Anti-inflammatory properties of hydroalcoholic extracts of Argentine Puna plants

Anti-inflammatory compounds and a new sesquiterpene lactone from Centaurea gabrieljanae Greuter

The traditional use of Centaurea spp. for anti-inflammatory purposes is widespread among the people in Turkiye. For this, the methanol extract of Centaurea gabrieljanae and sub-fractions of the methanol extract were tested for anti-inflammatory activity using 5-LOX, while their antioxidant activities, total phenol, and total flavonoid contents were also examined. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 3.864 ± 0.9 µg/ml), from which five known compounds (astragalin, picein, p-hydroxy benzoic acid, 3,4-dimethoxy-cinnamic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid 4-O-β-glucopyranoside) and a new sesquiterpene lactone named Pterochlorin were obtained. Pterochlorin showed potent anti-inflammatory activity with a value of IC50 12.71 ± 0.7 µg/ml compared to standard indomethacin. Similarly, astragalin was found to be strong (IC50 = 18.23 µg/ml). In addition, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid 4-O-β-glucopyranoside was isolated for the first time in Centaurea species, and its anti-inflammatory activity was tested. This study may be a guide for the discovery of a new anti-inflammatory drug derived from natural sources.

Phytochemical Profiles and Biological Activities of Frankenia Species: A Review

The relatively small Frankeniaceae family is represented by halophyte plants, growing in arid and semi-arid climates in saline, alkaline or calcareous soils. Due to their living conditions, they usually produce a large diversity of compounds, which often exhibit bioactivities. Some species of this genus have long been used as traditional herbal medicines to treat dysentery, diarrhea, gonorrhea, vaginal leucorrhea, respiratory diseases and wounds. To date, several studies on either phytochemical or pharmacological aspects, or both, have revealed that this genus is a rich source of diverse and novel bioactive chemicals, including phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids and fatty acids. This review describes all the reported chemical profiles of Frankenia species, as well as the corresponding biological properties, when available. The aim of this review is to show the potential of these plants for various applications, especially therapeutic ones.

Ultra-High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Electrospray Ionization Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Tessaria absinthioides (Hook. & Arn.) DC. (Asteraceae) and Antioxidant and Hypocholesterolemic Properties

Recently, we reported the chemical profile and the hypocholesterolemic effects of a decoction of Tessaria absinthioides (Hook. & Arn.) DC. (Asteraceae). In this study, we evaluated a methanolic extract (METa) instead. Metabolite profiling was conducted using ultra-high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS), identifying thirty compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, fatty acids, and phorbolesters. Antioxidant properties were assessed through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes (ILP) assays, exhibiting robust antioxidant activity. The in vivo impact of METa on serum lipid parameters and liver X receptors (LXRs) was evaluated in a hypercholesterolemic animal model. After 14 days on a high-fat diet, male rats received either a vehicle (V) or METa100, METa200 or METa500 (100; 200 and 500 mg METa/kg animal, respectively) for an additional two weeks. METa500 reduced total cholesterol levels (17.62%; p < 0.05) and all doses increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (METa100: 86.27%; METa200: 48.37%, and METa500: 29.42%; p < 0.0001). However, METa did not alter LXRs expression. The observed antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic properties of METa may be linked to the presence of six di-caffeoylquinic acids. These findings underscore T. absinthioides as a potential candidate for the treatment of metabolic disease.

Undifferentiated Cells of Tessaria absinthioides with High Nutritional Value and Health-Promoting Phytochemicals. An Approach Based on Plant Cellular Agriculture

In vitro cultures of undifferentiated plant cells of Tessaria absinthioides, a native herb popularly recognized and used for its health benefits, were studied as potential food supplements. These tissues were incubated under two light conditions, and the biomass obtained was freeze-dried and oven-dried. To evaluate their nutritional value, their physicochemical and functional properties were determined. Although in some cases there were significant differences in the results according to the drying methodology applied, all these tissues presented a high proportion of proteins (23.6-28.3%), a low percentage of fats (< 2%) constituted mainly by phytosterols, and a significant amount of crude fibers (6.9-9.0%) and ashes (> 10%). In addition, the freeze-dried calli resulted in a product with better functional properties. On the other hand, their phytochemical profiles and antioxidant capacity were studied and compared with tissues from wild specimens and with green tea and chamomile as reference extracts.

