The protective effects of guaraná extract (Paullinia cupana) on fibroblast NIH-3T3 cells exposed to sodium nitroprusside

Impacts of gentamycin toxicity: nephroprotective role of guarana through different signaling pathways

Gentamicin is a widely used aminoglycosidic antibiotic since its discovery. Like any other medication gentamicin causes unwanted side effects such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. This study aims to examine the antioxidant effect of the guarana seed extract in protecting renal tissue. Forty male mice were divided into four groups (group one was control with free access to food and water, group two was treated orally with 300 mg/kg of guarana seed extract daily, group three was injected intraperitoneally with 100 mg/kg of gentamicin daily and the fourth group was co-treated with both 300 mg/kg of guarana seed extract orally and injected intraperitoneally with 100 mg/kg of gentamicin daily) for two weeks. Serum levels of urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, IL-1β and IL-6 have significantly elevated in the gentamicin treated group and those changes were not found in the guarana co-treated group. In gentamicin treated mice, a significant reduction was observed in two antioxidants SOD and GPX accompanied by downregulation of Ho-1 and Nrf2 while, that did not happen in the guarana seed extract co-treated group. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry slides show that the guarana seed extract prevents degenerative and necrotic events in tubular epithelial tissues caused by gentamicin toxicity. In conclusion, current data suggest that gentamicin can damage renal tissues when given at 100 mg/kg/day, however, the guarana seed extract may be capable of preventing that event when cotreated with the gentamicin as a supplement.

Safety and efficacy indicators of guarana and Brazil nut extract carried in nanoparticles of coenzyme Q10: Evidence from human blood cells and red earthworm experimental model

This study characterized a nanosupplement based on coenzyme Q10 containing guarana (Paullinia cupana) and Brazil nuts oil (Bertholetia excelsa) (G-Nut). Determined cytotoxic and oxi-immunomodulatory effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and its effect on mortality of red Californian earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and on the immune efficiency of its coelomocytes immune by in vitro exposure to yeast dead microorganism. The cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects of G-Nut and the GN-Free extract (0.25-3 mg/mL) were determined in PBMC cultures. Apoptotic, oxidative, and inflammatory markers were determined using biochemical, immunological, and molecular protocols. The effects of G-Nut and GN-Free extracts on mortality and immune efficiency were investigated in earthworms. G-Nut and GN-Free did not induce cytotoxic events in PBMCs, triggering the decrease in apoptotic (caspases 3 and 8) gene expression, lipid and protein oxidation levels, or pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. G-Nut and GN-Free did not trigger earthworm mortality and improved coelomocyte immune efficiency by increasing Eisenia neutrophil extracellular DNA traps and brown body formation when exposed to dead yeasts. The G-Nut nanoformulation is safe and can be used as a new form of food supplement by oral or transdermal delivery.

In vitro antiproliferative effects of Vatairea macrocarpa (Benth.) Ducke lectin on human tumor cell lines and in vivo evaluation of its toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster

Tumor cells may develop alterations in glycosylation patterns during the initial phase of carcinogenesis. These alterations may be important therapeutic targets for lectins with antitumor action. This work aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of VML on tumor and non-tumor cells (concentration of 25 μg/mL and then microdiluted) and evaluate its in vivo toxicity at different concentrations (1.8, 3.5 and 7.0 μg/mL), using Drosophila melanogaster. Toxicity in D. melanogaster evaluated mortality rate, as well as oxidative stress markers (TBARS, iron levels, nitric oxide levels, protein and non-protein thiols). The cytotoxicity assay showed that VML had cytotoxic effect on leukemic lines HL-60 (IC50 = 3.5 μg/mL), KG1 (IC50 = 18.6 μg/mL) and K562 (102.0 μg/mL). In the toxicity assay, VML showed no reduction in survival at concentrations of 3.5 and 7.0 μg/mL and did not alter oxidative stress markers at any concentrations tested. Cytotoxicity of VML from HL-60, KG1 and K562 cells could arise from the interaction between the lectin and specific carbohydrates of tumor cells. In contrast, effective concentrations of VML against no-tumor cells human keratinocyte - HaCat and in the D. melanogaster model did not show toxicity, suggesting that VML is a promising molecule in vivo studies involving leukemic cells.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) as a potential tool for mesenchymal stromal cells priming in regenerative medicine

