Effect of hydroalcoholic extract from Copaifera langsdorffii leaves on urolithiasis induced in rats

Evaluation of the biological activities of Copaiba (Copaifera spp): a comprehensive review based on scientometric analysis

Copaíba oil-resin is extracted from the trunk of the Copaíba tree and has medicinal, cosmetic, and industrial properties. As a result, widespread knowledge about the use of Copaíba oil-resin has evolved, attracting the scientific community's attention. This paper aims to map the global knowledge production regarding the biological activities of Copaíba (Copaifera spp.). Bibliometric methodological instruments were used to conduct a search of the Web of Science-Core Collection database. The search resulted in 822 references. After screening titles and abstracts, 581 references did not meet the eligibility criteria, leaving 246 references for full-text examination. Subsequently, 15 studies were excluded, resulting in a final set of 232 records for the bibliometric analysis. In vitro was the most published study type, mainly from Brazil, from 2010 to 2020. Regarding the authors, Bastos, JK, and Ambrosio, SR were the ones with the most significant number of papers included. The most frequent keywords were Copaíba oil, Copaíba, and Copaifera. Our findings revealed global study trends about Copaíba, mainly related to its various effects and use over time. In general, all countries have conducted more research on antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, also exposing its antioxidant and healing properties. Copaifera reticulata was the most investigated, followed by Copaifera langsdorffi and Copaifera multijuga in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Therefore, there is a need for human reports, given the promising results that Copaíba oils have been demonstrating.

Suppression of VEGF and inflammatory cytokines, modulation of Annexin A1 and organ functions by galloylquinic acids in breast cancer model

The ongoing development of novel drugs for breast cancer aims to improve therapeutic outcomes, reduce toxicities, and mitigate resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Doxorubicin (Dox) is known for its significant side effects caused by non-specific cytotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of galloylquinic acids (BF) and the beneficial role of their combination with Dox in an Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mouse model, as well as their cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells. The EAC-mice were randomized into five experimental groups: normal saline, Dox (2 mg/kg, i.p), BF (150 mg/kg, orally), Dox and BF combined mixture, and a control group. Mice were subjected to a 14-day treatment regimen. Results showed that BF compounds exerted chemopreventive effects in EAC mice group by increasing mean survival time, decreasing tumor volume, inhibiting ascites tumor cell count, modulating body weight changes, and preventing multi-organ histopathological alterations. BF suppressed the increased levels of inflammatory mediators (IL-6 and TNF-α) and the angiogenic marker VEGF in the ascitic fluid. In addition, BF and their combination with Dox exhibited significant cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 cells by inhibiting cell viability and modulating Annexin A1 level. Moreover, BF treatments could revert oxidative stress, restore liver and kidney functions, and normalize blood cell counts.

Aloe vera and copaiba oleoresin-loaded chitosan films for wound dressings: microbial permeation, cytotoxicity, and in vivo proof of concept

Chitosan films are commonly used for wound dressing, provided that this polymer has healing, mucoadhesiveness and antimicrobial properties. These properties can be further reinforced by the combination of chitosan with polysaccharides and glycoproteins present in aloe vera, together with copaiba oleoresin's pharmacological activity attributed to sesquiterpenes. In this work, we developed chitosan films containing either aloe vera, copaiba oil or both, by casting technique, and evaluated their microbial permeation, antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and in vivo healing potential in female adult rats. None of the developed chitosan films promoted microbial permeation, while the cytotoxicity in Balb/c 3 T3 clone A31 cell line revealed no toxicity of films produced with 2 % of chitosan and up to 1 % of aloe vera and copaiba oleoresin. Films obtained with either 0.5 % chitosan or 0.5 % copaiba oleoresin induced cell proliferation which anticipate their potential for closure of wound and for the healing process. The in vivo results confirmed that tested films (0.5 % copaiba-loaded chitosan film and 0.5 % aloe vera-loaded chitosan film) were superior to a commercial dressing film. For all tested groups, a fully formed epithelium was seen, while neoformation of vessels seemed to be greater in formulations-treated groups than those treated with the control. Our work confirms the added value of combining chitosan with aloe vera and copaiba oil in the healing process of wounds.

