Antiedematogenic activity and phytochemical composition of preparations from Echinodorus grandiflorus leaves

Phytocompounds from Amazonian Plant Species against Acute Kidney Injury: Potential Nephroprotective Effects

There are several Amazonian plant species with potential pharmacological validation for the treatment of acute kidney injury, a condition in which the kidneys are unable to adequately filter the blood, resulting in the accumulation of toxins and waste in the body. Scientific production on plant compounds capable of preventing or attenuating acute kidney injury-caused by several factors, including ischemia, toxins, and inflammation-has shown promising results in animal models of acute kidney injury and some preliminary studies in humans. Despite the popular use of Amazonian plant species for kidney disorders, further pharmacological studies are needed to identify active compounds and subsequently conduct more complex preclinical trials. This article is a brief review of phytocompounds with potential nephroprotective effects against acute kidney injury (AKI). The classes of Amazonian plant compounds with significant biological activity most evident in the consulted literature were alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and terpenoids. An expressive phytochemical and pharmacological relevance of the studied species was identified, although with insufficiently explored potential, mainly in the face of AKI, a clinical condition with high morbidity and mortality.

Definition of chemical markers for Hancornia speciosa Gomes by chemometric analysis based on the chemical composition of extracts, their vasorelaxant effect and α-glucosidase inhibition

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae) is a tree found in the Brazilian savannah, traditionally used to treat several diseases, including diabetes and hypertension. The anti-hypertensive activity of H. speciosa leaves (HSL) has been demonstrated in different models and is credited to the vasodilator effect and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibition. The hypoglycemic effect of HSL has been also reported.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To establish correlations between the biological activities elicited by H. speciosa extracts and the contents of their major compounds, aiming to define chemical markers related to the potential antihypertensive and antidiabetic effects of the species. Additionally, it aimed to isolate and characterize the chemical structure of a marker related to the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extracts of a single batch of H. speciosa leaves were prepared by extraction with distinct solvents (ethanol/water in different proportions; methanol/ethyl acetate), employing percolation or static maceration as extraction techniques, at different time intervals. The contents of chlorogenic acid, rutin and FlavHS (a tri-O-glycoside of quercetin) were quantified by a developed and validated HPLC-PDA method. Bornesitol was determined by HPLC-PDA after derivatization with tosyl chloride, whereas total flavonoids were measured spectrophotometrically. Identification of other constituents in the extracts was performed by UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The vasorelaxant activity was assayed in rat aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine, and α-glucosidase inhibition was tested in vitro. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to evaluate the contribution of each marker to the biological responses. Isolation of compound 1 was carried out by column chromatography and structure characterization was accomplished by NMR and UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analyses.

RESULTS

The contents of the chemical markers (mean ± s.d. % w/w) varied significantly among the extracts, including total flavonoids (2.68 ± 0.14 to 5.28 ± 0.29), bornesitol (5.11 ± 0.26 to 7.75 ± 0.78), rutin (1.46 ± 0.06 to 1.97 ± 0.02), FlavHS (0.72 ± 0.05 to 0.94 ± 0.14) and chlorogenic acid (0.67 ± 0.09 to 0.91 ± 0.02). All extracts elicited vasorelaxant effect (pIC₅₀ between 4.97 ± 0.22 to 6.48 ± 0.10) and α-glucosidase inhibition (pIC₅₀ between 3.49 ± 0.21 to 4.03 ± 0.10). PCA disclosed positive correlations between the vasorelaxant effect and the contents of chlorogenic acid, rutin, total flavonoids, and FlavHS, whereas a negative correlation was found with bornesitol concentration. No significant correlation between α-glucosidase inhibition and the contents of the above-mentioned compounds was found. On the other hand, PCA carried out with the areas of the ten major peaks from the chromatograms disclosed positive correlations between a peak ascribed to co-eluted triterpenes and α-glucosidase inhibition. A triterpene was isolated and identified as 3-O-β-(3'-R-hydroxy)-hexadecanoil-lupeol.