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have therapeutic potential due to their abilities of differentiation, immunomodulation, and migration to injured tissues, potentiating such effects when cells are activated. Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a tropical plant species found in South America that is known for its antioxidant, stimulant, and cicatricial effects. The guarana extract is composed of many substances and caffeine is the main component. The objective was to evaluate the effects of guarana and caffeine on MSCs. After the initial characterization, MSCs were treated with Paullinia cupana (10, 100, and 1000 μg/mL) or caffeine (0.4, 4, and 40 μg/mL) for 24 h. MSCs treatment with 1000 μg/mL guarana increased cell polarity, viability, cell migration to chemoattractant, antioxidant potential, and liberation of extracellular vesicles (EVs), while it reduced the levels of autophagy. MSCs treated with 100 and 1000 μg/mL guarana or 40 μg/mL caffeine showed a decrease of cell proliferation. No treatment affected the cellular area and cell cycle of MSCs. The study shows in vitro evidence that guarana could be a promising alternative for activating MSCs to promote better cellular products for future clinical therapies.

Metabolomic profiling and correlations of supercritical extracts of guarana

A previous optimization of supercritical extraction from guarana seeds was performed applying orthogonal array design (OA9(34)). The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of these extracts, as well as metabolomic profiling and correlations from the compounds by statistical analysis were determined. Extracts 1 (40% ethanol; 20 min; 40 °C and 100 bar), 2 (40% methanol; 60 min; 40 °C and 200 bar), and 8 (40% methanol; 40 min; 60 °C and 100 bar) had the highest combined values of antioxidant capacity for the DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and xanthine oxidase system methods, and were identified by chemometric analysis. Similar chemical profiles of the extracts were obtained by LC-DAD-MS, and were identified: methyl-xanthine, (epi)catechin and dimers and trimers of type A and B proanthocyanidins. The heat map analysis showed positive correlation between antioxidant methods DPPH, FRAP and ABTS and with flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins. Extract 3 was active against Gram-negative and -positive bacteria and Candida tropicalis.

Paullinia cupana seed extract ameliorated methotrexate-induced testicular dysfunction through the regulation of antioxidants, inflammatory, apoptosis/anti-apoptosis, and steroidogenesis-associated genes

Methotrexate (MXT) is a medication used for cancer and rheumatoid treatment with severe organs toxicity as a side effect. Paullinia cupana (Guarana) is a plant with pleiotropic functions used to overcome the side effects of some chemotherapeutic medications. Current study aimed to examine the possible protective effect of guarana against oxidative stress induced by a single dose of MTX in testis. Forty male mice were divided into 4 groups (8 weeks old; 30 g weight), 1st group is negative control. The 2nd group is positive intoxicated group, received a single dose of MTX intraperitoneally (IP; 20 mg/kg BW in saline) on day 7. The 3rd group received guarana seed extract orally (300 mg/kg BW daily) for 12 days. The protective group was given guarana seed extract orally for 1 week, then on day 7 injected with MTX, and continued with guarana for extra 5 days. Blood was taken for biochemical measurement (hormones, antioxidants, cytokines, and oxidative stress biomarkers). Testicular tissues were taken for gene quantification (qRT-PCR), testicular oxidative stress activity (malondialdehyde; MDA, and SOD) and comet assay (sperm DNA damage), and histopathological changes at the end of experimental design. MTX intoxication caused a decrease in testicular SOD, GSH, and catalase and an increase in serum and tissue levels of MDA. Biomarkers of oxidative stress were increased by MTX intoxication, and were ameliorated by guarana administration to MTX-intoxicated mice. Guarana prevented the increase in IL-1β and IL-6 levels compared to mice intoxicated with MTX alone. MTX upregulated the expression of caspase-3 and downregulated Bcl-2 expression using qRT-PCR analysis. These negative impacts of MTX were protected by guarana pre-administration. MTX decreased reproductive hormones and altered spermogram parameters (sperm concentration and motility, and percentage of live and dead sperms). In addition, the mRNA expression of steroidogenesis-associated genes, such cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and 17β hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) was downregulated in the MTX-treated group, all were prevented by guarana administration. The sperm DNA damage revealed by a comet assay was increased in MTX group and was reversed to control levels by guarana supplementation. Finally, testis histology of MTX-group showed marked spermatocytes vacuolization and a decrease in spermatogenesis. Guarana administration abrogated histopathological changes reported in the Leydig cells and testicular tissues. In conclusion, guarana has the potential as a supplement medication to antagonize testicular oxidative stress induced by methotrexate.

