Paullinia cupana Mart. var. sorbilis , guarana, increases survival of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice by decreasing cyclin-D1 expression and inducing a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in EAC cells

Effects of the consumption of guarana on human health: A narrative review

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a plant from the Amazon region with cultural importance. Despite its early ancestral use by indigenous tribes, the first reports regarding the benefits of guarana consumption for human health were published in the 19th century. Since then, the use of guarana seed in powder and extract forms has been studied for its diverse effects on human health, such as stimulating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-obesity effects. These effects are attributed to the high content of bioactive compounds found in guarana seeds, especially methylxanthines and flavonoids. In fact, the Brazilian Food Supplement Law has officially acknowledged guarana as a source of bioactive compounds. The number and diversity of studies focused on guarana and human health are increasing; thus, organizing and describing the available evidence on guarana and its applications is necessary to provide a framework for future studies. In this narrative review, we have organized the available information regarding guarana and its potential effects on human health. Guarana produces unique fruits with great potential for human health applications. However, the available evidence lacks human studies and mechanistic investigations. Future studies should be designed considering its applicability to human health, including intake levels and toxicity studies.

Effects of Three Consecutive Days of Morphine or Methadone Administration on Analgesia and Open-Field Activity in Mice with Ehrlich Carcinoma

This study assessed the exploratory behavioral responses in BALB/c mice inoculated with Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma after 3 consecutive days of treatment with morphine or methadone. Fifty-three female mice, 60 ± 10 d old, were used. Seven days after intraperitoneal tumor inoculation (2 × 10⁶ cells), the animals were randomized into 7 groups: morphine 5 mg/kg (MO₅), morphine 7.5 mg/kg (MO_7.5), morphine 10 mg/kg (MO₁₀), methadone 2.85 mg/kg (ME_2.85), methadone 4.3 mg/kg (ME_4.3), methadone 5.7 mg/kg (ME_5.7), and 0.9% NaCl (Saline) (n = 7). Drug treatments were administered subcutaneously every 6 h for 3 d. The animals were evaluated for analgesia using the mouse grimace scale (MGS) and for general activity using the open field test. The MGS was performed before tumor inoculation (day 0), on day 7 at 40, 90, 150, 240, and 360 min after drug injection, and on days 8 and 9 at 40, 150, 240, and 360 min after drug injection. The open field test was performed before tumor inoculation (day 0), on day 7 after inoculation at 40, 90, 150, 240, and 360 min after drug injection, and on days 8 and 9 after inoculation at 40, 150, and 360 min after drug injection. MGS results indicated that administration of morphine promoted analgesia for up to 240 min. Conversely, methadone reduced MGS scores only at 40 min. All tested doses promoted a significant dose-dependent increase in the total distance traveled and the average speed, and increase that was markedly pronounced on days 8 and 9 as compared with day 7. The frequencies of rearing and self-grooming decreased significantly after morphine or methadone administration. Despite the difference in analgesia, both drugs increased locomotion and reduced the frequency of rearing and self-grooming as compared with the untreated control animals.

Trichosanthes dioica seed lectin inhibits Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells growth in vivo in mice by inducing G0 /G1 cell cycle arrest