Novel antitumor activity of the combined treatment of galloylquinic acids from Copaifera lucens and doxorubicin in solid Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice via the modulation of the Notch signaling pathway

AIMS

This study aims to investigate the potential synergistic effect of the combined treatment of galloylquinic acids compounds from Copaifera lucens with doxorubicin via the modulation of the Notch pathway in Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice model.

MAIN METHODS

The solid tumor model was induced in mice by s.c. injection of Ehrlich cancerous cells in the right hind limb. Sixty mice were allocated into five different groups which included treated groups with galloylquinic acids compounds, doxorubicin and their combination. Normal and tumor control groups were also used. Different biological samples were collected to measure the levels of Notch1, Hes1, Jagged1, TNF-α, IL-6, and VEGF. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of tumor tissues using specific anti-NF-kβ and anti-cyclin D1 antibodies were also performed.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results showed that the combined treatment of galloylquinic acids compounds with doxorubicin significantly inhibited Notch1, Hes1, Jagged1, TNF-α, IL-6, VEGF, NF-kβ, and cyclin D1 activities.

SIGNIFICANCE

Galloylquinic acids compounds exhibited promising synergistic chemotherapeutic and oncostatic effects and promoted the chemosensitivity of doxorubicin, mainly by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway and its downstream effectors. These compounds may be considered in cancer therapy exhibiting improved efficacy and reduced side effects of chemotherapeutic agents.

Chemical variability of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. from environmentally contrasting populations

Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. is recognised as one of most famous medicinal and economic species of Copaiba, occurring in several distinct biomes. An untargeted metabolomic approach was used to evaluate the chemical variability of C. langsdorffii from contrasting climates biomes (Atlantic Rainflorest and the semiarid Cerrado). Metabolomic analysis enabled the identification of 11 compounds, including glycosylated flavonoids and galloylquinic acid derivatives. Multivariate analysis highlighted that Cerrado population had a significantly higher concentrations of galloylquinic acid derivatives in comparison to the rainforest biome. Meanwhile, Atlantic Rainforest populations presented higher content of flavonols. Semiarid biome, reduced the concentration of flavonoids, mainly concerning quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, however, in this biome flavonoids were more diverse. Both chemical classes presented relevance to be used as geographical origin chemical markers by qualitative and quantitative features.

Preventive activity of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. leaves extract and its major compounds, afzelin and quercitrin, on DNA damage in in vitro and in vivo models

Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. is a plant found in South America, especially in Brazil. Oleoresin and the leaves of this plant is used as a popular medicinal agent. However, few studies on the chemical composition of aerial parts and related biological activities are known. This study aimed to examine the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic potential of C. langsdorffii aerial parts hydroalcoholic extract (CLE) and two of its major compounds afzelin and quercitrin. The cytotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of CLE was determined as follows: 1) against genotoxicity induced by doxorubicin (DXR) or methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) in V79 cells; 2) by direct and indirect-acting mutagens in Salmonella typhimurium strains; and 3) by MMS in male Swiss mice. The protective effects of afzelin and quercitrin against DXR or MMS were also evaluated in V79 and HepG2 cells. CLE was cytotoxic as evidenced by clonogenic efficiency assay. Further, CLE did not induce a significant change in frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei; as well as number of revertants in the Ames test demonstrating absence of genotoxicity. In contrast, CLE was found to be antigenotoxic in mammalian cells. The results also showed that CLE exerted inhibitory effect against indirect-acting mutagens in the Ames test. Afzelin and quercitrin did not reduce genotoxicity induced by DXR or MMS in V79 cells. However, treatments using afzelin and quercitrin decreased MMS-induced genotoxicity in HepG2 cells. The antigenotoxic effect of CLE observed in this study may be partially attributed to the antioxidant activity of the combination of major components afzelin and quercitrin.

Antiurolithic effects of medicinal plants: results of in vivo studies in rat models of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis-a systematic review

Urolithiasis is one of the oldest diseases affecting humans, while plants are one of our oldest companions providing food, shelter, and medicine. In spite of substantial progress in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms, treatment options are still limited, often expensive for common people in most parts of the world. As a result, there is a great interest in herbal remedies for the treatment of urinary stone disease as an alternative or adjunct therapy. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have been carried out to understand the efficacy of herbs in reducing stone formation. We adopted PRISMA guidelines and systematically reviewed PubMed/Medline for the literature, reporting results of various herbal products on in vivo models of nephrolithiasis/urolithiasis. The Medical Subject Heading Terms (Mesh term) "Urolithiasis" was used with Boolean operator "AND" and other related Mesh Unique terms to search all the available records (July 2019). A total of 163 original articles on in vivo experiments were retrieved from PubMed indexed with the (MeshTerm) "Urolithiasis" AND "Complementary Therapies/Alternative Medicine, "Urolithiasis" AND "Plant Extracts" and "Urolithiasis" AND "Traditional Medicine". Most of the studies used ethylene glycol (EG) to induce hyperoxaluria and nephrolithiasis in rats. A variety of extraction methods including aqueous, alcoholic, hydro-alcoholic of various plant parts ranging from root bark to fruits and seeds, or a combination thereof, were utilized. All the investigations did not study all aspects of nephrolithiasis making it difficult to compare the efficacy of various treatments. Changes in the lithogenic factors and a reduction in calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal deposition in the kidneys were, however, considered favorable outcomes of the various treatments. Less than 10% of the studies examined antioxidant and diuretic activities of the herbal treatments and concluded that their antiurolithic activities were a result of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and/or diuretic effects of the treatments.

Brazilian Copaifera Species: Antifungal Activity against Clinically Relevant Candida Species, Cellular Target, and In Vivo Toxicity

Plants belonging to the genus Copaifera are widely used in Brazil due to their antimicrobial properties, among others. The re-emergence of classic fungal diseases as a consequence of antifungal resistance to available drugs has stimulated the search for plant-based compounds with antifungal activity, especially against Candida. The Candida-infected Caenorhabditis elegans model was used to evaluate the in vitro antifungal potential of Copaifera leaf extracts and trunk oleoresins against Candida species. The Copaifera leaf extracts exhibited good antifungal activity against all Candida species, with MIC values ranging from 5.86 to 93.75 µg/mL. Both the Copaifera paupera and Copaifera reticulata leaf extracts at 46.87 µg/mL inhibited Candida glabrata biofilm formation and showed no toxicity to C. elegans. The survival of C. glabrata-infected nematodes increased at all the tested extract concentrations. Exposure to Copaifera leaf extracts markedly increased C. glabrata cell vacuolization and cell membrane damage. Therefore, Copaifera leaf extracts are potential candidates for the development of new and safe antifungal agents.

Quantitative analysis of phenolic metabolites in Copaifera langsdorffii leaves from plants of different geographic origins cultivated under the same environmental conditions

INTRODUCTION

Galloylquinic acid derivatives and flavonoids are the main phenolic metabolites found in Copaifera langsdorffii leaves (Leguminosae, Detarioideae), a medicinal plant with potential therapeutic application in the treatment of kidney stones. The factors that affect metabolite production in this plant species are not well understood but may include environmental and genetic factors.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the variation in metabolite production over a 12-month period for 10 groups of C. langsdorffii cultivated under the same environmental conditions.

METHODS

Copaifera langsdorffii seeds were collected from 10 different regions in southeast, Brazil and grown in the same field. HPLC-UV was used to quantify nine galloylquinic acid derivatives and two flavonoids in leaf samples from mature trees. Climate data for humidity, radiation, precipitation and temperature were provided by the National Institute of Meteorology, Brazil. Multivariate analyses were performed to correlate chemical and environmental variables.

RESULTS

The overall effect of environmental factors on the production of phenolic metabolites was uniform among C. langsdorffii groups. Chemical variation between groups was present, but small, and probably due to differences in their genetics and physiology. Seasonal changes influenced the production of the major phenolic metabolites, with increases in temperature and radiation levels favouring metabolite production.

CONCLUSION

When C. langsdorffii trees are cultivated in the same environment, the production of the major secondary metabolites found in their leaves is very similar quantitatively, varying based on geographic location of original population and seasonal changes. This favours the standardisation of plant raw material for the production of a phytomedicine.

Antiurolithic activity and biotransformation of galloylquinic acids by Aspergillus alliaceus ATCC10060, Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404, and Cunninghamella elegans ATCC 10028b

Copaifera lucens n-butanolic fraction (BF) was used as a source of galloylquinic acids, and aerobically incubated with Aspergillus alliaceus ATCC10060, Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404, and Cunninghamella elegans ATCC 10028b cultures for 60 and 120 h. Out of the three studied filamentous fungi, A. alliaceus ATCC10060 was able to degrade galloylquinic acids into one major metabolite, 3-O-methylgallic acid (M1). The product was identified by ¹H-NMR, UPLC-MS/MS and its potential effect on calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystal binding to Madin-Darby canine kidney cells type I surface was studied. Renal cells pretreatment with BF and M1 for 3 h significantly decreased calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal-adherence at 50 μg/mL and 5 μM, respectively. Both M1 and BF significantly reduced surface expression of COM-binding proteins annexin A1 and heat shock protein 90, respectively as evidenced by Western blot analysis of membrane, cytosolic, and whole cell lysate fractions. The compounds also showed antioxidant activities in DPPH assay.

Occurrence, chemical composition, biological activities and analytical methods on Copaifera genus-A review

Copaifera is a genus of large trees found in Brazil, mainly in Amazon forest, but also in Atlantic forest and cerrado biomes. It has also been found in other countries in South America. In Africa, it is found mainly in Congo, Cameroon, Guinea and Angola. Its oleoresin has been used in folk medicine in the treatment of numerous healthy disorders, such as urinary, respiratory, skin and inflammatory diseases, for which there are several studies corroborating its ethnopharmacological uses. It is also extensively employed in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in the development of ointments, pills, soaps, perfumes, among others. Copaifera oleoresin contains mainly diterpenes, such as: kaurenoic acid, kaurenol, copalic acid, agathic acid, hardwiickic acid, polyalthic acid, and sesquiterpenes, comprising β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, α-copaene, α-humulene, γ-muurolene and β-bisabolol, among other compounds. On the other hand, Copaifera leaves contain mainly phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and methylated galloylquinic acid derivatives. Therefore, considering the economic importance of Copaifera oleoresin, its ethnopharmacological uses, the need to develop new pharmaceuticals for the treatment of many diseases, as well as the pharmacological potential of the compounds found in Copaifera spp., it was undertaken a review covering mostly the last two decades on the distribution, chemistry, pharmacology, quality control and safety of Copaifera species.

Assessment of genotoxic activity of oleoresins and leaves extracts of six Copaifera species for prediction of potential human risks

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Copaifera species are used in folk medicine for a wide variety of pharmacological properties. This paper reports the cytotoxic and genotoxic analyses of oleoresins and leaves extracts of Copaifera species: C. duckei, C. multijuga, C. paupera, C. pubiflora, C. reticulata and C. trapezifolia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro assays were performed using Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79 cells). The clonogenic efficiency and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assays were employed for the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assessment, respectively. The mouse bone marrow micronucleus test was used for in vivo studies.

RESULTS

The cytotoxicity results using the clonogenic efficiency assay showed IC₅₀ values ranging from 9.8 to 99.2 µg/mL for oleoresins and 66.4-721.5 for leaves extracts. However, no cytotoxic effect was observed in the in vivo studies. Additionally, the treatments with oleoresins and leaves extracts did not significantly increase the frequency of micronuclei in both in vitro and in vivo mammalian cells. The UPLC-MS/MS and CG/MS analyses of Copaifera oleoresins allowed the identification of 10 acid diterpenes and 11 major volatile sesquiterpenes. Leaves are rich in phenolic compounds including two flavonoid heterosides and 16 galloylquinic acid derivatives.

CONCLUSIONS

The oleoresins and leaves extracts of studied Copaifera species were not cytotoxic in vivo, as well as not genotoxic in both in vitro and vivo assays, under the experimental conditions used. Therefore, the obtained results should be sufficient to demonstrate the absence of significant genotoxic risk of these Copaifera products for human use in the evaluated concentrations range.

Skin Wound Healing Potential and Mechanisms of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaves and Oleoresin of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. Kuntze in Rats

The wound healing is a complex process which, sometimes, can be a problem in public health because of the possibility of physical disability or even death. Due to the lack of a gold standard drug in skin wound treatment and aiming at the discovery of new treatments in skin repair and the mechanisms involved in the process, we used oleoresin (OR) from Copaifera langsdorffii and hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves (EH) to treat rat skin wounds. For that, male Wistar rats were divided into groups (n = 8): Lanette, Collagenase, 10% EH, or 10% OR and, after anesthesia, one wound of 2 cm was made in the back of animals. The wounds were treated once a day for 3, 7, or 14 days and the wound areas were measured. The rats were euthanized and skin samples destined to biochemical, molecular, and immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed a macroscopic retraction of the wounds of 10% EH and 10% OR creams and both treatments showed anti-inflammatory activity. Molecular and immunohistochemical results demonstrated the activity of Copaifera langsdorffii creams in angiogenesis, reepithelialization, wound retraction, and remodeling mechanisms.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by Ribeirinhos in the North Araguaia microregion, Mato Grosso, Brazil

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

Currently, in many traditional communities, such as the riverine community in the North Araguaia microregion (Mato Grosso, Brazil), plant knowledge and use represent the main, if not the only, therapeutic resource for the maintenance of health and/or treatment of diseases. This study aimed to identify and document species of medicinal plants used by local experts from riverine communities in the North Araguaia microregion in Mato Grosso State, and to further chemical and pharmacological studies on species selected based on searches in the relevant literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a cross-sectional ethnobotanical study, with non-probabilistic sampling (n =60), that applied the snowball method to select local riverine experts who understand medicinal plant use. Socio-demographic, ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological data (vernacular name, uses, geographical origin, habit, method of preparation and part used) on medicinal plants were collected during semi-structured interviews. The results were analyzed by descriptive and quantitative means: indices of use-report (UR) were used to select plant species with therapeutic potential.

RESULTS

In total, 309 plant species belonging to 86 botanical families were cited; 73% were native to Brazil, and Fabaceae was the most representative family (11.3%). Arboreal was the predominant life form (37.2%). The leaf was the most used part (28.9%). Infusion was the most commonly reported method of preparation (31.3%). The plants reported in the survey were indicated for 18 of the 22 ICD-10 disease categories. The disease categories most commonly cited were the infectious and parasitic diseases (IPD, 718 UR), digestive system diseases (DSD, 565 UR) and respiratory system diseases (RSD, 504 UR), representing 16.6%, 13.1% and 11.7%, respectively of the total UR. Dysphania ambrosioides L. was the most sighted in the IPD category 50 UR. Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (133), Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil. (131), and Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (126) were the species with the highest UR. Bidens pilosa L., Vernonia ferruginea Less, and L. pacari, respectively, were the most cited native plants used to treat such diseases. Of the 8 investigated native plants, C. langsdorffii, and Brosimum gaudichaudii are the most prominent: in addition to having been widely studied, in terms of phytochemical and pharmacological, these species have been marketed as pharmaceutical products, with associated patent deposits.

CONCLUSIONS

Local riverine experts from the North Araguaia microregion use a wide variety of medicinal plants in self-care health, especially those species used to treat IPD. The therapeutic potential of some of these plants has been scientifically validated; however, there are other species whose pharmacological effects and safety remain to be properly investigated. Thus, the present study, aside from being a basis for future chemical, pharmacological and agronomic bioprospecting studies, may contribute to the development of the management, conservation and sustainable use of medicinal flora in the microregion studied.