A coffee enriched with guarana, selenium, and l-carnitine (GSC) has nutrigenomic effects on oxi-inflammatory markers of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: A pilot study

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most common clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS), characterized by a chronic inflammatory state and elevated levels of oxidative markers. Food supplements with potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects have been tested as possible adjuvants in the treatment of MS. In this sense, this pilot study was carried out with the aim of verifying whether a minimum daily dose of a guarana, selenium and l-carnitine (GSC) based multi supplement, mixed in cappuccino-type coffee, administered for 12 weeks to 28 patients with RRMS could differentially modulate oxidative blood markers (lipoperoxidation, protein carbonylation and DNA oxidation) and inflammatory blood markers (protein levels of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, gene expression of these cytokines, and NLRP3 and CASP-1 molecules, and C-reactive protein levels). The results indicate that a low concentration of GSC is capable of decreasing the plasma levels of oxidized DNA and pro-inflammatory cytokines of RRMS patients. The results support further research into the action of GSC on clinical symptoms, not only in patients with MS, but also with other neurological conditions.

Amazonian Guarana- and Açai-Conjugated Extracts Improve Scratched Fibroblast Healing and Eisenia fetida Surgical Tail Amputation by Modulating Oxidative Metabolism

Background

Previous studies have suggested that guarana (Paullinia cupana) and açai (Euterpe oleracea) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and proliferative properties, indicating their potential therapeutic action in wound healing. We produced a conjugated guarana-açai (GA) extract and tested its healing action on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) subjected to tail amputation by surgical incision.

Methods

Extract from roasted guarana seeds and fresh açai seed berries was produced. The antioxidant and genoprotective capacity of GA extract was tested. The concentration with the most remarkable healing potential was used in subsequent tests. The last three posterior segments of the clitellate earthworm tail reared under standardized conditions were surgically amputated. Next, topical PBS or GA extract was applied to the surgical wound. The rate of cell migration and tissue regeneration at the local wound site was histologically evaluated after the procedure. Expression of the SOX4 gene that acts in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition was determined by RT-qPCR.

Results

Sixteen bioactive molecules, including some previously described substances, were identified. All tested concentrations exhibited antioxidant and genoprotective effects. The GA extract accelerated the healing processes as observed through macroscopic and histological analyses and increased expression of SOX4.

Conclusion

The GA extract has a potential role in the healing of surgically induced wounds.

Amazon-derived nutraceuticals: Promises to mitigate chronic inflammatory states and neuroinflammation

Nutraceuticals have been the focus of numerous research in recent years and accumulating data support their use for promoting some health benefits. Several nutraceuticals have been widely studied as supplements due to their functional properties ameliorating symptoms associated with neurological disorders, such as oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory states. This seems to be the case of some fruits and seeds from the Amazon Biome consumed since the pre-Columbian period that could have potential beneficial impact on the human nervous system. The beneficial activities of these food sources are possibly related to a large number of bioactive molecules including polyphenols, carotenoids, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements. In this context, this review compiled the research on six Amazonian fruits and seeds species and some of the major nutraceuticals found in their composition, presenting brief mechanisms related to their protagonist action in improving inflammatory responses and neuroinflammation.

Inhibition of breast tumor growth by N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) is accompanied by activation of fibroblasts

Nitric Oxide (NO) is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. It is generated by a family of NO synthases (NOS), being the inducible isoform, iNOS, responsible for higher amounts of NO. Here, we report that pharmacological inhibition of NO production by l-NAME reduces both viability and MAPK activated signalling pathways in iNOS positive human and murine cancer cell lines. In vivo, using syngeneic models, in parallel with tumor reduction induced by l-NAME, collagen deposition and α-SMA positive stromal cells are observed. This observation takes place only when tumor cells express iNOS. In vitro, l-NAME induces viability and differentiation on fibroblast. Our results reveal that NO inhibition contributes to stimulate proliferation and activation of fibroblasts in parallel with tumor reduction of iNOS positive breast cancer.

Lipotoxicity-associated inflammation is prevented by guarana (Paullinia cupana) in a model of hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia causes lipotoxicity which prompts an inflammatory response linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Natural compounds have been receiving special attention for its potential to treat diseases, inexpensiveness, and safety. Guarana (Paullinia cupana) has demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may prevent chronic diseases caused by changes in lipid profile. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of guarana powder (Paullinia cupana) in the purine metabolism and inflammatory profile in lymphocytes and serum of rats with Poloxamer-407-induced hyperlipidemia. Pretreatment with guarana 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg/day or caffeine (0.2 mg/kg/day) by gavage was applied to adult male Wistar rats for a period of 30 days. As a comparative standard, we used simvastatin (0.04 mg/kg) post-induction. Hyperlipidemia was acutely induced with intraperitoneally injection of Poloxamer-407 (500 mg/kg). Guarana powder and caffeine increased the activity of the E-NTPDase (ecto-apyrase), and all pretreatments decreased the E-ADA (ecto-adenosine deaminase) activity, reducing the inflammatory process caused by lipotoxicity. In hyperlipidemic rats, ATP levels were increased while adenosine levels were decreased, guarana and caffeine reverted these changes. Guarana powder, caffeine, and simvastatin also prevented the increase in INF-γ and potentiated the increase in IL-4 levels, promoting an anti-inflammatory profile. Guarana promoted a more robust effect than caffeine. Our results show that guarana powder and caffeine have an anti-inflammatory as seen by the shift from a proinflammatory to an anti-inflammatory profile. The effects of guarana were more pronounced, suggesting that guarana powder may be used as a complementary therapy to improve the lipotoxicity-associated inflammation.

Guarana improves behavior and inflammatory alterations triggered by methylmercury exposure: an in vivo fruit fly and in vitro neural cells study

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known environmental pollutant associated with neurological and developmental deficits in animals and humans. However, epidemiological data showed that people living in the Amazon region although exposed to MeHg do not present these effects probably due to the protective effect of certain foods. We hypothesized here if guarana, a highly caffeinated fruit and consumed on a daily basis by Amazon people, could have some protective effect against MeHg toxicity using two complementary approaches. To assess locomotor impairment and sleep disruption, we used fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) model, and to evaluate neuroinflammation, we used human SH-SY5Y neural cells by measuring inflammatory cytokines levels. Results showed that guarana had a protective effect on the locomotor activity of male fruit flies reducing the excessive sleepiness caused by MeHg and increasing daily activity. Also, guarana increased the viability of flies and attenuated neural cells mortality. In addition, guarana reduced all pro-inflammatory cytokines levels increased by MeHg, along with caspase-1, caspase -3, caspase-8, and 8-dOHG levels, whereas increased the anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine levels, which was decreased by MeHg. Our study provides new insights on the protective effects of guarana on the viability, locomotor activity, sleep, and activity patterns in vivo and the in vitro neuronal anti-inflammatory effect against MeHg toxicity.

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.

Mechanisms involved in anti-aging effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in Caenorhabditis elegans

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is habitually ingested by people in the Amazon region and is a key ingredient in various energy drinks consumed worldwide. Extension in longevity and low prevalence of chronic age-related diseases have been associated to habitual intake of guarana. Anti-aging potential of guarana was also demonstrated in Caenorhabditis elegans; however, the mechanisms involved in its effects are not clear. Herein, we investigated the putative pathways that regulate the effects of guarana ethanolic extract (GEE) on lifespan using C. elegans. The major known longevity pathways were analyzed through mutant worms and RT-qPCR assay (DAF-2, DAF-16, SKN-1, SIR-2.1, HSF-1). The possible involvement of purinergic signaling was also investigated. This study demonstrated that GEE acts through antioxidant activity, DAF-16, HSF-1, and SKN-1 pathways, and human adenosine receptor ortholog (ADOR-1) to extend lifespan. GEE also downregulated skn-1, daf-16, sir-2.1 and hsp-16.2 in 9-day-old C. elegans, which might reflect less need to activate these protective genes due to direct antioxidant effects. Our results contribute to the comprehension of guarana effects in vivo, which might be helpful to prevent or treat aging-associated disorders, and also suggest purinergic signaling as a plausible therapeutic target for longevity studies.

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.

A chemical compound based on methylxanthine-polyphenols lowers nitric oxide levels and increases post-thaw human sperm viability

We produced a new chemical compound based on methylxanthines and polyphenols (CCMP) present in the chemical matrix of guaraná (Paullinia cupana), a seed extract with antioxidant properties. After supplementation with the standard extract of resveratrol, a well documented antioxidant found in other plant sources, we investigated whether this resveratrol-enriched compound could improve sperm viability and modulate differentially reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in thawed sperm. Sperm samples obtained from healthy young donors were treated with different concentrations of guaraná extract (0.1, 1, 5 or 10 mg/ml) and cells were frozen at -80°C for 24 h. In addition, the potential protective effects of guaraná treatment on sperm treated with pro-oxidant compound (200 µM hydrogen peroxide, H2O2) were assessed. Samples were also exposed to three concentrations of CCMP before being frozen in liquid nitrogen (-196°C) or in an ultrafreezer (-80°C) for 24 h, and both pre-freezing and post-thaw measurements of viability and oxidative stress were performed. Guaraná supplementation at 10 mg/ml significantly increased post-thaw viability and decreased oxidative metabolism of the sperm. Moreover, selected concentrations of CCMP improved viability and oxidative metabolism in sperm samples pre-freezing. Furthermore, CCMP showed cryoprotective activity by increasing viability and decreasing oxidative stress in post-thaw samples. In summary, these findings suggested that CCMP supplementation acts as a cryoprotectant to modulate ROS and NO levels in thawed sperm. CCMP could be used to enhance sperm quality and reproductive success.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart.) attenuates methylmercury-induced toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

The influence of routine guarana (Paullinia cupana) consumption on apparent tolerance to mercury intoxication has been proposed. The present study investigated this hypothesis in Caenorhabditis elegans, a suitable experimental model for studies in toxicology. Wild type (WT) and skn-1 (ok2315) worm strains were pretreated with guarana ethanolic extract (GEE) from larvae 1 (L1) to L4 stage and then exposed for 6 hours to methylmercury (MeHg). The analyses included evaluation of GEE's effects on lethality, developmental delay, feeding, locomotion, gene expression (sod-3, gst-4, sir-2.1, hsf-1, snn-1, mtl-1, mtl-2, aat-1, aat-2 and aat-3) and antioxidant activity. GEE pre-treatment had no aberrant effects on WT worms exposed to MeHg, and protected skn-1 (ok2315) worms, which are more susceptible to environmental stresses. Protective effects of GEE might be dependent on modulation of genes other than those directly involved in antioxidant activity. GEE increased the expression of genes involved in metal transport (aat-2), metal detoxification (mtl-1 and mtl-2) and antioxidant responses (sir-2.1 and sod-3). Thus, routine consumption of guarana might be beneficial in protecting against MeHg-induced toxicity.