CONCLUSION

According to PCA results, the vasorelaxant activity of H. speciosa extracts is related to flavonoids and chlorogenic acid, whereas the α-glucosidase inhibition is associated with lipophilic compounds, including esters of lupeol like 3-O-β-(3'-R-hydroxy)-hexadecanoil-lupeol, described for the first time for the species. These compounds can be selected as chemical markers for the quality control of H. speciosa plant drug and derived extracts.

cis-Aconitic Acid, a Constituent of Echinodorus grandiflorus Leaves, Inhibits Antigen-Induced Arthritis and Gout in Mice

cis-Aconitic acid is a constituent from the leaves of Echinodorus grandiflorus, a medicinal plant traditionally used in Brazil to treat inflammatory conditions, including arthritic diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-arthritic effect of cis-aconitic acid in murine models of antigen-induced arthritis and monosodium urate-induced gout. The possible underlying mechanisms of action was evaluated in THP-1 macrophages. Oral treatment with cis-aconitic acid (10, 30, and 90 mg/kg) reduced leukocyte accumulation in the joint cavity and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 and IL-1β levels in periarticular tissue. cis-Aconitic acid treatment reduced joint inflammation in tissue sections of antigen-induced arthritis mice and these effects were associated with decreased mechanical hypernociception. Administration of cis-aconitic acid (30 mg/kg p. o.) also reduced leukocyte accumulation in the joint cavity after the injection of monosodium urate crystals. cis-Aconitic acid reduced in vitro the release of TNF-α and phosphorylation of IκBα in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 macrophages, suggesting that inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation was an underlying mechanism of cis-aconitic acid-induced anti-inflammatory effects. In conclusion, cis-aconitic acid has significant anti-inflammatory effects in antigen-induced arthritis and monosodium urate-induced arthritis in mice, suggesting its potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the joint in humans. Additionally, our findings suggest that this compound may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effect previously reported for E. grandiflorus extracts.

CRISPR interference-guided modulation of glucose pathways to boost aconitic acid production in Escherichia coli

Background

One major mission of microbial breeding is high-level production of desired metabolites. Overproduction of intermediate metabolites in core pathways is challenging as it may impair cell growth and viability.

Results

Here we report that aconitic acid, an intermediate metabolite in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, can be overproduced by an engineered CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system in Escherichia coli. This CRISPRi system was designed to simultaneously target pyruvate kinase (PK) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), two enzymes in glycolytic pathway and TCA cycle, respectively. Reverse transcription and quantitative PCR and enzyme activity assays showed that this engineered CRISPRi system significantly repressed the genes encoding IDH and PK, resulting in simultaneous reduction in the activities of IDH and PK. In shake-flask and fed-batch cultivation, this CRISPRi strain produced 60-fold (362.80 ± 22.05 mg/L) and 15-fold (623.80 ± 20.05 mg/L) of aconitic acid relative to the control strain, respectively. In addition, this two-target CRISPRi strain maintained low levels of acetate and lactate, two problematic byproducts.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates that CRISPRi system can improve aconitic acid production by coordinating glycolysis and TCA cycle. This study provides insights for high-level production of the intermediate metabolites in central pathways.

Antiatherosclerotic Properties of Echinodorus grandiflorus (Cham. & Schltdl.) Micheli: From Antioxidant and Lipid-Lowering Effects to an Anti-Inflammatory Role

Echinodorus grandiflorus is an important medicinal plant species that is native to South America. Despite extensive popular usage as a hypolipidemic drug, its effects as an atheroprotective agent remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an ethanol-soluble fraction that was obtained from E. grandiflorus (ESEG) leaves against the development of atherosclerosis in rabbits. Male rabbits received a diet that was supplemented with 1% cholesterol (cholesterol-rich diet [CRD]) for 60 days. After 30 days of the CRD, the animals were divided into five groups (n = 6) and treated with ESEG (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), simvastatin (2.5 mg/kg), or vehicle once daily for 30 days. The negative control group was fed a cholesterol-free diet and treated orally with vehicle. At the end of 60 days, serum lipids, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, nitrotyrosine, and serum interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) levels were determined. Samples from the aortic arch and thoracic segment were also collected to investigate the tissue antioxidant defense system and perform histopathological analysis. Oral ESEG administration significantly reduced serum lipid levels in CRD-fed rabbits. This treatment also modulated the arterial antioxidant defense system by reducing lipid and protein oxidation. Similarly, serum IL-1β, IL-6, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 levels significantly decreased, accompanied by a reduction of atherosclerotic lesions in all arterial branches. These findings suggest that ESEG may be a new herbal medicine that can be directly applied for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerotic disease.

Endothelium-Dependent Effects of Echinodorus grandiflorus (Cham. & Schltdl.) Micheli Mediated by M3-Muscarinic and B2-Bradykininergic Receptors on Peripheral Vascular Resistance and Its Modulatory Effects on K+ Channels in Mesenteric Vascular Beds

This work provides the first demonstration that ethanolic extract (EEEG) obtained from Echinodorus grandiflorus leaves (EEEG) and its butanolic fraction (ButFr) has important vasodilatory effects on isolated mesenteric vascular beds (MVBs). First, the EEEG was obtained and a liquid-liquid fractionation was performed. EEEG and its resulting fractions were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Then, the vasodilatory effects of EEEG and their respective fractions were evaluated. Finally, the molecular mechanisms involved in the vasodilator responses of the EEEG and ButFr were also investigated. EEEG vasodilator response was estimated at ~11 and 18 mm Hg at doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg, respectively. Moreover, it was found that ButFr was able to induce an expressive dose-dependent vasodilator response in MVBs. The PP reduction values for doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg were ~10 and 28 mm Hg, respectively. Endothelium removal or inhibition of nitric oxide and prostaglandin synthase (by L-NAME plus indomethacin) inhibited the vasodilatory effects induced by ButFr or EEEG. The peak effect of ButFr and EEEG doses (0.1 and 0.3 mg) was decreased by ~100% (p < 0.001). The association of atropine plus HOE-140 fully inhibited EEEG and ButFr-induced vasodilation (p < 0.001). Moreover, perfusion with nutritive solution containing 40 mM KCl or previous treatment with tetraethylammonium completely blocked vasodilation induced by ButFr (p < 0.001). This study showed that EEEG and its ButFr have important vasodilatory effects by endothelial M3-muscarinic and B2-bradykininergic receptors inducing nitric oxide and prostacyclin release followed by K+ channels activation in the vascular smooth muscle.

Encapsulation of trans-aconitic acid in mucoadhesive microspheres prolongs the anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-induced acute arthritis

trans-Aconitic acid (TAA) is the main constituent of the leaves from the medicinal plant Echinodorus grandiflorus, used to treat different inflammatory diseases. TAA induces a potent but short-lasting biological response, credited to its high polarity and unfavorable pharmacokinetics. Here we developed, characterized and evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of mucoadhesive microspheres loaded with TAA. Seven batches of mucoadhesive microspheres were prepared by the emulsification/solvent evaporation method, employing different proportions of TAA and Carbopol 934 or/and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. All batches were characterized for their particle medium size, polydispersity index and entrapment percentage. The batch coded F3c showed highest entrapment percentage and was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and zeta potential. The anti-inflammatory activity of F3c was assessed in a model of acute arthritis induced by injection of LPS in the knee joint of Swiss mice. The granulometric analyses indicated heterogeneous size distribution for F3c. SEM characterization indicated microspheres with slightly irregular shape and rough surface. Results from ATR-FTIR and thermal analyses (DSC and TGA) pointed out absence of incompatibility between the components of the formulation; thermal events related to the constituents were isolated and randomly located, suggesting amorphous distribution of TAA in the formulation matrix. The zeta potential of the formulations varied from -30 to -34 mV, which may contribute to good stability. When given orally to mice, F3c induced a prolonged anti-inflammatory response by reducing total cell count and neutrophilic accumulation in the joint cavity even when given 48 and 36 h before the stimulus, respectively, in comparison to free TAA (up to 24 and 6 h, respectively). Therefore, the encapsulation of TAA in mucoadhesive microspheres provided its sustained release, indicating that this drug delivery system is a potential agent to treat inflammatory diseases by regulating cell influx.

Antioxidant and anti-glycation capacities of some medicinal plants and their potential inhibitory against digestive enzymes related to type 2 diabetes mellitus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plants preparations are used by traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases, such as type-2 diabetes mellitus. Some medicinal plants are capable of controlling the complications of this metabolic disease at different levels, for example, providing antioxidant compounds that act against oxidative stress and protein glycation and others which are capable of inhibiting the catalysis of digestive enzymes and thus contribute to the reduction of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Our objective was to investigate the antioxidant and anti-glycation activities of some medicinal plants and their potential inhibitory against α-amylase, α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase activities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Based on the ethnobotanical researches carried out by academic studies conducted at the Federal University of Uberlandia, ten plants traditionally used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus were selected. Ethanol (EtOH) and hexane (Hex) extracts of specific parts of these plants were used in enzymatic assays to evaluate their inhibitory potential against α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase, as well as their antioxidant (DPPH, ORAC and FRAP) and anti-glycation (BSA/fructose model) capacities.

