El extracto de romero inhibió los Gram negativos multirresistentes: Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella morganii y Providencia stuartii (CIM 400 a 1600 μg/mL), mientras que el ácido carnósico mostró valores de CIM entre 120 a 240 μg/mL. El ácido carnósico mostró actividad bactericida contra S. aureus y E. faecalis a su CIM, mientras que 2 a 4 X CIM se requirieron para matar las bacterias Gram-negativas. El ácido rosmarínico mostró inhibió unos pocos aislados clínicos Gram-negativos. Estos hallazgos sugieren que el ácido carnósico puede ser de utilidad contra infecciones bacterianas multirresistentes a antibióticos.Fil: Zampini, Iris Catiana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Tucumán. Instituto de Quimica del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Arias, Myriam E.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Tucumán. Instituto de Quimica del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Cudmani, Norma. Hospital de Clinicas "Dr. Nicolas Avellaneda", Tucuman; ArgentinaFil: Ordóñez, Roxana Mabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Tucumán. Instituto de Quimica del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Isla, Maria Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Tucumán. Instituto de Quimica del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Moreno, Silvia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquimicas de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Plantas de la Puna: fitoquímica y su uso en el cuidado de la salud

La Puna argentina representa uno de los ambientes más extremos para el crecimiento de numerosas especies vegetales por su aridez, la intensa radiación ultravioleta, sus bajas temperaturas y marcada amplitud térmica. Desde hace varios años, en el Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal (INBIOFIV) se realiza la bioprospección de especies vegetales que habitan estos ambientes, con el objeto de identificar compuestos químicos de valor medicinal...Fil: Isla, Maria Ines. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Zampini, Iris Catiana. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Alberto, Maria Rosa. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Biotecnología Farmacéutica y Alimentaria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Biotecnología Farmacéutica y Alimentaria; ArgentinaFil: Cuello, Ana Soledad. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; Argentin

Potential use of medicinal plants from Argentinean highland as agent anti-photoaging

Background: The overexposure to sun ultraviolet (UV) radiation produce photoaging by effect of free radicals on lipid, protein, and nucleic acid or by direct activation of responsible enzymes of cleavage of extracellular matrix components (EMC). Aims: To develop new anti-photoaging agents, the anti-aging activity of four “jarillas” standardized extracts from Argentina (Zuccagnia punctata Cav., Larrea divaricata Cav., Larrea cuneifolia Cav., and Larrea nitida Cav.) were examined. Methods: The effect on the activity and expression of enzymes related to photoaging (collagenase, hyaluronidase, elastase, tyrosinase) and the antioxidant capacity of four “jarillas” extracts were examined. Results: The results suggest that “jarillas” extracts could protect EMC by inhibition of skin aging-related enzymes and suppression of the expression of metalloproteinases (MMP-1) in human skin fibroblasts from photoinduced damage. Modulation of MMP-1 expression induced by UV radiation in human skin cells could be associated, at least in part, with the ROS scavenging capacity of “jarilla” extracts. The extract of Z punctata was more active than Larrea species extracts in all the trials. The activity of Z punctata and Larrea extracts could be ascribed to chalcones and lignans, major constituents of “jarillas,” respectively. Conclusions: The results obtained would indicate the potential of these adapted species to live in arid zones of Argentina, exposed to high ultraviolet radiation in production of cosmetic products and justify the promotion of their sustainable use and the development of crops.Fil: Orqueda, Maria Eugenia. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Moreno, María Alejandra. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Zampini, Iris Catiana. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Bravo, Karent. Universidad de Antioquia; ColombiaFil: Osorio, Edison. Universidad de Antioquia; ColombiaFil: Isla, Maria Ines. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; Argentin

Oral administration of zuccagnia punctata extract improves lipid profile, reduces oxidative stress and prevents vascular dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Background: The consumption of flavonoids has been shown to prevent cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis. In this sense, in a recent in vitro study we demonstrated that a rich in flavonoids extract from Zuccagnia punctata has beneficial effects on vascular function in aorta from hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a hydroalcoholic extract from Z.puncata (ZpE) to prevent alterations induced by high cholesterol diet in rabbits. Methods: The major components of the ZpE, flavonoids, were analyzed by using a validated reversed phase HPLC method. Rabbits were separated in five groups: fed standard chow (CD); CD orally administrated 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg GAE/day ZpE (ZpE- CD); fed 1% cholesterol-enriched chow (HD); HD orally administrated 2.5 mg GAE/day ZpE (ZpE-HD); HD orally administrated 2.5 mg rosuvastatin/day (Ro-HD). All diets were administrated by 6 weeks. Body weights (BW), mean blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), visceral abdominal fat (VAF), organ weight (heart, kidney, liver) and vascular morphology were determined. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose (FG), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), bilirubin, creatinine, thiobarbituric acids reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione reduced/oxidized index were measured in serum. Abdominal aorta was excised and vascular function was assessed by acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusiate relaxation and contractile response to norepinephrine and angiotensin II. Results: The major compounds of ZpE identified were chalcones: 2′,4′-dihydroxy-3′-methoxychalcone and 2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone. Oral treatment with ZpE reduced MAP, TC, TG, TBARS, aortic intima/media ratio and increased glutathione reduced/oxidized index in HD rabbits. No differences were found in AST, ALT, bilirubin or creatinine. Acetylcholine relaxation was normalized and contractile response to norepinephrine and angiotensin II was reduced in ZpE-HD. Conclusion: Oral administration of ZpE as natural product in the prevention of cardiovascular disease related with hypercholesterolemia and endothelial dysfunction is very promising.Fil: Roco, Julieta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Alarcón, Gabriela del Jesús. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Medina, Mirta. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Zampini, Iris Catiana. Universidad Nacional de Tucuman. Instituto de Bioprospeccion y Fisiologia Vegetal. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospeccion y Fisiologia Vegetal.; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Isla, Maria Ines. Universidad Nacional de Tucuman. Instituto de Bioprospeccion y Fisiologia Vegetal. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospeccion y Fisiologia Vegetal.; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Jerez, Susana Josefina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; Argentin