Hypoglycemic activity of dried extracts of Bauhinia forficata Link

Spray-Drying Microencapsulation of Bauhinia ungulata L. var. obtusifolia Aqueous Extract Containing Phenolic Compounds: A Comparative Study Using Different Wall Materials

Species belonging to the Bauhinia genus, usually known as "pata-de-vaca", are popularly used to treat diabetes. Bauhinia ungulata var. obtusifolia (Ducke) Vaz is among them, of which the leaves are used as a tea for medicinal purposes in the Amazon region. A microencapsulation study of lyophilized aqueous extract from Bauhinia ungulata leaves, which contain phenolic compounds, using five different wall materials (maltodextrin DE 4-7, maltodextrin DE 11-14; β-cyclodextrin; pectin and sodium carboxymethylcellulose) is described in this paper. The microstructure, particle size distribution, thermal behavior, yield, and encapsulation efficiency were investigated and compared using different techniques. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, phenolics, and flavonoids were detected and quantified in the microparticles. The microparticles obtained with a yield and phenolics encapsulation efficiency ranging within 60-83% and 35-57%, respectively, showed a particle size distribution between 1.15 and 5.54 µm, spherical morphology, and a wrinkled surface. Among them, those prepared with sodium carboxymethylcellulose or pectin proved to be the most thermally stable. They had the highest flavonoid content (23.07 and 21.73 mg RUTE/g Extract) and total antioxidant activity by both the DPPH (376.55 and 367.86 µM TEq/g Extract) and ABTS (1085.72 and 1062.32 µM TEq/g Extract) assays. The chromatographic analyses allowed for quantification of the following substances retained by the microparticles, chlorogenic acid (1.74-1.98 mg/g Extract), p-coumaric acid (0.06-0.08 mg/g Extract), rutin (11.2-12.9 mg/g Extract), and isoquercitrin (0.49-0.53 mg/g Extract), compounds which considered to responsible for the antidiabetic property attributed to the species.

Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of five species of Bauhinia genus: A review

Genus Bauhinia has been widely used in the treatment of diabetes, malaria, cough, headache, fever, piles, dysentery, flatulence, diarrhoea, ulcer and cardiovascular problems. Among 600 species of this genus, Bauhinia variegata, B. purpurea, B. championii, B. racemosa, and B. forficata are commonly used in the traditional medicine and found to be throughly investigated for their medicinal properties. They possess diverse pharmacological activities such as anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, fibrinolytic, and wound healing properties and most of the biological activities are corelating with traditional knowledge. Phytochemical analysis indicated that steroids, terpenoids, and flavonoids are prominent in the selected species, whereas bauhiniastatins, bauhinoxepins, racemosols, roseosides, and bauhichamines are found unique to the genus. This review aims to decipher active molecules from the aforementioned species of Bauhinia covering comprehensive analysis of phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and traditional uses. The data has been carefully analyzed to find compounds or fractions with a translational value. In most of the cases, the pharmacological activities have been established, however, further studies are needed such as safety evaluations, target identification, bioavailability, metabolite identification, and pharmacokinetic properties. In conclusion, the pharmacological potential of Bauhinia plants show promise with various leads such as insulin-like protein, roseoside, bauhiniastatin, and melibiose binding lectin. However, further investigations are required to address existing gaps and advance them towards product development. This review will lay the groundwork for future research initiatives aimed at fully realizing the therapeutic potential of Bauhinia plants.

Anatomical and histochemical characterization of stem and leaves of Bauhinia pulchella Benth. (Fabaceae)

Bauhinia pulchella Benth. (Fabaceae), is native to Brazil and popularly known as pata-de-bode. In folk medicine, it is used to treat diabetes. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated different properties, such as cytotoxic and antioxidant, and different chemical constituents, such as essential oil, triterpenoids, steroids, among others. In order to highlight the morphological differences of the species B. pulchella from the others of the genus, and its pharmacological potential, the present study aimed to carry out the anatomical and histochemical characterization of the stem and leaves of B. pulchella. Usual methods in plant anatomy were used in the preparation of semi-permanent slides containing cross sections of the stem, petiole and leaf blade and paradermal sections of the leaf blade for analysis in light microscopy and polarized light. Histochemical tests were also performed to localize the metabolites in the stem and leaf blade. The stem of B. pulchella has a cylindrical outline, the bark is composed of 7-8 layers of cells and discontinuously distributed sclerenchyma; petiole presents flat convex contour, prominences in the adaxial region, concentric amphicrivral vascular bundle, surrounding a small concentric anfivasal intramedullary bundle, adaxially two accessory bundles and tector trichomes; leaf blade with anisocytic and tetracytic stomata on the adaxial surface and anisocytic, tetracytic and anomocytic on the abaxial surface; and midrib with plain-convex outline, 1-2 layers of collenchyma and covering trichomes. Characteristics that differ from other species of the genus Bauhinia. Alkaloids, phenolic compounds, lipophilic compounds, lignin, triterpenes, steroids and tannins were observed in the species. The results are fundamental for the pharmacobotanical standardization of the studied species.

Nanoencapsulation and bioaccessibility of polyphenols of aqueous extracts from Bauhinia forficata link

Bauhinia forficata Link is a plant rich in polyphenols that has been used mainly for its hypoglycemic activity, which is related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. However, the beneficial effect of these bioactive compounds is directly dependent on their bioaccessibility and bioavailability, requiring processing techniques that can improve and preserve their biological activities. This work aimed to obtain nanocapsulated extracts from the infusion (ESIN) and decoction (ESDC) of B. forficata Link leaves, by spray drying. The encapsulating agents used were maltodextrin and colloidal silicon dioxide. The nanocapsules were characterized by HPLC-PDA-ESI-IT-MS ⁿ , evaluated the bioaccessibility of polyphenols after simulated digestion and their antioxidant activity. Additionally, an extensive physicochemical characterization of the nanocapsulated extracts was carried out and their stability and technological parameters were evaluated. The ESIN and ESDC extracts had yields of 57.3 % and 62.7 %, with average nanocapsules sizes of 0.202 μm and 0.179 μm, low humidity and water activity (<0.5), powder density and proper flow properties (Hausner ratio ≤ 1.25; Carr index 18-19 %). Scanning electron microscopy showed a spherical and amorphous morphology and low viscosity, which may have favored the solubility profile. The phenolic compounds of the nanocapsules degraded after 400 °C, showing high thermal stability. The infrared spectra identified the presence of maltodextrin and phenolic compounds and that there were no reactions between them. Chromatography confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds, mainly flavonols and their O-glycosylated derivatives, as well as carbohydrates, probably maltodextrin. Simulated in vitro digestion showed that polyphenols and flavonoids from ESIN and ESDC nanocapsules were bioaccessible after the gastric phase (49.38 % and 64.17 % of polyphenols and 64.08 % and 36.61 % of flavonoids) and duodenal (52.68 % and 79.06 % of polyphenols and 13.24 % and 139.03 % of flavoids), with a variation from 52.27 % to 70.55 % of the antioxidant activity maintained, by the ORAC method, after gastric digestion and still 25 %, after duodenal. Therefore, the nanoencapsulation of extracts of B. forficata is a viable option for the preservation of their bioactive compounds, making them bioaccessible and with antioxidant activity, which make them suitable for incorporation into various nutraceutical formulations, such as capsules, tablets and sachets.

"Cow's Hoof" (Bauhinia L., Leguminosae): A Review on Pharmacological Properties of Austral South American Species

The genus Bauhinia s.l. (Leguminosae), known as cow's hoof, unha de boi or pata de vaca, has been used in traditional medicine worldwide. The aim of the present review is to summarize the studies published on the biological activity of the main native medicinal species reported in austral South America. Of the 14 species present in the region, 10 are consumed as leaf infusions to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as used for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and to treat various diseases. Pharmacological properties have been recorded in seven species. Antioxidant, anticoagulant, antihypertensive, diuretic, antimicrobial and antitumor properties have been reported in B. forficata. Together with B. holophylla, they are important for their antidiabetic properties, since several studies indicate their effectiveness as a hypoglycemic agent. B. bauhinioides is distinguished for its anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities and S. microstachya for its analgesic properties. Anti-ulcer and wound healing activities recorded in B. holophylla and B. ungulata, respectively, are of particular interest. Most of the species possess antitumor activity. The antioxidant capacity of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds make these plants good candidates to assist or treat various alterations related with oxidative stress, such as diabetic complications. Thus, these species constitute promising targets for new bioactive substance research and phytotherapy.

Metabolites of endophytic fungi isolated from leaves of Bauhinia variegata exhibit antioxidant activity and agonist activity on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α, β/δ and γ

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and is linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. Thiazolidinediones (TZD) improve insulin sensitization and glucose homeostasis mediated by the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ (PPARγ) in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, their use is associated with severe adverse effects such as loss of bone mass, retention of body fluids, liver and heart problems, and increased risk of bladder cancer. Partial PPARγ agonists can promote the beneficial effects of thiazolidinediones with fewer adverse effects. Endophytic fungi colonize plant tissues and have a particularly active metabolism caused by the interaction with them, which leads to the production of natural products with significant biological effects that may be like that of the colonized plant. Here, we identify seven endophytic fungi isolated from Bauhinia variegata leaves that have antioxidant activities. Also, one of the extracts presented pan-agonist activity on PPAR, and another showed activity in PPARα and PPARβ/δ. A better understanding of this relationship could help to comprehend the mechanism of action of antioxidants in treating diabetes and its complications. Moreover, compounds with these capabilities to reduce oxidative stress and activate the receptor that promotes glucose homeostasis are promising candidates in treatment of diabetes.

Bauhinia forficata Link, Antioxidant, Genoprotective, and Hypoglycemic Activity in a Murine Model

Bauhinia forficata L. is a tree used in alternative medicine as an anti-diabetic agent, with little scientific information about its pharmacological properties. The hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and genoprotective activities of a methanolic extract of B. forficata leaves and stems combined were investigated in mice treated with streptozotocin (STZ). Secondary metabolites were determined by qualitative phytochemistry. In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH method at four concentrations of the extract. The genoprotective activity was evaluated in 3 groups of mice: control, anthracene (10 mg/kg), and anthracene + B. forficata (500 mg/kg) and the presence of micronuclei in peripheral blood was measured for 2 weeks. To determine the hypoglycemic activity, the crude extract was prepared in a suspension and administered (500 mg/kg, i.g.) in previously diabetic mice with STZ (120 mg/kg, i.p.), measuring blood glucose levels every week as well as the animals' body weight for six weeks. The extract showed good antioxidant activity and caused a decrease in the number of micronuclei. The diabetic mice + B. forficata presented hypoglycemic effects in the third week of treatment, perhaps due to its secondary metabolites. Therefore, B. forficata is a candidate for continued use at the ethnomedical level as an adjuvant to allopathic therapy.

Mineral and Phenolic Composition of Erodium guttatum Extracts and Investigation of Their Antioxidant Properties in Diabetic Mice

Erodium guttatum is widely used in folk medicine in many countries to treat various ailments such as urinary inflammation, diabetes, constipation, and eczema. The aim of this study is the determination of mineral and phenolic compounds of E. guttatum extracts as well as the investigation of their antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. The mineral composition was determined by the methods of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy analysis. Phytochemical contents of total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and catechic tannins were estimated by colorimetric dosages. The phenolic composition was identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis. The antioxidant activity of E. guttatum extracts was measured in vitro by five methods (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, H₂O₂, and xanthine oxidase) and in vivo by assaying the malondialdehyde marker (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). The obtained results showed that the root plant material is rich in minerals such as k, Ca, and Mg. The methanolic extract of E. guttatum is the richest in polyphenols (389.20 ± 1.55 mg EAG/gE), tannins (289.70 ± 3.57 mg EC/gE), and flavonoids (432.5 ± 3.21 mg ER/gE). Concerning the ESI-HRMS analysis, it showed the presence of numerous bioactive compounds, including shikimic acid, rottlerine, gallic acid, and vanillic acid. Moreover, the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of E. guttatum exhibited antiradical and antioxidant activity in five tests used, with the best effect of the methanolic extract. Moreover, findings showed that in vivo investigations confirmed those obtained in vitro. On the other hand, E. guttatum showed important antidiabetic effects in vivo. Indeed, diabetic mice treated with extracts of E. guttatum were able to significantly reduce MDA levels and increase the secretion of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, and GSH, respectively). However, the antioxidant activity of the extracts might be attributed to the abundance of bioactive molecules; as results, this work serves as a foundation for additional pharmacological research.

Chromatography Conditions Development by Design of Experiments for the Chemotype Differentiation of Four Bauhinia Species

The extensive use of medicinal herbs to traditionally treat disease persists for generations, and scientific evidence on plant-derived extracts has indicated their numerous biological activities. The Bauhinia, popular known as cow’s paw (“pata de vaca”), with more than 60 native species, are extensively used in Brazilian popular medicine for the control of diabetes. Therefore, in 2009, B. forficata, B. variegata and/or B. affinis were included in the Brazilian National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to SUS (RENISUS - Brazil). In this context, this work reports the results of the chemical differentiation of B. forficata, B. variegata, B. longifolia, and B. affinis using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry and unsupervised chemometric tools. Chromatographic conditions were optimized by using the design of experiments (DoE) and chromatographic knowledge. Furthermore, the chemical profile of the studied species was analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis that differentiated the four species of Bauhinia, and 55 compounds were also inferred by MS2 experiments, some of them for the first time in B. affinis. In this manner, this work provides important information that could be used in quality control, development of new pharmaceuticals, and food products based on Bauhinia leaves, as well as to explain ethnomedicinal properties, pharmacological and toxicological actions.

Bauhinia pulchella: chemical constituents, antioxidant and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities

Phytochemical investigation of the stems of B. pulchella led to the isolation of the known compounds identified as a mixture of taraxerone (1) and β-amirenone (2), a mixture of sitosterol (3) and stigmasterol (4), 2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybibenzyl (5), 3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl-chroman-7-ol (6), fisetinidol (7), epicatechin (8), guibourtinidol (9), vanillic acid (10), 6'-O-vanilloylisotachioside (11) and 6'-O-syringoylisotachioside (12). The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of their NMR spectroscopic data. The antioxidant activity of compound 7 has been investigated using DPPH° and ABTS°⁺ assays and the results showed inhibition in the both models. The compounds 6, 7 and 9 showed strong alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities, being more active than acarbose, the positive control. In addition, all the compounds were isolated from B. pulchella for the first time, and among them, compounds 11 and 12 have not been reported previously from this genus.

Diuretic and Renal Protective Effect of Kaempferol 3-O-Alpha-l-rhamnoside (Afzelin) in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats

Our previous study showed that kaempferitrin, the main flavonoid from Bauhinia forficata Link leaves, induces diuresis and saluresis when orally given to rats. Since afzelin (AFZ) and kaempferol (KFL) are active compounds from the biometabolism of kaempferitrin, the diuretic and renal protective properties of these two compounds were evaluated. While the acute treatment with AFZ evoked a diuretic action associated with an increase in Cl^- excretion and a Ca²⁺-sparing effect, KFL did not present any activity. The pretreatment with a muscarinic receptor blocker or with an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase fully avoided AFZ-induced diuresis. AFZ also induced a prolonged (7-day treatment) diuretic effect in normotensive (NTR) and hypertensive rats (SHR), with an increase of urinary Na⁺ and Cl^- excretion, while it decreased the elimination of Ca²⁺. AFZ was able to decrease ROS and nitrite generation on kidney homogenates in comparison with the SHR group treated with the vehicle, as well as mitigated the changes in the renal corpuscle region (glomerulus and Bowman's capsule). Moreover, AFZ significantly reduced calcium oxalate crystal formation in urine, with inhibition rates of 41% for the NTR and 92% for the SHR group. Taken together, this study shows that AFZ exerts acute and prolonged diuretic effects plus protective renal properties.