Trichosanthes dioica seed lectin (TDSL), having a molecular mass of 57 ± 2 kDa was purified in an alternative way. For the purification process, the galactose-sepharose-4B affinity column was used. The purified TDSL agglutinated human and mouse erythrocytes at the minimum concentration of 8  μg/ml. d-lactose and d-galactose were the most potent inhibitory sugars as observed. The purified lectin was a glycoprotein having 3.0% of a neutral sugar. The lectin exhibited maximum activity up to 60°C and pH range from 7.0 to 10.0 and stable up to 4.0 M urea as tested. The lectin demonstrated mild toxicity when administered against brine shrimp nauplii, and the LC₅₀ value was calculated to be 84.0 µg/ml. Minimum agglutination of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells caused by the lectin was found at the protein concentration of 1.56 µg/ml. TDSL inhibited 7, 50.2%, and 60.3% of the EAC cells growth in vivo in mice when administered with 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0 mg kg^-1  day^-1 (i.p.), respectively, for five consecutive days. After lectin treatment, red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin levels were increased significantly toward the normal compared with EAC cells-bearing control and normal mice. The tumor burden reduced to 29.5% and 67% after treatment with 1.5 and 3.0 mg kg^-1  day^-1 of the lectin. TDSL triggered the cell cycle arrest at the G₀ /G₁ phase, which was observed using flow cytometry. In conclusion, TDSL can be a candidate for the potent anticancer agents that exerts low toxicity toward brine shrimp nauplii. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: A 57 ± 2 kDa lectin (designated TDSL) was purified from Trichosanthes dioica seeds using a galactose-sepharose-4B affinity column. The lectin demonstrated mild toxicity and agglutinated Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. The lectin inhibited 50.2% and 60.3% of the EAC cell growth in vivo in mice when administered with 1.5 and 3.0 mg kg^-1  day^-1 (i.p.), respectively, for five consecutive days. The lectin increased RBC and hemoglobin level toward the normal compared with lectin-treated EAC cells-bearing, EAC cells-bearing control and normal mice. The tumor burden reduced to 29.5% and 67% after treatment with 1.5 and 3.0 mg kg^-1  day^-1 lectin. TDSL triggered the cell cycle arrest at the G₀ /G₁ phase. The lectin can be a candidate for potent anticancer agents.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) Extract Protects Caenorhabditis elegans Models for Alzheimer Disease and Huntington Disease through Activation of Antioxidant and Protein Degradation Pathways

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is largely consumed in Brazil in high energy drinks and dietary supplements because of its stimulant activity on the central nervous system. Although previous studies have indicated that guarana has some protective effects in Parkinson's (PD), Alzheimer's (AD), and Huntington's (HD) disease models, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we investigated the protective effects of guarana hydroalcoholic extract (GHE) in Caenorhabditis elegans models of HD and AD. GHE reduced polyglutamine (polyQ) protein aggregation in the muscle and also reduced polyQ-mediated neuronal death in ASH sensory neurons and delayed β-amyloid-induced paralysis in a caffeine-independent manner. Moreover, GHE's protective effects were not mediated by caloric restriction, antimicrobial effects, or development and reproduction impairment. Inactivation of the transcription factors SKN-1 and DAF-16 by RNAi partially blocked the protective effects of GHE treatment in the AD model. We show that the protective effect of GHE is associated with antioxidant activity and modulation of proteostasis, since it increased the lifespan and proteasome activity, reduced intracellular ROS and the accumulation of autophagosomes, and increased the expression of SOD-3 and HSP-16.2. Our findings suggest that GHE has therapeutic potential in combating age-related diseases associated with protein misfolding and accumulation.

Diversity of cultivable fungal endophytes in Paullinia cupana (Mart.) Ducke and bioactivity of their secondary metabolites

Paullinia cupana is associated with a diverse community of pathogenic and endophytic microorganisms. We isolated and identified endophytic fungal communities from the roots and seeds of P. cupana genotypes susceptible and tolerant to anthracnose that grow in two sites of the Brazilian Amazonia forest. We assessed the antibacterial, antitumor and genotoxic activity in vitro of compounds isolated from the strains Trichoderma asperellum (1BDA) and Diaporthe phaseolorum (8S). In concert, we identified eight fungal species not previously reported as endophytes; some fungal species capable of inhibiting pathogen growth; and the production of antibiotics and compounds with bacteriostatic activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both susceptible and multiresistant host strains. The plant genotype, geographic location and specially the organ influenced the composition of P. cupana endophytic fungal community. Together, our findings identify important functional roles of endophytic species found within the microbiome of P. cupana. This hypothesis requires experimental validation to propose management of this microbiome with the objective of promoting plant growth and protection.

