Atividade altiulcerogênica de Indigofera truxillensis Kunth

The genus Indigofera (Fabaceae) is used in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal pain. In this study, we investigated the antiulcerogenic properties of Indigofera truxillensis Kunth. Oral administration of MeOH extract did not produce any signals of acute toxicity. The antiulcerogenic activity was assessed in different models of acute gastric ulcers (100% ethanol, piroxicam 30 mg.kg-1, hypothermic restraint stress and pylorus ligature) in mice and rats. The animals were treated with the drugs lanzoprazole (30 mg.kg-1) or cimetidine (100 mg.kg-1) as positive controls depending on the performed model. In another experiment with ethanol-induced ulcers in rats, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), a sulfhydryl group blocker, was also used. The MeOH extract, at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg.kg-1, inhibited the gastric lesions in all experiments: a) by 62%, 69% and 32%, respectively, in piroxicam-induced lesions, b) by 43%, 71% and 98%, in ethanol-induced lesions, c) by 69%, 64 and 89%, in hypothermic-restraint stress-induced lesions, d) by 73%, 82% and 84%, in pylorus ligature lesions. Significant changes in the total gastric acid levels were also found after intraduodenal administration of the MeOH extract in the ligated pylorus model. Pre treatment with NEM reduced partially the antiulcerogenic activity of the MeOH extract in ethanol-induced gastric lesions. This result indicates an increase in the levels of non-protein sulfhydryl groups by MeOH extract in the gastric mucosa. These results indicate that the MeOH extract has antisecretory and citoprotective effects that may be related to the presence of flavonoids detected by phytochemical analysis.O gênero Indigofera (Fabaceae) é utilizado na medicina tradicional para distúrbios gastrintestinais. Em nosso trabalho foi investigada a propriedade antiulcerogênica da Indigofera truxillensis Kunth. A administração oral do extrato metanólico (MeOH) não produziu efeitos tóxicos. A atividade antiulcerogênica foi avaliada em diferentes modelos agudos de úlcera gástrica (etanol 100%, piroxicam 30 mg.kg-1, estresse por retenção e frio e ligadura do piloro) em camundongos e ratos. Os animais foram tratados com lansoprazol (30 mg.kg-1) ou cimetidina (100 mg.kg-1), que foram utilizados como controle positivo dependendo do modelo testado. Em outro experimento com úlcera induzida por etanol em ratos, N-etilmaleimida (NEM), um bloqueador dos compostos sulfidríla, também foi utilizado. O extrato metanólico, nas doses de 250, 500 e 1000 mg.kg-1, inibiu significativamente as lesões gástricas em todos os experimentos: a) 62%, 69% e 32%, respectivamente, nas lesões gástricas induzidas por piroxicam, b) 43%, 71% e 98%, nas lesões gástricas induzidas por etanol, c) 69%, 64% e 89%, nas lesões gástricas induzidas por estresse por contenção e frio, d) 73%, 82% e 84%, nas lesões gástricas induzidas por ligadura de piloro. Alterações significativas foram observadas na concentração total de ácido gástrico após a administração via intraduodenal do extrato MeOH no modelo de ligadura do piloro. Pré-tratamento com NEM reduziu parcialmente a atividade antiulcerogênica do extrato MeOH na úlcera induzida por etanol, o que sugere um aumento nos níveis de compostos sulfidríla pelo extrato MeOH na mucosa gástrica. Os resultados indicam que o extrato MeOH possui um efeito antisecretor e citoprotetor, e que tais efeitos podem estar relacionados com a presença de flavonóides detectados por análise fitoquímica no extrato MeOH.00Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Mutagenic Activity of Indigofera truxillensis and I. suffruticosa Aerial Parts

