Anti-atherogenic properties associated with the antioxidant activity from the hydrophilic extracts of Halimeda incrassata (Chlorophyta, Bryopsidales)

Seaweeds are a source of natural antioxidants having potential application in oxidative stress and associated diseases. In this work, anti-atherogenic properties associated with the antioxidant activity from the hydrophilic extracts of Halimeda incrassata were studied. The phenolic content assessed inthe aqueous extract and fraction phenolic acids (FPA) was 0.13 ± 0.05 and 0.47 ± 0.09 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry seaweed, respectively. In DPPH?, radical scavenging assay fractions exhibited a dependent concentration. The seaweeds extract inhibited the desoxirribose oxidation in the presenceor absence of EDTA (IC50 = 1.91± 0.09 mg/mL) (IC50 = 2.95 ± 0.01 mg/mL). In vivo antioxidant properties of FPA-H.incrassata were investigated in rats with a CCl4-induced liver injury. Pre-treatment with H.incrassata led to approximately 50% reductions in liver TBARS levels. The treatment with H. incrassataFPA also increased the activity of the CAT enzyme, which in turn resulted in an enhanced antioxidantdefense. The expression of Catalase by PCR-RT technique demonstrated a higher gene expression when compared with that which was observed in the CCl 4-treated group. Antiatherogenic properties were studied in the inhibition of lipoprotein oxidation mediated by Cu2+ or HRP/H2O2, free radicalscavenging, and metal ion chelation, and it was dose dependent with a higher concentration needed for the aqueous extract than for the FPA fraction. Antioxidant activity was also improved in macrophages as evaluated in the cell supernatant (by TBARS formation); and by luminol enhanced chemiluminescence after cell activation with zymosan; and a degree of cell lipoperoxidation wasdecreased by the Halimeda incrassata extract. The results of this work add to the antioxidant potential of the seaweed for its application in oxidative stress associated conditions.Fil: Vidal-Novoa, Alexis. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; CubaFil: Costa-Mugica, Ariadna. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; CubaFil: Zulueta Díaz, Yenisleidy de Las Mercedes. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; Cuba. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Diaz-Gutierrez, Daylín. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; CubaFil: de Oliveira e Silva, Ana, Mara. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Vazquez, Ana María. Center For Molecular Inmunology; CubaFil: Claudina, Zaldívar-Munoz. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; CubaFil: Dalva, Assuncao Portari de Mancini. Institute Butantan Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Mancini-Filho, Jorge. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasi

Effect of aqueous rosemary extract (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) on the oxidative stress of diabetic rats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do extrato aquoso de alecrim sobre o estresse oxidativo em ratos diabéticos. MÉTODOS: O extrato aquoso de alecrim foi obtido por método sequencial. Os fenólicos totais foram determinados pelo método de Folin Ciocateau e a atividade antioxidante in vitro foi determinada através de três métodos: β-caroteno/ácido linoleico, varredura do radical 2,2 Difenil-1-Picril-hidrazil e oxigen radical absorbance capacity. Ratos Wistar machos foram distribuídos em 5 grupos: controle, diabético, e três grupos de animais diabéticos tratados com extrato aquoso de alecrim em concentrações diferentes: 25, 50 ou 100mg/kg por via oral durante 30 dias. O diabetes foi induzido por estreptozotocina e, no final do experimento, foi coletado sangue para avaliar o percentual de hemoglobina glicada e os tecidos hepático e cerebral para determinação das enzimas antioxidantes: superóxido dismutase, catalase, glutationa peroxidase e glutationa redutase. RESULTADOS: Constatou-se que o extrato aquoso de alecrim apresentou altos teores de compostos fenólicos totais e expressiva atividade antioxidante in vitro nos três métodos de avaliação. O extrato aquoso de alecrim na concentração de 50mg/kg diminuiu o percentual de hemoglobina glicada e aumentou a atividade das enzimas catalase e glutationa peroxidase no fígado, e da superóxido dismutase no cérebro de ratos diabéticos. No entanto, não foi observado efeito dose-resposta nas demais concentrações analisadas. CONCLUSÃO: O extrato aquoso de alecrim apresenta significativa capacidade antioxidante in vitro, atribuída à presença de compostos fenólicos em sua composição. E, quando administrado em ratos na concentração de 50mg/kg, demonstrou-se eficiente na atenuação do estresse oxidativo presente no diabetes experimental.OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effect of aqueous rosemary extract on the oxidative stress of diabetic rats. METHODS: Aqueous rosemary extract was obtained by the sequential method. Total phenolic content was determined by the Folin Ciocateau method and antioxidant activity in vitro was determined by the following methods: β-carotene/linoleic acid, 2,2 Difenil-1-Picril-hidrazil and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Male Wistar rats were distributed into 5 groups: control, diabetic, and three groups of diabetic animals treated with aqueous rosemary extract in different concentrations: 25, 50 or 100mg/kg orally for 30 days. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin and, at the end of the experiment, blood was collected to assess the percentage of glycated hemoglobin; liver and brain tissues were collected for the determination of the antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutatione peroxidase and glutatione reductase. RESULTS: Aqueous rosemary extract contains high levels of phenolic compounds and significant total antioxidant activity in vitro according to the three methods. Aqueous rosemary extract at a concentration of 50mg/kg decreased the percentage of glycated hemoglobin and increased the activity of glutatiose peroxidase and catalase enzymes in the liver and superoxide dismutase in the brain of diabetic rats. However, no dose-response effect was observed in the other concentrations. CONCLUSION: Aqueous rosemary extract presented significant antioxidant capacity in vitro attributed to its high phenolic compound content. When administered to rats at a concentration of 50mg/kg, it proved to be efficient against the oxidative stress secondary to experimental diabetes