Evaluation of protective effects of diosmin (a citrus flavonoid) in chemical-induced urolithiasis in experimental rats

Context There have not been any conclusive studies of the effects of diosmin, a modified flavanone glycoside obtained from Teucrium gnaphalodes L'Her (Lamiaceae), on urolithiasis. Objective To evaluate anti-urolithiatic effects of diosmin in ammonium chloride and ethylene glycol-induced renal stone in experimental animals. Materials and methods Thirty Sprague-Dawley were divided into five groups (n=6) receiving the following treatments, respectively, p.o. for 15 consecutive days: distilled water, 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol + 2% w/v ammonium chloride, 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol + 2% w/v ammonium chloride + cystone® 750 mg/kg, 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol + 2% w/v ammonium chloride + diosmin 10 mg/kg or 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol + 2% w/v ammonium chloride + diosmin 20 mg/kg. Different biomarkers of urolithiasis in urine and serum were evaluated and histopathological examination of kidney was done. Results Animals treated with diosmin (both 10 and 20 mg/kg) had significantly (p < 0.005) decreased in kidney weight, urinary pH, total urinary protein, urinary calcium, phosphorus, serum potassium, sodium, magnesium, creatinine, uric acid and blood urea nitrogen levels and significantly (p < 0.005) increased in urinary volume, urinary magnesium, potassium, sodium, creatinine, uric acid and serum calcium levels in comparison to animals treated with ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride. However, results were better with diosmin 20 mg/kg in comparison to the control group. Conclusion Diosmin (10 and 20 mg/kg) has very good anti-urolithiatic activity similar to the standard drug cystone®.

Assessment of the antibacterial, cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of the phenolic-rich hydroalcoholic extract from Copaifera trapezifolia Hayne leaves

Copaifera trapezifolia Hayne occurs in the Atlantic Rainforest, which is considered one of the most important and endangered tropical forests on the planet. Although literature works have described many Copaifera spp., their biological activities remain little known. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate (1) the potential of the hydroalcoholic extract from C. trapezifolia leaves (CTE) to act against the causative agents of tooth decay and apical periodontitis and (2) the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of CTE to ensure that it is safe for subsequent application. Concerning the tested bacteria, the MIC and the minimum bactericidal concentration of CTE varied between 100 and 400 µg ml-1. The time-kill assay conducted at a CTE concentration of 100 µg ml-1 evidenced bactericidal activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC 33277) and Peptostreptococcus micros (clinical isolate) within 72 h. CTE at 200 µg ml-1 inhibited Porphyromonas gingivalis and Peptostreptococcus micros biofilm formation by at least 50 %. A combination of CTE with chlorhexidine dichlorohydrate did not prompt any synergistic effects. The colony-forming assay conducted on V79 cells showed that CTE was cytotoxic at concentrations above 156 µg ml-1. CTE exerted mutagenic effect on V79 cells, but the micronucleus test conducted on Swiss mice and the Ames test did not reveal any mutagenicity. Therefore, the use of standardized and safe extracts could be an important strategy to develop novel oral care products with antibacterial action. These extracts could also serve as a source of compounds for the discovery of new promising biomolecules.

Antiedematogenic Evaluation of Copaifera langsdorffii Leaves Hydroethanolic Extract and Its Major Compounds

Inflammatory disorders affect many people worldwide, and medicinal plants are used to ameliorate these health problems. This paper reports the antiedematogenic and analgesic evaluation of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. leaves hydroethanolic extract (Cop) and two of its isolated compounds: quercetin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (quercitrin) and kaempferol-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (afzelin). For that, the following experimental protocols were undertaken locomotor performance, writhing induced by acetic acid, antinociceptivity induced by formalin, hot plate latency, paw oedema induced by carrageenan and dextran, and cell migration induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as the measurement of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) in macrophages. Neither the extract nor the isolated compounds displayed analgesic activity. The obtained results showed that C. langsdorffii extract possesses antiedematogenic properties acting on peripheral sites, whereas quercitrin and afzelin are not involved. Moreover, these properties are not associated with cell migration inhibition, TNF-α, IL-6, or IL-10 regulation.