RESULTS

The results indicate that EtOH extract of four of the ten analyzed plants exhibited more than 70% of antioxidant and anti-glycation capacities, and α-amylase and lipase inhibitory activities; no extract was able to inhibit more than 40% the α-glucosidase activity. The EtOH extracts of Bauhinia forficata and Syzygium. cumini inhibited α-amylase (IC₅₀ 8.17 ± 2.24 and 401.8 ± 14.7 μg/mL, respectively), whereas EtOH extracts of B. forficata, Chamomilla recutita and Echinodorus grandiflorus inhibited lipase (IC₅₀ 59.6 ± 10.8, 264.2 ± 87.2 and 115.8 ± 57.1 μg/mL, respectively). In addition, EtOH extracts of B. forficata, S. cumini, C. recutita and E. grandiflorus showed, respectively, higher antioxidant capacity (DPPH IC₅₀ 0.7 ± 0.1, 2.5 ± 0.2, 1.3 ± 0.2 and 35.3 ± 9.0 μg/mL) and anti-glycation activity (IC₅₀ 22.7 ± 4.4, 246.2 ± 81.7, 18.5 ± 2.8 and 339.0 ± 91.0 μg/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

EtOH extracts of four of the ten species popularly cited for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus have shown promising antioxidant and anti-glycation properties, as well as the ability to inhibit the digestive enzymes α-amylase and lipase. Thus, our results open new possibilities for further studies in order to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of these medicinal plants.

Esterification of trans-aconitic acid improves its anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced acute arthritis

trans-Aconitic acid (TAA) is an abundant constituent in the leaves of Echinodorus grandiflorus, a medicinal plant used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in Brazil. Esterification was explored as a strategy to increase lipophilicity and biopharmaceutical properties of TAA, a highly polar tricarboxylic acid. We herein report the synthesis of TAA esters via Fischer esterification with ethanol, n-butanol and n-octanol. The reaction kinetics was investigated to produce mono-, di- and tri- derivatives. Mono- and diesters of TAA were obtained as a mixture of positional isomers, whereas the triesters were recovered as pure compounds. The obtained esters were screened in a model of acute arthritis induced by the injection of LPS in the knee joint of Swiss mice. The diesters were the most active compounds, regardless of the alcohol employed in the reaction, whereas bioactivity of the derivatives improved by increasing the length of the aliphatic chain of the alcohol employed in esterification. In general, the esters showed higher potency than TAA. When administered orally to mice at doses of 0.017-172.3 μmol/Kg, the diethyl, di-n-butyl and di-n-octyl esters of TAA reduced the cellular infiltration into the knee joint, especially of neutrophils. The study identified diesters of TAA as potential useful derivatives for the management of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Echinodorus grandiflorus: Ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological overview of a medicinal plant used in Brazil

Echinodorus grandiflorus (Cham. & Schltdl.) Micheli is a native Brazilian species used in traditional practices for the treatment of several conditions such as inflammatory diseases, arthritis and hypertension. Through a systematic review of the accumulated knowledge about the species E. grandiflorus, the botanical, phytochemistry, ethnobotanical and pharmacological properties of this medicinal plant demonstrates its potential to naturally provide anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant with a special emphasis on anti-hypertensive and cardioprotective effects. The body of literature reports that the chemical composition of crude E. grandiflorus extracts are notably composed of diterpenoids and flavonoids metabolites. Pharmacological studies have shown that oral treatments using the hydroalcoholic extracts of leaves from this plant has a significant anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, diuretic and cardioprotective effects in rats with no toxicity. The holistic activities of complex extracts are corroborated by the individuals mechanisms of action, as well as, synergistic benefits attributed to the isolated chemical major constituents in this species. In light of the serious health concerns ascribed, it is important to investigate medicinal plant species with histories of traditional use for circulatory problems to meet the growing demands by scientifically validating their use and safety.