Indigofera truxillensis and I. suffruticosa, are used as a source of indigo dye and to treat several diseases. The mutagenic activity of the methanolic extracts from aerial parts, glycerolipid, flavonoid and alkaloid fractions of the extract were evaluated by means of Salmonella/microsome assays using TA100, TA98, TA102 and TA97a strains. The methanolic extract of I. truxillensis showed mutagenic activity in the TA98 strain without S9 while glycerolipid fraction was devoid of activity. The flavonoid and alkaloid fractions of both plants showed mutagenicity. Chemical analysis of flavonoid fractions of I. truxillensis and I. suffruticosa resulted in the identification of kaempferol, quercetin and their derivatives. The alkaloid fraction of both the species contained indigo and indirubin and indigo was found mainly responsible for the mutagenic activity

Ulcer healing and mechanism(s) of action involved in the gastroprotective activity of fractions obtained from Syngonanthus arthrotrichus and Syngonanthus bisulcatus

Abstract Background Syngonanthus arthrotrichus and Syngonanthus bisulcatus, currently known for Comanthera aciphylla (Bong.) L.R.Parra & Giul. and Comanthera bisulcata (Koern.) L.R. Parra & Giul, popularly known in Brazil as “sempre-vivas,” are plants from the family Eriocaulaceae. They are found in the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia. The species are known to be rich in flavonoids to which their gastroprotective activity has been attributed. In this research, experimental protocols were performed to elucidate the associated mechanisms of action. Methods The activity was evaluated using induced gastric ulcer models (acetic acid and ethanol-induced gastric lesions in NEM or L-NAME pre-treated mice, and by ischemia/reperfusion). Antioxidant enzymes, serum somatostatin, and gastrin were also evaluated. Results In chronic gastric ulcers, a single daily oral dose of Sa-FRF or Sb-FRF (100 mg/kg body wt.) for 14 consecutive days accelerated ulcer healing to an extent similar to that seen with an equal dose of cimetidine. The pre-treatment of mice with NEM (N-ethylmaleimide) or L-NAME (N-nitro-L-arginine) abolished the protective activity of Sa-FRF, Sa-FDF, Sb-FDF and Sb-FRF or Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF, respectively, which indicates that antioxidant compounds and nitric oxide synthase activity are involved in the gastroprotective. Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF (100 mg/kg p.o) protected the gastric mucosa against ulceration that was induced by ischemia/reperfusion (72 and 76 %, respectively). It also decreased lipid peroxidation and restored total thiols in the gastric wall of mice that had been treated with ethanol. When administered to rats submitted to ethanol-induced gastric lesions, Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF (100 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the somatostatin serum levels, while the gastrin serum levels were proportionally decreased. Conclusions The results indicate significant healing effects and gastroprotective activity for the Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF, which probably involves the participation of SH groups, nitric oxide (NO), the antioxidant system, somatostatin, and gastrin. All are integral parts of the gastrointestinal mucosa’s cytoprotective mechanisms against aggressive factors

Cabbage and fermented vegetables : From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT(1)R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT(1)R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.Peer reviewe

Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19 : time for research to develop adaptation strategies

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPAR gamma:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NF kappa B: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2 alpha:Elongation initiation factor 2 alpha). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT(1)R axis (AT(1)R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity

Uso sustentável de biodiversidade brasileira - prospecção químico-farmacológica em plantas superiores: Alchornea glandulosa, Alchornea triplinervia (Euphorbiaceae), Indigofera truxillensis e Indigofera suffruticosa (Fabaceae)

Neste trabalho foram estudadas a composição química e atividades farmacológicas de folhas de Alchornea glandulosa e Alchornea triplinervia (Euphorbiaceae) e partes aéreas de Indigofera truxillensis e Indigofera suffruticosa (Fabaceae), usadas na medicina popular brasileira no tratamento de problemas gástricos. Nos extratos clorofórmicos das espécies de Alchornea foram identificados estigmasterol, campesterol, sitosterol, lupeol, friedelan-3-ol, friedelan-3-ona e pteroginidina. O estudo dos extratos metanólicos das espécies de Alchornea forneceu ácido gálico, galato de metila, ácido carboxílico da brevifolina, amentoflavona, isocorilagina, miricetina 3-O-α-L-raminopiranosídeo, quercetina e quatro derivados glicosilados. Análise por FIA-ESI-IT-MS indicou a presença de derivados do ácido galoilquínico, elagitaninos e proantodicianidinas em A. triplinervia. Nos extratos clorofórmicos das espécies de Indigofera foram identificados índigo (indigotina) e indirubina. O extrato metanólico de I. truxillensis forneceu índigo, indirubina, indicana, pinitol, sitosterol 3-O-β-D-glicopiranosídeo e cinco derivados glicosilados do kaempferol, entre eles a substância inédita kaempferol 3-O-[α-Larabinopiranosil-( 2→1)-α-L-apiofuranosil] -7-O-α-L-raminopiranosídeo. O extrato metanólico de I. suffruticosa forneceu as mesmas substâncias descritas para I. truxillensis, exceto derivados do kaempferol, além do ácido gálico, alantoína e quatro derivados glicosilados da quercetina. Deste extrato também foram isoladas as substâncias inéditas 6’-metoxi 2, 5, 6-triidroxiisoindirubina, indigotina-3-O-β-D- glicopiranosídeo, dioxindol-3-O-β-D-glicopiranosídeo e quercetina 3-O-β-Dglicopiranosil-[( 4→1)-α-L-raminopiranosil]- (6→1)-α-L-apiofuranosídeo. O uso de FIA-ESI-ITMS possibilitou a identificação de glicerolipídeos, enquanto o emprego de HPLC-ESI-IT-MS permitiu...In this work we studied the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of the leaves of Alchornea glandulosa and A. triplinervia (Euphorbiaceae), as well as aerial parts of Indigofera truxillensis and I. suffruticosa (Fabaceae), used in Brazilian folk medicine against gastric problems. In the chloroform extracts of the Alchornea species we identified stigmasterol, campesterol, sitosterol, lupeol, friedelan-3-ol, friedelan-3-one and pterogynidine. The study of the methanolic extracts of the Alchornea species afforded gallic acid, methyl gallate, brevifolin carboxylic acid, amentoflavone, isocorilagin, miricetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, quercetin and four glycosilated derivatives. Analyses by FIA-ESI-IT-MS helped to detect the presence of galloylquinic acid derivatives, ellagitannins and proanthodicyanidins in A. triplinervia. The chloroform extract of both Indigofera species led to the identification of indigo (indigotin) and indirubin. The methanolic extract of I. truxillensis gave indigo, indirubin, indican, pinitol, sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and five glycosilated kaempferol derivatives, among them the new substance kaempferol 3-O-[β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-α-L- arabinopyranoside]-7-O-α- L-rhamnopyranoside. The methanolic extract of I. suffruticosa contained the same substances described for I. truxillensis, except for kaempferol derivatives, besides gallic acid, allantoin and four quercetin derivatives, besides the new substances 6’-methoxy-2,5,6- trihydroxiisoindirubin, indigotin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, dioxindol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and quercetin-3-O-[α- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-[β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)]-β-D-glucoyranoside. The use of FIAESI- IT-MS led the identification of glicerolipids, whereas the use of HPLC-ESI-IT-MS allowed to establish the chemical fingerprint of these species. The Alchornea species presented ...(Complete abstract click electronic access below)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Anti-inflammatory activity of Alchornea triplinervia ethyl acetate fraction: Inhibition of H2O2, NO and TNF-alpha

Context: Alchornea triplinervia (Spreng.) Mull. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) is a tree widespread in many Brazilian states. This plant naturally occurs in different ecosystems including tropical Atlantic forest, Amazon rain forest, moist tropical mixed forest, savanna forest, among others. Local populations traditionally use it in tea form to treat gastric disturbances.Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate the plant A. triplinervia as a potential inhibitor of some macrophage functions involved in the inflammatory process.Materials and methods: The effects of Alchornea triplinervia ethyl acetate fraction (AtF) on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production in peritoneal macrophages were investigated using phenol red, Griess reagent and a sandwich immunoassay, respectively.Results: AtF chromatographic analyses indicate the presence of flavonoids as majority compounds. The fraction also showed an intense inhibition of H2O2 and NO production. The inhibitory effects of the fraction in H2O2 and NO production ranged from 72.25 +/- 4.68 to 69.64 +/- 4.21 and from 47.8 +/- 8.96 to 76.77 +/- 8.11%, respectively in the two tested concentrations, 15.62 and 62.5 mu g/mL. TNF-alpha production was partially inhibited in the tested concentrations and the inhibitory rate was around 18%.Discussion and conclusion: It is supposed that the elevated biological potential of A. triplinervia is related to the presence of phenolic compounds in the plant leaves. According to the results observed in this study, it is suggested that AtF presents anti-inflammatory activity, supporting the traditional use of A. triplinervia in Brazilian folk medicine.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Immunostimulating and antiproliferative properties of Indigofera suffruticosa (Fabaceae)

One of the major disadvantages of the current cancer therapy is the suppression of the immune system. Brazilian flora is considered one of the most diverse in the world and many plants were found to contain active constituents that can be valuable sources of new drugs. The plant Indigofera suffruticosa was studied to determine its potential to stimulate the immune system and also to be effective against tumour cells. We investigated the effects of the alkaloidal fraction and the pure alkaloid indigo obtained from I. suffruticosa on macrophage activation by measuring nitric oxide (NO) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production. Cytotoxic activity was also evaluated against the two tumour murine cells lines, LM2 (breast adenocarcinoma) and LP07 (lung adenocarcinoma). The alkaloidal fraction induced a high NO production and a moderated TNF-α release. The pure indigo demonstrated an elevated NO and TNF-α production. The fraction and the pure compound also exhibited cytotoxic activity against both adenocarcinoma cell lines and indigo showed the strongest cytotoxic activity with IC50 value of 0.89 µg mL−1 against LM2 and 1.44 µg mL−1 against LP07. Our results presented the immunostimulatory and cytotoxic activity of I. suffruticosa, enhancing macrophage function and therefore contributing to the host defence against tumours.Fil: Lopes, Flávia C. M.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Calvo, Tamara Regina. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Colombo, Lucas Luis. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncologia "Angel H. Roffo"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay; ArgentinaFil: Vilegas, Wagner. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Carlos, Iracilda Z.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasi

Antiulcerogenic activity of Indigofera truxillensis Kunth

The genus Indigofera (Fabaceae) is used in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal pain. In this study, we investigated the antiulcerogenic properties of Indigofera truxillensis Kunth. Oral administration of MeOH extract did not produce any signals of acute toxicity. The antiulcerogenic activity was assessed in different models of acute gastric ulcers (100% ethanol, piroxicam 30 mg.kg-1, hypothermic restraint stress and pylorus ligature) in mice and rats. The animals were treated with the drugs lanzoprazole (30 mg.kg-1) or cimetidine (100 mg.kg-1) as positive controls depending on the performed model. In another experiment with ethanol-induced ulcers in rats, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), a sulfhydryl group blocker, was also used. The MeOH extract, at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg.kg-1, inhibited the gastric lesions in all experiments: a) by 62%, 69% and 32%, respectively, in piroxicam-induced lesions, b) by 43%, 71% and 98%, in ethanol-induced lesions, c) by 69%, 64 and 89%, in hypothermic-restraint stress-induced lesions, d) by 73%, 82% and 84%, in pylorus ligature lesions. Significant changes in the total gastric acid levels were also found after intraduodenal administration of the MeOH extract in the ligated pylorus model. Pre treatment with NEM reduced partially the antiulcerogenic activity of the MeOH extract in ethanol-induced gastric lesions. This result indicates an increase in the levels of non-protein sulfhydryl groups by MeOH extract in the gastric mucosa. These results indicate that the MeOH extract has antisecretory and citoprotective effects that may be related to the presence of flavonoids detected by phytochemical analysis