Diversity of cultivable bacterial endophytes in Paullinia cupana and their potential for plant growth promotion and phytopathogen control

Endophytic bacteria occupy the same niche of phytopathogens and may produce metabolites that induce the host plant systemic resistance and growth. Host and environmental variables often determine the endophytic community's structure and composition. In this study, we addressed whether the plant genotype, organ, and geographic location influence the structure, composition, and functionality of endophytic bacterial communities in Paullinia cupana. To characterize the communities and identify strains with potential application in agriculture, we analyzed two P. cupana genotypes cultivated in two cities of the State of Amazonas, Brazil. Endophytic bacteria were isolated from surface-disinfested root, leaf, and seed tissues through the fragmentation and maceration techniques. The colonization rate, number of bacteria, richness, diversity, and functional traits were determined. The plant growth-promoting ability of selected bacterial strains was assessed in Sorghum bicolor. We identified 95 bacterial species distributed in 29 genera and 3 phyla (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes). The colonization rate, richness, diversity, and species composition varied across the plant organs; the last parameter also varied across the plant genotype and location. Some strains exhibited relevant plant growth-promoting traits and antagonistic traits against the main phytopathogens of P. cupana, but they were not separated by functional traits. The main bacterial strains with plant growth-promoting traits induced S. bicolor growth. Altogether, our findings open opportunities to study the application of isolated endophytic bacterial strains in the bioprospection of processes and products.

A new acridine derivative induces cell cycle arrest and antiangiogenic effect on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma model

BACKGROUND

Acridine derivatives, including amsacrine, have antitumor activity. However, side effects, development of resistance and their low bioavailability, have limited their use. Herein, we described the synthesis, and evaluated the toxicity and antitumor activity of a new amsacrine analogous, the N'-(2-chloro-6-methoxy-acridin-9-yl)-2-cyano-3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-acrilohidrazida (ACS-AZ10).

METHODS

The compound was obtained in a linear pathway where the ASC-Az intermediate was obtained by coupling of 6,9-dichloro-3-methoxy-acridine and 2-ciany-acethohidrazide followed by condensation with the corresponding aldehyde. The toxicity of ACS-AZ10 was evaluated in mice using acute toxicity and micronucleus assays. Ehrlich ascites carcinoma model was used to investigate the antitumor activity and toxicity of ACS-AZ10 (7.5, 15 or 30mg/kg, i.p.), after nine days of treatment. Cell cycle and angiogenesis were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The ASC-AZ10 was obtained with satisfactory yields and its structure was confirmed by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. On acute toxicity study, ACS-AZ10 (2000mg/kg, i.p.) induced transient depressant effects on central nervous system. The LD₅₀ was approximately 2500mg/kg. ACS-AZ10 (15 or 30mg/kg) displayed significant antitumor activity considering the tumor weight and volume, cell viability, and total Ehrlich cell count. ACS-AZ10 (7.5mg/kg) induced an increase in sub-G1 peak, suggesting apoptosis. At 15mg/kg ACS-AZ10 induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and a reduction in the percentage of cells in G0/G1 and S phases, suggesting a pre-mitotic blockade. ACS-AZ10 reduced the microvessel density, indicating an antiangiogenic effect. Weak hematological, biochemical and histopathological toxicity were observed. The compound doesn't show genotoxicity in micronucleus assay.

CONCLUSIONS

ACS-AZ10 has potent antitumor activity in vivo along with low toxicity.

Evaluation of Antibacterial, Antineoplastic, and Immunomodulatory Activity of Paullinia cupana Seeds Crude Extract and Ethyl-Acetate Fraction

Paullinia cupana (Guarana) is a native plant of Amazon region that has very traditional importance. Its seeds are rich in bioactive compounds, including tannins, which exhibit relevant properties. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate antibacterial, antineoplastic, and immunomodulatory activity of P. cupana seeds crude extract (CE) and ethyl-acetate fraction (EAF). Methods. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). Antineoplastic activity was evaluated by MTT assays in hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), ductal carcinoma (T47-D), non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphoma (Toledo), T cell leukemia (Jukart), and Acute Leukemia (HL-60) cell lines. BALB/c mice splenocytes were treated to assess IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-10 levels by sandwich ELISA. Results. CE and EAF were not toxic to peripheral blood cells and splenocytes. CE and EAF fractions showed a bacteriostatic activity (MIC = 250 μg/mL) and presented IC₅₀ values of 70.25 μg/mL and 61.18 μg/mL in HL-60 leukemia cell line. All cytokines evaluated had their levels reduced after treatment, following dose-response model. Discussion and Conclusion. Different biological activities were observed for both CE and EAF, suggesting P. cupana as a source of bioactive substances, especially tannins that may be used for several diseases treatments.