Protective effects of Rubus tereticaulis leaves ethanol extract on rats with ulcerative colitis and bio-guided isolation of its active compounds: A combined in silico, in vitro and in vivo study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of active ethanol extract obtained from the leaves of Rubus tereticaulis (RTME) against colitis, and to purify major compounds from this extract by bioassay-directed isolation. Rats with colitis induced via intra-rectal acetic acid administration (5%, v/v) received RTME or sulfasalazine for three consecutive days. On day four, all rats were decapitated, and the colonic tissue samples were collected for macroscopic score, colon weight, reduced glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) analyses. The active compounds and chemical composition of RTME were determined by bio-guided isolation and LC-MS/MS, respectively. Compared to the colitis group, the rats treated with RTME displayed significantly lowered macroscopic scores and colon wet weights (p < 0.001). These effects were confirmed biochemically by a decrease in colonic MPO activity (p < 0.001), MDA levels (p < 0.001), and an increase in GSH levels (p < 0.001). Kaempferol-3-O-β-d-glucuronide (RT1) and quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronide (RT2) were found to be the major compounds of RTME, as evidenced by in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity-guided isolation. Their anti-inflammatory/antioxidant activities were also predicted by docking simulations. Additionally, quinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, quercetin pentoside, quercetin glucoside, quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronide, kaempferol-3-O-β-d-glucuronide, and kaempferol rutinoside were identified in RTME via using LC-MS/MS. RT2, along with other compounds, may be responsible for the observed protective action of RTME against colitis. This study represents the first report on the beneficial effects of RTME in an experimental model of colitis and highlights the potential future use of RTME as a natural alternative to alleviate colitis.

Tessaria absinthioides (Hook. & Arn.) DC. (Asteraceae) Decoction Improves the Hypercholesterolemia and Alters the Expression of LXRs in Rat Liver and Hypothalamus

Chronic high-fat diet consumption induces hypercholesterolemia. The effect of Tessaria absinthioides (Hook. & Arn.) DC. (Asteraceae) was studied on the levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and triglycerides, and on the expression of liver X receptors (LXRs) in a hypercholesterolemic model. Adult male rats received a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD; normal diet + bovine fat + cholesterol). After 14 days, rats received water (W) or a decoction of the aerial parts of T. absinthioides (Ta; 10% w/v) for 2, 4, or 6 weeks. Four and six weeks of Ta improved the levels of TC and HDL-c in HFD. After 6 weeks of Ta, the expression of LXRs in HFD was the same as that in ND in both tissues. The Ta chemical profile was studied with an ultrahigh resolution liquid chromatography Orbitrap MS analysis (UHPLC-PDA-OT-MS/MS). Fifty-one compounds were identified, of which twelve are reported for the first time. Among these compounds, caffeoylquinic acid and its derivatives could modify the lipid profile and the expression of LXRs. This is the first in vivo report of T. absinthioides, which may be a potential candidate against hypercholesterolemia.

DETERMINATION OF TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT FROM PLANT EXTRACTS USED IN COSMETIC PURPOSE

Spectrometric analysis belongs to a group of measurement methods used for their simplicity and large selectivity to solve various problems of analytes. The total phenolic content of different plant extracts used for cosmetic purpose was determined by a slightly modified version of traditionally Folin-Ciocalteau method. The objective of this work was the validation of UV-Vis spectrometric method, investigation of uncertainty sources when measuring gallic acid concentration and evaluation of the calibration equation effect on measurement uncertainty of UV– Vis spectrophotometer. Validation was performed by studying analytical curve linearity (R2=0.9995) and range (37.5 – 225 mg L-1), estimated limit of detection (LOD, 0.11mg L-1) and limit of quantification (LOQ, 0.37 mg L-1), precision (%RSD, 0.14 – 1.34), recoveries (83-110%) and stability (%RSD, 0.8 – 2.83). To obtain more representative values for precision, recoveries and stability simultaneous replicates at different times, on different matrices including plant (marigold, chamomile and lavender) were performed during the study period. The validated method was successfully applied to determine TPC in marigold extracts. For chamomile and lavender extracts, the spectrometric method presented only acceptable precision, among all the performance parameters studied. The sources of the gallic acid concentration measurement uncertainty include purity, volume of flasks, mass and the calibration equation. The results indicated that the uncertainty components from purity were the smallest. An important source of the uncertainty was the mass.The volumes of the volumetric flasks had only modest effect on the uncertainty. The contribution of calibration equation is the greatest from all sources.