Caracterização físico-química da polpa e da casca da pitomba brasileira (Talisia esculenta (A. St.-Hill.) Radlk)

This study aimed to evaluate the physico-chemical composition and bioactive compounds of pulp and the peel of the pitomba arising from the state of Sergipe/Brazil. The income, the physico-chemical characterization, mineral content, vitamin C and carotenoids of pulp and pitomba peel were determined. The peel presented high income (44,60% of the fruit). A significant amount of vitamin C (20,68 ± 2,93 mg/100g of fresh sample) and carotenoids (43,56 ± 2,04 μg/mL of the extract) were observed in the pulp, while the peel had a high mineral content, mainly potassium (223,00 ± 2,00 mg/100g), calcium (78,90 ± 0,40 mg/100g) and magnesium (47,50 ± 0,90 mg/100g). The constituents’ knowledge of the peel and pulp of the pitomba in natura adds value to the fruit, since it allows a better use of it, considering that the peel is discarded and only its pulp is consumed.Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la composición fisicoquímica y los compuestos bioactivos de la pulpa y corteza de pitomba del estado de Sergipe / Brasil. Se determinó el rendimiento, la caracterización fisicoquímica, el contenido mineral, la vitamina C y los carotenoides de la pulpa y corteza de pitomba. La cáscara presentó un rendimiento del 44,60% de la fruta. Se observó una cantidad significativa de vitamina C (20,68 ± 2,93 mg / 100 g de muestra fresca) y carotenoides (43,56 ± 2,04 μg / ml del extracto) en la pulpa, mientras que la cáscara presentó un alto contenido de minerales, principalmente potasio (223.00 ± 2.00 mg / 100g), calcio (78.90 ± 0.40 mg / 100g) y magnesio (47.50 ± 0.90 mg / 100g). El conocimiento de los componentes de la cáscara y la pulpa de pitomba in natura contribuye a agregar valor a la fruta, ya que busca fomentar su mejor utilización, teniendo en cuenta que normalmente se descarta la cáscara, siendo solo la pulpa destinada al consumo humano.Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a composição físico-química e os compostos bioativos da polpa e da casca da pitomba provenientes do estado de Sergipe / Brasil. Foram determinados o rendimento, a caracterização físico-química, o conteúdo mineral, vitamina C e os carotenóides da polpa e da casca da pitomba. A casca apresentou um rendimento de 44,60% da fruta. Observou-se uma quantidade significativa de vitamina C (20,68 ± 2,93 mg / 100g de amostra fresca) e carotenóides (43,56 ± 2,04 μg / mL do extrato) na polpa, enquanto a casca apresentou elevado conteúdo de minerais, principalmente de potássio (223,00 ± 2,00 mg / 100g), cálcio (78,90 ± 0,40 mg / 100g) e magnésio (47,50 ± 0,90 mg / 100g). O conhecimento dos constituintes da casca e da polpa da pitomba in natura contribui para agregação de valor ao fruto, uma vez que busca incentivar o seu melhor aproveitamento, considerando que normalmente a casca é descartada, sendo apenas a polpa destinada ao consume humano

