Antioxidant effect of Morus nigra on Chagas disease progression

Considering the widespread popular use of Morus nigra and the amount of scientific information on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, the effectiveness of this phytotherapeutic compound in the parasitemia progression during the acute phase of Chagas disease and its role in the development of the inflammatory process as well as its effects on the oxidative damage in the chronic phase of infection were evaluated. Thus, 96 male Swiss mice were randomly divided into eight groups, four groups were uninfected controls, and four groups were intraperitoneally infected with 5.0 x 104 blood trypomastigotes forms of T. cruzi QM2 strain. Four batches composed of one uninfected and one infected group were respectively treated with 70% alcohol solution and 25 μL, 50 μL and 75 μL of the phytotherapeutic compound. Levels of antioxidant elements (TBARS, FRAP, GSH and Sulfhydryl groups) were measured in plasma samples. The phytotherapeutic compound’s antioxidant activity was measured by polyphenol and total flavonoid quantification, DPPH, NO, and FRAP method. Our results showed that the vehicle influenced some of the results that may have physiological relevance in Chagas disease. However, an important action of M. nigra tincture was observed in the progression of Chagas disease, since our results demonstrated a reduction in parasitemia of treated groups when compared to controls, especially in the group receiving 25 µL. However, in the chronic phase, the 50-µL dosage presented a better activity on some antioxidant defenses and minimized the tissue inflammatory process. Results indicated an important action of M. nigra tincture on the Chagas disease progression

Plant elicitation with salicylic acid increases bioactive compounds content and antioxidant activity in the infusion of Achillea millefolium L.

This study evaluated the total polyphenols content and the antioxidant activity of the infusion prepared with leaves from Achillea millefolium L. plants treated with salicylic acid (SA). Field cultivated plants received SA foliar applications (T1: control; T2: 1.0 mmol L-1 applications at 20, 60 and 100 days after planting - DAP and T3: 1.0 mmol L-1 applications at 100 DAP during three days). The infusions from SA treated plants showed higher levels of total polyphenols and flavonoids compared to the control one. T2 and T3 infusions showed increases in the antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests. However, only T2 treated plants had higher antioxidant activity by inhibition of lipid peroxidation (TBARS). It was concluded that elicitation of A. millefolium plants with SA can be considered an adequate strategy to increase the production of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity of infusions

Procedimento Operacional Padrão como estratégia para avaliação toxicológica e registro de Plantas Medicinais/Standard Operating Procedure as a strategy for toxicological evaluation and registration of Medicinal Plants

Considerando os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustenta?vel da Agenda 2030, pra?ticas relacionadas ao desenvolvimento de fitoterápicos, produtos tradicionais fitotera?picos e plantas medicinais representam importantes medidas estrate?gicas para minimizar a ocorre?ncia de resiste?ncia farmacolo?gica bem como o impacto de resi?duos medicamentosos sinte?ticos no meio ambiente. No contexto agropecuário, resistência farmacológica de helmintos intestinais representa importante barreira ao controle sanitário em animais de produção. O estudo de plantas taníferas têm demonstrado significativos efeitos sobre helmintos intestinais, representando importante alternativa ao uso de anti-helmínticos sintéticos em sistemas de produção animal. No entanto, aplicação de produtos com potencial farmacológico requer avaliação da efetividade e segurança medicamentosa, possibilitando registro de plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos. Estabelecimento de Procedimento Operacional Padrão (POP) é de suma importância uma vez que proporciona controle sobre a execução dos ensaios e repetibilidade científica. Neste contexto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi estabelecer POP para execução e repetibilidade da avaliação de possíveis efeitos hepatotóxicos e nefrotóxicos do Extrato Hidroalcoólico de Brácteas de Musa paradisiaca a 10% (EHABB 10%) em ratos Wistar. Foram selecionados artigos científicos publicados entre os anos de 2010 e 2020 nas bases de dados Scielo, PubMed e Portal de Periódicos da CAPES, bem como documentos emitidos por órgãos regulamentares da pesquisa científica como Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA), National Institute of Health (NIH), National Research Council (NRC), Conselho Nacional de Controle de Experimentação Animal (CONCEA) e Organização para Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Econômico (OECD). O documento produzido descreve detalhadamente delineamento experimental, incluindo dados comportamentais, análises bioquímicas e histológicas, assim como análise estatística empregada. A partir dos resultados obtidos pelo presente estudo foi possível estabelecer POP para avaliação toxicológica do EHABB 10%, favorecendo sua execução de forma mais precisa, padronizada e eficiente

Toxicological, genotoxic and antioxidant potential of Pyrostegia venusta

Pyrostegia venusta is usually found in the secondary growth of the Atlantic forests, and in the Brazilian Savanna. Flowers and leaves of this plant are used in folk remedies for treating a wide variety of healthy conditions, this way is important evaluate its safety and antioxidant potential for this applications. For this, was made a ethanolic extract from its flowers and analyzed with toxicological, genotoxicity and antioxidant tests, the toxicological analysis was made by reproductive toxicity in rats and clatogenicity/aneugenicity in human lymphocytes. The genotoxicity was studied by micronucleus test mice bone marrow. The antimutagenic test in root cells of Allium cepa, the antioxidant assays used was DPPH, FRAP, Lipid Perxidation and REM, beyond of that the extract was analyzed in HPLC showing the profile of its compounds. The toxicological analysis showed that P. venusta has no negative significant effect on reproductive and cellular level. The micronucleus test in mouse bone marrow, the extract protected cells from cyclophosphamide, mutagenic compound, in a similar way. The A. cepa test showed that the extract reduced chromosomal disorders formations. The antioxidant activity of extract was significant, except in REM test. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids compounds. P. venusta extract does not present reproductive toxicity and genotoxic effects. However, the extract of this species showed antigenotoxic and antioxidant potential, possibly due to the different flavonoid compounds present in its extract

Antioxidant effect of Morus nigra on Chagas disease progression

ABSTRACT Considering the widespread popular use of Morus nigra and the amount of scientific information on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, the effectiveness of this phytotherapeutic compound in the parasitemia progression during the acute phase of Chagas disease and its role in the development of the inflammatory process as well as its effects on the oxidative damage in the chronic phase of infection were evaluated. Thus, 96 male Swiss mice were randomly divided into eight groups, four groups were uninfected controls, and four groups were intraperitoneally infected with 5.0 x 104 blood trypomastigotes forms of T. cruzi QM2 strain. Four batches composed of one uninfected and one infected group were respectively treated with 70% alcohol solution and 25 μL, 50 μL and 75 μL of the phytotherapeutic compound. Levels of antioxidant elements (TBARS, FRAP, GSH and Sulfhydryl groups) were measured in plasma samples. The phytotherapeutic compound’s antioxidant activity was measured by polyphenol and total flavonoid quantification, DPPH, NO, and FRAP method. Our results showed that the vehicle influenced some of the results that may have physiological relevance in Chagas disease. However, an important action of M. nigra tincture was observed in the progression of Chagas disease, since our results demonstrated a reduction in parasitemia of treated groups when compared to controls, especially in the group receiving 25 µL. However, in the chronic phase, the 50-µL dosage presented a better activity on some antioxidant defenses and minimized the tissue inflammatory process. Results indicated an important action of M. nigra tincture on the Chagas disease progression

Study of the trypanomicidal action of crude extract of Mandevilla velutína in mice infected with Trypanosotna cruzi

Chagas disease is one of the most important parasitic infections in several regions of Latin America, including Brazil, due to its high incidence, prevalence and socio-economic repercussions that this endemic causes to countries. Despite efforts, a very small number of trypanomycin drugs have been indicated for the specific treatment of the disease, all with side effects that limit use. In the Uberlândia region, there are popular reports that the rhizome extract of Mandevilla velutina is indicated for patients with this disease. This work was developed in order to investigate the action of this extract on the parasitemia and mortality of mice infected with 5x104 blood forms of the T. cruzi Y strain. The extract was obtained by macerating fragments of the rhizome in 15% cereal alcohol, which was lyophilized (EBL) and resuspended in distilled water. The EBL administered to the mice, orally, presented a low toxicity in the organism of these animals. When EBL was administered in increasing doses (up to 200mg / kg) in mice infected with T. cruzi, a reduction in parasitemia and an increase in survival were observed, which were dose dependent. The previous treatment of the animals, with a dose of 200mg / kg, proved to be effective in reducing parasitemia, being more efficient when the treatment was carried out 24 hours before infection. When infected animals were treated with two daily doses of EBL (71.5 and 143 mg / kg) for 30 days and compared with animals treated with Benzonidazole (two daily doses of 50 mg / kg), it was found that EBL is more effective than Benzonidazole in the doses administered. To investigate the possible involvement of the NO System in the mechanism of action of the EBL, infected animals were treated with EBL and NOS inhibitor (NOARG or L-NAME) where an attenuation of the effects of the EBL was observed. When measuring NO2 and NO3 in the serum of normal animals and treated with EBL, there was a significant increase in NO2 and NO3 concentrations. When comparing parasitemia and serum NO3 levels of infected animals treated and not treated with EBL, it was found that the untreated animals showed higher values ​​of parasitemia and NO3, between the 8th and 14th day post-infection. The trypanomicidal action promoted by the EBL, was also tested in vitro in the blood containing T. cruzi, incubated with EBL (24 and 48 hours), resulting in the reduction of the trypomastigote count. In the evaluation of the genotoxic potential of the EBL, the results suggest that the EBL has protective effects on the formation of 'onucleated erythrocytes. In the phytochemical screening, the presence of several auímic classes was verified, including the tannins and the terpenoids, which may present anti-parasitic activity. This work suggests that the crude M. velutina extract has a component (s) capable of acting on the parasitemia of mice infected with T. cruzi, significantly reducing the number of parasites during infection, and this reduction may be correlated with the Nitric Oxide System.Dissertação (Mestrado)A doença de Chagas é uma das mais importantes infecções parasitárias em várias regiões da América Latina, incluindo o Brasil, em virtude da sua alta incidência, prevalência e repercussão sócio-econômica que esta endemia causa aos países. Apesar dos esforços, um número muito reduzido de drogas tripanomicidas tem sido indicadas para o tratamento específico da doença, todas com efeitos colaterais que limitam a utilização. Na região de Uberlândia, existem relatos populares de que o extrato do rizoma de Mandevilla velutina é indicado aos pacientes portadores desta doença. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o intuito de investigar a ação deste extrato sobre a parasitemia e mortalidade de camundongos infectados com 5x104 formas sanguíneas da cepa Y de T. cruzi. O extrato foi obtido pela maceração de fragmentos do rizoma em álcool de cereais a 15%, o qual foi liofilizado (EBL) e ressuspendido em água destilada. O EBL administrado aos camundongos, por via oral, apresentou uma baixa toxicidade no organismo destes animais. Quando o EBL foi administrado em doses crescentes (até 200mg/kg) em camundongos infectados com T. cruzi, observou-se redução da parasitemia e aumento da sobrevivência, os quais foram dose dependentes. O tratamento prévio dos animais, com uma dose de 200mg/kg, mostrou-se eficaz na diminuição da parasitemia, sendo mais eficiente quando o tratamento foi realizado 24 horas antes da infecção. Quando os animais infectados foram tratados com duas doses diárias de EBL (71,5 e 143 mg/kg) durante 30 dias e comparados com os animais tratados com Benzonidazol (duas doses diárias de 50mg/kg), verificou-se que o EBL é mais eficaz do que o Benzonidazol nas doses administradas. Para investigar o possível envolvimento do Sistema NO no mecanismo de ação do EBL, animais infectados foram tratados com EBL e inibidor da NOS (NOARG ou L-NAME) onde se observou uma atenuação dos efeitos do EBL. Ao realizar a dosagem de NO2 e de NO3 no soro de animais normais e tratados com EBL verificou-se nestes um aumento significante nas concentrações de NO2 e NO3. Ouando se comparou as parasitemias e os níveis séricos de NO3 dos animais infectados tratados e não tratados com EBL, verificou-se que os animais não tratados apresentaram maiores valores de parasitemia e NO3, entre 8o e 14° dia pós-infecção. A acão tripanomicida promovida pelo EBL, foi testada também in vitro no sangue contendo T. cruzi, incubado com EBL (24 e 48 horas), resultando na redução da contagem de tripomastigotas. Na avaliação do potencial genotóxico do EBL, os resultados sugerem que o EBL possui efeitos protetores na formação de eritrócitos ’ onucleados Na triagem fitoquímica verificou-se a presença de várias classes auímicas incluindo os taninos e os terpenóides que podem apresentar atividade antinarasitária Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho sugerem que 0 extrato bruto de M. velutina possui componente(s) capaz(es) de atuar sobre a parasitemia de camundongos infectados com T. cruzi, reduzindo significantemente 0 número de parasitos durante a infecção, sendo que esta redução pode estar correlacionada com o Sistema Óxido Nítrico

Diagnóstico parasitológico de horticultures no monitoramento da contaminação parasitária em ambientes rurais

The objective of this study was to detect possible carriers of parasites and/or commensals between the horticulturists of Fair of the Producer from Upper Paranaiba, Minas Gerais. A total of 30 horticulturists were instructed to collect three stool samples on alternate days during the months of August and September 2007. Horticulturists were positive 40% for one or more parasite and / or dinner, and found: Giardia lamblia (3.5%), Entamoeba histolytica / E. dispar (7%), Entamoeba coli (13%), Endolimax nana (13%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (3.5%). Stool of gardeners is of importance in monitoring parasite sanitary conditions of vegetables sold in urban environments.O objetivo deste trabalho foi diagnosticar possíveis portadores de parasitos e ou comensais intestinais entre os horticultores da Feira do Produtor da região do Alto Paranaíba, Minas Gerais. Um total de 30 horticultores foi instruído a coletar três amostras de fezes em dias alternados durante os meses de agosto e setembro de 2007. Horticultores apresentaram positividade de 40% para um ou mais parasito e/ou comensal, tendo sido encontrados: Giardia lamblia (3,5%), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (7%), Entamoeba coli (13%), Endolimax nana (13%) e Ascaris lumbricoides (3,5%). O diagnóstico parasitológico de horticultores é de grande importância no monitoramento parasitário das condições higiênicas de hortaliças comercializadas em ambientes urbanos

Evaluation of allelopathic potential of leaf extract of kielmeyera coriacea on lactuca sativa l

Kielmeyera coriacea Mart. (Clusiaceae), popularly known as “pau-santo”, is a typical Brazilian cerrado tree known due to its varied secondary metabolites. This study aimed to determine the allelopathic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of K. coriacea through bioassays of seed germination, seedling growth and mitotic index of Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce). In addition it was done the tetrazolium assay and a phytochemical screening. The extract concentrations caused alterations in germination parameters, in root growth and in the mitotic index. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of triterpenes, coumarins, steroids, flavonoids and condensed tannins, compounds known to confer allelopathic characteristics upon other species. These data indicate that K. coriacea presents an allelopathic potential because its leaf extracts interfere with germination and growth without any interference of pH and osmotic potential in the results.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP