Antibacterial activity of Bixa orellana L. (achiote) against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis

Bixa orellana ethyl acetate fraction and its isolated compound ellagic acid attenuate the progression of MIA-induced osteoarthritis in rat knees

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a pathology that is characterized by progressive erosion of articular cartilage. In this context, medicinal plants have become relevant tools regarding their potential role in the prevention and treatment of OA, being safe and effective. The aim of this work was investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the ethyl acetate fraction of Bixa orellana leaves (BoEA) and ellagic acid (ElAc) for the therapeutic treatment of OA induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) in rats. The plant material was extracted via maceration with 70 % hydroalcoholic solvent (BoHE). The ethyl acetate (BoEA) fraction was by solvents in increasing order of polarity. The ElAc was identified and isolated in BoEA using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and analytical curve. The OA was induced using MIA in the right knee at the knee joint. Doses of BoEA and ElAc were administered daily (every 24 h, orally) at concentrations of 50, 100 and 50 mg/kg, respectively, for 28 days after induced OA. We evaluated the animals through clinical and radiological examinations every 7 days and, on the 29th day, the animals were euthanized, the joints being removed for histopathological analysis and the serum for cytokine analysis. BoEA and ElAc compounds reduced inflammation and nociception in OA and were as effective as indomethacin in clinical parameters of joint discomfort and allodynia in rats, in addition to showing improvements in radiological and histopathological images, acting on the progress of cartilage deterioration, proving properties related to anti-inflammatory and analgesic processes, being important allies for new therapeutic interventions for the treatment of OA.

Study of Essential Oil Isolated from Achiote (Bixa orellana) Leaves: Chemical Composition, Enantiomeric Distribution and Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Activities

Bixa orellana is a native and cultivated species of Ecuador commonly known as achiote (annatto), this species is very versatile with a wide variety of uses and applications of its leaves, fruits and seeds. In this study, the chemical composition, enantiomeric distribution and biological activity of essential oil isolated from the leaves of Bixa orellana were determined. Hydrodistillation was used to isolate the essential oil. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used to determine the qualitative composition, a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector was used to determine quantitative composition and gas chromatography on an enantioselective column was used to determine enantiomeric distribution. Antibacterial activity was determined using the broth microdilution method, for which we used three Gram-positive cocci bacteria, a Gram-positive bacilli bacterium and three Gram-negative bacilli bacteria. 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic (ABTS) acid radical cation and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydryl (DPPH) free radical were used as reagents for determining the antioxidant activity of the essential oil. The spectrophotometric method was used to analyze acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect of the essential oil. The yield of leaves in essential oil was 0.13 ± 0.01% (v/w). A total of 56 chemical compounds, which represent 99.25% of the total composition, were identified in the essential oil. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the most representative group in number of compounds and relative abundance with 31 compounds and 69.06%, respectively. The principal constituents were found to germacrene D (17.87 ± 1.20%), bicyclogermacrene (14.27 ± 0.97%), caryophyllene < (E)- > (8.56 ± 1.24%) and pinene <α-> (6.34 ± 0.13%). Six pairs of enantiomers were identified in the essential oil of Bixa orellana. The essential oil presented strong activity against the Enterococcus faecium (ATCC 27270) with an MIC of 250 μg/mL and weak activity against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) with an MIC of 1000 μg/mL. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was strong according to ABTS methods with a SC₅₀ of 61.49 ± 0.04 µg/mL and was moderate in DPPH with a SC₅₀ of 224.24 ± 6,4 µg/mL. Additionally, the essential oil reported moderate anticholinesterase activity with an IC₅₀ of 39.45 ± 1.06 µg/mL.

Effect of Adding Annatto Seed Powder (Bixa orellana) and Astaxanthin to the Diet in the Productive Performance of Broilers(Ross-308)

Researchers from the Al-Anwar Poultry Company conducted the aforementioned study in the Babil Governorate between february 15 and March 22, 2022. The goal of the study was to ascertain the effect of feeding broiler chickens a diet containing annatto seed powder (Bixa orellana) and astaxanthin on their performance and health. The researchers used 225 sexed Ross-308 chickens that were only one day old The chickens were placed in one of 15 different cages, each of which contained one of five different treatments (for a total of 450 birds). There were three duplicates of each treatment, with a total of 15 birds in each replicate for a total of 45 birds in each replication. The following is how the research was conducted: The results showed a highly significant difference at the level of (p 0.01) for the treatments add T2, T3, T4, and T5 regarding final body weight average, with T1 serving as the control treatment and the standard diet not containing any additions. T2 including powdered annatto seeds at a rate of 0.5 grams per kilogram of feed, T3 including powdered annatto seeds at a rate of 1 gram per kilogram of feed, T4 including astaxanthin at At the level of significance (p0.05), Treatments T2, T3, and T5 performed significantly better than the control treatment T1 in terms of the growth in weight, the amount of feed consumed, and the total feed conversion factor.

Comparative evaluation of various herbal extracts on biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Scardovia wiggsiae: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Owing to their strong antimicrobial properties, Helichrysum arenarium (HA), Anzer thyme (AT), and Stevia rebaudiana (SR) have been commonly used in medicine.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial activities of HA, AT, and SR against S. mutans and S. wiggsiae in biofilms formed on primary teeth.

DESIGN

Fifty enamel samples were divided into two groups: mono-species biofilm and two-species biofilm. Each biofilm group was divided into five subgroups (n = 5): group 1, HA; group 2, AT; group 3, SR; group 4, CHX (positive control); and group 5, distilled water (negative control). Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined. The number of viable microorganisms was counted. The presence of microorganisms was examined using a scanning electron microscope, and mineral analysis was performed using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis.

RESULTS

In the mono-species biofilm, CHX was significantly more effective against S. mutans than other groups (p < .001). Furthermore, HA, AT, and SR groups showed significantly lower colony counts of S. mutans than distilled water (p < .05). In the two-species biofilm group, AT, SR, and CHX were significantly more effective against S. wiggsiae than distilled water (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

HA, AT, and SR have been suggested as effective natural alternatives to CHX against cariogenic bacteria.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Bixa orellana and Its Component Ellagic Acid Exert Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties against Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense

Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense (Mabs) causes chronic infections, which has led to the need for new antimycobacterial agents. In this study, we investigated the antimycobacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethyl acetate fraction of Bixa orellana leaves (BoEA) and ellagic acid (ElAc). In silico analysis predicted that ElAc had low toxicity, was not mutagenic or carcinogenic, and had antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Apparently, ElAc can interact with COX2 and Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzymes, which could explain both activities. In vitro analysis showed that BoEA and ElAc exerted antimicrobial activity against Mabs (minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.56, 1.56 mg/mL and bactericidal concentration of 6.25, 3.12 mg/mL, respectively. Clarithromycin showed MIC and MBC of 1 and 6 µg/mL). Treatment with BoEA or ElAc increased survival of Tenebrio molitor larvae after lethal infection with Mabs and reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice, around 40% of edema volume after the fourth hour, similarly to diclofenac. In conclusion, BoEA and ElAc exert antimicrobial effects against Mabs and have anti-inflammatory effects, making them potential sources of antimycobacterial drugs. The biological activities of ElAc may be due to its high binding affinities predicted for COX2 and DHFR enzymes.

Hybrid Lipid/Clay Carrier Systems Containing Annatto Oil for Topical Formulations

Nanocomposites formed by clay and lipid carriers (NLCs) show a high potential for providing controlled release and specific delivery of bioactive molecules and have recently gained attention in the pharmaceutical sector due to their ability to transport hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Recent studies have recognized the biological activity of the oil of Bixa orellana L. (AO) with regards to its healing, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-leishmanial properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study is the preparation and characterization of hybrid systems based on lipid nanocarriers and laponite for the delivery of AO. NLCs were prepared by the fusion-emulsification method, using cetyl palmitate (CP) or myristyl myristate (MM), AO, and Poloxamer 188. The morphology, hydrodynamic diameters, zeta potential (ZP), polydispersity index (PDI), thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), viscosity behavior, and cytotoxicity testing of the hybrid systems were performed. The thermal study and X-ray diffraction analyses (XRD) revealed polymorphic structural changes compatible with the amorphization of the material. Rheological assays highlighted a typical pseudoplastic behavior in all systems (MM and CP with LAP). The hybrid systems’ morphology, size diameters, and PDIs were similar, preset spherical and monodisperse structures (≈200 nm; <0.3), without significant change up to sixty days. The ZP values differed from each other, becoming higher with increasing AO concentration. XEDS spectra and elemental X-ray maps show peaks of lipids (organic components, C and O) and inorganic components O, Mg, and Si. All samples showed cell viability above 60%. The results indicated a stable, biocompatible hybrid system that can be an alternative for topical application.

