Genotoxicity assessment of Garcinia achachairu Rusby (Clusiaceae) extract in mammalian cells in vivo

Evaluation of the potential of achachairu peel (Garcinia humilis) for the fortification of cereal-based foods

BACKGROUND

Achachairu is an exotic fruit that is being studied for its bioactive compound composition. However, there is scarce information on the properties of its by-products and their incorporation into food. In this study, achachairu peels were used to obtain phenolic-rich and sustainable ingredients. Furthermore, their potential for use in the fortification of food, particularly cereal-based products, was evaluated. Different ratios of ethanol:water were used to extract the phenolic compounds from achachairu (100:0, 90:10 and 70:30). The optimal extract was characterised regarding its total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-enzymatic properties. Finally, achachairu peel powder and extract were incorporated into bread and their influence on the texture, antioxidant properties and shelf life of the product was evaluated.

RESULTS

High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis showed that the 90:10 extract contained a higher phenolic composition than the other samples. The achachairu extract presented a TPC of 88.7 mgGAE g-1, good antioxidant capacity towards DPPH and ABTS radicals and the capacity to inhibit the activity of α-amylase by almost 80%. The addition of achachairu peel powder and extract to bread increased its hardness, chewiness and gumminess, not affecting the remaining texture parameters. An increase in the TPC, antioxidant properties and shelf life of the product was also observed.

CONCLUSION

This study proves the potential for achachairu by-products incorporated into cereal-based products to improve their biological properties while extending the food shelf life. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bibliometric review of achachairu (Garcinia humilis): a promising agent for health and future food applications

Abstract The achachairu (Garcinia humilis (Vahl) C.D. Adams) is a Bolivian fruit species that adapts well to tropical and sub-tropical climates and may feasibly be disseminated in other parts of the world. Data from the literature has revealed that both the plant and the fruit exhibited promising compounds for both nutritional and pharmacological purposes. This work aimed to review available publications involving the achachairu (G. humilis) through a bibliometric analysis using data from the Web of Science© (WOS) database. For greater precision and completeness in the research, the filters used included both the scientific nomenclature, and the popular name of the fruit, G. humilis and achachairu, respectively. The data-gathering stage yielded only 29 works containing the terms used in the search. Comprising 25 publications, Brazil was the country having the most records in the database, possibly because its climate is favorable for achachairu cultivation. Among the main research focus areas were attributes related to its chemical structure and pharmacological properties, particularly Guttiferone A, the compound responsible for the gastroprotective, antinociceptive and antiproliferative properties of its fruit, which occurs primarily in its seed. The peel also exhibited a bioactive and antioxidant composition. Thus, these two parts of the fruit, which are considered underutilized, due to the exclusive consumption of the fruit pulp, may have the potential for other purposes. Finally, considering the scarce scientific data regarding this matrix, which has a diversity of positive characteristics for the pharmacological and food industries, this bibliometric analysis revealed an opportunity for further research.

Effect of the metanolic extract from the leaves of Garcinia humilis Vahl (Clusiaceae) on acute inflammation

Garcinia humilis is popularly used to treat digestive, intestinal and inflammatory illness. We investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of the methanol extract of G. humilis leaves (MEGh) on inflammatory cells behavior (migration and chemical mediators release) and hypersensitivity. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carrageenan-induced inflammation in the subcutaneous tissue of male Swiss mice treated orally with MEGh (0.1-30 mg/kg). Leucocyte migration, chemical mediators secretion (TNF, IL-1β, IL-6 and CXCL1) and protein exudation were quantified in the exudate. The adhesion molecules expression (CD62L and CD18), chemical mediators and chemotaxis was evaluated using neutrophils or macrophages RAW.264.7 previously treated with the extract (1-100 µg/mL) and activated with LPS. The anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds friedelin, canophyllol, amentoflavone and 3-desmethyl-2-geranyl-4-prenylbellidypholine xanthone (10 μM) was evaluated in macrophages nitric oxide (NO) and TNF release. MEGh, given orally (30 mg/kg), significantly reduced neutrophil migration and decreased TNF, IL-1β and CXCL1 levels, without interfering with protein exudation and IL-6. In vitro, the extract significantly reduced IL-1β and IL-6 levels but did not alter TNF and CXCL1. The MEGh also reduced the expression of CD62L and CD18 and consequently neutrophil chemotaxis. The compounds friedelin, amentoflavone and 3-demethyl-2-geranyl-4-prenylbellidypholine xanthone decreased the secretion of NO and TNF by RAW264.7. The MEGh effects were extended to the pain-like behaviour induced by carrageenan in the mice hindpaw. MEGh presented important anti-inflammatory effects probably due to its activity on neutrophil migration and on important chemical mediator release, scientifically reinforcing its use as medicinal plant.

