Antioxidant Properties of the Methanol Extracts from the Leaves of Paullinia pinnata

Evidence for the efficacy of anti-inflammatory plants used in Brazilian traditional medicine with ethnopharmacological relevance

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

When exacerbated, inflammatory processes can culminate in physical and emotional disorders and, if not stopped, can be lethal. The high prevalence of inflammation has become a public health problem, and the need for new drugs to treat this pathology is imminent. The use of medicinal plants has emerged as an alternative, and a survey of data that corroborates its application in inflammatory diseases is the starting point. Furthermore, Brazil harbors a megadiversity, and the traditional use of plants is relevant and needs to be preserved and carefully explored for the discovery of new medicines.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review sought to survey the medicinal plants traditionally used in Brazil for the treatment of inflammatory processes and to perform, in an integrative way, a data survey of these species and analysis of their phytochemical, pharmacological, and molecular approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Brazilian plants that are traditionally used for inflammation (ophthalmia, throat inflammation, orchitis, urinary tract inflammation, ear inflammation, and inflammation in general) are listed in the DATAPLAMT database. This database contains information on approximately 3400 native plants used by Brazilians, which were registered in specific documents produced until 1950. These inflammatory disorders were searched in scientific databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Scielo, Virtual Health Library), with standardization of DECS/MESH descriptors for inflammation in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, without chronological limitations. For the inclusion criteria, all articles had to be of the evaluated plant species, without association of synthesized substances, and full articles free available in any of the four languages searched. Duplicated articles and those that were not freely available were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 126 species were identified, culminating in 6181 articles in the search. After evaluation of the inclusion criteria, 172 articles representing 40 different species and 38 families were included in the study. Comparison of reproducibility in intra-species results became difficult because of the large number of extraction solvents tested and the wide diversity of evaluation models used. Although the number of in vitro and in vivo evaluations was high, only one clinical study was found (Abrus precatorius). In the phytochemical analyses, more than 225 compounds, mostly phenolic compounds, were identified.

CONCLUSION

This review allowed the grouping of preclinical and clinical studies of several Brazilian species traditionally used for the treatment of many types of inflammation, corroborating new searches for their pharmacological properties as a way to aid public health. Furthermore, the large number of plants that have not yet been studied has encouraged new research to revive traditional knowledge.

Four Togolese plant species exhibiting cytotoxicity and antitumor activities lightning polytherapy approach in cancer treatment

Background

Cancer is leading to premature deaths across the globe. Therapeutic approaches are still being developed to enhance the survival of cancer patients. In our previous study, extracts from four Togolese plants, namely, Cochlospermum planchonii (CP), Piliostigma thonningii (PT), Paullinia pinnata (PP), and Securidaca longipedunculata (SL), actually used in traditional medicine for cancer treatment, showed beneficial health effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis.

Purpose

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity and antitumor activities of these four plant extracts.

Material and methods

Breast, lung, cervical, and liver cancer cell lines were exposed to the extracts, and viability was assessed using the Sulforhodamine B method. P. pinnata and S. longipedunculata with significant cytotoxicity were selected for in vivo tests. The acute oral toxicity of these extracts was assessed using BALB/c mice. The antitumor activity was evaluated using the EAC tumor bearing mice model, wherein mice were orally treated with extracts at different concentrations for 14 days. The standard drug was cisplatin (3.5 mg/kg, i.p), single dose.

Results

Cytotoxicity tests revealed that SL, PP, and CP extracts have more than 50% cytotoxicity at 150 μg/mL. The acute oral toxicity of PP and SL at 2000 mg/kg did not show any toxic signs. At therapeutic doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of PP and 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg, and 160 mg/kg of SL, extracts showed beneficial health effects by modulating several biological parameters. SL extract significantly reduced tumor volume (P < 0.001), cell viability, and normalized hematological parameters. SL also demonstrated a strong anti-inflammatory activity similar to the standard drug. The SL extract also revealed a significant increase of the life span of treated mice. PP extract reduced the tumor volume and significantly improved the values of endogenous antioxidants. Both PP and SL extracts also exerted significant anti-angiogenic potency.

Conclusion

The study indicated that polytherapy would be a panacea for the efficient use of medicinal plant extracts against cancer. This approach will make it possible to act simultaneously on several biological parameters. Molecular studies of both extracts targeting key cancer genes in several cancer cells are currently underway.

Cytotoxic, Antibacterial, and Leishmanicidal Activities of Paullinia pinnata (Linn.) Leaves

Background: Paullinia pinnata leaves are employed traditionally for the treatment of various ailments which are of biological origin. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antileishmanial properties of the leaves of Paullinia pinnata using in vitro models. Methods: Brine shrimp lethality bioassay was used to determine the cytotoxic activity of the methanol leaf extract of Paullinia pinnata. The activity of the extract against the growth of cultured Leishmania major (DESTO) promastigotes was used to investigate the leishmanicidal activities. The agar well diffusion method was used to investigate the antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Results: The methanol leaf extract of P. pinnata had no activity against Artemia salina (brine shrimp) and L. major. It showed a non-significant activity against E. coli and B. subtilis and no activity against P. aeruginosa, S. flexneri, S. typhi, and S. aureus. Conclusion: The methanol leaf extract of P. pinnata did not exhibit any cytotoxic and anti-leishmanial properties. Moreover, the activity against various species of bacteria was not significant.

Effect of olive mill wastewaters on Scenedesmus sp. growth, metabolism and polyphenols removal

BACKGROUND

The three-phase extraction process of olive oil produces highly contaminated wastewater (OMW). The elimination of this toxic by-product is an important environmental issue that requires the development of an appropriate management solution. The cultivation of microalgae using OMW as growth medium was therefore studied using single (the culture medium was formed by 0% to 80% ultrafiltered olive mill wastewater (OMUF) or OMW added to BG11) and two-stage strategies (microalgae were firstly cultivated in the BG11 medium. In the second stage, 40% and 80% of OMUF and OMW were added to the culture). In this work, biodegradation of OMW and subsequent extraction of lipid and antioxidant molecules was investigated as an ecofriendly method for the bioremediation and valorization of OMW.

RESULTS

For two-stage cultivation, OMUF and OMW stress enhanced the intracellular amount of polyphenol accumulated in Scenedesmus sp. and exhibited the highest 2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzoline-6-sulfonate) radical (ABTS) scavenging ability compared with single-stage cultivation. Moreover, the lipid profile is dominated by polyunsaturated acids. In the single-stage cultivation, the Ch a, Ch b, carotenoid, carbohydrate and lipid content of 2.57, 7.4, 1.69, 368, and 644 g kg^-1 were observed in 40% OMUF added culture, respectively, along with high biomass productivity and 58% of polyphenol removal. Moreover, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that the biomass of Scenedesmus sp. cultured on 40% OMUF did not show any toxic effect, making it an efficient strategy.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that Scenedesmus sp. is a promising microalga for the biotreatment of OMW and the extraction of bioactive metabolites. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Toxicity and Activity of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Paullinia pinnata Linn (Sapindaceae) in Shigella flexneri-Induced Diarrhea in Wistar Rats

Herbal products from Paullinia pinnata Linn are widely used in African folk medicine to treat several infectious diseases. Although the extracts from this plant has been shown to possess antimicrobial potential, their activity in infectious diarrhea is less reported. Diarrhea was induced by oral administration of 1.2 × 10⁹ CFU/mL of Shigella flexneri to the rats. The infected rats were treated for 5 days with the doses of 111.42, 222.84, and 445.68 mg/kg of P pinnata. The level of biochemical parameters was assessed and histology of organs examined by 14 days subacute toxicity. S flexneri stool load was considerably reduced after 4 days of treatment with the dose of 445.68 mg/kg, 5 days at the dose of 222.84 mg/kg for the extract, and 2 days with ciprofloxacin. The dose of 111.42 mg/kg appeared efficient after 5 days of treatment. The creatinine level increased at the dose of 445.68 mg/kg in both male and female rats and decrease at the dose of 222.84 mg/mL in female rats while an increase was noted in the male rats. Liver and kidney histology were modified at the dose of 445.68 mg/kg while no change was observed at the doses of 111.42 and 222.84 mg/kg. P pinnata leaf extract is efficient against infectious diarrhea at 111.42 mg/kg without side effect.

Assessment of Reproductive Toxicity of Hydroethanolic Root Extracts of Caesalpinia benthamiana, Sphenocentrum jollyanum, and Paullinia pinnata

Purpose

Male sexual dysfunction negatively affects an individual's quality of life and thus its of prime public concern, hence the need to boost reproductive abilities in such individuals. This study assessed the effect of hydroethanolic root extracts of Caesalpinia benthamiana (CBRE), Sphenocentrum jollyanum (SJRE), and Paullinia pinnata (PPRE), commonly used as aphrodisiacs in Ghana, using male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods

Plasma testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were assayed in grouped rats treated orally with 1 mL/kg normal saline, 50 mg/kg monosodium glutamate (MSG), and 100, 300, or 1000 mg/kg CBRE, SJRE, and PPRE, respectively, for 60 days. Epididymis and testis weights were determined. Semen was assessed on spermatozoa count, motility, and morphology. Malonyladehyde formation in lipid-peroxidation assay and histological examinations were performed to assess pathological changes in testes. Testicular testosterone was also assayed.

Results

While MSG, CBRE, SJRE, and PPRE treatments did not result in significant reduction (p>0.05) in plasma testosterone, there was significant reduction (p≤0.05 -0.0001) in plasma luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. The combined mean wet weights of epididymides and testes of all treated groups did not vary significantly (p>0.05) from the control. There was significant reduction (p≤0.0001) in sperm motility and count, with significant morphological changes (p≤0.05-0.001), ie, bent necks, tails, and midpieces, and multiple anomalies in the spermatozoa in extract and MSG-treated groups. There was also significant (p≤0.0001) reduction in testicular testosterone among all treatment groups.

Conclusion

Hydroethanolic CBRE, SJRE, and PPRE were found to have detrimental effects on reproductive function with prolonged usage and thus may not be safe to use in healthy males who intend to reproduce.

LC-MS Analysis, 15-Lipoxygenase Inhibition, Cytotoxicity, and Genotoxicity of Dissotis multiflora (Sm) Triana (Melastomataceae) and Paullinia pinnata Linn (Sapindaceae)

This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity activities of Dissotis multiflora (Sm) Triana and Paullinia pinnata Linn used traditionally in Cameroon to treat infectious diseases. Phytochemical screening was carried out using the LC-MS procedure. The ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange (FOX) assay was used to determine the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitory activity of the plant samples. The tetrazolium-based colorimetric (MTT) assay was performed using Vero cells. The Ames test was carried out using Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 tester strains. LC-MS chromatogram of D. multiflora led to the identification of four known compounds, namely, 5-(3,5-dinitrophenyl)-2H-tetrazol (2), 2,2'-{[2-(6-amino-9H-purine-9-yl)ethyl]imino}diethanol (14), 1,2,5-oxadiazolo [3,4-b]pyrazine, 5,6-di (3,5-dimethyl-1-piperidyl) (19), and nimbolinin D (20) while four compounds were also identified in P. pinnata known as 2-hydroxycarbamoyl-4-methyl-pentanoic acid (2), pheophorbide A (16), 1-[4-({2-[(1-methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)amino]-4-pyrimidinyl}oxy)-1-naphthyl]-3-[1-(4 methylphenyl)-3-(2-methyl-2-propanyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]urea (17), and nimbolinin D (18). D. multiflora and P. pinnata inhibited 15-LOX activity in concentration-dependent manner. The LC₅₀ (concentration that kills 50% of cells) values of the extracts ranged from 0.13 ± 00 to 1 ± 00 mg/mL for P. pinnata and D. multiflora, respectively. P. pinnata was cytotoxic at concentrations tested while D. multiflora was not. The selectivity index (SI) values ranged from 0.16 to 10.30 on Vero cell lines. No genotoxic effect was observed against both strains tested. These extracts are sources of compounds which can be used to control infectious diseases and associated inflammation. However, caution should be taken while using P. pinnata for medicinal purposes.

Hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and anti-lipid peroxidation properties of a methanol extract of Paullinia pinnata root-bark, in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats

This study evaluated the hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and anti-lipid peroxidation properties of a methanol extract of Paullinia pinnata root-bark, in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. The extract of P. pinnata root-bark was prepared using a cold maceration method with 80% methanol and concentrated at 40°C in hot air oven. The extract was administered once daily per os at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 21 consecutive days. Distilled water (5 mL/kg) and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) were used as the vehicle and reference standard, respectively. The serum lipid profile, markers of liver and kidney functions, antioxidant status (malondialdehyde level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities), histopathological changes in liver and kidney were examined 24h after the last treatment on day 21. The extract reduced serum lipid profile, markers of liver and kidney functions of treated rats relative to vehicle-treated rats. The superoxide dismutase and catalase activities of the extract treated rats were also elevated relative to the vehicle-treated rats. The extract reversed liver and kidney injuries induced by alloxan in the treated rats. This study provides some basic information which suggest that P. pinnata could be effective in managing diabetic complications.

Toxicological screening of Daouri, a polyherbal formulation used in children in the Central Region of Togo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Daouri, a combination of several plants, is an old African Traditional Medicine based on ancestral knowledge transmitted from generation to generation and is used by the Kotokoli Community in Togo. The combination of several plants may potentiate or attenuate the toxicity of individual plants. The present investigation aims to study the composition and potential toxicity of Daouri used in children in the Kotokoli community.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Surveys were performed using a semi-structured questionnaire to determine the composition of Daouri. On the basis of these data collected, Standard Daouri was formulated, and its aqueous extract was orally administered at 300, 600 and 1200mg/kg to rats for 28 days. On the 29th day, the rats were sacrificed and their serum were analysed to evaluate hepatic and renal toxicities.

RESULTS

Four categories of Daouri were collected. The plant combinations used in each Daouri formulation varied according to the pathological conditions, including the age of the children and the availability of each plant. The most plants cited in the four Daouri were Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss, Odina acida (A. Rich.) Oliv.,Lophira lanceolata Tiegh, Paullinia pinnata L. and Pteleopsis suberosa Engl. & Diels. Although there was an increase in the alkaline phosphatase concentration, different doses of the aqueous extract of Standard Daouri were not toxic after 28 days of administration. In addition, the concentrations of alanine transaminase, creatinine and urea were not different between the Daouri-treated and control groups.

CONCLUSION

Daouri is plant combination used in children in the Kotokoli community as a part of African Traditional Medicine. Standard Daouri is not toxic in rats.

Antimicrobial steroidal saponin and oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins from Paullinia pinnata

BACKGROUND

Paullinia pinnata L. (Sapindaceae) is an African woody vine, which is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of human malaria, erectile dysfunction and bacterial infections. A phytochemical investigation of its methanol leaf and stem extracts led to the isolation of seven compounds which were evaluated for their antimicrobial properties.

METHODS

The extracts were fractionated and compounds were isolated by chromatographic methods. Their structures were elucidated from their spectroscopic data in conjunction with those reported in literature. The antimicrobial activities of the crude extracts, fractions and compounds were evaluated against bacteria, yeasts and dermatophytes using the broth micro-dilution technique.

RESULTS

Seven compounds: 2-O-methyl-L-chiro-inositol (1), β-sitosterol (2), friedelin (3), 3β-(β-D-Glucopyranosyloxy) stigmast-5-ene (4), (3β)-3-O-(2'-Acetamido-2'-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl) oleanolic acid (5), (3β,16α-hydroxy)-3-O-(2'-Acetamido-2'-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl) echinocystic acid (6) and (3β)-3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1″-3')-2'-acetamido-2'-deoxy-β-D-galactopyranosyl]oleanolic acid (7) were isolated. Compounds 5 and 7 showed the best antibacterial and anti-yeast activities respectively (MIC value range of 0.78-6.25 and 1.56-6.25 μg/ml), while 6 exhibited the best anti-dermatophytic activity (MIC value range of 6.25-25 μg/ml).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present findings could be considered interesting, taking into account the global disease burden of these susceptible microorganisms, in conjunction with the search for alternative and complementary medicines.

Amazonian Brazilian medicinal plants described by C.F.P. von Martius in the 19th century

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Information regarding the use of beneficial, native Brazilian plants was compiled by European naturalists during the 19th century. The German botanist C.F.P. von Martius was one of the most prominent naturalists and described the use of several Brazilian plants.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To present data on Amazonian medicinal plants documented by von Martius in his books.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data on Amazonian medicinal plants were obtained from three books published by von Martius. Traditional information about these plants was translated from Latin and the cited plant species reorganised according to current taxonomic criteria. Correlated pharmacological studies were obtained from different scientific databases.

RESULTS

A total of 92 native medicinal species from the Amazon were recorded in von Martius' books. These accounts described 117 different medical uses for these plants. Several parts of the plants were used, including many exudates. The principal use of the species recorded was the treatment of dermatological problems, followed by gastro-intestinal, urinary and respiratory disorders. Few species were recorded as purgatives and febrifuges, a result that differs from the observations of other naturalists. The efficacy of the recorded traditional uses has been confirmed for the few species that have been subjected to laboratory studies.

CONCLUSION

The data recorded by the German naturalist von Martius represent a rich, unexplored source of information about the traditional uses of Brazilian plants.

Pluchea lanceolata protects against Benzo(a) pyrene induced renal toxicity and loss of DNA integrity

Evidence from epidemiological, experimental and clinical trial data indicates that a plant based diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and reduces toxic effects. In the present study, we report the antioxidant and anticlastogenic activity of Pluchea lanceolata (PL), an important medicinal plant, in both in vitro and in vivo model. Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) administration leads to depletion of renal glutathione and its metabolizing enzymes. Pretreatment with PL (100 and 200 mg /kg b.wt) restored renal glutathione content and its dependent enzymes significantly (p<0.001) with simultaneous increase in catalase(CAT), quinone reductase(QR) in mouse kidney. Prophylactic administration of PL prior to B (a) P administration significantly decreased the malondialdehyde(MDA), H2O2 and xanthineoxidase (XO) levels at a significance of p<0.001, at both the doses. PL extract pretreated groups showed marked inhibition in B(a)P induced micronuclei formation in mouse bone marrow cells with simultaneous restoration of DNA integrity, viz. alkaline unwinding assay and DNA damage shown by gel-electrophoresis. HPTLC confirms the presence of quercetin in plant extract which could be responsible for PL protecting efficacy. In conclusion, the present findings strongly support the antioxidant efficacy of PL, possibly by modulation of antioxidant armory.

Anticancer and antimicrobial activities of some antioxidant-rich cameroonian medicinal plants

Traditional remedies have a long-standing history in Cameroon and continue to provide useful and applicable tools for treating ailments. Here, the anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of ten antioxidant-rich Cameroonian medicinal plants and of some of their isolated compounds are evaluated.The plant extracts were prepared by maceration in organic solvents. Fractionation of plant extract was performed by column chromatography and the structures of isolated compounds (emodin, 3-geranyloxyemodin, 2-geranylemodin) were confirmed spectroscopically. The antioxidant activity (AOA) was determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) bleaching method, the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and the hemoglobin ascorbate peroxidase activity inhibition (HAPX) assays. The anticancer activity was evaluated against A431 squamous epidermal carcinoma, WM35 melanoma, A2780 ovary carcinoma and cisplatin-resistant A2780cis cells, using a direct colorimetric assay. The total phenolic content in the extracts was determined spectrophotometrically by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Rumex abyssinicus showed the best AOA among the three assays employed. The AOA of emodin was significantly higher than that of 3-geranyloxyemodin and 2-geranylemodin for both TEAC and HAPX methods. The lowest IC₅₀ values (i.e., highest cytotoxicity) were found for the extracts of Vismia laurentii, Psorospermum febrifugum, Pentadesma butyracea and Ficus asperifolia. The Ficus asperifolia and Psorospermum febrifugum extracts are selective against A2780cis ovary cells, a cell line which is resistant to the standard anticancer drug cisplatin. Emodin is more toxic compared to the whole extract, 3-geranyloxyemodin and 2-geranylemodin. Its selectivity against the platinum-resistant A2780cis cell line is highest. All of the extracts display antimicrobial activity, in some cases comparable to that of gentamycin.

Chemical composition and antioxidant properties of γ-irradiated Iranian Zataria multiflora extracts

CONTEXT

Irradiation is the process of exposing food such as herbal plant to ionizing radiation to destroy microorganisms. Zataria multiflora Boiss (Lamiaceae), known as Avishan-e-Shirazi in Persian, is a thyme-like plant that grows naturally in central and southern parts of Iran and is used in traditional folk medicine.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the effects of γ-radiation on chemical composition and antioxidant properties of Z. multiflora were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The plants were first irradiated with Co60 source (0, 10, and 25 kGy) and then subjected to Clevenger extraction to obtain essential oils. The composition of the oil was analyzed by a gas chromatography and compared with samples pretreated under different conditions. In parallel, the hydroalcoholic extract was prepared and used for measuring flavonoid content. Thereafter, the free-radical scavenging and antioxidant properties of essential oils and hydroalcoholic extract were examined.

RESULTS

Despite the minor change in the individual oil constituents, the total percentage of the main components remained unaffected before and after irradiation (~95%). In addition, the total flavonoid content of hydroalcoholic extract was also unchanged due to irradiation (~32 mg QE/g extract). The high radical scavenging activity of the oil (~67%) and hydroalcoholic extract (~71%), in addition, the antioxidant properties of the oil (~91%) and hydroalcoholic extract (~95%), were unaffected after irradiation.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

These findings may suggest the sustainability of Z. multiflora extract properties pretreated with γ-radiation. With a view to its antioxidant applications, resistance of Z. multiflora and its properties against radiation effects are promising findings.

Habitual intake of guaraná and metabolic morbidities: an epidemiological study of an elderly Amazonian population

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations of metabolic disorders and anthropometric and biochemical biomarkers of lipid, glucose and oxidative metabolism and the habitual ingestion of guaraná (Paullinia cupana, Mart. Var. sorbilis) by an elderly population residing in the Amazon Riverine region of the Maués municipality (Brazil). A case-controlled study was performed that included 637 elderly (≥60 years of age) patients classified as either those who habitually drank guaraná (GI, n = 421) or those who never drank guaraná (NG, n = 239) based upon their self-reported intake of guaraná. Indeed, the prevalence of various metabolic disorders was associated with guaraná ingestion. The prevalence of hypertension, obesity and metabolic syndrome in the GI group was lower than the prevalence found in the NG group. The NG group exhibited lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. The males in the GI group exhibited a lower waist circumference, on average, than the circumference found in the NG group, whereas the females in the GI group had lower cholesterol (total and LDL-c) levels than the control cohort. Additionally, a significant association was found between lower levels of advanced oxidative protein product (AOPP) and habitual guaraná consumption. The results constitute the first epidemiological study to suggest a potentially protective effect of habitual guaraná ingestion against metabolic disorders in elderly subjects.

A novel dietary supplement containing multiple phytochemicals and vitamins elevates hepatorenal and cardiac antioxidant enzymes in the absence of significant serum chemistry and genomic changes

A novel dietary supplement composed of three well-known phytochemicals, namely, Salvia officinalis (sage) extract, Camellia sinensis (oolong tea) extract, and Paullinia cupana (guarana) extract, and two prominent vitamins (thiamine and niacin) was designed to provide nutritional support by enhancing metabolism and maintaining healthy weight and energy. The present study evaluated the safety of this dietary supplement (STG; S=sage; T=tea; G=guarana) and assessed changes in target organ antioxidant enzymes (liver, kidneys and heart), serum chemistry profiles and organ histopathology in Fisher 344 rats. Adult male and female Fisher 344 rats were fed control (no STG) or STG containing (1X and 7X, 1X=daily human dose) diets and sacrificed after 2 and 4 months. Serum chemistry analysis and histopathological examination of three vital target organs disclosed no adverse influence on protein, lipid and carbohydrate profiles, genomic integrity of the liver and/or the tissue architecture. However, analysis of the most important antioxidant components in the liver, kidney and heart homogenates revealed a dramatic increase in total glutathione concentrations, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities. Concomitantly, oxidative stress levels (malondialdehyde accumulation) in these three organs were less than control. Organ specific serum markers (ALT/AST for the liver; CPK/AST for the heart; BUN/creatinine for kidneys) and the genomic integrity disclosed no STG-induced alteration. Some of the serum components (lipid and protein) showed insignificant changes. Overall, STG-exposed rats were more active, and the results suggest that STG exposure produces normal serum chemistry coupled with elevated antioxidant capacity in rats fed up to seven times the normal human dose and does not adversely influence any of the vital target organs. Additionally, this study reiterates the potential benefits of exposure to a pharmacologically relevant combination of phytochemicals compared to a single phytochemical entity.

Paullinia cupana Mart. var. Sorbilis protects human dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line against rotenone-induced cytotoxicity

Paullinia cupana Mart. var. Sorbilis, commonly known as Guaraná, is a Brazilian plant frequently cited for its antioxidant properties and different pharmacological activities on the central nervous system. The potential beneficial uses of Guaraná in neurodegenerative disorders, such as in Parkinson's disease (PD), the pathogenesis of which is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, has not yet been assessed. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to evaluate if an extract of commercial powdered seeds of Guaraná could protect human dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line against rotenone-induced cytotoxicity. Two concentration of Guaraná dimethylsulfoxide extract (0.312 and 0.625 mg/mL) were added to SH-SY5Y cells treated with 300 nM rotenone for 48 h, and the cytoprotective effects were assessed by means of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and analyzing nuclear integrity with Hoechst33258 stain. Results showed that the addition of Guaraná extract significantly increased the cell viability of SH-SY5Y cells treated with rotenone, in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, LDH levels were significantly reduced by addition of 0.312 mg/mL of Guaraná, but unexpectedly, no changes were observed with the higher concentration. Moreover, chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation were significantly reduced by addition of any of both concentrations of the extract. The results obtained in this work could provide relevant information about the mechanisms underlying the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in PD and precede in vivo experiments. Further studies are needed to investigate which active constituent is responsible for the cytoprotective effect produced by Paullinia cupana.

An ethnopharmacological survey and in vitro confirmation of ethnopharmacological use of medicinal plants used for wound healing in Bosomtwi-Atwima-Kwanwoma area, Ghana

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Wounds represent a major health burden and drain on healthcare resources in the world including Ghana and Africa. The majority of the people of Ghana and Africa still patronize traditional medicine for their health needs including various forms of wounds. The aim of this study is the identification of medicinal plants, type of wounds, dosage forms and collection methods used traditionally in treating wounds in the Bosomtwi-Atwima-Kwanwoma district, Ghana. In vitro screening of selected extracts from these plants on cell physiology of human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes was to be performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Validated questionnaires were administered to 78 traditional healers in 54 communities of the district. Interviews and structured conversations were used to administer the questionnaires. Selected herbal material dominantly used by the healers was collected, identified and aqueous and ethanolic extracts were investigated in vitro on influence on cell physiology of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts (MTT-, BrdU-, LDH-assay). Antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts were determined by free radical scavenging activity. Antiadhesive activity against Helicobacter pylori on human stomach cells was investigated for extracts reported to be used for stomach ulcer treatment.

RESULTS

The ethnopharmacological survey revealed 104 plants species belonging to 47 families. The detailed use of these plants is documented. Aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus muellerianus, Pycnanthus angolensis and Combretum smeathmanni influenced the mitochondrial activity and proliferation of dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes significantly. Ethanolic extracts of selected plants exhibited strong antioxidant activities comparable to alpha-tocopherol. For Spathodea campanulata, Hoslundia opposita and Pycnanthus angolensis, which were reported by the healers to be used also for wound healing in case of stomach ulcers, strong antiadhesive activity against Helicobacter pylori was demonstrated, while the extracts did not exhibit any direct cytotoxicity against the bacterium.

CONCLUSIONS

Traditional use of many wound-healing plants from Ghana can be well rationalized by the in vitro investigation of aqueous extracts. E.g. extracts of Phyllanthus muellerianus, Pycnanthus angolensis and Combretum smeathmanni exhibited significant influence on the cell viability and proliferation of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts.