Pharmacological activity of the hydroalcoholic extract from Hovenia dulcis thunberg fruit and the flavonoid dihydromyricetin during hypercholesterolemia induced in rats

No Brasil, o acidente vascular cerebral e a doença arterial coronariana constituem as principais causas de mortalidade cardiovascular, sendo os altos níveis de colesterol LDL um dos principais fatores de risco. Nesse contexto, diversos extratos vegetais e substâncias naturais isoladas têm se mostrado promissoras como hipocolesterolemiantes. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o potencial do extrato hidroalcoólico dos frutos de Hovenia dulcis e do flavonóide diidromiricetina na redução do colesterol em ratos hipercolesterolêmicos. Quarenta e dois ratos Wistar machos, foram distribuídos em 7 grupos de 6 animais, que receberam dieta suplementada com 1% de colesterol e 0,3% de ácido cólico, à exceção do grupo controle, que recebeu ração convencional. Posteriormente, os animais foram tratados com suspensões orais contendo: atorvastatina 1,0 mg/kg; extrato de H. dulcis de 50,0 e 100,0 mg/kg; diidromiricetina de 25,0 e 50,0 mg/kg e veículo (grupo controle). Avaliaram-se os parâmetros bioquímicos: colesterol total, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglicérides, AST, ALT e fosfatase alcalina. A dieta hipercolesterolêmica foi efetiva na indução da hipercolesterolemia, aumentando o colesterol total em 112,7% em relação ao controle. Os tratamentos com as duas doses do extrato mostraram-se promissores como agentes hipocolesterolemiantes, já que foram capazes de reduzir substancialmente o colesterol total e LDL-C, sem alterar significativamente triglicérides, as transaminases hepáticas e a fosfatase alcalina, incentivando, assim, a continuidade de estudos com a planta H. dulcis. Já os grupos tratados com o flavonóide diidromiricetina, apesar de apresentarem redução significativa do colesterol total e de LDL-C, apresentaram elevações nos triglicérides e nos parâmetros hepáticos, resultado indesejável no âmbito das hipercolesterolemias.Cerebrovascular accidents and coronary artery disease are the leading causes of cardiovascular mortalities in Brazil and high levels of LDL cholesterol are one of the main risk factors. In this context, several plant extracts and natural substances have shown promise as cholesterol-lowering. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of the fruit of H. dulcis and of dihydromyricetin in cholesterol reduction in hypercholesterolemic rats. Forty-two Wistar male rats were distributed into seven groups of six animals that received diets supplemented with 1% cholesterol and 0.3% cholic acid, with the exception of the control group, which received conventional diets. Animals were treated with oral suspensions containing: atorvastatin 1.0 mg/kg; H. dulcis extract at 50.0 and 100.0 mg/kg and dihydromyricetin at 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg vehicle (control group). The following biochemical markers were evaluated; total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase. The hypercholesterolemic diet was effective in inducing hypercholesterolemia, increasing total cholesterol by 112.7% relative to the control group. The treatments with two doses of the extract proved to be promising hypocholesterolemic agents, as they were able to substantially reduce total cholesterol and LDL-C, without significantly altering triglycerides, hepatic transaminases, and alkaline phosphatase, thereby encouraging the studies with the plant H. dulcis. The groups treated with the flavonoid dihydromyricetin, although they showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-C, and found increases in triglycerides and hepatic transaminases, which is unwanted in the context of hypercholesterolaemia

Atividade farmacológica do extrato hidroalcoólico dos frutos de Hovenia dulcis thunberg e da dihidromiricetina na hipercolesterolemia induzida em ratos.