Therapeutic Potential of Bauhinia forficata Link in Dental Biofilm Treatment

The oral cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and anti-demineralizing effects of a tincture from Bauhinia forficata Link tincture (BFLT) were evaluated in vitro and ex vivo. Susceptibility tests (minimum inhibitory and microbicidal concentrations-MIC and time-kill assay-MMC) were performed against planktonic oral microorganisms. The contents of phenolic compounds were investigated. Cytotoxic potential was evaluated on oral fibroblasts after 1-5 min exposure to BFLT. Blocks of sound bovine enamel (N = 60) were inoculated with a saliva pool and sustained in a multiple plaque growth system for 48 h to form a biofilm. Biofilm blocks were randomly divided into groups-G (n = 10): G1-Baseline (48 h maturation biofilm), G2-BFLT 23.2 mg/mL, G3-Ethanol 81.20 g/mL, G4-Chlorhexidine 0.12%, G5-Growth control, and G6-Blank control. Treatments (50 μL/1 min) were performed once a day for a week. Streptococcus spp. (S) and total microorganism (TM) counts were expressed as Log₁₀ CFU/mL. Biofilm height was evaluated by confocal microscopy analyses (CMA). Final surface hardness was assessed and percentage of microhardness loss (% MHL) was calculated. Results were significant when P < .05. BFLT inhibited all tested microorganisms (MIC = 1.3-23.2 mg/mL) and promoted optical reduction (0.05-0.22 nm) of all microorganisms after 48-h treatment compared with controls. After 5-min treatment, BFLT showed low values of cell death (3.20%). G2-BFLT reduced S (6.61 ± 0.20) and TM (7.14 ± 0.38) compared with G1-Baseline (S = 7.82 ± 0.28; TM = 8.81 ± 0.67) and G5-Growth control (S = 7.48 ± 0.39; TM = 7.89 ± 0.68); but G4-chlororexidine (S = 6.11 ± 0.48; TM = 6.45 ± 0.16) showed the highest antibiofilm activity. CMA was not different among treatment groups. G2 showed lower % MHL compared with G5, although G4 presented the lowest. Results suggest BFLT is beneficial against dental caries, showing antimicrobial effects against a mature dental biofilm and no cytotoxicity.

Natural Phytochemicals and Their Therapeutic Role in Management of Several Diseases: A Review

Introduction:

These days, a lot of people face some health-related problems in day to day life. The conventional synthetic medicine is not effective enough to cure them alone. The conventional therapy for the management of these health-related issues involves the use of hazardous synthetic chemicals and surgical diagnosis, which have lots of serious side effects. It is necessary to conduct research on herbal medicines, this is an alternative approach to avoid the side effects of synthetic medicines to achieve high effectiveness, low cost and improve patient compliance.

Methods:

The present survey is an analysis of some of the available data on the use of plants with their biological source, active phytochemicals constituents and a probable activity/ mechanism of action of several classes of drugs. This work also focused on highlighting the advantages of natural medicines for maximum utilization.

Results:

This article aims to increase awareness about natural medicine and help people find a suitable herbal medicine for the treatment of specific diseases.

Conclusion:

This article also exhibits the scope for further process in the development of new natural substance for the management of several diseases.

Bauhinia forficata link, a Brazilian medicinal plant traditionally used to treat cardiovascular disorders, exerts endothelium-dependent and independent vasorelaxation in thoracic aorta of normotensive and hypertensive rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bauhinia forficata Link, commonly known as "cow's paw", is a native plant from South America. Its leaves are widely used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Although this species' biological potential has been extensively proven as an antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, there is a lack of studies to evidence its action on the cardiovascular system.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to investigate the vascular effects of B. forficata leaves preparations and its majority compound kaempferitrin, as well as its aglycone form kaempferol, in rat aortic rings of normotensive (NTR) and hypertensive (SHR) rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aorta rings from NTR and SHR precontracted with phenylephrine were exposed to cumulative concentrations of B. forficata extract, fractions (1-50 μg/mL) and compounds (0.001-0.3 μg/mL). The mechanisms involved in the vasorelaxant effect of ethyl-acetate plus butanol fraction (EAButF) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Although kaempferitrin is the most abundant compound found in both methanolic extract and EAButF, 24 minor phenolic compounds were identified in B. forficata leaves, including kaempferol. EAButF was the only with endothelium-dependent and independent vasorelaxant properties in both NTR and SHR. The incubation with L-NAME or ODQ completely blocked EAButF-induced vasorelaxation. On the other hand, the incubation with propranolol, atropine, indomethacin, glibenclamide or barium chloride did not change the vasorelaxant activity of EAButF (50 μg/mL). Nevertheless, the incubation with tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine significantly influenced the EAButF activity. It was also shown that Ca²⁺ influx or efflux is not related to EAButF vasorelaxation potential. Kaempferitrin and kaempferol were also able to relax the rat aortic rings in 34.70% and 40.54%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows, for the first time, the vasorelaxant effect of EAButF from B. forficata leaves, an effect that may be attributed to the modulation of vascular tone through nitric oxide/soluble guanylate cyclase pathway, and potassium channels. The bioactive kaempferitrin and kaempferol seem to be important for the effects observed with the fraction. Finally, preparations obtained from the leaves of B. forficata may be interesting candidates for new or complementary strategies regarding cardiovascular diseases.