Effect of Paullinia cupana on MCF-7 breast cancer cell response to chemotherapeutic drugs

Previous studies suggested that certain plants, such as guarana (Paullinia cupana), exert a protective effect against cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, guarana possesses bioactive molecules, such as caffeine and catechin, which may affect the pharmacological properties of antitumor drugs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of guarana on breast cancer cell response to 7 chemotherapeutic agents currently used in the treatment of breast cancer. To perform this study, MCF-7 breast cancer cells were cultured under controlled conditions and exposed to 1, 5 and 10 µg/ml guarana concentrations, with and without chemotherapeutics (gemcitabine, vinorelbine, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide). The effect of these treatments on MCF-7 cell viability and proliferation was spectrophotometrically analyzed with the MTT assay. The main results demonstrated an antiproliferative effect of guarana at concentrations of 5 and 10 µg/ml and a significant effect on chemotherapeutic drug action. In general, guarana improved the antiproliferative effect of chemotherapeutic agents, causing a decrease of >40% in cell growth after 72 h of exposure. The results suggested an interaction of guarana with the chemotherapeutic drugs, which requires confirmation by in vivo complementary studies.

Pea lectin inhibits growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells by inducing apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest in vivo in mice

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) lectin is known to have interesting pharmacological activities and of great interest on biomedical research. In the current research pea lectin was purified followed by ion exchange chromatography on DEAE column and affinity chromatography on glucose-sepharose column. The lectin shown 11.7-84% inhibitory effect against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells at the concentration range of 8-120 μg/ml in RPMI 1640 medium as determined by MTT assay. Pea lectin was also shown 63% and 44% growth inhibition against EAC cells in vivo in mice when administered 2.8 mg/kg/day and 1.4 mg/kg/day (i.p.) respectively for five consequent days. When Pea lectin injected into the EAC bearing mice for 10 days its significantly increased the hemoglobin and RBC with the decreased of WBC levels toward the normal. Apoptotic cell morphological change of the treated EAC cells of mice was determined by fluorescence and optical microscope. Interestingly, cell growth inhibition of the lectin was significantly reduced in the presence of caspase inhibitors. Treatment with the lectin caused the cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase of EAC cells which was determined by flow cytometry. The expression of apoptosis-related genes, Bcl-2, Bcl-X and Bax was evaluated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Intensive increase of Bax gene expression and totally despaired of Bcl-2 and Bcl-X gene expression were observed in the cells treated with Pea lectin for five consecutive days.

Guarana: revisiting a highly caffeinated plant from the Amazon

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Guarana (Paullinia cupana Kunth var. sorbilis (Mart.) Ducke) has been traditionally consumed by indigenous communities of the Amazon region. It is valued mainly for its stimulant property because of its high content of caffeine, which can be up to 6% in the seeds.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to revisit this typically Brazilian plant, addressing economic considerations, the chemical makeup of the seeds and pharmacological properties so far investigated.

RESULTS

Guarana is primarily produced in the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Bahia, and approximately 70% of the production is used by the industry of soft and energy drinks. The other 30% becomes guarana powder for direct consumption in capsules or dilution in water, or it serves as a raw material for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. In addition to its stimulant property, guarana has other therapeutic properties, which have aroused the interest of the scientific community.

CONCLUSION

This review shows that other guarana properties may be explored and how scarce are the studies regarding agronomic, plant pathology, physiology and breeding. So far, caffeine has been the main reason to study guarana and still will lead the researches because the demand for this alkaloid by food and pharmaceutical industry, and a strongly growing market related with beauty products. However, guarana has other components and there is great interest in studies designed to elucidate the effects of guarana's bioactive components and their potential pharmacological applications. Significant part of the guarana production in Brazil still comes from Indians tribes in the Amazon State, and any improvement in this plant, in any aspect, may propitiate a positive economic impact in their lives.