Antioxidant activity of Rhizophora mangle bark

Evaluation of embryotoxic and embryostatic effects of the aqueous extract of Rhizophora mangle and tannic acid on eggs and larvae of Aedes aegypti

Rhizophora mangle is an abundant plant in mangroves and tannic acid is a polyphenol produced by the secondary metabolism of plants. The aim of the study was to evaluate the embryotoxic and embriostatic effects of the aqueous extract of R. mangle and synthetic tannic acid on eggs and larvae of Aedes aegypti. A. aegypti eggs were exposed in duplicate at concentrations of 250, 500, 750 and 1000 µg/mL of extract and tannic acid for a period of 14 days. Mineral water was used as a negative control. The eggs were observed and counted in a stereomicroscope (1.2x). In all extract concentrations there was stimulation in hatching in relation to the control, but only in concentration of 750 mg/mL it was statistically significant. In tannic acid (250µg/ml) there was significant stimulus in hatching, but in 500, 750 and 1000 µg/mL there was significant inhibition. All concentrations of aqueous extract and tannic acid on larvae showed embryotoxic and embryostatic effects when compared to the control. The aqueous extract of R. mangle showed effect on hatching of A. aegypti eggs and synthetic tannic acid showed embryotoxic and embryostatic effects. On larvae, both the aqueous extract as tannic acid showed embryotoxic and embryostatic effects.

Antioxidant action of mangrove polyphenols against gastric damage induced by absolute ethanol and ischemia-reperfusion in the rat

Rhizophora mangle, the red mangrove, has long been known as a traditional medicine. Its bark has been used as astringent, antiseptic, hemostatic, with antifungic and antiulcerogenic properties. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of a buthanolic fraction of the R. mangle bark extract (RM) against experimental gastric ulcer in rats. Unib-Wh rats received pretreatment of R. mangle after the induction of gastric injury with absolute ethanol and ischemia-reperfusion. Gastric tissues from both methods were prepared to the enzymatic assays, the levels of sulfhydril compounds (GSH), lipid peroxides (LPO), and the activities of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured. The RM protected the gastric mucosa in both methods used, ethanol-induced gastric ulcer and ischemia-reperfusion, probably, by modulating the activities of the enzymes SOD, GPx, and GR and increasing or maintaining the levels of GSH; in adittion, LPO levels were reduced. The results suggest that the RM antioxidant activity leads to tissue protection; thus one of the antiulcer mechanisms present on the pharmacological effects of R. mangle is the antioxidant property.

Mechanisms of action underlying the gastric antiulcer activity of the Rhizophora mangle L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhizophora mangle, the red mangrove, has long been known as a traditional antiulcer medicine. The present work evaluated the mechanisms of action involved in the anti-ulcer properties of the Rhizophora mangle bark extracts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gastroprotection of Rhizophora mangle was evaluated in rodent experimental models (ethanol). To elucidate the mechanisms of action the antisecretory action and involvement of NO, SH, mucus and PGE(2) were evaluated. The acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer model, Western blotting assay (COX-1, COX-2 and EGF) and immunohistochemical localization of HSP-70, PCNA and COX-2 were also used to evaluate the Rhizophora mangle healing properties.

RESULTS

Results showed that Rhizophora mangle bark crude extract (CE), as well as ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and butanolic fractions (BuOH) provided significant gastroprotection at all the tested doses. Thereby, the following protocols were performed using the lowest dose capable of producing the most effective gastroprotection, which was the BuOH 0.5mg/kg (P<0.001). Several mechanisms are involved in the antiulcer activity of Rhizophora mangle, such as, participation of NO, SH and mucus. The enhancement of PGE(2) levels and the upregulation of COX-2 and EGF seem to be directly linked to the antisecretory, cytoprotective and healing effects of BuOH. HSP-70 and PCNA are also involved in this cicatrisation process. No sign of toxicity was observed in this study, considering the analyzed parameters.

CONCLUSION

Our study reinforces its traditional medicinal use. Considering that the current therapies are based on the use of antisecretory or cytoprotective drugs, the Rhizophora mangle arises as a promising alternative antiulcer therapy.

1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and superoxide anion scavenging activity of Rhizophora mangle (L.) bark

Background:

Rhizophora mangle (L.) produce a variety of substances that possesses pharmacological actions. Although it shown antioxidant properties in some assays, there is no available information about its effect on some free radical species. So the objective of the present research is to evaluate the DPPH radical and superoxide anion scavenging properties of R. mangle extract and its polyphenol fraction.

Methods:

Rhizophora mangle (L.) bark aqueous extract and its major constituent, polyphenols fraction, were investigated for their antioxidant activities employing 2 in vitro assay systems: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anion radicals scavenging.

Results:

IC₅₀ for DPPH radical-scavenging activity was 6.7 µg tannins/mL for extract and 7.6 µg tannins/mL for polyphenolic fraction. The extract showed better activity than its fraction (P < 0.05) in the DPPH radicals reducing power. Polyphenolic fraction exhibited better superoxide anion scavenging ability (IC₅₀ = 21.6 µg tannins/mL) than the extract (IC₅₀ = 31.9 µg tannins/mL). Antioxidant activities of both samples increased with the rise of tannins concentration. The comparison of regression lines showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between extract and its polyphenolic fraction in both assays, indicating that extract was more effective in DPPH radical scavenging than its fraction at tannin concentrations below the crossing point of both lines, while that fraction was more effective than extract inhibiting the superoxide anions generation.

Conclusions:

R. mangle aqueous extract showed a potent antioxidant activity, achieved by the scavenging ability observed against DPPH radicals and superoxide anions. Regarding its polyphenolic composition, the antioxidant effects observed in this study are due, most probably, to the presence of polyphenolic compounds.

Free radical scavenging activity of the marine mangrove Rhizophora apiculata bark extract with reference to naphthalene induced mitochondrial dysfunction

Rhizophora apiculata bark extract was tested for its free radical scavenging activity and protective role against mitochondrial dysfunction in naphthalene stressed rats. Lipid peroxidation activity was increased and activity of mitochondrial enzymes (cytochrome-c-oxidase, NADH-dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase) and glutathione was decreased in the liver and kidney of rats intoxicated with naphthalene when compared to control rats. Intraperitoneal administration of plant extract significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation, increased the activity of mitochondrial enzymes and increased glutathione to near control levels. These results suggest that the sulfated polysaccharides in R. apiculata play a protective role through their free radical scavenging properties.