In vitro antiproliferative activity of uncommon xanthones from branches of Garcinia achachairu

Context Garcinia achachairu Rusby (Clusiaceae) popularly known as 'achachairu' is used in folk medicine to treat rheumatism, inflammation, pain and gastric disorder. Objective The present study investigated the chemical profile and antiproliferative effects of the methanolic extract, fractions and two xanthones, against some carcinoma cell lines in vitro. Materials and methods The compounds were isolated and identified by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. The extract, fractions and compounds were tested human tumour cell lines of U-251 (glioma), MCF-7 (breast), NCI/ADR-RES (ovary expressing multi-drug resistance phenotype), 786-0 (kidney), NCI-H460 (lung, non-small cells), PC-3 (prostate) and HT-29 (colon), non-tumour cell line HaCat (human keratinocytes) in doses of 0.25-250 μg mL (-) (1) for 48 h. The antiproliferative activity was determined by spectrophotometric quantification (at 540 nm) of the cellular protein content using sulphorhodamine B assay. The prediction of parameters involved in the molecular bioavailability was executed directly by ChemDoodle (version 5.0.1) software (iChemLabs, LLC, Somerset, NJ). Results 3-Demethyl-2-geranyl-4-prenylbellidypholine (1) and 1,5,8-trihydroxy-4',5'-dimethyl-2H-pyrane (2,3:3,2)-4-(3-methylbut-2-enyl) xanthone (2), gartanin (3) and stigmasterol (4) were identified on the basis of spectroscopic techniques. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited cytocidal activity, especially against breast, prostate and kidney cell lines, with TGI values of 15.8, 4.9, 9.1 and 39.4, 44.7, 40.9 μg/mL, respectively. Discussion and conclusion The presence of two sets of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups in separate domains in each molecule might play a role in the mediation of tumour-specific action. Our data show that G. achachairu have potent antiproliferative action and should be considered an important source of potent anticancer compounds.

In vivo Antimalarial Activity of α-Mangostin and the New Xanthone δ-Mangostin

Based on the previously reported in vitro antiplasmodial activity of several xanthones from Garcinia mangostana, two xanthones, α-mangostin and a new compound, δ-mangostin, were isolated from mangosteen husk, and the in vitro antiplasmodial and cytotoxic effects were determined. α-Mangostin was more active against the resistant Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-resistant (FCR3) strain (IC50  = 0.2 ± 0.01 μM) than δ-mangostin (IC50  = 121.2 ± 1.0 μM). Furthermore, the therapeutic response according to the administration route was evaluated in a Plasmodium berghei malarial murine model. The greatest therapeutic response was obtained with intraperitoneal administration; these xanthones reduced parasitemia by approximately 80% with a daily dose of 100 mg/kg administered twice a day for 7 days of treatment. Neither compound was effective by oral administration. Noticeable toxicological effects were not observed. In addition to the antimalarial effect of these xanthones isolated from G. mangostana husk, the availability of larger amounts of husk raw material to purify the bioactive xanthones is advantageous, permitting additional preclinical assays or chemical transformations to enhance the biological activity of these substances.

Benzophenone guttiferone A from Garcinia achachairu Rusby (Clusiaceae) presents genotoxic effects in different cells of mice

Benzophenones from natural sources and those of synthetic analogues present several reports of potent biological properties, and Guttiferone A represents a promising medicinal natural compound with analgesic and gastroprotective profiles. Considering that there are no reports that assess the genetic toxicity of Guttiferone A, the present study was undertaken to investigate the genotoxic potential of this benzophenone isolated from seeds of Garcinia achachairu in terms of DNA damage in different cells of Swiss albino mice using the comet assay, and its clastogenic/aneugenic effects in bone marrow cells in vivo by the micronucleus test. Cytotoxicity was assessed by scoring polychromatic (PCE) and normochromatic (NCE) erythrocytes ratio. Guttiferone A was administered by oral gavage at doses of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg. The results showed that Guttiferone A produced genotoxic effects in leukocytes, liver, bone marrow, brain and testicle cells and clastogenic/aneugenic effects in bone marrow erythrocytes of mice. The PCE/NCE ratio indicated no cytotoxicity. Since guttiferone A is harmful to the genetic material we suggest caution in its use by humans.

Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts and Fractions from Aerial Parts of Selected Plants (Garcinia achachairu, Macrosiphonia velame, Rubus niveus and Pilea microphylla) Against Some Pathogenic Microorganisms

As part of the program of our research group to search for new and effective substances from the Brazilian biodiversity, the present work evaluates the antibacterial activity of four species from the Brazilian flora ( Garcinia achachairu, Macrosiphonia velame, Rubus niveus and Pilea microphylla) against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and S. saprophyticus (Gram-positive bacteria), Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacterium) and Candida albicans (yeast). The extracts of R. niveus and M. velame showed promising antibacterial activity with MICs, ranging from 1000 to 125 μg/mL. Bio-guided fractionation of M. velame yielded four compounds, with the highest inhibition being observed for compound 3, with a MIC of 125 μg/mL against S. aureus. The combinations of fractions 2 and 4 showed beneficial effect against Gram-positive bacteria (additive effect), suggesting a possible synergistic effect.

In vitro and in vivo safety evaluation of Acer tegmentosum

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acer tegmentosum, which contains salidroside and tyrosol, has been used for the treatment of hepatic disorders in eastern Asia. However, little is known about its safety.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine the safety of Acer tegmentosum, we evaluated its acute oral toxicity and genotoxicity profiles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Salidroside and tyrosol present in Acer tegmentosum were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Acute oral toxicity testing of Acer tegmentosum was performed in rats. Genotoxicity of Acer tegmentosum was assessed by bacterial reverse mutation, chromosomal aberration, and bone marrow micronucleus tests. All the tests were conducted in accordance with the good laboratory practices.

RESULTS

The amounts of salidroside and tyrosol in Acer tegmentosum were found to be 85.01±1.21mg/g and 3.12±0.04mg/g, respectively. In the bacterial reverse mutation test, Acer tegmentosum increased the number of revertant Salmonella typhimurium TA98 colonies, regardless of metabolic activation by S9 mixture. In contrast, Acer tegmentosum application did not significantly increase the number of chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in mice. In the acute oral toxicity test, the median lethal dose (LD50) of Acer tegmentosum was found to be >2000mg/kg in rats.

CONCLUSION

Take together, Acer tegmentosum exhibits mutagenicity, which was evident from the bacterial reverse mutation test. Further studies are needed to identify the components responsible for such an effect and the underlying mechanisms.

Evaluation of antileishmanial activity of selected brazilian plants and identification of the active principles

This study evaluated extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds from some selected Brazilian medicinal plants against strains of promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and L. brasiliensis in vitro. The cell viability was determined, comparing the results with reference standards. The dichloromethane fractions of the roots, stems, and leaves of Allamanda schottii showed IC₅₀ values between 14.0 and 2.0 μg/mL. Plumericin was the main active compound, with IC₅₀ of 0.3 and 0.04 μg/mL against the two species of Leishmania analyzed. The hexane extract of Eugenia umbelliflora fruits showed IC₅₀ of 14.3 and 5.7 μg/mL against L. amazonensis and L. brasiliensis, respectively. The methanolic extracts of the seeds of Garcinia achachairu and guttiferone A presented IC₅₀ values of 35.9 and 10.4 μg/mL, against L. amazonensis, respectively. The ethanolic extracts of the stem barks of Rapanea ferruginea and the isolated compound, myrsinoic acid B, presented activity against L. brasiliensis with IC₅₀ of 24.1 and 6.1 μg/mL. Chloroform fraction of Solanum sisymbriifolium exhibited IC₅₀ of 33.8 and 20.5 μg/mL, and cilistol A was the main active principle, with IC₅₀ of 6.6 and 3.1 μg/mL against L. amazonensis and L. brasiliensis, respectively. It is concluded that the analyzed plants are promising as new and effective antiparasitic agents.