Elaboração e avaliação da qualidade de geleia de Umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arr. C.) e Mangaba (Hancornia speciosa G.) com alegação funcional

O objetivo desse trabalho foi elaborar e avaliar a qualidade da geleia mista de umbu e mangaba. Foram elaboradas duas formulações de geleia mista, uma com e outra sem frutooligossacarídeo (FOS), as quais foram avaliadas suas características microbiológicas, sensoriais, físico-químicas e químicas. Os resultados demonstram que a característica microbiológica, a aceitabilidade, intenção de compra e preferência sensorial foram as mesmas entre as geleias avaliadas. A adição do FOS exerceu influência sobre a proteína, cinzas e pH (potencial hidrogeniônico). A substituição da sacarose pelo FOS e adição de frutas regionais (umbu e mangaba) agregou valor comercial à geleia mista, devido suas propriedades funcionais e sensoriais

Antinociceptive effect of Nephelium lappaceum L. fruit peel and the participation of nitric oxide, opioid receptors, and ATP-sensitive potassium channels

Introduction:Nephelium lappaceum L. (Sapindaceae) is a plant known as rambutan. It is used for various purposes in traditional medicine.Objective: We aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of the ethanol extract of the fruit peel of N. lappaceum (EENL), the mechanisms involved in these effects, and the acute toxicity in zebrafish.Methods: We performed chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, acute toxicity assay in zebrafish, and evaluation in mice submitted to models of nociception and locomotor activity.Results: We identified (epi)-catechin, procyanidin B, and ellagic acid and its derivatives in EENL. We did not find any toxicity in zebrafish embryos incubated with EENL. The locomotor activity of mice submitted to oral pretreatment with EENL was not changed, but it reduced the abdominal constrictions induced by acetic acid, the licking/biting time in both the first and second phase of formalin testing and capsaicin testing, and carrageenan-induced paw mechanical allodynia. Oral pretreatment with EENL increased latency time in the hot plate test. This antinociceptive effect was significantly reversed by naloxone, L-arginine, and glibenclamide respectively showing the participation of opioid receptors, nitric oxide, and KATP channels as mediators of EENL-induced antinociception.Conclusion: EENL causes antinociception with the participation of opioid receptors, nitric oxide, and KATP channels, and is not toxic to zebrafish

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the red marine algae Bryothamnion triquetrum (S.G.Gmelin) Howe

En la actualidad existe un marcado interés por la búsqueda de antioxidantes de fuentes naturales, incluidas las algas marinas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la composición química y propiedades antioxidantes del alga Bryothamnion triquetrum. Se estudió la composición centesimal y de minerales, identificación de ácidos grasos y sustancias antioxidantes. La composición centesimal es la siguiente: Proteínas (9,5%), Lípidos (1,3%), Carbohidratos (5,9%), Fibras (10,2%) y Cenizas (43%). Los resultados de la actividad antioxidante para las diferentes metodologías empleadas fueron: atrapamiento de radicales DPPH (38%, 4 mg de liofilizado), beta-Caroteno-Linoleico (12%, 4 mg de liofilizado), actividad atrapadora de radicales O2- (CI50 0,36 mg/mL), de radicales OH (CI50 2,11 mg/mL) y unión al Fe (CI50 0,37 mg/mL). Las propiedades antioxidantes de esta alga parecen explicarse por la capacidad atrapadora de radicales libres, particularmente relacionada con mecanismos de dismutación de radicales O2-, inactivación de radicales OH y quelación de Fe. En trabajos previos se identificaron ácidos cinámicos y fenólicos como moléculas que pudieran explicar la actividad antioxidante, sin embargo adicionalmente se debe considerar un efecto sumatorio y/o sinérgico de otros componentes antioxidantes del extracto, como los descritos en este trabajo, incluidos minerales, carotenoides y vitamina C.An increasing interest has been growing during the past years for the search of natural origin antioxidants, particularly those from marine algae. In this context, the main objective of current research was to evaluate the chemical composition and some antioxidant properties of the aqueous extract of the seaweed Bryothamnion triquetrum. The extracts contains: Proteins (9.5%), Lipids (1.3%), Carbohydrates (5.9%), Fibers (10.2%) and Ashes (43%). In current approach, the following results were obtained for the different procedures assessed: DPPH radicals scavenging (38% for 4 mg of lyophilized); beta-Carotene-Linoleic assay (12% for 4 mg of lyophilized); O2- radicals scavenging (IC50 0.36 mg/mL); OH radicals scavenging (IC50 2.11 mg/mL) and iron quelation ability (IC50 0.37 mg/mL). Thus, antioxidant properties of this natural product seem to be related to its ability to scavenge free species. In previous reports of our group, cinnamic and phenolic acids were proposed as at least partially responsible for the antioxidant properties of the extract, but the necessity for the presence of other components was also shown. Then, the antioxidant properties of the extract could be envisioned as the result of the additive and/or synergic effect between phenolic constituents and the other antioxidant components, such as minerals, carotenes and ascorbic acid

Inhibition of LDL-oxidation and antioxidant properties related to polyphenol content of hydrophilic fractions from seaweed Halimeda Incrassata (Ellis) Lamouroux

LDL oxidation and oxidative stress are closely related to atherosclerosis. Therefore, natural antioxidants have been studied as promising candidates. In the present study, the LDL oxidation inhibition activity of bioactive compounds from Halimeda incrassata seaweed. associated to antioxidant capacity, was evaluated in vitro. Experimental work was conducted with lyophilized aqueous extract and phenolic-rich fractions of the seaweed and their effect on LDL oxidation was evaluated using heparin-precipitated LDL (hep-LDL) with exposure to Cu2+ ions and AAPH as the free radical generator. H. incrassata had a protective effect for hep-LDL in both systems and the presence of phenolic compounds contributed to the activity where phenolic-rich fractions showed significant capacity for inhibition of oxidation mediated by Cu2+ ions. The observed effect could be related to the antioxidant potential of polar fractions evidenced by reducing activity and DPPH center dot radical scavenging. The results obtained in vitro further support the antioxidant and LDL oxidation inhibition properties of H. incrassata and further knowledge toward future phytotherapeutic application of the seaweed.IFSIFS [F/4897-1]CIHR [MOP24447]CIHRCanadian Research Chair awardCanadian Research Chair awardGSEPGSEPCNPq (Brasil)CNPq- (Brasil

Phenolic compounds from Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) attenuate oxidative stress and reduce blood cholesterol concentrations in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats

Abstract\ud \ud \ud \ud Background\ud \ud Phenolic compounds combine antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activities and, consequently, are expected to prevent or minimize cardiometabolic risk.\ud \ud \ud \ud Methods\ud \ud To evaluate the effect of an aqueous extract (AQ) and non-esterified phenolic fraction (NEPF) from rosemary on oxidative stress in diet-induced hypercholesterolemia, 48 male 4-week old Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups: 1 chow diet group (C) and 5 hypercholesterolemic diet groups, with 1 receiving water (HC), 2 receiving AQ at concentrations of 7 and 140 mg/kg body weight (AQ70 and AQ140, respectively), and 2 receiving NEPF at concentrations of 7 and 14 mg/kg body weight (NEPF7 and NEPF14, respectively) by gavage for 4 weeks.\ud \ud \ud \ud Results\ud \ud In vitro, both AQ and NEPF had remarkable antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●) assay, which was similar to BHT. In vivo, the group that received AQ at 70 mg/kg body weight had lower serum total cholesterol (−39.8%), non-HDL-c (−44.4%) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels (−37.7%) compared with the HC group. NEPF (7 and 14 mg/kg) reduced the tissue TBARS levels and increased the activity of tissular antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase). Neither AQ nor NEPF was able to ameliorate the alterations in the hypercholesterolemic diet-induced fatty acid composition in the liver.\ud \ud \ud \ud Conclusions\ud \ud These data suggest that phenolic compounds from rosemary ameliorate the antioxidant defense in different tissues and attenuate oxidative stress in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats, whereas the serum lipid profile was improved only in rats that received the aqueous extract.This investigation was supported by grants 08/51333-1 (Afonso MS) and 08/54319-0 (Mancini-Filho, J) from the Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP), Brazil. We would like to thank Gabriela Castilho for helping with the language revision. All authors read and approved the final manuscript