Ferulic acid and derivatives: molecules with potential application in the pharmaceutical field

Ferulic acid is a phenolic acid widely distributed in the plant kingdom. It presents a wide range of potential therapeutic effects useful in the treatments of cancer, diabetes, lung and cardiovascular diseases, as well as hepatic, neuro and photoprotective effects and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Overall, the pharmaceutical potential of ferulic acid can be attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals. However, recent studies have revealed that ferulic acid presents pharmacological properties beyond those related to its antioxidant activity, such as the ability to competitively inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and activate glucokinase, contributing to reduce hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia, respectively. The present review addresses ferulic acid dietary sources, the pharmacokinetic profile, antioxidant action mechanisms and therapeutic effects in the treatment and prevention of various diseases, in order to provide a basis for understanding its mechanisms of action as well as its pharmaceutical potential

Quantificação de ácido alfa-linolênico em caules e folhas de linho (Linum usitatissimum L.) colhidos em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento Quantification of alpha-linolenic acid in stems and leaves of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) harvested in different stages of development

O objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar o ácido alfa-linolênico [LNA, 18:3 (n-3)], avaliar a composição centesimal das folhas e caules de linho (Linum usitatissimum L.) submetidos à secagem e colhidos em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento (40, 80 e 120 dias), e determinar o potencial antioxidante das folhas colhidas aos 80 dias através do teste com o radical DPPH. As folhas obtiveram maiores teores de cinzas, proteína e lipídios totais em relação aos caules. Tanto as folhas quanto os caules apresentaram razões de AGPI/AGS e n-6/n-3 dentro dos valores considerados adequados para a alimentação. Os caules colhidos nos diferentes tempos não apresentaram diferenças significativas (P<0,05), quanto ao teor de LNA. As folhas colhidas aos 80 dias apresentaram a maior concentração de LNA, correspondendo a 1,262,36 mg/100g de folhas desidratadas. Os diferentes extratos (metanólico, butanólico, acetato e aquoso) foram eficientes na inibição do radical DPPH, com destaque para as frações butanólica e acetato, sendo os valores de IC50 de aproximadamente 42ppm para as duas frações. Tais resultados evidenciaram a atividade antioxidante e potencial nutritivo das folhas e caules de linho para futuro uso na alimentação animal e humana.<br>The objective of this study was to quantify the alpha-linolenic acid [LNA, 18:3 (n-3)] and to evaluate the proximate composition of leaves and stems of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) dried and harvested at different stages of development (40, 80 and 120 days), and to determine the antioxidant potential of the leaf harvested at 80 days using the test of DPPH radical. The leaves had higher levels of ash, protein and total lipids when compared to the stems. Both the leaves as the stems had ratios of PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 within the values considered suitable for food. Stems in the different stages showed no significant difference (P<0.05) of LNA content. Leaves harvested at 80 days showed the highest concentration of LNA, corresponding to 1,262.36 mg/100g dried leaf. The different extracts (methanol, butanol, acetate and water) were efficient in the inhibition of DPPH radical, with emphasis on the butanolic and acetate fractions and the values of IC50 were approximately 42 ppm. These results highlight the nutritional potential and antioxidant activity of leaves and stems of flaxseed for future use in the animal and human feeding