Gastroprotective Value of Berries: Evidences from Methanolic Extracts of Morus nigra

This study evaluated the gastroprotective value of the methanol extracts from fruits of Morus nigra L. (black mulberry (MEMN)) and Rubus niveus Thunb (raspberry (MERN)). The total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were measured, as well as the in vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenger activity. The gastroprotective effects of the extracts against 60% ethanol/0.3 M HCl were evaluated in mice. After that, the lipid hydroperoxides and reduced glutathione levels at ulcerated tissue were determined. The effects of extracts on H+/K+-ATPase activity were also verified. The extracts exhibited high contents of polyphenols; however, MERN presented 1.5-fold higher levels. The presence of flavonoids also was confirmed. In addition, MEMN (IC50 = 13.74 μg/mL) and MERN (IC50 = 14.97 μg/mL) scavenged DPPH radical. The MEMN reduced the ulcer area only at 300 mg/kg (p.o.) by 64.06%. Interestingly, MERN decreased the ulcer area in a superior potency (ED50 = 20.88 mg/kg), reducing the ulcer area by 81.86% at 300 mg/kg, and increased the gastric mucin levels. The antioxidant effects of extracts were evidenced by reduced lipoperoxides and increased reduction of glutathione amount in the gastric mucosa. However, MEMN or MERN did not change the H+/K+-ATPase activity. These results confirm that M. nigra and R. niveus are berries with a gastroprotective value by strengthening of gastric protective factors

PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE AND GASTROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF EUGENIA MATTOSII FRUITS

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Extracts obtained from plants and fruits provide a relatively safe and practical alternative for the conventional medicine of gastrointestinal diseases. The specie Eugenia mattosii, popularly known in Brazil as “cerejinha”, belongs to Myrtaceae family. Species of this family present pharmacological properties, and can be used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile and evaluate the gastroprotective activity of Eugenia mattosii fruits. METHODS: Phytochemical analysis was carried out by thin layer chromatography and gastroprotective assays were performed using two experimental models: acute ulcer model induced by ethanol/HCl and acute ulcer model induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (indomethacin). Total lesion area (mm2) and relative lesion area (%) were determined. RESULTS: The results of the phytochemical analysis indicated that the bark and pulp and seeds of E. mattosii present phenolic compounds, terpenes and/or steroids. In gastric ulcer model induced by ethanol was evidenced significant reduction of damaged areas for doses of 50 and 250 mg/ kg of seeds methanol extract, while in the indomethacin-induced ulcer model, all parts of the fruit presented defense capability of the gastric mucosa by reducing lesions at doses of 50, 125 and 250 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the specie E. mattosii has bioactive compounds that provide gastroprotective activity, presenting possible therapeutic potential

<b>Factors associated withconsumptionof fruits and vegetables by teenagers in Penha, Brazil

Food is essential for the promotion of health and the low intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) is a risk factor for chronic non-communicable diseases. Current descriptive and cross-sectional study evaluated the consumption of FVby teenagers in Penha, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, and its relation to nutritional and socioeconomic status. The study involved 361 adolescents who were assessed through a self-administered questionnaire featuring demographic and socioeconomic variables. Body Mass Index was applied to assess nutritional status coupled to a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Adolescents for the consumption of FV. The sum of the responses was compared to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (>400 g day-1), ranking them as adequate or inadequate. Results showed the prevalence of males (51%), adherence to physical activity (71%) and eutrophy (65%). Nonetheless, only 32% met the minimum recommendations of FV daily consumption which revealed an inverse association with the consumption of soft drinks. Taking snacks at school makes most teenagers consume less FV. Although no association between the consumption of FV, nutritional and socioeconomic status was found, the consumption of FV is below the recommendations

Triagem antimicrobiana de extratos metanólicos obtidos de plantas frutíferas selecionadas da flora catarinense, Brasil

Devido à crescente dificuldade de combater microrganismos resistentes a antimicrobianos, o potencial antimicrobiano de algumas plantas tem despertado o interesse de pesquisadores por serem uma alternativa natural, e pelas potencialidades consagradas. O presente estudo teve por objetivo realizar triagem do potencial antimicrobiano, contra microrganismos patogênicos os seres humanos, de extratos de plantas frutíferas silvestres por meio da determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM). As plantas foram selecionadas pela indicação de uso popular e domesticação na região do Vale do Itajaí e seus extratos metanólicos foram submetidos à análise fitoquímica por cromatografia em camada delgada usando reveladores específicos. O extrato da polpa madura de Marlierea tomentosa apresentou excelente atividade antimicrobiana contra a bactéria Staphyllococcus aureus e o extrato das sementes de Plinia edulis mostrou boa atividade. Os extratos das sementes de Eugenia brasiliensis, galhos de M. tomentosa e sementes de Myrcianthes pungens foram considerados moderadamente ativos. Pode ser concluido que há potencial antimicrobiano em alguns extratos estudados, porém ensaios complementares se fazem necessários com diferentes linhagens bacterianas, com o intuito de assegurar e complementar os resultados apresentados, além de isolar e identificar os respectivos princípios ativos