Bioavailability of catechins from guaraná (Paullinia cupana) and its effect on antioxidant enzymes and other oxidative stress markers in healthy human subjects

Guaraná catechins are bioavailable and reduce oxidative stress in healthy individuals by direct antioxidant action and increase of antioxidant enzyme activity.

Hypercholesterolemia and Ecto-enzymes of Purinergic System: Effects of Paullinia cupana

Hypercholesterolemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein and blood cholesterol, causing inflammatory lesion. Purinergic signaling modulates the inflammatory and immune responses through adenine nucleotides and nucleoside. Guaraná has hypocholesterolemic and antiinflammatory properties. Considering that there are few studies demonstrating the effects of guaraná powder on the metabolism of adenine nucleotides, we investigated its effects on the activity of ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) and ecto-adenosine deaminase activity in lymphocytes of rats with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. The rats were divided into hypercholesterolemic and normal diet groups. Each group was subdivided by treatment: saline, guaraná powder 12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day and caffeine concentration equivalent to highest dose of guaraná, fed orally for 30 days. An increase in adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis was observed in the lymphocytes of rats with hypercholesterolemia and treated with 25 or 50 mg/kg/day when compared with the other groups. The hypercholesterolemic group treated with the highest concentration of guaraná powder showed decreased ecto-adenosine deaminase activity compared with the normal diet groups. Guaraná was able to reduce the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to basal levels in hypercholesterolemic rats. High concentrations of guaraná associated with a hypercholesterolemic diet are likely to have contributed to the reduction of the inflammatory process.

Treatment with a combination of ginger, L-citrulline, muira puama and Paullinia cupana can reverse the progression of corporal smooth muscle loss, fibrosis and veno-occlusive dysfunction in the aging rat

AIMS

Aging associated erectile dysfunction is characterized within the corpora by a progressive apoptosis of the smooth muscle cells and their replacement by collagen. Nitric oxide from iNOS has been shown to inhibit these histological changes in the corpora while PDE5 inhibitors as well as certain nutraceuticals such as ginger, paullinia cupana, muira puama and L-citrulline are known to enhance the effects of NO. We evaluated whether the daily oral administration for 2 months with a combination of ginger, paullinia cupana, muira puama and L-citrulline (COMP-4) can effectively delay the ongoing corporal fibrosis, smooth muscle cell apoptosis and cavernosal veno-occlusive dysfunction (CVOD) seen in middle aged rats similar to that seen with tadalafil.

METHODS

10 Month old Fisher 344 rats were treated or not for two months with COMP-4, tadalafil or a combination of tadalafil plus COMP-4. CVOD was determined by dynamic infusion cavernosometry. Penile sections of the corpora cavernosa were subjected to Masson trichrome staining to evaluate fibrosis and immunohistochemistry for desmin as a marker of smooth muscle content and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) followed by image analysis. Oxidative stress levels were determined by GSH/GSSG ratio in whole blood.

RESULTS

a decline in the non-treated rat's erectile function is evident by 10-12 months of age and is accompanied by a decrease in the corporal smooth muscle content determined by desmin expression and an increase in corporal fibrosis. The daily treatment for two months with COMP-4 reverses this process by reducing systemic oxidative stress and increasing desmin and iNOS expression, similar to that seen with tadalafil or the combination of COMP-4 plus tadalafil.

CONCLUSION

An oral combination of ginger, muira puama, Paullinia cupana and L-citrulline seems to be as effective as daily PDE5 inhibitor therapy in either delaying or reversing the onset of the histological and functional characteristics of aging related erectile dysfunction.