Genetic and Biochemical Characterization of a Gene Operon for trans-Aconitic Acid, a Novel Nematicide from Bacillus thuringiensis

trans-Aconitic acid (TAA) is an isomer of cis-aconitic acid (CAA), an intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle that is synthesized by aconitase. Although TAA production has been detected in bacteria and plants for many years and is known to be a potent inhibitor of aconitase, its biosynthetic origins and the physiological relevance of its activity have remained unclear. We have serendipitously uncovered key information relevant to both of these questions. Specifically, in a search for novel nematicidal factors from Bacillus thuringiensis, a significant nematode pathogen harboring many protein virulence factors, we discovered a high yielding component that showed activity against the plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita and surprisingly identified it as TAA. Comparison with CAA, which displayed a much weaker nematicidal effect, suggested that TAA is specifically synthesized by B. thuringiensis as a virulence factor. Analysis of mutants deficient in plasmids that were anticipated to encode virulence factors allowed us to isolate a TAA biosynthesis-related (tbr) operon consisting of two genes, tbrA and tbrB We expressed the corresponding proteins, TbrA and TbrB, and characterized them as an aconitate isomerase and TAA transporter, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis of the TAA biosynthetic gene cluster revealed the association of the TAA genes with transposable elements relevant for horizontal gene transfer as well as a distribution across B. cereus bacteria and other B. thuringiensis strains, suggesting a general role for TAA in the interactions of B. cereus group bacteria with nematode hosts in the soil environment. This study reveals new bioactivity for TAA and the TAA biosynthetic pathway, improving our understanding of virulence factors employed by B. thuringiensis pathogenesis and providing potential implications for nematode management applications.

Involvement of bradykinin B2 and muscarinic receptors in the prolonged diuretic and antihypertensive properties of Echinodorus grandiflorus (Cham. & Schltdl.) Micheli

BACKGROUND

Although Echinodorus grandiflorus (Cham. & Schltr.) Michel are used in Brazilian folk medicine as a diuretic drug, to date, no study has evaluated the mechanisms involved in this activity after prolonged administration in rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Evaluate the possible mechanisms involved in the prolonged diuretic activity of ethanol soluble fraction obtained from Echinodorus grandiflorus (ES-EG) and to assess its relationship with hypotensive and antihypertensive activity using normotensive rats and those with renovascular hypertension (2K1C).

METHODS

The diuretic effects of ES-EG (30-300 mg/kg; p.o.) were compared with hydrochlorothiazide in a repeated-dose treatment for 7 days. The urinary volume and sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate contents, conductivity, pH and density were estimated in sample collected in 24 h for 7 days. Plasma sodium, potassium, total protein, urea, creatinine, aldosterone, vasopressin, nitrite, acetylcholinesterase concentration and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity were measured in samples collected at the end of the experimental period (seventh day). Using pharmacological antagonists or inhibitors, the involvement of bradykinin, prostaglandin, acetylcholine and nitric oxide (NO) in ES-EG-induced diuresis was determined. In addition, activities of erythrocytary carbonic anhydrase and renal Na+/K+/ATPase were evaluated in vitro.

RESULTS

ES-EG increased diuresis similarly to hydrochlorothiazide and also presented HCO3-sparing effects and increased serum nitrite levels. Moreover, the intraduodenal administration of ES-EG induces significant hypotensive and antihypertensive effects in 2K1C rats. Previous treatment with HOE-140, indometacin and atropine fully avoided the diuretic effect of ES-EG, and including L-NAME pre-administration, it prevented the hypotensive and hypertensive activity induced by ES-EG. In addition, the association between HOE-140 and atropine or indometacin and L-NAME fully inhibited the hypotensive and antihypertensive effects of ES-EG. The 7-day treatment with ES-EG resulted in increased plasma nitrite levels. All other parameters were not affected by treatment with ES-EG.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the mechanisms through which Echinodorus grandiflorus extracts induce prolonged diuresis and reduce blood pressure in normotensive and 2K1C rats are mainly related to activation of muscarinic and bradykinin receptors with direct effects on prostaglandins and nitric oxide pathways.

