Sweet cherries from Fundão possess antidiabetic potential and protect human erythrocytes against oxidative damage

Cherries are one of the most appreciated summer fruits due to their attractive colour, sweet taste, high water content, low level of calories and composition in bioactive compounds which, in turn, are important to prevent some pathologies like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In this work we evaluated the phenolic profile and biological potential of 5 varieties of sweet cherries from Fundão region (Portugal) (Saco, Sweetheart, Satin, Maring and Hedelfinger). A total of 23 phenolic compounds were identified by LC-DAD and distributed by the several classes: 6 anthocyanins, 1 hydroxybenzoic acid, 8 hydroxycinnamic acids, 3 flavan-3-ols and 5 flavonols. Maring revealed higher contents in anthocyanins, while Hedelfinger was the richest in non-coloured phenolics. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated against DPPH and nitric oxide radicals. Hedelfinger was the most active against DPPH• (IC50=12.1μg/mL) and Maring against nitric oxide (IC50=140.9μg/mL). Afterwards, antidiabetic capacity was evaluated through the inhibition of α-glucosidase activity, pointing Hedelfinger as the most active (IC50=10.3μg/mL). The capacity of Saco extracts to inhibit the hemoglobin oxidation and the hemolysis of human erythrocytes was also evaluated. Both assays revealed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect (IC50=38.6μg/mL and IC50=73.0μg/mL, respectively). The results obtained in this study allow us to conclude that sweet cherries possess a great biological potential, and further investigation should be done to promote commercialization and encourage its use in food supplements and in new pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Phenolic profile and antioxidative properties of the beefsteak fungus Fistulina hepatica

The phenolic composition of the edible beefsteak fungus Fistulina hepatica was determined by HPLC/DAD. The results showed a profile composed by caffeic, p-coumaric and ellagic acids, hyperoside and quercetin. Ellagic acid was the main compound in this species. Beefsteak fungus was also investigated for its capacity to act as a scavenger of DPPH radical and reactive oxygen species (superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical and hypochlorous acid). Good results were obtained against DPPH and superoxide radicals and hypochlorous acid but a prooxidant effect was observed for hydroxyl radical

Pharmacological potential of methylxanthines: Retrospective analysis and future expectations

Methylated xanthines (methylxanthines) are available from a significant number of different botanical species. They are ordinarily included in daily diet, in many extremely common beverages and foods. Caffeine, theophylline and theobromine are the main methylxanthines available from natural sources. The supposedly relatively low toxicity of methylxanthines, combined with the many beneficial effects that have been attributed to these compounds through time, generated a justified attention and a very prolific ground for dedicated scientific reports. Methylxanthines have been widely used as therapeutical tools, in an intriguing range of medicinal scopes. In fact, methylxanthines have been/were medically used as Central Nervous System stimulants, bronchodilators, coronary dilators, diuretics and anti-cancer adjuvant treatments. Other than these applications, methylxanthines have also been hinted to hold other beneficial health effects, namely regarding neurodegenerative diseases, cardioprotection, diabetes and fertility. However, it seems now consensual that toxicity concerns related to methylxanthine consumption and/or therapeutic use should not be dismissed. Taking all the knowledge and expectations on the potential of methylxanthines into account, we propose a systematic look at the past and future of methylxanthine pharmacologic applications, discussing all the promise and anticipating possible constraints. Anyways, methylxanthines will still substantiate considerable meaningful research and discussion for years to come.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Editorial

Metabolic disorders, particularly Diabetes Mellitus (DM), are major causes of death worldwide. In fact, the world statistics for DM are alarming: this epidemic disease kills one person every six seconds, being the fourth cause of death. Besides the health issues, the costs associated with DM, and its co-morbidities, are massive and the pressure in National Health Care Systems is dramatically increasing. Patients with DM, particularly those with type 2 diabetes (T2D), are primarily advised to change their dietary habits and exercise regime. However, as the disease progresses and becomes more severe, conventional drugs are prescribed. Most of these patients need polypharmacological therapy and though progresses have been made, efforts are mandatory in a search for a “perfect” antidiabetic drug. [...]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Development and evaluation of an HPLC/DAD method for the analysis of phenolic compounds from olive fruits

A new HPLC/DAD methodology for separating nine phenolic compounds is described. This methodology is applied to the definition of qualitative and quantitative profiles of three Portuguese olive fruit cultivars (Cobrançosa, Madural and Verdeal). Two different extraction methods were needed for the complete definition of their profiles, one of them including a Sep-pack C18 cleaning step. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a Spherisorb ODS2 (25.0 × 0.46 cm; 5 μm, particle size) column. The solvent system used was a gradient of water-formic acid (19:1) and methanol, with a flow rate of 0.9 mL/min. The detection limit values for phenolic compounds were between 0.04 and 4.32 μg/mL and the method was precise. As a general rule, the recovery values were high. This technique can also be useful in the discrimination of Portuguese olive fruit cultivar

Estudo preliminar da actividade antimicrobiana das folhas de cydonia oblonga miller

