Antioxidant and Anti-inflammation Activities of Ocotea, Copaiba and Blue Cypress Essential Oils in Vitro and in Vivo

Exploring the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Australian Native Plants Based on their Ethnopharmacological Knowledge

Inflammation represents the inherent protective reaction of the human body to various harmful agents and noxious stimuli. Standard anti-inflammatory therapy including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are associated with several side effects. In the past decades, people rely on medicinal plants for the treatment of inflammation. The traditional utilization of medicinal plants is regarded as a safe, cost-effective, and broadly accepted approach. In this study, anti-inflammatory activity of plants traditionally utilized by the D'harawal people in Australia has been assessed in vitro. Eighty Australian native plants were screened based on the Dharawal Pharmacopeia for their inhibitory effect on the nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and interferon (IFN)-γ stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages for their anti-inflammatory activity. From the eighty ethanolic extracts screened, seventeen displayed potent NO inhibition with an IC50 recorded below 15 μg/mL. The aim of this review was to utilise the ethnopharmacological knowledge and to correlate the anti-inflammatory activity of the seventeen plants with either their known or unknown phytochemicals reported in the literature. In doing so, we have created a snapshot of Australian native plant candidates that warrant further chemical investigation associated with their anti-inflammatory activity.

Application of chitosan and other biopolymers based edible coatings containing essential oils as green and innovative strategy for preservation of perishable food products: A review

Deterioration of perishable foods due to fungal contamination and lipid peroxidation are the most threatened concern to food industry. Different chemical preservatives have been used to overcome these constrains; however their repetitive use has been cautioned owing to their negative impact after consumption. Therefore, attention has been paid to essential oils (EOs) because of their natural origin and proven antifungal and antioxidant activities. Many EO-based formulations have been in use but their industrial-scale application is still limited, possibly due to its poor solubility, vulnerability towards oxidation, and aroma effect on treated foods. In this sense, active food packaging using biopolymers could be considered as promising approach. The biopolymers can enhance the stability and effectiveness of EOs through controlled release, thus minimizes the deterioration of foods caused by fungal pathogens and oxidation without compromising their sensory properties. This review gives a concise appraisal on latest advances in active food packaging, particularly developed from natural polymers (chitosan, cellulose, cyclodextrins etc.), characteristics of biopolymers, and current status of EOs. Then, different packaging and their effectiveness against fungal pathogens, lipid-oxidation, and sensory properties with recent previous works has been discussed. Finally, effort was made to highlights their safety and commercialization aspects towards market solutions.

Poly-ɛ-caprolactone nanocapsules loaded with copaiba essential oil reduce inflammation and pain in mice

Diverse drugs have been used for the management of inflammation disorders and pain. However, they present many side effects and stimulate the search for new pharmacotherapeutic alternatives. Plant-derived products such as copaiba essential oil (CO) offer beneficial pharmacological effects. On the other hand, essential oil's low water solubility and physical instability hinder itsin vivoapplication. Thus, poly-ɛ-caprolactone (PCL)-based nanocarriers have been used to increase their stability and efficacy. This work aimed to encapsulate CO in PCL nanocapsules and evaluate their effect on inflammation models and pain. The polymeric nanocapsules loading CO (CO-NC) were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique, characterized, and analyzed for their anti-inflammatory effectin vitroandin vivo. The results showed that CO-NC presented a spherical shape, 229.3 ± 1.5 nm diameter, and a negative zeta potential (approximately -23 mV). CO and CO-NC presented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by LPS-activated macrophages (J774 cells). In addition, CO-NC significantly reduced TNF-α secretion (3-fold) compared to CO.In vivo, pre-treatment with CO or CO-NC (50, 100, 200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal; i.p) reduced the mechanical allodynia, paw edema, and pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by intraplantar (i.pl) injection of carrageenan in mice. Specifically, CO-NC (200 mg/kg; i.p.) reduced the production of TNF-α similar to the control group. Our results support using polymeric nanocapsules for CO delivery in inflammatory conditions.