Identification of oxidosqualene cyclases from the medicinal legume tree Bauhinia forficata: a step toward discovering preponderant α-amyrin-producing activity

Triterpenoids are widely distributed among plants of the legume family. However, most studies have focused on triterpenoids and their biosynthetic enzymes in model legumes. We evaluated the triterpenoid aglycones profile of the medicinal legume tree Bauhinia forficata by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Through transcriptome analyses, homology-based cloning, and heterologous expression, we discovered four oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) which are responsible for the diversity of triterpenols in B. forficata. We also investigated the effects of the unique motif TLCYCR on α-amyrin synthase activity. B. forficata highly accumulated α-amyrin. We discovered an OSC with a preponderant α-amyrin-producing activity, which accounted for at least 95% of the total triterpenols. We also discovered three other functional OSCs (BfOSC1, BfOSC2, and BfOSC4) that produce β-amyrin, germanicol, and cycloartenol. Furthermore, by replacing the unique motif TLCYCR from BfOSC3 with the MWCYCR motif, we altered the function of BfOSC3 such that it no longer produced α-amyrin. Our results provide new insights into OSC cyclization, which is responsible for the diversity of triterpenoid metabolites in B. forficata, a non-model legume plant.

Development of Caco-2 cells-based gene reporter assays and evaluation of herb-drug interactions involving CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 gene expression

The indiscriminate use of medicinal plants and herbal medicinal products concomitantly with conventional drugs may result in herb-drug interactions that may lead to fluctuations in drug bioavailability, therapeutic failure, and/or toxic effects. CYP450 enzymes play an important role in drug biotransformation and herb-drug interactions. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and apply Caco-2 cells-based gene reporter assays to study in vitro the potential occurrence of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 gene expression modulation by standardized extracts of selected medicinal plants. Reporter cell lines developed showed a significant increase in CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 reporter fluorescent emission, 4 and 16-fold respectively, when compared to the controls. The standardized extracts of Cecropia glaziovii, Bauhinia forficata and Echinacea sp. significantly increased CYP3A4 reporter fluorescence, and those of Ilex paraguariensis, Bauhinia forficata and Echinacea sp. significantly decreased CYP2D6 reporter fluorescence in Caco-2 cells-based gene reporter assays. The data obtained suggest that CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 gene expression seem to be modulated by the extracts tested. In addition, the reporter cell lines developed are functional assays that could be used to study drug-drug and herb-drug interactions during the research and development of new drugs.

Modulation of the resistance to norfloxacin in Staphylococcus aureus by Bauhinia forficata link

Microdilution assays were performed in order to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the ethanoic extract from the leaves of Bauhinia forficate (EEBF) against different microorganisms. The extract did not present inner antimicrobial activities against the tested strains. However, EEBF was able to modulate the norfloxacin-resistance against Staphylococcus aureus SA1199-B that overproduce the NorA efflux pump, once sub-inhibitory concentrations of EEBF reduced the minimal inhibitory concentratio of the norfloxacin in 87.5%. This modulatory effect was also found when the antibiotic was replaced by ethidium bromide, suggesting that EEBF acts probably by inhibition of NorA, allowing the antibiotic accumulation intracellularly, and making the line more sensitive. These results point out the EEBF potential as a source of NorA inhibitors that could be used in combination with norfloxacin for treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant S. aureus.

Effects of Bauhinia forficata on glycaemia, lipid profile, hepatic glycogen content and oxidative stress in rats exposed to Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an abundant raw material applied in the production of daily necessities, such as food cans, baby bottles, electronic and medical equipment. Phytotherapeutic use of plant preparations has long been known for multiple target medicinal uses. The species Bauhinia forficata is widely used as hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic agent. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of B. forficata extract in association with BPA exposure on serological parameters, hepatic antioxidant status and glycogen store capacity in Wistar rats. B. forficata was able to reduce BPA-induced glucose levels; it also prevented the early glucose elevation in control and BPA-exposed animals after the glucose provocative test. This effect was related to the hepatic glycogen content; while BPA reduced the hepatic glycogen deposits B. forficata treatment contributed to minimize it. BPA and B. forficata singly caused elevation in triacylglycerol and VLDL levels and reduction in cholesterol and LDL concentrations. BPA increased hepatic malondialdehyde levels and reduced catalase activity, thus inducing liver oxidative stress. Conversely, B. forficata treatment reduced malondialdehyde concentration without interfering with catalase activity; this antioxidant capacity is attributed to the flavonoids content (e.g., kaempferol and myricetin). Based on these results, we demonstrated that B. forficata commercial extract has hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties capable of minimizing the effects of BPA. However, it should be considered that the consumption of herbal commercial extract must be judicious to avoid deleterious health effects.

A comparative proteomic study of secretomes in kaempferitrin-treated CTX TNA2 astrocytic cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Kaempferitrin is extracted in significantly high quantities from the leaves of Cinnamomum osmophloeum (C.O) and Bauhinia forficata, and are used as an antidiabetic herbal remedy in China and Brazil. Commercial product using dry Cinnamomum osmophloeum leaves has been sold locally in Taiwan. Oral administration of kaempferitrin reduced blood sugar in diabetic rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Though previously demonstrated to activate the classical insulin signaling pathways, a mechanism for kaempferitrin is still not fully understood. Also, studies on kaempferitrin on immune related cells have been inconclusive, and people consuming extract containing kaempferitrin often happen to be at high risk of diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, for kaempferitrin to be used every day, a comprehensive study is needed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Astrocytic cell line was used as a model to test the differentially regulated secretomes, to test kaempferitrin effect on CNS glia, on pro-inflammatory cytokines, and to test how different the mechanism of kaempferitrin is from that of insulin. CTX TNA2 astrocytic cells were differentially treated with and without 10 µM kaempferitrin for 24 h, and the conditioned medium was collected. For the proteomic study, protein in conditioned medium was trypsin digested, and resulting peptides in kaempferitrin/non-treated sample pair were differentially dimethyl labeled. The labeled peptides were further fractionated by StageTip-based strong-exchange method before LC-MS/MS analyses. Levels of interesting proteins were verified using Western or Eliza. C.O. leaf crude extract treated samples were included for a comparison of effects of purified kaempferitrin vs. kaempferitrin containing crude extract.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Data were obtained via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD002814. It was found that no pro-inflammatory cytokines or inhibitory ECM were elevated upon treatment of kaempferitrin or a crude extract of C.O. leaves. This suggests that prolonged use of kaempferitrin containing herbs may not increase pro-inflammatory reaction. LDL-R trafficking between the cell membrane and the extracellular niche was regulated by kaempferitrin toward reduced secretion. Our proteomic study also demonstrated that molecules related to plasma membrane recycling were regulated by kaempferitrin. Our discoveries provide evidence that link kaempferitrin regulation for LDL-R and membrane recycling to the blood lipid regulation by the C.O. leaves extract. However, these proteins were differently regulated when cells were treated with crude extract. This demonstrates that the molecular interactions within crude extract of herbs are complex and may not act similar to the compound purified from the crude extract.

Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activity of Bauhinia forficata Link and Cnidoscolus quercifolius Extracts commonly Used in Folk Medicine

BACKGROUND

Bauhinia forficata and Cnidoscolus quercifolius plants are commonly used in folk medicine. However, few studies have investigated their therapeutic potential.

AIM

Herein, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of B. forficata and C. quercifolius extracts against microorganisms of clinical relevance and their antiproliferative potential against tumor cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The following tests were performed: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), inhibition of biofilm adhesion, and effects on cell morphology. Antiproliferative tests were carried out with human keratinocytes and six tumor lines.

RESULTS

Bauhinia forficata showed antimicrobial activity only against C. albicans with MIC of 15.62 ug/mL and MFC higher than 2000 ug/mL. It also inhibited biofilm adhesion and caused alterations in cell morphology. Cnidoscolus quercifolius showed no significant activity (MIC > 2.0 mg/mL) against the strains. Bauhinia forficata and C. quercifolius extracts showed cytostatic activity against the tumor cells.

CONCLUSION

Bauhinia forficata has promising anti-Cand/da activity and should be further investigated for its therapeutic potential.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of infectious processes has an important function nowadays, due to the limitations of the use of synthetic antibiotics available, related specifically to the microbial resistance emergence.

Medicinal Plants from Northeastern Brazil against Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been linked with oxidative stress, acetylcholine deficiency in the brain, and inflammatory processes. In the northeast region of Brazil, various plants are used to treat several diseases associated with these processes; then an antioxidant test was performed with those plants in a previous work and twelve species with higher antioxidant activity were selected for AChE inhibition evaluation. The phenolic compounds content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu test and flavonoid content with AlCl3 reagent using UV-visible spectrophotometry. The antioxidant activity was assessed analyzing the inhibitory activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) and by the β-carotene/linoleic acid system and acetylcholinesterase inhibition using qualitative and quantitative tests. The combination of better acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities pointed out six species, in descending order, as the best potential sources of therapeutic agents against AD: Hancornia speciosa > Myracrodruon urundeuva > Copaifera langsdorffii > Stryphnodendron coriaceum > Psidium guajava > Mangifera indica. Besides, the phenolic compounds in the species probably contribute to these activities. However, further pharmacological studies to assess the specific applications of these plants against AD are required to confirm these results.

Effects of Bauhinia forficata Tea on Oxidative Stress and Liver Damage in Diabetic Mice

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Bauhinia forficata Link subsp. pruinosa (BF) tea on oxidative stress and liver damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Diabetic male mice have remained 30 days without any treatment. BF treatment started on day 31 and continued for 21 days as a drinking-water substitute. We evaluated (1) BF chemical composition; (2) glucose levels; (3) liver/body weight ratio and liver transaminases; (4) reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation in liver; (5) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in liver; (6) δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) and nonprotein thiols (NPSH) in liver; (7) Nrf2, NQO-1, and HSP70 levels in liver and pancreas. Phytochemical analyses identified four phenols compounds. Diabetic mice present high levels of NQO-1 in pancreas, increased levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation in liver, and decrease in CAT activity. BF treatment normalized all these parameters. BF did not normalize hyperglycemia, liver/body weight ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, protein carbonyl, NPSH levels, and δ-ALA-D activity. The raised oxidative stress seems to be a potential mechanism involved in liver damage in hyperglycemic conditions. Our results indicated that BF protective effect could be attributed to its antioxidant capacity, more than a hypoglycemic potential.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants by population of Valley of Juruena Region, Legal Amazon, Mato Grosso, Brazil

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

The use of medicinal plants for treatment, cure and prevention of diseases has been described by many people since time immemorial. Because of this use, commercial and scientific interests have emerged, making it necessary to realize ethnobotanical surveys of medicinal plants species, which is important for subsequent chemical and pharmacological bioprospections.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed at surveying, identifying, cataloging and documenting the medicinal plants species used in the Valley of Juruena, Northwestern Mato Grosso, Legal Amazon Brazil for the treatment of various human diseases, as well as assessed the species of interest for bioprospecting potential.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Informants were interviewed using semi-structured form to capture information on socio-demographic and ethnopharmacological data of medicinal plants such as vernacular name, uses, geographic origin, habit, form of preparation and part used. Results were analyzed using descriptive and quantitative means: indices of use-report (Ur) and informant consensus factor (ICF), for the selection of plant species with therapeutic potential.

RESULTS

Three hundred and thirty two (332) plants species belonging to 90 families were reported for medicinal purposes and totaling 3973 use-reports were reported by 365 (92.9%) of the people interviewed. Asteraceae (32.2%), Fabaceae (26.7%) and Lamiaceae (24.4%) families were the most represented, with majority being species native (64.45%) to Brazil. Leaves (64.5%) were the part of the plant most used and infusion (45.7%) was the most utilized form. Gastrointestinal disorders followed by respiratory complaints topped the list of use-reports. The native or naturalized plants with the highest use reports in the order of decreasing absolute frequency per each emic-category are Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapfc (104), Mentha pulegium L. (94), Arrabidaea chica (Humb. & Bonpl.) B. Verl. (97), Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze (71), Baccharis crispa Spreng (57), Phyllanthus niruri L. (48), Gossypium barbadense L. (44), Solidago microglossa DC. (40) and Bauhinia forficata L. (20). And the most cited exotics are: Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (151), Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f., (89) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (72). In some cases, high ICF values were found, which reflects high degree of homogeneity of consensus among informants in this region on medicinal plants.

CONCLUSION

The population of Valle of Juruena makes use of a wide array of medicinal plants distributed in all use categories with predominance of those use in the treatments of gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments. The therapeutic potential of some of the species of medicinal importance extensively utilized by the population of the region have been scientifically validated, and are therefore promising prototype of new drugs. However, there are some of these species whose ethnomedicinal uses are yet to be scientifically verified and thus constitute an unexplored terrain for future biological/pharmacological studies.

Cluster analysis of commercial samples of Bauhinia spp. using HPLC-UV/PDA and MCR-ALS/PCA without peak alignment procedure

INTRODUCTION

Bauhinia forficata Link. is recognised by the Brazilian Health Ministry as a treatment of hypoglycemia and diabetes. Analytical methods are useful to assess the plant identity due the similarities found in plants from Bauhinia spp. HPLC-UV/PDA in combination with chemometric tools is an alternative widely used and suitable for authentication of plant material, however, the shifts of retention times for similar compounds in different samples is a problem.

OBJECTIVE

To perform comparisons between the authentic medicinal plant (Bauhinia forficata Link.) and samples commercially available in drugstores claiming to be "Bauhinia spp. to treat diabetes" and to evaluate the performance of multivariate curve resolution - alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) associated to principal component analysis (PCA) when compared to pure PCA.

METHODOLOGY

HPLC-UV/PDA data obtained from extracts of leaves were evaluated employing a combination of MCR-ALS and PCA, which allowed the use of the full chromatographic and spectrometric information without the need of peak alignment procedures.

RESULTS

The use of MCR-ALS/PCA showed better results than the conventional PCA using only one wavelength. Only two of nine commercial samples presented characteristics similar to the authentic Bauhinia forficata spp., considering the full HPLC-UV/PDA data.

CONCLUSION

The combination of MCR-ALS and PCA is very useful when applied to a group of samples where a general alignment procedure could not be applied due to the different chromatographic profiles. This work also demonstrates the need of more strict control from the health authorities regarding herbal products available on the market.

Nanotechnological approaches in diabetes treatment: A new horizon

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and takes a heavy toll on human life. Treatment of diabetics often poses a problem in selection of the proper drug, its dose and unwanted side effects. Therefore, newer drugs with the least side effects but with highest efficiency are being relentlessly searched for. In recent years, nanotechnology has given new hope for the formulation of various drugs against a myriad of diseases, including diabetes. This review tries to give an overview of the advantages of various new drugs being used, including a wide range of nanoformulations of orthodox as well complementary and alternative medicines. Several studies and research reports based on nanotechnological approaches in the formulation of anti-diabetic drugs have pointed out the fact that research in the formulation of nanodrugs improved strategies for combating diabetes based on the plausible molecular mechanism of action of the drugs. Furthermore, attempts have also been made to delineate the optimum drug concentration and time of exposure in order to recommend a scientifically validated drug dose response in developing different therapeutic strategies. Thus, to a considerable extent, recent studies have contributed towards improving the life expectancy and quality of life of diabetics, through both targeted orthodox medicine and complementary medicine, particularly those obtained from natural resources.

Chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of hydro-ethanolic extracts from Bauhinia forficata subsp. pruinosa and B. variegata

Bauhinia species are known to have hypoglycemiant and antioxidant activities. Here, hydro-ethanolic leaf extracts from Bauhinia forficata subsp. pruinosa and Bauhinia variegata, collected in a Pampa biome region of Brazil, were investigated to characterize their chromatographic profile, flavonoid content and in vitro antioxidant activity (TBARS and DPH assays). The extracts were obtained from dried and fresh leaves. The total flavonoid content was assessed by spectrophotometric determination, and the results ranged between 572.08 and 1,102.99 μg mL-1. Moreover, flavonoids were more predominant in B. variegata than in B. forficata subsp. pruinosa. HPLC analysis detected a complex profile of phenolic compounds, being the flavonoid kaempferitrin founded B. forficata subsp. pruinosa; in addition, other kaempferol and quercetin derivatives were present. In vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated a different behavior depending on the species, leaf treatment and extract concentration. In general, B. variegata extracts obtained from fresh material presented higher antioxidant potential, which can be attributed to the predominance of flavonoids in their chemical composition.

Genotoxic and mutagenic properties of Bauhinia platypetala extract, a traditional Brazilian medicinal plant

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bauhinia platypetala Burch. is a traditionally used Brazilian medicinal plant, although no evidence in the literature substantiates the safety of its use.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of the ethanolic extract and the ethereal fraction of B. platypetala leaves.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The identification of chemical compounds from the B. platypetala ethanolic extract and its ethereal fraction was performed by GC/MS and ESI-MS/MS. The plant's toxicological, cytotoxic, mutagenic and genotoxic properties were determined in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains and V79 cell culture by survival assays and comet assay.

RESULTS

The major compound identified in the B. platypetala ethanolic extract is palmitic acid, kaempferitirin and quercitrin, while the B. platypetala ethereal fraction was found to be rich in phytol, gamma-sitosterol and vitamin E. Moreover, the results indicated that the B. platypetala ethanolic extract has an anti-oxidative effect against H(2)O(2) in yeast. In addition, the B. platypetala ethanolic extract did not induce mutagenic effects on the S. cerevisiae N123 strain, but the ethereal fraction of B. platypetala at higher concentrations (250-500 μg/mL) induced cytotoxicity and mutagenicity. A slight cytotoxic effect was observed in mammalian V79 cells; however, both the B. platypetala ethanolic extract and its ethereal fraction were able to induce DNA strand breaks in V79 cells, as detected by the alkaline comet assay.

CONCLUSION

The B. platypetala ethanolic extract has antioxidant action and showed absence of mutagenic effects in yeast S. cerevisiae. On the other hand B. platypetala ethereal fraction is mutagenic and does not show antioxidant activity in yeast. In mammalian cells B. platypetala ethanolic extract and it's ethereal fraction induce cyotoxic and genotoxic action.

A brief review on anti diabetic plants: Global distribution, active ingredients, extraction techniques and acting mechanisms

A study has been conducted with the aim to provide researchers with general information on anti diabetic extracts based on relevant research articles collected from 34 reliable medical journals. The study showed that Asian and African continents have 56% and 17% share of the worldwide distribution of therapeutic herbal plants, respectively. In Asia, India and China are the leading countries in herbal plants research, and there has been an increase in medicinal research on plants extract for diabetes treatment since 1995 in these regions. The information collected shows that plant leaves are about 20% more favorable for storing active ingredients, as compared to other parts of herbal plants. A brief review on the extraction techniques for the mentioned parts is also included. Furthermore, the acting mechanisms for the anti diabetic activity were described, and the related active ingredients were identified. The findings reveal that most of the anti diabetic research is focused on the alteration of glucose metabolism to prevent diabetes.

Prevention of experimental diabetes by Uncaria tomentosa extract: Th2 polarization, regulatory T cell preservation or both?

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC (Rubiaceae) is a species native to the Amazon rainforest and surrounding tropical areas that is endowed with immunomodulatory properties and widely used around the world. In this study we investigated the immunomodulatory potential of Uncaria tomentosa (UT) aqueous-ethanol extract on the progression of immune-mediated diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C57BL/6 male mice were injected with MLDS (40 mg/kg) and orally treated with UT at 10-400mg/kg during 21 days. Control groups received MLDS alone or the respective dilution vehicle. Pancreatic mononuclear infiltrate and β-cell insulin content were analyzed by HE and immunohistochemical staining, respectively, and measured by digital morphometry. Lymphocyte immunophenotyping and cytokine production were determined by flow cytometry analysis.

RESULTS

Treating the animals with 50-400mg/kg of UT caused a significant reduction in the glycemic levels, as well as in the incidence of diabetes. The morphometric analysis of insulitis revealed a clear protective effect. Animals treated with UT at 400mg/kg presented a higher number of intact islets and a significant inhibition of destructive insulitis. Furthermore, a significant protection against the loss of insulin-secreting presented β-cells was achieved, as observed by a careful immunohistochemical evaluation. The phenotypic analysis indicated that the groups treated with higher doses (100-400mg/kg) presented CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell values similar to those observed in healthy animals. These same higher doses also increased the number of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T-cells. Moreover, the extract modulated the production of Th1 and Th2, with increased levels of IL-4 and IL-5.

CONCLUSIONS

The extract was effective to prevent the progression of immune-mediated diabetes by distinct pathways.