No Brasil, o acidente vascular cerebral e a doença arterial coronariana constituem as principais causas de mortalidade cardiovascular. Estudos clínicos de intervenção com hipolipemiantes mostraram que o controle do colesterol reduz a incidência não só da doença arterial coronariana, mas também do acidente vascular cerebral. Nesse contexto, extratos vegetais contendo antioxidantes ou substâncias isoladas capazes de reverter o estresse oxidativo, presente na hipercolesterolemia, podem ser promissores, reduzindo os riscos de doenças cardiovasculares. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o potencial do extrato hidroalcoólico dos frutos de Hovenia dulcis e do flavonóide dihidromiricetina na redução do colesterol em ratos hipercolesterolêmicos. Para o experimento in vivo, 48 ratos Wistar machos, foram distribuídas em 8 grupos de 6 animais, que receberam dieta suplementada com 1,0% de colesterol e 0,3% de ácido cólico, a exceção do grupo controle que recebeu ração convencional. Os animais foram então tratados com suspensões orais contendo: atorvastatina 1,0 mg/Kg; extrato de H. dulcis (50,0 e 100,0 mg/kg); dihidromiricetina (25,0 e 50,0 mg/kg) e veículo inerte (grupo controle). Foram avaliados os parâmetros bioquímicos colesterol total, HDL-c, LDL-c, triglicérides, transaminases e fosfatase alcalina. Os tratamentos com as duas doses do extrato de H. dulcis mostraram-se eficazes como hipocolesterolemiantes, já que foram capazes de reduzir substancialmente os níveis séricos de colesterol total e LDL-c (até 33,3 e 51,5%, respectivamente), sem alterar significativamente os demais parâmetros bioquímicos. Já os grupos tratados com a dihidromiricetina, apesar de apresentarem reduções significativas no colesterol total e LDL-c, tiveram aumento nos parâmetros hepáticos e triglicérides, resultado indesejável no âmbito das hipercolesterolemias. Estudos farmacológicos com outras espécies animais devem ser realizados para comprovar a eficácia do extrato de H. dulcis na hipercolesterolemia, a segurança na sua utilização (estudos de toxicidade), as dosagens terapêuticas mais eficazes e os mecanismos de ação.In Brazil, the principal causes of cardiovascular mortalities are strokes and cerebrovascular accidents. Clinical studies of intervention with hypolipidemic agents show that controlling cholesterol reduces not only the incidence of coronary artery disease, but also that of stroke. In this context, plant extracts containing antioxidants, or isolated substances capable of reverting oxidative stress under hypercholesterolemia, show promise in reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of the fruit of H. dulcis and of dihydromyricetin in cholestrol reduction in hypercholesterolemic rats. Forty-two Wistar male rats were distributed into seven groups of six animals that received diets supplemented with 1% cholesterol and 0.3% cholic acid, with the exception of the control group which received conventional rations. Animals were treated with oral suspensions containing: atorvastatin 1.0 mg/Kg; H. dulcis extract at 50.0 and 100.0 mg/kg and dihydromyricetin at 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg vehicle (control group). The following biochemical parameters were evaluated; total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, trigycerides, AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase. The treatments with two doses of the extract proved to be promising hypocholesterolemic agents, as they were able to substantially reduce total cholesterol and LDL-c (up to 33.3 and 51.5%, respectively), without significantly altering the other biochemical parameters. As for the groups treated with the flavonoid dihydromyricetin, although they showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-c, they showed increases in triglycerides and hepatic parameters, which is undesirable within the context of hypercholesterolemia. Pharmacological studies with other animal species should be conducted to prove the effectiveness of the extract of H. dulcis in hypercholesterolemia, safe use (toxicity studies), the most effective therapeutic dosages and mechanisms of action

Elaboration and therapeutic potential of the alcoholic fermented beverage of Hovenia dulcis Thumb. pseudofruits

