Celosia argentea L. (Amaranthaceae) a vasodilator species from the Brazilian Cerrado - An ethnopharmacological report

Extraction Methods, Chemical Characterization, and In Vitro Biological Activities of Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel Peels

Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel, popularly known as jabuticaba, possesses bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, known for their antioxidant, antibacterial, wound healing, and cardioprotective effects. Therefore, this study aimed to standardize the P. cauliflora fruit peel extraction method, maximize phenolic constituents, and evaluate their antioxidative and antimicrobial effects. Various extraction methods, including vortex extraction with and without precipitation at 25, 40, and 80 °C, and infusion extraction with and without precipitation, were performed using a completely randomized design. Extraction without precipitation (E - P) showed the highest yield (57.9%). However, the precipitated extraction (E + P) method displayed a yield of 45.9%, higher levels of phenolic derivatives, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Major compounds, such as D-psicose, D-glucose, and citric acid, were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis identified citric acid, hexose, flavonoids, tannins, and quercetin as the major compounds in the extracts. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited inhibitory effects against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli bacteria. In conclusion, the E + P method efficiently obtained extracts with high content of bioactive compounds showing antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities with potential application as a dietary supplement.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Leandra dasytricha (A. Gray) Cong. Leaves Promotes Vasodilatation and Reduces Blood Pressure in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats

Leandra dasytricha (A. Gray) Cong. is widely distributed in the south of Brazil and is commonly used for cardiovascular and kidney ailments. For this study, we used male Wistar normotensive rats (NTRs) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) to verify the effects of the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) obtained from L. dasytricha leaves on isolated aorta relaxation and in the arterial blood pressure. The EAF was analyzed by LC-DAD-MS, and several components were annotated, including hydrolysable tannins, triterpenes, and O- and C-glycosylated dihydrochalcones, such as the most intense ion peak relative to C-hexosyl phloretin (nothofagin; compound number 13). The EAF caused a concentration and endothelium-dependent relaxation of the aorta in both NTRs and SHRs. This effect was abolished in the endothelium-denuded aorta. L-NAME, a nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and ODQ, a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, entirely blocked the EAF-induced relaxation. The presence of a muscarinic receptor antagonist or a cyclooxygenase inhibitor did not alter the EAF's effectiveness in relaxing the aorta. The preincubation with tetraethylammonium, a Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel blocker, and with 4-aminopyridine, a voltage-dependent K⁺ channel blocker, significantly interfered with the EAF's relaxation. However, the incubation with glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel blocker, and barium chloride, an inward-rectifier K⁺ channel blocker, did not interfere with the EAF-induced relaxation. The EAF treatment also caused a dose-dependent decrease in the mean arterial pressure, systolic arterial pressure, and diastolic arterial pressure of both NTRs and SHRs, without significantly interfering with heart rate values. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the EAF-induced vasorelaxant and hypotensive actions, primarily dependent on the endothelium function and mainly with the participation of the nitric oxide and Ca²⁺-activated and voltage-dependent K⁺ channels.

Involvement of Muscarinic Receptors in Hypotensive and Diuretic Effects of Aqueous Soluble Fraction from Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav

Background. Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. (Asphodelaceae) is widely used in Pakistan traditional medicine as a hypotensive and diuretic agent. Despite the cardioprotective effects described for A. tenuifolius, the mechanisms involved in its probable hypotensive and diuretic effects have never been evaluated. Firstly, different extracts from A. tenuifolius seeds were obtained, and their antioxidant profiles and chemical constituents by LC-DAD-were determined, including molecular networking by the GNPS platform. Then, to evaluate changes in blood pressure, different groups of anesthetized normotensive rats were intravenously treated with the crude extract (AT-Cr, 1-50 mg/kg), aqueous (AS-AT, 1-25 mg/kg), n-butanol (BS-AT, 1-50 mg/kg), and dichloromethane fraction (DS-AT, 1-80 mg/kg). The diuretic effects of AT-Cr, AS-AT, BS-AT, and DS-AT at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, p.o. doses, were also evaluated in comparison with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, 10 mg/kg, p.o). The urinary volume, sodium, potassium, and pH were estimated in the sample collected for 6 h from saline-loaded rats. Using pharmacological antagonists or inhibitors, we determine the involvement of acetylcholine, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide in A. tenuifolius-induced hypotensive and diuresis action. In addition, the activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme, erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase, and renal Na+/K+/ATPase were evaluated in vitro. Acute treatment with crude extract and fractions of A. tenuifolius exhibited significant hypotensive and diuretic potential in normotensive rats. However, AS-AT produced the most potent and significant dose-dependent hypotension and diuretic effects in normotensive rats. Previous treatment with atropine significantly reduced the hypotensive and diuretic action of AS-AT, but pretreatment with indomethacin or L-NAME did not affect these effects. Moreover, the 7-day treatment with AS-AT did not reduce activities of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme, erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase, and renal Na+/K+/ATPase. AS-AT showed four major compound node clusters, which included sugars, alkaloids, nucleoside, amino acid, and glycosylated flavonoids. This research supports and extends the traditional use of A. tenuifolius as a hypotensive and diuretic agent. The results showed that AS-AT from A. tenuifolius could present compounds responsible for hypotensive and diuretic activities through the activation of muscarinic receptors.

Cardioprotective effects of Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel in a rabbit model of doxorubicin-induced heart failure

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Brazil, the fruit of a native species that is popularly known as "jabuticaba" (Plinia cauliflora [Mart.] Kausel) is widely consumed fresh or used for the production of liqueur, juice, and jelly. In Brazilian folk medicine, this species is used to treat asthma, throat inflammation, and gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disturbances. However, no previous studies have reported its cardioprotective effects.

AIM

To evaluate the possible cardioprotective effects of a hydroethanolic extract of Plinia cauliflora (EEPC) in female rabbits in a model of doxorubicin-induced heart failure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

EEPC was obtained and fractionated by solid phase extraction, and its constituents were determined by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS). Thirty female New Zealand rabbits received doxorubicin administration for 6 weeks to induce heart failure. EEPC was orally administered at doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg daily for 42 days. Enalapril (5 mg/kg) was used as a reference cardioprotective drug. At the end of the experimental period, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. Serum parameters, including lipid profile, troponin, creatinine, nitrotyrosine, malondialdehyde, nitrite, and brain natriuretic peptide, were measured. The electrocardiographic profile and renal vascular reactivity were evaluated. Cardiac histopathology and ventricular morphometry were performed, and the tissue enzymatic antioxidant system was investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 37 compounds were detected in EEPC, including organic acids, phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and hydrolysable tannins (gallotannins and ellagitannins). EEPC treatment induced a cardiorenal protective response, prevented hemodynamic and functional alterations, and prevented ventricle remodeling. These effects were associated with the normalization of creatinine and brain natriuretic peptide levels and modulation of the tecidual antioxidant defense system.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that EEPC may prevent doxorubicin-induced heart failure by modulating the antioxidant defense system, reducing reactive oxygen species-induced damage, preventing alterations of hemodynamic and endothelial function, and preventing damage to the cardiac structure. EEPC, especially at the highest dose tested, may be considered a cardioprotective coadjuvant to prevent doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of plumed cockscomb (Celosia argentea, Amaranthaceae)

The complete chloroplast genome of Celosia argentea, an important horticultural and medicinal herb, was identified and sequenced in this study. The genome size is 153,474 bp, the GC content is 36.7%. A total of 123 genes were identified, including 84 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 33 tRNA genes. Twenty-nine plastome accessions from Caryophyllales were selected to assess the phylogenetic placement of genus and the result showed that C. argentea is most closely related to Amaranthus hypochondriacus.

Ethnopharmacological approaches to Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. - Exploring cardiorenal effects from the Brazilian Cerrado

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. (Talinaceae), popularly known as "major gomes" and "erva gorda", is a non-conventional food plant extensively distributed throughout the Brazilian territory. In Brazilian folk medicine, this species is used as aphrodisiac, to treat gastrointestinal problems, and as a cardioprotective agent. However, there are no reports in the literature proving its cardiovascular effects.

AIM

To perform a whole-ethnopharmacological investigation of the cardiorenal properties of the ethanol soluble fraction from T. paniculatum (ESTP) in Wistar rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

First, plant samples were collected, properly identified and a morpho-anatomical characterization was carried out to provide quality control parameters. Then, ESTP was obtained and its chemical profile was determined by LC-DAD-MS. In addition, an acute toxicity assay was conducted in female Wistar rats in order to observe any toxic effects after one single administration. Finally, the diuretic and hypotensive potential of ESTP (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) were investigated in male rats followed by the evaluation of its possible effects on peripheral vascular resistance.

RESULTS

Chemical compounds identified from ESTP were chlorogenic acids, amino acids, nucleosides, O-glycosylated flavones and organic acids. No signs of toxicity as well as no changes in urine volume or electrolyte elimination were observed after ESTP acute treatment. On the other hand, prolonged treatment with all doses of ESTP significantly increased urine volume and electrolyte excretion (Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl^-) without affecting blood pressure or heart rate. Apparently, these effects are involved with the activation of the small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels contributing to the increase of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate.

CONCLUSION

Data presented show important information about the ethnomedicinal properties of T. paniculatum. In addition, the study presents the ESTP as a possible herbal medicine, especially when a sustained diuretic effect is required.