Antifungal activity of phytotherapeutic preparation of Baccharis species from argentine Puna against clinically relevant fungi

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

B. boliviensis and B. tola are used in traditional medicine in the Argentine Puna to treat skin and soft tissue infections and inflammatory processes in humans and animals.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the potential of phytotherapeutic preparations of Baccharis species as antifungal agents against clinically relevant fungi and to determine the chemical composition of the extracts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Phytotherapeutic preparations of B. boliviensis and B. tola collected in Argentine Puna were evaluated as an antifungal agent against clinically relevant fungi (yeast, non-dermatophytes, and dermatophytes) isolated of patients from a local Hospital, and reference strains, using macrodilution and microdilution assays. The bioactivity was supported by UHPLC-OT-MS metabolome fingerprinting.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the plant preparations were active against most of evaluated fungal strains; B. boliviensis was more active than B. tola. Dermatophyte fungi strains were the most sensitive isolates. The phytotherapeutic preparation showed Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values between 25 and 400 μg GAE/mL and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) values between 50 and 400 μg GAE/mL. Regarding the phytochemical analysis, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of hydroalcoholic preparation of B. boliviensis were greater than those of the B. tola extract. Both Baccharis species showed similar chromatographic patterns, fifty-two compounds were identified based on UHPLC-OT-MS including several terpenoids, flavonoids and phenolic acids that have been identified in this two endemic South American Baccharis species for the first time. Several identified compounds present antifungal properties, the presence of these compounds support the bioactivity of the Baccharis extracts.

CONCLUSIONS

In this work the traditional use of both Baccharis species as an antimicrobial against commercial products resistant fungal strains was validate, principally against dermatophytes fungi such as T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, M. canis, and M. gypseum. These results indicate that the hydroalcoholic preparations could be used for the treatment of fungal infectious.

Argentinean Puna Plants with In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities as a Potential Nutraceutical

Parastrephia lucida (Compositae), Tessaria absinthioides (Compositae), and Ephedra multiflora (Ephedraceae), three plant species from the Argentinean Puna (3600 m.a.s.l.) were selected for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to prepare mixtures to evaluate their use as nutraceuticals. Seven binary and ternary herbal mixtures made of ethanol 20% extracts of the selected plant species were prepared (Mixtures A to G), and they were analyzed for their effect on proinflammatory enzymes and their antioxidant activity in two cellular systems and in cell free systems. Toxicity tests were also carried out, and they were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) to quantify chemical markers. Mix A (equal parts of the three selected plant species) showed an important inhibitory capacity of different proinflammatory enzymes. Its potency on COX-2 was also higher than that of ibuprofen. Mix A and Mix G (P. lucida and T. absinthioides 1:1) showed a high antioxidant capacity in cellular and in cell-free systems. Toxicity assays further demonstrated their safety. This work shows the potential use of herbal mixtures made of medicinal plant species from the Argentinean Puna as nutraceutical or dietary supplements with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: P. lucida, T. absinthioides, and E. multiflora are three plant species that are commonly used by Argentinean Puna inhabitants with medicinal purposes. Their proven safety, their antioxidant activity as well as their capacity to inhibit different proinflammatory enzymes make them attractive candidates to be used in combination as part of a dietary supplement aimed to prevent or palliate gastrointestinal and systemic inflammatory diseases. The use of native plant species as an alternative to more common and commercial plant species would have a positive impact on local communities' economies.

UHPLC-Q/Orbitrap/MS/MS Fingerprinting, Free Radical Scavenging, and Antimicrobial Activity of Tessaria absinthiodes (Hook. & Arn.) DC. (Asteraceae) Lyophilized Decoction from Argentina and Chile

The decoction of Tessaria absinthioides is used in traditional medicine of South America as hypocholesterolemic, balsamic, and expectorant; but it is also useful for the prevention of hepatitis, renal insufficiency, and diabetes, and is used as digestive. A lyophilized decoction from the aerial parts of this plant (TLD) collected in San Juan (TLDSJ) and Mendoza (TLDM) provinces (Argentina) and one collection from Antofagasta, Chile (TLDCH) were characterized regarding antioxidant and antibacterial activities, phenolics and flavonoids content, and ultrahigh resolution liquid chromatography Orbitrap MS analysis UHPLC–PDA–OT-MS/MS metabolite profiling. The antioxidant properties were carried out "in vitro" using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) methods, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and lipoperoxidation in erythrocytes (LP). The antibacterial activity was evaluated following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) rules. TLDSJ, TLDM, and TLDCH displayed a strong DPPH scavenging activity (EC₅₀ = 42, 41.6, and 43 µg/mL, respectively) and inhibition of lipoperoxidation in erythrocytes (86–88% at 250 µg TLD/mL), while a less effect in the FRAP and TEACantioxidant assays was found. Additionally, the decoctions showed a content of phenolics compounds of 94 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, 185 GAE/g, and 64 GAE/g, for TLDSJ, TLDM, and TLDCH samples, respectively. Regarding the flavonoid content, the Chilean sample was highlighted with 19 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g. In this work, several phenolic compounds, including sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, were rapidly identified in TLDSJ, TLDM, and TLDCH extracts by means UHPLC–PDA–OT-MS/MS for the first time, which gave a first scientific support to consider this medicinal decoction from both countries as a valuable source of metabolites with antioxidant effects, some with outstanding potential to improve human health.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of leaf extracts of eleven South African medicinal plants used traditionally to treat inflammation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inflammation is a complex mechanism employed by the body to promote healing and restoration to normal function in the event of injury. Eleven plant species were selected in this study based on their use in traditional medicine against inflammation in South Africa.

METHODS

Hexane, acetone, ethanol, methanol and water extracts of the powdered plants were prepared and a total of fifty-five extracts were tested for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The anti-inflammatory activity of extracts was evaluated via the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitory and the nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assays using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Total flavonoid and total phenolic contents were determined. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was performed using radical scavenging DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and electron reducing ABTS (2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays.

RESULTS

The hexane extract of Typha capensis (TC) had good lipoxygenase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ of 4.65 µg/mL, significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the positive control quercetin (IC₅₀ = 24.60). The same extract also had good nitric oxide inhibitory activity with 86% NO inhibition and cell viability of 97% at 50 µg/mL. The TC acetone extract had the best antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ of 7.11 and 1.91 µg/mL respectively in the DPPH and ABTS assays. Following fractionation of the TC plant material, the ethyl acetate fraction had interesting antioxidant activity and the methanol/water (35%) and hexane fractions had good 15-LOX inhibitory activity. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities therefore resided in both polar and more non-polar fractions.

CONCLUSION

The acetone extract of Typha capensis and its fractions had good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, supporting the medicinal use of this species against inflammation. Other species including Ficus elastica, Carpobrotus edulis, Cotyledon orbiculata and Senna italica also had good activity worthy of further investigation.

Esculentoside B inhibits inflammatory response through JNK and downstream NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-triggered murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells

Natural compound esculentoside B (EsB), (2S,4aR,6aR,6aS,6bR,8aR,9R,10R,11S,12aR,14bS)-11-hydroxy-9-(hydroxymethyl)-2 methoxycarbonyl-2,6a,6b,9,12a-pentamethyl-10-[(2S,3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-1,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylic acid with molecular weight of 664.833, isolated from roots of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb has been widely used as a constituent of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the anti-inflammatory capacity of EsB has not been reported yet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate anti-inflammatory activities of EsB in LPS-treated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. EsB could inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production. EsB also suppressed gene and protein expression levels of inducible isoform of NO synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, EsB decreased gene expression and protein secretion levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. EsB remarkably suppressed nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) from cytosolic space. Phosphorylation of IκB was also inhibited by EsB. Moreover, EsB specifically down-regulated phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), but not p-p38 or phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2). Taken together, these results suggest that EsB has inhibitory effect on inflammatory response by inactivating NF-κB and p-JNK. It could be used as a new modulatory drug for effective treatment of inflammation-related diseases.

Effect of Wine Wastes Extracts on the Viability and Biofilm Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Strains

In this work, we intended to inhibit the biofilm synthesis and the metabolism of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using two highly available wastes (stem and marc) obtained after the manufacturing of Torrontes wine at Cafayate, Argentina. Wine wastes contain a significant amount of bioactive compounds, mainly phenolic compounds, which makes them a potential source of compounds with beneficial properties to human health, as they could inhibit the virulence of pathogenic bacteria or protect the tissue against oxidative stress. Marc and stem extracts of Torrontes wine were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the metabolism and biofilm production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains. The phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of these extracts were also determined. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts, which contained the highest amount of total polyphenolic, exhibited the highest scavenging capacity of ABTS and nitric oxide and the strongest Fe3+ reducing power and exhibited the highest level of inhibition of the biofilm formation and of the metabolic activity in bacterial biofilm. We also noticed a positive correlation between phenolic compounds content, the antioxidant activity, and the anti-biofilm capacity of the winemaking wastes. These results display the potentiality of wine wastes to prevent or reduce the formation of biofilm. Moreover, their abundance makes them an attractive and affordable source of antibiofilm and antioxidant agents.

Tetraglochin andina Ciald.: A medicinal plant from the Argentinean highlands with potential use in vaginal candidiasis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Argentinean medicinal plant Tetraglochin andina Ciald, formerly classified as T. cristatum (Britton) Rothm is used in traditional medicine by inhabitants from Argentinean northwestern highlands (Puna) to treat candidiasis and as anti-inflammatory.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the potential of the crude drug as an anti-Candida agent with anti-inflammatory properties. The bioactivity and phytochemical composition of a dry extract of the plant was investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The pharmacognostic description of the crude drug is carried out for the first time, including macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the different organs, physicochemical and extractive values (petroleum ether-, ethanol- and water-soluble). The dry extract from T. andina was evaluated as antifungal against pathogenic Candida sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from vaginal infections and reference strains, by the macrodilution and microdilution assays. The normal vaginal microbiome in women is characterized by the dominance of lactic acid-producing bacteria, mainly Lactobacillus spp. The effect of T. andina extract on Lactobacillus strains was also assayed. The inhibitory effect on proinflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase and phospholipase A₂) and antioxidant capacity was studied. The chemical profile was analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS.

RESULTS

The hydroalcoholic extract inhibited the growth of all yeasts with Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values between 12.5 and 400 µg GAE/mL and the MIC values on Lactobacillus were higher than the MIC values against Candida isolates ( > 400 µg GAE/mL). These results indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract could be used without affecting the normal microbiota of vaginal fluid. The extract showed antioxidant activity and could modulate the inflammatory process by three pathways (sPLA₂, COX-2, LOX). The plant extract contained high total phenolic levels (386.9±1.7 mg GAE/g dry extract) and flavonoid levels (260.4±2.7 mg GAE/g dry extract). Fifty phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-ESI-MS. They were mainly hydrolysable and condensed tannins. The dry extract was chemically and biologically stable during one year at room temperature or 4 °C.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of anti-Candida and anti-inflammatory activities in Tetraglochin andina extracts give support to their traditional use for treating conditions associated with microorganism infections and inflammatory process in humans. This plant preparation could be used to design phytopharmaceutical preparations to inhibit yeast growth and moderate the inflammatory and oxidative process.

The Traditional Medicinal Plants Cuphea calophylla, Tibouchina kingii, and Pseudelephantopus spiralis Attenuate Inflammatory and Oxidative Mediators

Aerial parts of Cuphea calophylla, Tibouchina kingii, and Pseudelephantopus spiralis have been used in Colombian traditional medicine for inflammation. However, the underlying mechanisms that could explain the anti-inflammatory actions remain unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of hydroalcoholic extracts from C. calophylla (HECC), T. kingii (HETK), and P. spiralis (HEPS) in LPS-stimulated THP-1 macrophages. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were monitored as inflammatory and oxidative markers. The inhibition of lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX) activities in a cell-free system were also investigated. Antioxidant activities were determined using standard in vitro methods. All extracts inhibited the NO, ROS, and MDA levels. HETK showed the highest ROS production inhibition and the highest antioxidant values, whereas HETK and HEPS significantly decreased the cytotoxicity mediated by LPS. The release of MDA was reduced significantly by all extracts. Moreover, the catalytic activity of LOX was inhibited by HECC and HETK. HECC was a more potent reducer of COX-2 activity. All extracts effectively suppressed COX-1 activity. In summary, these results suggest that HECC, HEPS, and HETK possess anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, these plants could provide a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds for the treatment of inflammatory-related diseases.

Development of a Bioproduct for Medicinal Use with Extracts of Zuccagnia-type Propolis

Propolis with a botanic origin in Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Fabaceae), a plant species widely distributed in the Argentinean Monte region, was used to produce a standardized propolis extract by biological activity and chemical composition. In this paper the effect on microorganisms isolated from otitis was determined. The extract was active against different Staphylococcus strains with MIC and MBC values (75 and 150 μg DE/mL, 200 and 600 μg DE/mL, respectively) and with MIC values of 800 μg DE/mL against Proteus mirabilis. A pharmaceutical product, ear drops containing this extract as bioactive was developed. Stability of ear drops was evaluated for 6 months, and their biological activity, physical and phytochemical properties were preserved. Ear drops showed inhibitory activity on pro-inflammatory enzymes such as lipoxygenase (IC50 values 90 and 100 μg DE/mL), free radical-scavenging effect (SC50 values 23 and 30 μg DE/mL), antihelmintic (LC50 values 70 and 71 μg DE/mL), anti-candida (400 μg DE/mL) and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (200 μg DE/mL) at zero time and during six month-storage, respectively. The content of two chalcones, chemical markers of Zuccagnia -type propolis was quantified and its level was maintained while stored at room temperature. Its toxicity was also assayed. Our results are interesting since the extract and ear drops of Zuccagnia -type propolis developed could be promising for use in alternative medicine or phytomedicine as antibacterial, anti-candida, antihelmintic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

UVA, UVB Light Doses and Harvesting Time Differentially Tailor Glucosinolate and Phenolic Profiles in Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli sprouts contain health-promoting glucosinolate and phenolic compounds that can be enhanced by applying ultraviolet light (UV). Here, the effect of UVA or UVB radiation on glucosinolate and phenolic profiles was assessed in broccoli sprouts. Sprouts were exposed for 120 min to low intensity and high intensity UVA (UVAL, UVAH) or UVB (UVBL, UVBH) with UV intensity values of 3.16, 4.05, 2.28 and 3.34 W/m², respectively. Harvest occurred 2 or 24 h post-treatment; and methanol/water or ethanol/water (70%, v/v) extracts were prepared. Seven glucosinolates and 22 phenolics were identified. Ethanol extracts showed higher levels of certain glucosinolates such as glucoraphanin, whereas methanol extracts showed slight higher levels of phenolics. The highest glucosinolate accumulation occurred 24 h after UVBH treatment, increasing 4-methoxy-glucobrassicin, glucobrassicin and glucoraphanin by ~170, 78 and 73%, respectively. Furthermore, UVAL radiation and harvest 2 h afterwards accumulated gallic acid hexoside I (~14%), 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (~42%), gallic acid derivative (~48%) and 1-sinapoyl-2,2-diferulolyl-gentiobiose (~61%). Increases in sinapoyl malate (~12%), gallotannic acid (~48%) and 5-sinapoyl-quinic acid (~121%) were observed with UVBH Results indicate that UV-irradiated broccoli sprouts could be exploited as a functional food for fresh consumption or as a source of bioactive phytochemicals with potential industrial applications.

Inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes by medicinal plants from the Argentinean highlands (Puna)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Human groups in the Argentinean Andes highlands (Puna) selected native plants as anti-inflammatory agents. The indications of use are mainly to relieve pain, as infusions, ethanolic extracts or plasters.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of the study was to assess the effect of hydroalcoholic extracts from native highland plants as anti-inflammatory agents according to the traditional indications of use. The chemical profile of the three most active species was analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS to get an insight into the constituents and the effects observed according to the ethnopharmacological information.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hydroalcoholic extracts from 13 Argentinean Puna plants used as anti-inflammatory were evaluated as inhibitors of the pro-inflammatory enzymes phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂), lipoxygenase (LOX), hyaluronidase, and for their capacity to stabilize red blood cells membrane. In addition, the extracts were evaluated to determine their reducing power, iron chelating capacity and ABTS^•+ radical scavenging effect. The chemical profiles of the most active species were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS.

RESULTS

Among the species investigated, Ephedra multiflora was the most active as LOX inhibitor (IC₅₀:132µg/mL), by reducing the non-heme iron group and by scavenging radicals. The IC₅₀ values of the reference compounds caffeic acid and naproxen were 57.0 and 14.0µg/mL, respectively. Parastrephia lucida showed the highest sPLA₂ inhibitory effect (63% of inhibition at 200µg/mL). Under the same experimental conditions, the IC₅₀ of the reference compound acetylsalicylic acid was 65±1µg/mL. Tessaria absinthioides exhibited the best inhibition towards hyaluronidase with an IC₅₀ of 93.2±4.3µg/mL. Under the same experimental conditions, the reference compounds quercetin and indomethacin presented IC₅₀ values of 340.0±17.0 and 502.0±10.0µg/mL, respectively. Among the most active species, 13 compounds were tentatively identified by HPLC-ESI-MS in E. multiflora and P. lucida, and 12 compounds in T. absinthioides. The constituents included caffeoyl- and feruloylquinic acid derivatives, flavonoids, simple phenolics and sesquiterpene glycosides.

CONCLUSIONS

Six out of the 13 species investigated showed a moderate to strong effect towards the enzyme sPLA₂ (>40% inhibition at 200µg/mL) while three species presented a strong activity against LOX with IC₅₀<250µg/mL and three were very active against hyaluronidase. Most of the crude drug extracts were able to stabilize the red blood cells membrane, preventing their lysis. The compounds identified in the extracts explain, at least in part, the activity found in the samples. The effect observed for the most active species supports their traditional use as anti-inflammatory agents. However, more studies should be undertaken to disclose the potential of the Puna plants as anti-inflammatory crude drugs.

Biological activities of polyphenols-enriched propolis from Argentina arid regions

BACKGROUND

Propolis is a bioactive natural product collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from plant sources.

PURPOSE

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of propolis extracts from arid region of Argentina, on the activity/expression of pro-inflammatory enzymes, and as potential free radical scavenger, antifungal and anthelmintic agent as well as to get a first insight into the polyphenolic profile of the active fractions.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

Two propolis samples were collected in different time from hives located in Tucumán, Argentina. They are representative of the collection time of the raw material for phytotherapeutical purposes. Ethanolic extracts from both propolis were obtained. The PEEs were analyzed for total polyphenol (TP), non-flavonoid phenols (NFP) and flavonoid (FP) content followed by HPLC-DAD analysis and identification of components by HPLC-MS/MS(n). The potentiality as anti-inflammatory (LOX, COX, iNOS enzymes), antioxidant, antifungal and nematicidal was determined.

RESULTS

PEEs contain high levels of TP, NFP and FP, including cinnamic acid, caffeic acid prenyl ester, caffeoyl dihydrocaffeate and caffeic acid 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl ester, liquiritigenin, 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone and 2',4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxychalcone. The PEEs in vitro reduced the activity of LOX and COX-2. Pretreatment of RAW 264.7 cells with PEEs before the induction of inflammatory state, inhibited NO overproduction and the iNOS protein expression was significantly decreased. The PEEs exhibited antioxidant, antifungal (Candida sp.) and nematicidal effect (C. elegans).

CONCLUSION

These findings show the potential use of characterized PEEs from arid regions of Argentina as phytomedicine.