Copaiba essential oil loaded-nanocapsules film as a potential candidate for treating skin disorders: preparation, characterization, and antibacterial properties

Infections have emerged as a novel target in managing skin and mucosa diseases. Bacterial resistance to antimicrobials and biofilm elimination from surfaces remains a challenge. Because polymeric nanocapsules (NC) can increase antimicrobial activity, this study aimed to produce and characterize NC into chitosan films (CSF). Copaiba essential oil (CO) presents antimicrobial activity and was chosen to load NC. In addition, the antibacterial activity was evaluated to obtain a new biodegradable polymeric platform system with the potential to treat topical diseases associated with bacterial infections. The CO-NC produced by nanoprecipitation presented particle size lower than 250 nm, negative charge, and encapsulation efficiency higher than 70 %. Direct incorporation of CO into CSF (CO-CSF) by casting method worsened the film's characteristics. However, incorporating CO-NC into CSF (CO-NC-CSF) avoided these drawbacks demonstrating improved physical, mechanical, morphological, and topographical properties. FTIR results demonstrated possible intermolecular interactions among the polymers and CO. The CO-NC-CSF and CO-CSF presented antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, especially the formulation containing 1 % of CO. These results indicated that CO-NC-CSF is a promising candidate for treating skin disorders.

Biological Activity of Copaiba in Damage to the Alveolar Bone in a Model of Periodontitis Induced in Rats

Several studies have investigated the effects of natural products in the treatment of diseases. Traditional Amazonian populations commonly use copaiba due to its well-known anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of systemic administration of copaiba oleoresin (Copaifera reticulata Ducke) on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. To do so, 21 adult rats were divided into three groups (n = 7 each): a control group, ligature-induced periodontitis group, and ligature-induced periodontitis group treated with copaiba oleoresin (200 mg/kg/day). The ligature remained from day 0 to 14, and the copaiba oleoresin was administered via oral gavage during the last seven days. On day 14, the animals were euthanized, and mandibles were collected for histopathological evaluation and microcomputed tomography analysis. Our data showed that the administration of copaiba considerably reduced the inflammatory profile. Moreover, copaiba oleoresin limited alveolar bone loss, increased trabecular thickness and bone-to-tissue volume ratio, and decreased the number of trabeculae compared with those of the untreated experimental periodontitis group. Our findings provide pioneering evidence that supports the potential of copaiba oleoresin in reducing periodontitis-induced alveolar bone damage in rats.

Anti-Inflammatory Potential of the Oleoresin from the Amazonian Tree Copaifera reticulata with an Unusual Chemical Composition in Rats

Copaifera reticulata Ducke is a popularly known species known as copaíba that is widely spread throughout the Amazon region. The tree yields an oleoresin which is extensively used in local traditional medicine mainly as an anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive agent. The aim of the present study was to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of this oleoresin obtained from a national forest in the central Amazon which presented an unusual chemical composition. The chemical composition of volatile compounds of oleoresin was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The acute toxicity assay was performed with a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema and air pouch assays using four different C. reticulata oleoresin concentrations (10, 100, and 400 mg/kg). The exudate was evaluated for nitrite concentration through the colorimetric method and for TNF-α, IL-1β, and PGE₂ by ELISA. C. reticulata oleoresin collected in the Amazonian summer contained six major sesquiterpene compounds (β-bisabolene, cis-eudesma-6,11-diene, trans-α-bergamotene, β-selinene, α-selinene, and β-elemene) and was nontoxic at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, showing low acute toxicity. Different from oleoresin obtained from other sites of the Brazilian Amazon, the major volatile compound found was β-Bisabolene with 25.15%. This β-Bisabolene-rich oleoresin reduced the formation of paw edema induced by carrageenan and reduced the global number of cells in the air pouch assay, as well as exudate volume and nitrite, TNF-α, IL-1β, and prostaglandin E₂ levels (p < 0.05). C. reticulata oleoresin with a high β-Bisabolene concentration showed anti-inflammatory activity, reducing vascular permeability and consequently edema formation, and thus reducing cell migration and the production of inflammatory cytokine, confirming its traditional use by local Amazonian communities.

Essential oils from Ocotea species: Chemical variety, biological activities and geographic availability

This review describes the chemical composition and biological properties of essential oils from plants of the Ocotea genus, from different origin. This taxon belongs to the Laureaceae family, which in turn, is best known for medicinal use, often related to the essential oils. The text includes studies about Ocotea species distributed mainly on the South American continent, but also reporting species located in North America and Africa. Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and Ecuador are countries with highest number of species mentioned in the review. Also, the major components of each essential oil, its chemical structures, as well as the description and extent of biological activities related to essential oils are detailed in this review. Finally, the text discusses the chemical and biological aspects of these studies in a comparatively way, also informing additional data such as yield, biome of origin and pharmacobotanical location.

Cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and acute oral toxicity of aqueous Ocotea minarum leaf extracts

Ocotea minarum (Nees & Mart.) Mez., a native species of Brazil, is used in the treatment of infections and oxidative stress; however, there is no scientific evidence of its toxicological characteristics. We assessed the cytotoxicity, mutagenic activity, and acute oral toxicity of the aqueous extract isolated from O. minarum leaves. The cytotoxicity of this extract was evaluated in tumour and non-tumour cell lines, while the Ames test with a Salmonella Typhimurium was used to determine the mutagenic activity. Wistar rats received a single 2 g/kg dose as part of an LD₅₀ toxicity assessment. Our results showed that the aqueous extract of O. minarum leaves did not present cytotoxic and mutagenic properties and was not toxic, with an LD₅₀ greater than 2 g/kg. Therefore, the O. minarum extracts are pharmacologically safe and can continue to be investigated for the development of new drugs and herbal medicines.

Copaiba oil suppresses inflammation in asthmatic lungs of BALB/c mice induced with ovalbumin

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that represents high hospitalizations and deaths in world. Copaiba oil (CO) is popularly used for relieving asthma symptoms and has already been shown to be effective in many inflammation models. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory relationship of CO in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma. The composition of CO sample analyzed by GC and GC-MS and the toxicity test was performed in mice at doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg (by gavage). After, the experimental model of allergic asthma was induced with OVA and mice were orally treated with CO in two pre-established doses. The inflammatory infiltrate was evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), while cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α), IgE antibody and nitric oxide (NO) production was evaluated in BALF and lung homogenate (LH) of mice, together with the histology and histomorphometry of the lung tissue. CO significantly attenuated the number of inflammatory cells in BALF, suppressing NO production and reducing the response mediated by TH2 and TH17 (T helper) cells in both BALF and LH. Histopathological and histomorphometric analysis confirmed that CO significantly reduced the numbers of inflammatory infiltrate in the lung tissue, including in the parenchyma area. Our results indicate that CO has an effective in vivo antiasthmatic effect.

Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial Activity, and Antioxidant Activity of Ocotea minarum (Nees & Mart.) Mez

Ocotea minarum is a native plant from Brazil, popularly known as “canelinha” or “canela vassoura.” The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of the extracts of the bark and the leaves of O. minarum and to evaluate its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tanins, were quantified with the reagents Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminium chloride, and vanillin. The chemical profile was performed by HPLC-DAD. The minimum inhibitory concentration was evaluated by the microdilution in a broth method. The antioxidant activity was measured by the capture of free radicals 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). In addition, protection against oxidative hemolysis and generation of malondialdehyde were evaluated in human erythrocytes. The composition of the extracts included the caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and rosmarinic acid, besides the flavonoids quercetin and luteolin. The EEL showed bacteriostatic action of 1000 μg/mL for all evaluated Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis, and the EHEB had a moderate antifungal action against Candida krusei and Cryptococcus gattii (250 μg/mL). IC₅₀ values of 8.19 (EEL) and 4.51 μg/mL (EEB) in the assay with DPPH and 6.25 (EEL) and 2.87 μg/mL (EEB) in the assay with ABTS were obtained. Up to the 3rd hour of oxidative hemolysis testing induced by AAPH, the EEB and EEL had a protective action, reducing the malondialdehyde. In conclusion, the data indicate that the O. minarum extracts can be evaluated as bioactive supplies for the development of new drugs for the prevention and treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress and microbial infections.

Essential Oils and Their Major Compounds in the Treatment of Chronic Inflammation: A Review of Antioxidant Potential in Preclinical Studies and Molecular Mechanisms

Inflammatory diseases result from the body's response to tissue damage, and if the resolution is not adequate or the stimulus persists, there will be progression from acute inflammation to chronic inflammation, leading to the development of cancer and neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. Due to the complexity of events that occur in inflammation associated with the adverse effects of drugs used in clinical practice, it is necessary to search for new biologically active compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. Among natural products, essential oils (EOs) present promising results in preclinical studies, with action in the main mechanisms involved in the pathology of inflammation. The present systematic review summarizes the pharmacological effects of EOs and their compounds in in vitro and in vivo models for inflammation. The research was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, BIREME, Scielo, Open Grey, and Science Direct. Based on the inclusion criteria, 30 articles were selected and discussed in this review. The studies listed revealed a potential activity of EOs and their compounds for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, especially in chronic inflammatory conditions, with the main mechanism involving reduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species associated with an elevation of antioxidant enzymes as well as the reduction of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), reducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, this review suggests that EOs and their major compounds are promising tools for the treatment of chronic inflammation.

Comparative toxicity of essential oil and blends of selected terpenes of Ocotea species from Pernambuco, Brazil, against Tetranychus urticae Koch

Essential oils from the leaves of two species of the genus Ocotea that occur in the Atlantic Forest in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The acaricidal activity of these oils as well as 11 selected components and blends were evaluated in fumigation and residual contact tests against the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). Sixty-seven constituents were identified, totaling 97.3 ± 0.3% and 97.8 ± 0.5% of the oils from O. duckei and O. glomerata, respectively. Sesquiterpene was the dominant class. The compounds β-caryophyllene (18.6 ± 0.1%) and aromadendrene (17.3 ± 0.6%) were the main constituents of the oils from O. duckei and O. glomerata, respectively. Acaricidal action varied depending on the method employed, species and chemical nature of the selected constituents. The mites were susceptible to the oils and chemical constituents using the fumigation method. The O. duckei oil was respectively 2.5-fold and 1.5-fold more toxic than the O. glomerata oil using the fumigation and residual contact methods. Among the selected constituents, β-caryophyllene was the most toxic, independently of the method employed. The individual toxicity of the selected compounds and their blends as well as the role of these constituents in the overall toxicity of the essential oils are also discussed.

Antiproliferative Compounds from Ocotea macrocarpa from the Madagascar Dry Forest1

Bioassay-directed fractionation of an antiproliferative ethanol extract of the roots of Ocotea macrocarpa (Lauraceae) afforded the new butanolide macrocarpolide A (1), and the two new secobutanolides macrocarpolides B (2) and C (3), together with the known butanolides linderanolide B (4) and isolinderanolide (5). The structure elucidation of all compounds was carried out based on NMR and mass spectroscopic data analyses. The absolute configurations of all compounds isolated were determined by comparison of their optical rotation values with those found in literature. Compounds 1-5 showed good antiproliferative activities against the A2780 ovarian cell line, with IC₅₀ values of 2.57 ± 0.12 (1), 1.98 ± 0.23 (2), 1.67 ± 0.05 (3), 2.43 ± 0.41 (4), and 1.65 ± 0.44 µM (5), respectively.