Immunomodulatory action of Copaifera spp oleoresins on cytokine production by human monocytes

Copaifera spp oleoresins have been used in folk medicine for centuries; nevertheless, its immunomodulatory action has not been investigated. Thus, the goal of this study was to characterize different oleoresins and to verify their action on human monocytes regarding pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α and IL-10, respectively). The chemical composition of Brazilian Copaifera reticulata, Copaifera duckey and Copaifera multijuga oleoresins was analyzed by HPLC-MS. Cell viability was assessed by MTT method after incubation of cells with Copaifera spp. Noncytotoxic concentrations of oleoresins were incubated with human monocytes from healthy donors, and cytokine production was determined by ELISA. HPLC-MS analysis for terpenes allowed the identification of six diterpene acids and one sesquiterpene acid. Oleoresins exerted no cytotoxic effects on human monocytes. All oleoresins had a similar profile: LPS-induced TNF-α production was maintained by oleoresins, while a significant inhibitory action on IL-10 production was seen. Copaifera oleoresins seemed to exert an activator profile on human monocytes without affecting cell viability. Such effect may be due to the presence of either diterpene or sesquiterpene acids; however, further studies are necessary to determine the involvement of such compounds in Copaifera immunomodulatory effects.

Diuretic and antilithiasic activities of ethanolic extract from Piper amalago (Piperaceae)

OBJECTIVE

Piper amalago is used in Brazilian folk medicine as diuretic and for the treatment of urinary calculus disease, although no scientific data have been described to support these effects. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the diuretic effects and antilithiatic activity of the ethanolic extract of P. amalago (EEPam).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethanolic extracts of P. amalago (125, 250 and 500mg/kg) were orally administered in male Wistar rats (n=5) and urinary excretion was measured at intervals of up to 24h after administration. The antilithiasic effect of EEPam on calcium oxalate urolithiasis crystallization was examined in a turbidimetric model.

RESULTS

The oral administration of all doses of EEPam significantly increased urine output after 24h when compared to control group. Moreover, the application of EEPam, induced an inhibitory effect on calcium oxalate crystallization.

CONCLUSIONS

According to results, P. amalago extracts showed diuretic and natriuretic activity and antilithiasic effects.

Effect of the Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. Leaf Extract on the Ethylene Glycol-Induced Nephrolithiasis in Rats

The potential of the Copaifera langsdorffii leaves extract to prevent stone formation was analyzed by means of an ethylene glycol (EG) animal model of nephrolithiasis and an in vitro crystallization assay. Different doses of the C. langsdorffii leaves extract were administered to rats treated with EG. Urine biochemical parameters were quantified. CaOx deposits count and analysis of osteopontin expression were conducted on kidneys fixed in formalin. The in vitro assay was performed by turbidimetry. Phytochemical analyses of the extract were accomplished by HPLC-UV-DAD, and several compounds were isolated. C. langsdorffii leaf extract was able to avoid stone formation. The number of deposits was 50.30 ± 31.29 at the higher extract dose, compared to the value of 179.5 ± 45.96 achieved with the EG control. Significantly lower oxalate levels and OPN expression and increased citrate levels were observed after extract administration. In the in vitro assay, the extract diluted the formed crystals. Phytochemical analyses showed that the extract is rich in phenolic compounds that are capable of preventing stone formation. Thus, on the basis of our results, we suggest that the C. langsdorffii leaf extract has potential application in the prevention of kidney stone formation.

In vivo protective effect of Copaifera langsdorffii hydroalcoholic extract on micronuclei induction by doxorubicin

Copaifera lansdorffii Desf. is known as 'copaíba', 'copaiva' or 'paú-de-óleo', and is found in part of Brazil. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the genotoxic potential of C. langsdorffii leaf hydroalcoholic extract (CLE) and its influence on the genotoxicity induced by the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DXR) using the Swiss mouse peripheral blood micronucleus test. HPLC analysis of CLE using two monolithic columns linked in series allowed quantification of two major flavonoid heterosides, quercitrin and afzelin. Animals were treated with CLE by gavage at doses of 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg kg(-1) body weight per day, each for 20 days. Peripheral blood samples were collected at 24 and 48 h, and 7, 15 and 21 days after the beginning of the treatment. For the antigenotoxicity evaluation, the animals treated with different concentrations of CLE received DXR (15 mg kg(-1) body weight, intraperitoneal) at day 20. The peripheral blood samples were collected 24 and 48 h after the treatment with DXR. The results demonstrated that CLE itself was not genotoxic in the mouse micronucleus assay. In animals treated with CLE and DXR, the number of micronucleus was significantly decreased compared with animals receiving DXR alone. The putative antioxidant activity of one or more of the active compounds of CLE may explain the effect of this plant on DXR genotoxicity.