Hovenia dulcis, mais conhecida popularmente por uva-do-japão ou pau-doce, ocorre naturalmente na China, Japão e Coréia e está presente no Brasil, especialmente no sul do país, sendo comum na arborização urbana. Os pseudofrutos de H. dulcis possuem propriedades subexploradas para fins alimentares, apesar das suas agradáveis características sensoriais e benefícios terapêuticos. O objetivo deste estudo foi a elaboração e caracterização química e sensorial do fermentado alcoólico de H. dulcis, elaborado utilizando cepa selecionada de Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CCMA 0200), além da avaliação da atividade antioxidante e antitumoral in vitro da bebida. O teor de etanol foi de 12,9 o GL e o de açúcares totais 3,57g / L. Foi caracterizado o perfil de ácidos orgânicos, açúcares e alcoóis por HPLC-DAD. A dihidromiricetina, um importante flavonóide, foi identificada e quantificada (75,17 mg / L) por HPLC-DAD e UPLC-MS/MS. Através da análise por GC-MS, foram identificados 39 compostos, incluindo metabólitos com potencial terapêutico como eugenol, geraniol, salicilatos e trans-farnesol. A análise sensorial revelou uma boa aceitação, na qual 64,0% dos provadores indicaram gostar muito ou extremamente da bebida, na impressão global, um resultado positivo, principalmente por se tratar de um fermentado alcoólico seco (teor de açúcares inferior a 5g/L). O fermentado elaborado apresentou alto teor de compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante quando comparada a outras frutas e bebidas (metodologia do DPPH e ABTS). Finalmente, a avaliação do potencial antitumoral do fermentado revelou significativa redução da viabilidade celular das células tumorais HepG2 (até 88,28%), superior a encontrada para o vinho comercial de igual teor alcoólico. Foi possível inferir que para essa ação houve sinergismo entre a dihidromiricetina e outras moléculas bioativas presentes no fermentado de H. dulcis. Esses resultados reforçam o interesse nas propriedades nutracêuticas e funcionais desta bebida e abrem perspectivas para a realização de mais estudos sobre o potencial da utilização dessa matéria prima, para fins alimentícios, valorizando o pseudofruto, ainda subutilizado no Brasil.Hovenia dulcis, popularly known as “uva-do-japão”, occurs naturally in China, Japan and Korea and is present in Brazil, especially in the south of the country, being common in urban afforestation. H. dulcis pseudofruits have underexploited properties for food, despite their pleasant sensory characteristics and therapeutic benefits. The aim of this study was the preparation and chemical and sensorial characterization of the alcoholic fermented beverage of H. dulcis, using a selected strain from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CCMA 0200), in addition to the evaluation of the antioxidant and antitumor activity in vitro of the beverage. The ethanol content was 12.9 o GL and the total sugars were 3.57 g / L. The profile of organic acids, sugars and alcohols by HPLC-DAD was characterized. Dihydromyricetin, an important flavonoid, was identified and quantified (75.17 mg / L) by HPLC-DAD and UPLC-MS / MS. Through GC-MS analysis, 39 compounds were identified, including metabolites with therapeutic potential such as eugenol, geraniol, salicylates and trans-farnesol. The sensorial analysis showed a good acceptance, in which 64.0% of the tasters indicated that they liked or like very much the beverage, in the overall impression, a positive result, mainly because it was a dry alcoholic fermentation (less than 5 g / L of sugar content). The fermented elaborated contains high content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity when compared to other fruits and beverages (DPPH and ABTS methodology). Finally, the evaluation of the antitumor potential of the fermented shows a significant reduction in the cell viability of HepG2 tumor cells (up to 88.28%), higher than that found for commercial wine, with the same alcohol content. It was possible to infer that for this action there was synergism between dihydromyricetin and other bioactive molecules present in the H. dulcis fermented. These results reinforce the interest in the nutraceutical and functional properties of this beverage and open perspectives for further studies on the potential of the use of this raw material for food purposes, valuing the pseudofruit, still underutilized in Brazil.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerai

Pharmacological activity of the hydroalcoholic extract from Hovenia dulcis thunberg fruit and the flavonoid dihydromyricetin during hypercholesterolemia induced in rats