Ethnopharmacological investigation of the diuretic and hemodynamic properties of native species of the Brazilian biodiversity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Although Echinodorus grandiflorus, Cuphea carthagenensis, and Phyllanthus tenellus infusions are used in Brazilian folk medicine due to their possible diuretic effect, none of these species was critically investigated as a diuretic drug. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible acute diuretic activity of ethanol soluble fractions (ES) obtained from these species and assess the relationship between renal cortical blood flow and their antioxidant and hypotensive activity using normotensive Wistar rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The preparation obtained from E. grandiflorus (ES-EG), C. carthagenensis (ES-CC), and P. tenellus (ES-PT) infusions was orally administered in a single dose to rats. Urine excretion rate, pH, density, conductivity and Na(+), K(+), Cl(-) and HCO3(-) contents were measured in the urine of saline-loaded animals. Concentration of electrolytes, total protein, urea, creatinine, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity were evaluated in collected serum. The involvement of the renal cortical blood flow and antioxidative activity in the hypotensive and diuretic effects was also determined.

RESULTS

Water and Na(+), Cl(-) and Na(+) excretion rates were significantly increased by ES-EG, while urinary bicarbonate excretion was reduced. Moreover, ES obtained from E. grandiflorus was able to significantly increase renal blood flow and reduce mean arterial pressure and oxidative stress in "in vitro" and "in vivo" models. All other parameters evaluated were not affected by any treatment.

CONCLUSION

The results presented here shown that the ES-EG obtained from E. grandiflorus leaves shown a significant diuretic and hypotensive activity and suggest that these effects could be related with an important renal and systemic vasodilator effect. In addition, it was shown for the first time that the pharmacological effects of ES obtained from P. tenellus and C. carthagenensis do not support its popular use as a diuretic agent.

Anti-TNF-α Activity of Brazilian Medicinal Plants and Compounds from Ouratea semiserrata

Several plant species are used in Brazil to treat inflammatory diseases and associated conditions. TNF-α plays a pivotal role on inflammation, and several plant extracts have been assayed against this target, both in vitro and in vivo. The effect of 11 Brazilian medicinal plants on TNF-α release by LPS-activated THP-1 cells was evaluated. The plant materials were percolated with different solvents to afford 15 crude extracts, whose effect on TNF-α release was determined by ELISA. Among the evaluated extracts, only Jacaranda caroba (Bignoniaceae) presented strong toxicity to THP-1 cells. Considering the 14 non-toxic extracts, TNF-α release was significantly reduced by seven of them (inhibition > 80%), originating from six plants, namely Cuphea carthagenensis (Lythraceae), Echinodorus grandiflorus (Alismataceae), Mansoa hirsuta (Bignoniaceae), Ouratea semiserrata (Ochnaceae), Ouratea spectabilis and Remijia ferruginea (Rubiaceae). The ethanol extract from O. semiserrata leaves was fractionated over Sephadex LH-20 and RP-HPLC to give three compounds previously reported for the species, along with agathisflavone and epicatechin, here described for the first time in the plant. Epicatechin and lanceoloside A elicited significant inhibition of TNF-α release, indicating that they may account for the effect produced by O. semiserrata crude extract.

In vitro antioxidant capacity of tea of Echinodorus grandiforus, “leather hat,” in Wistar rat liver

Oxidative stress has been considered as one of the factors responsible for hepatic diseases, which sometimes require new ways of treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant capacity of the tea of Echinodorus grandiforus (“leather hat” plant) in rat liver. Different preparations of tea were evaluated for phenolic composition, antioxidant activity by DPPH assay and ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation induced by copper sulfate. The antioxidant activity was assessed in liver tissue treated with sodium azide in the presence or absence of tea by assays for lipid peroxidation (TBARS), protein oxidation (carbonyl) and the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The results show that different preparations of tea are important sources of polyphenols and contain theobromine, catechin and vitexin. Furthermore, the results indicate that this tea exhibits an antioxidant activity by its ability to scavenge DPPH radical. Different preparations of tea prevented damage to lipids and proteins induced by sodium azide, as well as assisting in restoring CAT and SOD activities. Thus, it can be seen that E. grandiforus tea had antioxidant activity in serum and liver being able to prevent oxidative damages generated by sodium azide.

Chicoric acid: chemistry, distribution, and production

Though chicoric acid was first identified in 1958, it was largely ignored until recent popular media coverage cited potential health beneficial properties from consuming food and dietary supplements containing this compound. To date, plants from at least 63 genera and species have been found to contain chicoric acid, and while the compound is used as a processing quality indicator, it may also have useful health benefits. This review of chicoric acid summarizes research findings and highlights gaps in research knowledge for investigators, industry stakeholders, and consumers alike. Additionally, chicoric acid identification, and quantification methods, biosynthesis, processing improvements to increase chicoric acid retention, and potential areas for future research are discussed.