Guarana provides additional stimulation over caffeine alone in the planarian model

The stimulant effect of energy drinks is primarily attributed to the caffeine they contain. Many energy drinks also contain other ingredients that might enhance the tonic effects of these caffeinated beverages. One of these additives is guarana. Guarana is a climbing plant native to the Amazon whose seeds contain approximately four times the amount of caffeine found in coffee beans. The mix of other natural chemicals contained in guarana seeds is thought to heighten the stimulant effects of guarana over caffeine alone. Yet, despite the growing use of guarana as an additive in energy drinks, and a burgeoning market for it as a nutritional supplement, the science examining guarana and how it affects other dietary ingredients is lacking. To appreciate the stimulant effects of guarana and other natural products, a straightforward model to investigate their physiological properties is needed. The planarian provides such a system. The locomotor activity and convulsive response of planarians with substance exposure has been shown to provide an excellent system to measure the effects of drug stimulation, addiction and withdrawal. To gauge the stimulant effects of guarana we studied how it altered the locomotor activity of the planarian species Dugesia tigrina. We report evidence that guarana seeds provide additional stimulation over caffeine alone, and document the changes to this stimulation in the context of both caffeine and glucose.

The relevance of theobromine for the beneficial effects of cocoa consumption

Cocoa consumption began in America and in the mid sixteenth Century it quickly spread to Europe. Beyond being considered a pleasant habit due to its rich sweet lingering taste, chocolate was considered a good nutrient and even a medicine. Traditionally, health benefits of cocoa have been related with the high content of antioxidants of Theobroma cocoa beans. However, the direct psychoactive effect due to methylxanthines in cocoa is notable. Theobromine and caffeine, in the proportions found in cocoa, are responsible for the liking of the food/beverage. These compounds influence in a positive way our moods and our state of alertness. Theobromine, which is found in higher amounts than caffeine, seems to be behind several effects attributed to cocoa intake. The main mechanisms of action are inhibition of phosphodiesterases and blockade of adenosine receptors. Further mechanisms are being explored to better understand the health benefits associated to theobromine consumption. Unlike what happens in other mammals -pets- included, theobromine is safe for humans and has fewer unwanted effects than caffeine. Therefore, theobromine deserves attention as one of the most attractive molecules in cocoa.

The Pavonia xanthogloea (Ekman, Malvaceae): Phenolic compounds quantification, anti-oxidant and cytotoxic effect on human lymphocytes cells

INTRODUCTION

Pavonia xanthogloea is traditionally used as an antimicrobial and anti-tumour medicine in Southern Brazilian region. However, investigations about this species are still incipient.

HYPOTHESIS TESTED

The study postulated that P. xanthologea specie present some phenolic compound and present some biological properties as anti-oxidant and cytoprotective effect against oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The content of eight phenolic molecules in the crude ethanolic extract of the aerial part of P. xanthogloea and its five fractions (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl-acetate, n-butanol, and water) was determined by heterotrophic plate count method. The anti-oxidant capacity of the extract and the fractions was determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl assay. The potential anti-oxidant and cytoprotective effect was also analyzed in human lymphocyte culture treated with extract/fractions at different concentrations with and without oxidative stress generated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) exposition.

RESULTS

Tiliroside was the molecule detected in all extract. Water and ethyl-acetate fractions showed the highest radical-scavenging activity. The crude extract, hexane, water, and n-butanol reversed the higher reactive oxygen specie levels generated by H2O2 and SNP to levels similar to those observed in the control group. In addition, crude extract, hexane, ethyl-acetate and n-butanol did not caused cytotoxicity, whereas water fraction was cytotoxic at higher concentration tested here (300 μg/mL). The cytotoxicity reversion caused by SNP exposition was concentration-dependent of the extract and fractions. However, dichloromethane fraction increased cell mortality in all concentrations investigated and was not able to decrease cell death in the lymphocytes exposed to SNP.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest potential medicine use of this species.

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.