Cerebrovascular accidents and coronary artery disease are the leading causes of cardiovascular mortalities in Brazil and high levels of LDL cholesterol are one of the main risk factors. In this context, several plant extracts and natural substances have shown promise as cholesterol-lowering. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of the fruit of H. dulcisand of dihydromyricetin in cholesterol reduction in hypercholesterolemic rats. Forty-two Wistar male rats were distributed into seven groups of six animals that received diets supplemented with 1% cholesterol and 0.3% cholic acid, with the exception of the control group, which received conventional diets. Animals were treated with oral suspensions containing: atorvastatin 1.0 mg/kg; H. dulcisextract at 50.0 and 100.0 mg/kg and dihydromyricetin at 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg vehicle (control group). The following biochemical markers were evaluated; total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase. The hypercholesterolemic diet was effective in inducing hypercholesterolemia, increasing total cholesterol by 112.7% relative to the control group. The treatments with two doses of the extract proved to be promising hypocholesterolemic agents, as they were able to substantially reduce total cholesterol and LDL-C, without significantly altering triglycerides, hepatic transaminases, and alkaline phosphatase, thereby encouraging the studies with the plant H. dulcis. The groups treated with the flavonoid dihydromyricetin, although they showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-C, and found increases in triglycerides and hepatic transaminases, which is unwanted in the context of hypercholesterolaemia

Antifungal activity of the leaves of Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson & C. E. Jarvis subsp. verticillata against Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis.

A espécie vegetal Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson & C. E. Jarvis subsp. verticillata é conhecida como "Insulina vegetal" e utilizada na medicina popular no tratamento da diabetes mellitus. O paciente diabético tem maior risco de infecções urinárias e Candida spp. é o principal gênero envolvido. Avaliou-se a atividade antifúngica do extrato hidroalcoólico e de suas frações frente a Candida albicans ATCC 18804, Candida krusei ATCC 6258, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019 e Candida tropicalis ATCC 750. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que folhas de C. verticillata verticillata têm potencial antifúngico promissor nas frações diclorometano e clorofórmio, com concentração inibitória mínima de 125 μg/mL em C. krusei e em C. tropicalis respectivamente. São necessários novos testes com constituintes químicos isolados dessas frações, buscando atividade superior na inibição do crescimento de Candida spp.The specie Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson & C. E. Jarvis subsp. verticillata is known as "Vegetable insulin" and is used in popular medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The diabetic patient has a greater risk of urinary infections, and Candida spp. is the main gender involved. Was evaluated, the antifungal activity of the hydroalcoholic extract and its fractions against Candida albicans ATCC 18804, Candida krusei ATCC 6258, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019 and Candida tropicalis ATCC 750. The results indicated that leaves of C. verticillata verticillata has promising potential antifungal in fractions diclormetano and chloroform, with minimum inhibitory concentration of 125 μg/mL in C. krusei and C. tropicalis respectively. We need new tests with chemical constituents of these fractions isolated, seeking higher activity in inhibiting the growth of Candida spp

Elaboration and characterization of Japanese Raisin Tree (Hovenia dulcis Thumb.) pseudofruits fermented alcoholic beverage

<div><p>Abstract Hovenia dulcis pseudofruits have underexplored properties for food purposes, despite their pleasant sensory characteristics and therapeutic benefits. The aim of this study was the elaboration and chemical characterization of the alcoholic fermented beverage of H. dulcis, using selected strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CCMA 0200). The resulting fermented beverage presented high content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity when compared to other fruits and beverages (DPPH and ABTS assay). The alcohol content was 12.9 oGL and total sugars 3.57g/L. By the GC-MS analysis, 39 compounds were identified including metabolites with therapeutic potential such as eugenol, trans-farnesol salicylates. The flavonoid dihidromyricetin was identified and quantified (75.17 mg/L) by HPLC-DAD and UPLC-MS/MS. The results reinforce the interest on nutraceutical and functional properties of this beverage and opens perspectives for new studies that value this underexplored pseudofruit.</p></div