Bixa orellana L. (Achiote, Annatto) as an antimicrobial agent: A scoping review of its efficiency and technological prospecting

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bixa orellana L. is reported to have numerous applications in traditional medicine and pharmacological properties such as wound healing, analgesic, hemostatic, and antioxidant activities. Recently, the literature has shown scientific interest of its antimicrobial properties aiming the development of cost-effective phytotherapeutic agents. However, no literature are available in witch the antimicrobial and technological prospecting are summarized.

AIM OF STUDY

This study aimed to systematically review articles and patents related to the antimicrobial activity of B. orellana.

METHODS

The review followed the guidelines proposed by The Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Two reviewers performed a literature search up to November 2021 in eight databases: Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Scifinder, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, Scielo, and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. The following databases for the patent search were analyzed: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Google Patents, National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and Espacenet (European Patent Office, EPO). The grey literature was searched using the ProQuest Dissertations and Periódicos Capes Theses database. The methodological quality and risk of bias in the included studies were carried out using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3.5.

RESULTS

After analyzing the 47 studies and five patents fulfilled all the criteria and were included in the present investigation. The evidence suggests that this herbal medicine is effective against several fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, being more effective to Gram-negative bacteria. Regarding the risk of bias and methodological quality analysis, most studies a high risk of bias related to random sequence generation and allocation concealment.

CONCLUSION

Up to now, the evidence in the literature suggests that the use of B. orellana preparations for antimicrobial preparations has some effectiveness. However, further research is needed using standard B. orellana preparations to determine their effectiveness as antimicrobial agents and expanding their application at an industrial level, in addition in vivo studies are needed for this confirmation.

Harnessing the Antibacterial Properties of Fluoridated Chitosan Polymers against Oral Biofilms

Dental caries are a worldwide endemic chronic disease affecting people of all ages. Due to the limitations of daily used oral hygiene products, there is an unmet need for new, effective, safe, and economic oral products. We have recently demonstrated that N-(2(2,6-diaminohexanamide)-chitosan (CS3H Lys) has enhanced antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans, the main cariogenic bacterium, and here we investigated the effect of fluoridation of this polymer (CS3H Lys F) on its antibacterial properties and the ability to protect teeth from acid demineralization. We further formulated this polymer into mouthwash preparations and studied their cytocompatibility and physicochemical stability over 6 months. CS3H Lys F was 1.6-fold more effective than the highest tested oral NaF dose in preventing acid demineralization. CS3H Lys F has a 3- to 5-fold lower minimum inhibitory concentration value against S. mutants than the values reported for chitosan polymers and showed negligible cell toxicity. The mouthwashes were stable at both 25 and 40 °C. Further work is under way towards other CS3H Lys F oral hygiene products such as a toothpaste.

Caribbean Women's Health and Transnational Ethnobotany

Caribbean Women's Health and Transnational Ethnobotany. Immigrants from the Dominican Republic (DR) and Haiti are among the top foreign-born communities in New York City (NYC). As people migrate to new countries, they bring their ethnomedical beliefs and practices, and adapt their plant pharmacopoeias. Haiti and the DR share a flora on the island of Hispaniola. In NYC, the flora is limited to what is available in the city. We selected plants for future laboratory research based on ethnobotanical data from two surveys among Dominicans in the DR and NYC, and a Haitian literature review. In both Dominican datasets, gynecological infections were the top women's health condition treated with plants. We identified 10 species for this purpose reported by Dominicans that are also known medicines in Haitian culture, although not yet documented for women's health. Plants for gynecological infections potentially cause dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota, and may increase rather than prevent disease. There is a public health need to assess traditional medicines for their ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria, while causing minimal disruption to the vaginal flora. Several species are known antibacterials, but remain to be tested for their efficacy. These results also provide a foundation for a planned ethnobotanical survey among NYC Haitian women.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12231-021-09526-3.

Antimicrobial and physical properties of experimental endodontic sealers containing vegetable extracts

To assess the antimicrobial activity and the physical properties of resin-based experimental endodontic sealers with the incorporation of vegetable extracts obtained from Bixa orellana, Mentha piperita, and Tagetes minuta species. The extracts were obtained and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. The extracts were individually incorporated into a dual-cure experimental sealer at a mass concentration of 0.5%. A commercial reference RealSeal was used. The sealers were evaluated by measuring the setting time, degree of conversion, dimensional stability, radiopacity, flow, and film thickness of these materials, also and its antimicrobial effect was evaluated using the direct contact test. Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey’s post-hoc test at α = 0.05 significance level. The physical properties were not influenced by the addition of the vegetable extracts (p > 0.05). For S. mutans, only T. minuta and B. orellana groups presented antibacterial activity after 24 h of contact (p < 0.05). All extracts evidenced an antibacterial effect against E. faecalis (p < 0.05). The experimental sealers hold promise as a novel vegetable sealer with great antimicrobial activity and also great physical–mechanical properties. Nonetheless, more studies are needed.

Modified-release of encapsulated bioactive compounds from annatto seeds produced by optimized ionic gelation techniques

To compare the encapsulation of annatto extract by external gelation (EG) and internal gelation (IG) and to maximize process yield (% Y), two central composite designs were proposed. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) concentration (0.3-3.5%), alginate to gelling solution ratio (1:2-1:6); acetic acid (CH3COOH) concentration (0.2-5.0%) and alginate to gelling solution ratio (1:2-1:6) were taken as independent variables for EG and IG respectively. Release studies were conducted under different conditions; morphology, particle size, the encapsulation efficiency (EE), and release mechanism were evaluated under optimized conditions. The optimized EG conditions were 0.3% CaCl2 and 1:1.2 alginate to gelling solution ratio, whereas a 0.3% CH3COOH and 1:5 alginate to gelling solution ratio were optimized conditions for IG. When 20% extract was employed, the highest EE was achieved, and the largest release was obtained at a pH 6.5 buffer. The Peppas-Sahlin model presented the best fit to experimental data. Polyphenol release was driven by diffusion, whereas bixin showed anomalous release. These results are promising for application as modulated release agents in food matrices.

Antibacterial Effectiveness of Four Concentrations of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Solanum tuberosum (Tocosh) against Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175TM: A Comparative In Vitro Study

Objective. To determine the in vitro antibacterial effect of four concentrations of the hydroalcoholic extract of Solanum tuberosum “tocosh” (HET) against Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175TM. Methods. This was a prospective, experimental, comparative study. Fermented tocosh was subjected to hydric stress to obtain a hydroalcoholic extract at four different concentrations: 100%, 50%, 75%, and 25%. S. mutans strains were cultured in brain heart infusion agar using the swab technique. The antibacterial effectiveness of HET was evaluated following the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method and compared with 0.12% chlorhexidine (positive control group). Results. The highest mean inhibitory effect was achieved with HET at 100% (33.1 ± 2.2 mm, showing a gradual reduction in the other HET groups at 75%, 50%, and 25% (29.7 ± 1.3 mm, 26.6 ± 2.0, and 20.1 ± 1.8 mm, respectively)). Inferential analysis found statistically significant differences among all the experimental groups (p=0.001). The post hoc analysis also showed significant differences among all the experimental groups evaluated; however, there were no significant differences between HET 50% and chlorhexidine 0.12% (p>0.05). Conclusions. It was found that the highest antibacterial effectiveness was obtained by HET 100%, being even higher than the 0.12% chlorhexidine positive control, and was statistically significant. Post hoc analysis showed that almost all the concentrations showed optimal efficacy against S. mutans.

Potential Allylpyrocatechol Derivatives as Antibacterial Agent Against Oral Pathogen of S. sanguinis ATCC 10,556 and as Inhibitor of MurA Enzymes: in vitro and in silico Study

BACKGROUND

Streptococcus sanguinis is Gram-positive bacteria that contribute to caries. Many antibacterial agents are resistant against bacteria so that the discovery of new antibacterial agents is a crucial issue. Mechanism of antibacterial agents by disrupting cell wall bacteria is a promising target to be developed. One of the enzymes contributing to the cell wall is MurA enzyme. MurA is an enzyme catalyzing the first step of peptidoglycan biosynthesis in the cell wall formation. Inhibiting MurA is an effective and efficient way to kill the bacteria. Source of bioactive compounds including the antibacterial agent can be found in natural product such as herbal plant. Piper betle L. was reported to contain active antibacterial compounds. However, there is no more information on the antibacterial activity and molecular mechanism of P. betle's compound against S. sanguinis.

PURPOSE

The study aims to identify antibacterial constituents of P. betle L. and evaluate their activities through two different methods including in vitro and in silico analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antibacterial agent was purified by bioactivity-guided isolation with combination chromatography methods and the chemical structure was determined by spectroscopic methods. The in vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion and dilution methods while the in silico study of a compound binds on the MurA was determined using PyRx program.

RESULTS

The antibacterial compound identified as allylpyrocatechol showed inhibitory activity against S. sanguinis with an inhibition zone of 11.85 mm at 1%, together with MIC and MBC values of 39.1 and 78.1 μg/mL, respectively. Prediction for molecular inhibition mechanism of allylpyrocatechols against the MurA presented two allylpyrocatechol derivatives showing binding activity of -5.4, stronger than fosfomycin as a reference with the binding activity of -4.6.

CONCLUSION

Two allylpyrocatechol derivatives were predicted to have a good potency as a novel natural antibacterial agent against S. sanguinis through blocking MurA activity that causes disruption of bacterial cell wall.

Utilization of the extract of Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G. Don against the biofilm formation and the expression of virulence genes of cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G. Don is applied as anti-inflammatory and anti-infection agents in folklore medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity of Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G. Don extract (CDE) against Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and its biocompatibility, as well as to identify its chemical components.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), crystal violet staining, and CFU counting assay were applied to investigate the effect of CDE on S. mutans biofilm formation and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) synthesis. The microstructure of S. mutans biofilms formed on glass coverslips and bovine enamel treated with CDE was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). qRT-PCR was used to measure the expression of virulence genes gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD, and zymogram assay was performed to investigate the enzymatic activity of Gtfs. Moreover, HPLC-MS and NMR were applied to identify its chemical components. CCK-8 assay was also performed on human oral cells to evaluate its biocompatibility.

RESULTS

Under the treatment of CDE, S. mutans formed less biofilm on both coverslips and enamel surfaces and synthesized less EPS. Moreover, CDE downregulated the expression of gtf genes and inhibited the enzymatic activity of Gtfs. According to HPLC-MS and NMR results, molecular structures of six main compounds in CDE were identified. CDE also has a good biocompatibility.

CONCLUSIONS

CDE exhibits inhibitory activity against S. mutans and a good biocompatibility. It has the potential to be developed as anti-caries agents for clinical use.

Development and Formulation of the Experimental Dentifrice Based on Passiflora mollissima (Tumbo) with and without Fluoride Anion: Antibacterial Activity on Seven Antimicrobial Strains

Objectives

To develop and formulate a new experimental dentifrice with and without fluoride based on the peel and the fruit of the Passiflora mollissima (tumbo) and also to evaluate its antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial strains.

Methods

The sample was calculated using the mean comparison formula, obtaining wells (n = 12) for each of the strains evaluated: S. mutans, E. faecalis, Actinomyces, Lactobacillus, C. albicans, S. sanguinis, and S. oralis. The antibacterial activity of the dentifrice was evaluated by the direct contact technique.

Results

It was found that the highest antimicrobial activity was only present in pulp-based dentifrices against strains of S. mutans 21.0 ± 1.8, E. faecalis 16.3 ± 3.9, Actinomyces 22.1 ± 1.3, and Lactobacillus 21.0 ± 1.3. However, in comparison with other strains such as C. albicans, S. sanguinis, and S. oralis, the peel-based dendrifrice of Passiflora mollissima obtained the highest antimicrobial activity.

Conclusion

The experimental dentifrice based on Passiflora mollissima had an antibacterial effect against the seven microbial strains during the first 24 and 48 hours.

Antibacterial Activity and Cytotoxic Effect of Pelargonium peltatum (Geranium) against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the in vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of the methanolic extract of Pelargonium peltatum (geranium) against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) and Streptococcus sanguinis (ATCC 10556).

METHODS

Three extracts of P. peltatum were prepared using the leaf, stem, and root. Nine independent assays were prepared for each type of extract with chlorhexidine at 0.12% as the positive control. The agar diffusion method was performed to determine the antibacterial properties of each extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the microdilution method, and the cytotoxicity was analyzed by means of the MTT reduction test using a MDCK cell line.

RESULTS

The root extract had the highest antibacterial effect with a mean result of (27.68 ± 0.97) mm and (30.80 ± 0.55) mm against S. mutans and S. sanguinis, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration for the leaf and root extracts was 250 mg/mL for S. mutans and 125 mg/mL for S. sanguinis. Cytotoxicity assays showed that both extracts had a low cytotoxicity at high concentrations. The cellular viability was highest for the root extract at 95.3% followed by the stem extract at 80.8% and finally the leaf extract with 75.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show the antibacterial properties of the methanolic extracts of P. pelargonium against S. mutans and S. sanguinis. These extracts were not cytotoxic at high concentrations.

Hydroalcoholic Extract and Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Bixa orellana Leaves Decrease the Inflammatory Response to Mycobacterium abscessus Subsp. massiliense

The incidence of infections caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM), especially Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense (Mabs), is increasing worldwide. Severe infections are associated with abscess formation and strong inflammatory response. This study evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of a hydroalcoholic extract (BoHE) and ethyl acetate fraction (BoEA) of Bixa orellana leaves. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution to determine the minimum inhibitory (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal (MBC) concentrations. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using erythrocytes and RAW 264.7 cells. Nitric oxide (NO) was assayed in stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, and inflammatory cell migration and acute toxicity were evaluated in a Mabs-induced peritonitis mouse model. The compounds present in BoEA were identified by high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The MIC and MBC values were 2.34 mg/mL and 37.5 mg/mL for BoHE and 0.39 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL for BoEA. The extracts did not induce significant toxicity in erythrocytes and RAW 264.7 cells. High levels of NO induced by Mabs were decreased by treatment with both extracts. The anti-inflammatory activity was confirmed in vivo by significant reduction of the cell migration to the peritoneum following BoHE and BoEA pretreatment. Animals treated with BoHE or BoEA did not show signs of acute toxicity in stomach, liver, and kidney. The chemical characterization of BoEA (the most active extract) revealed that kaempferol-3-O-coumaroyl glucose is its major component. The extract of B. orellana may be effective for treating infections caused by Mabs.

The biotechnology (genetic transformation and molecular biology) of Bixa orellana L. (achiote)

Genetic transformation allows for greater bixin or norbixin production in achiote. Knowledge of genes that control the biosynthesis of these important secondary metabolites will allow for targeted amplification in transgenic plants. Annatto is a natural dye or coloring agent derived from the seeds, or their arils, of achiote (Bixa orellana L.), and is commercially known as E160b. The main active component of annatto dye is water-insoluble bixin, although water-soluble norbixin also has commercial applications. Relative to other antioxidants, bixin is light- and temperature stable and is thus safe for human consumption. Bixin is, therefore, widely applied as a dye and as an antioxidant in the medico-pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and dye industries. Even though bixin has also been isolated from leaves and bark, yield is lower than from seeds. More biotechnology-based research of this industrial and medicinal plant is needed. Building on provisional genetic transformation studies, it would be advantageous to transform genes that could result in greater bixin or norbixin production. Reliable protocols for the extraction of bixin and norbixin, as well as deeper knowledge of the genes that control the biosynthesis of these important secondary metabolites will allow for targeted amplification in transgenic plants.