O marmelo é reconhecido como uma importante fonte de compostos promotores da saúde sendo que a actividade antimicrobiana dos extractos da sua polpa, casca e sementes foi já avaliada. Não existem porém estudos da actividade antimicrobiana das folhas de marmeleiro. Este estudo preliminar teve como objectivo determinar a actividade dos seus extractos metanólicos. Concluiu-se que os extractos testados não apresentam actividade em E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans, C. glabrata, A. niger, A. fumigatus, Mucor spp e Absídia spp pelo que novos extractos devem ser preparados sendo posteriormente avaliados. Quince fruit is recognized an important source of health promoting compounds being the antimicrobial activities of the quince pulp, peel grape and seed extracts already evaluated. No results are known for quince leaves antimicrobial activity. This preliminary work intended to determine the activity of quince leaves methanolic extracts. These had no antimicrobial activity either against E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans, C. glabrata, A. niger, A. fumigatus, Mucor spp e Absídia spp and new extracts must be prepared and evaluated

Determination of low molecular weight volatiles in Ficus carica using HS-SPME and GC/FID

Ficus carica L. is one of the earliest cultivated fruit trees, having an important consumption in Mediterranean countries. In this work, the volatile compound profiles of two characteristic Portuguese white varieties (‘‘Pingo de Mel” and ‘‘Branca Tradicional”) was determined by HS-SPME and GC/FID. Leaves, pulps and peels, submitted to freezing and lyophilisation treatments, were analysed. The two varieties presented a similar profile composed of eight volatile compounds: acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, hexanal, limonene, (E)-2-hexenal and octanal. The total volatile content was different among the vegetal materials, following the order leaves > peels > pulps. Methanol and ethanol are the major compounds in all samples. The developed procedure revealed to be rapid, sensitive, reproducible and accurate. The detection limit values were low, and the method precise. The recovery values for acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol were generally high, suggesting that it will be most suitable for compounds with low molecular weight. Due to its rapidity and low cost, this technique can be useful in the quality control of fig fruit and leaves

Phenolic profile of Cydonia oblonga Miller leaves

Cydonia oblonga Miller leaves phenolic compounds were analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC/DAD and HPLC/UV. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolics were carried out in a total of 36 samples of quince leaves from three different geographical origins of Northern (Bragança and Carrazeda de Ansiães) and Central Portugal (Covilhã) and three collection months (June, August, and October of 2006). These leaves presented a common phenolic profile composed by nine compounds: 3-O-, 4-O- and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acids, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin-3-Ogalactoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-glycoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside. 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid was the major phenolic compound (36.2%), followed by quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (21.1%). Quince leaves are characterized by higher relative contents of kaempferol derivatives than fruits (pulps, peels, and seeds), especially in what concerns kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (12.5%). C. oblonga leaves total phenolic content was very high, varying from 4.9 to 16.5 g/kg dry matter (mean value of 10.3 g/kg dry matter), indicating that these leaves can be used as a good and cheap source of bioactive constituents. Significantly differences were observed in 3-O-caffeoylquinic and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acids contents, according to geographical provenance and harvesting month, suggesting a possible use of these compounds as geographical origin and/or maturity markers

Organic acids composition of Cydonia oblonga Miller leaf

Organic acid profiles of 36 Cydonia oblonga Miller leaf samples, from three different geographical origins of northern (Bragança and Carrazeda de Ansiães) and central Portugal (Covilhã), harvested in three collection months (June, August and October of 2006), were determined by HPLC/UV (214 nm). Quince leaves presented a common organic acid profile, composed of six constituents: oxalic, citric, malic, quinic, shikimic and fumaric acids. C. oblonga leaves total organic acid content varied from 1.6 to 25.8 g/kg dry matter (mean value of 10.5 g/kg dry matter). Quinic acid was the major compound (72.2%), followed by citric acid (13.6%). Significant differences were found in malic and quinic acids relative abundances and total organic acid contents according to collection time, which indicates a possible use of these compounds as maturity markers. Between June and August seems to be the best period to harvest quince leaves for preparation of decoctions or infusions, since organic acids total content is higher in this season

Obesity, energy balance and spermatogenesis

Obesity has grown to pandemic proportions. It affects an increasing number of children, adolescents and young adults exposed to the silent comorbidities of this disorder for a longer period. Infertility has arisen as one important comorbidity associated with the energy dysfunction promoted by obesity. Spermatogenesis is a highly regulated process that is determined by specific energetic requirements. The reproductive potential of males relies on hormonal-dependent and -independent stimuli that control sperm quality. There are conflicting data concerning the impact of male overweight and obesity on sperm quality, as well as on the possible paternal-induced epigenetic trait inheritance of obesity. In addition, it remains a matter of debate whether massive weight loss induced by lifestyle interventions, drugs or bariatric surgery may or may not benefit obese men seeking fatherhood. Herein, we propose to discuss how energy balance may modulate hormonal signalling and sperm quality in overweight and obese men. We also discuss some molecular mechanisms that mediate obesity-related dysfunction in male reproductive system and how paternal obesity may lead to trait inheritance. Finally, we will discuss how lifestyle modifications and sustained weight loss, particularly the loss achieved by bariatric surgery, may revert some of the deleterious effects of obesity in men and their offspring.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio