Antioxidant, Mutagenic, and Antimutagenic Activity of Frozen Fruits

Chemometric profiling and anti-arthritic activity of aerial parts of Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC. belongs to the family Molluginaceae, an annual prostrate herb traditionally used to treat inflammations, arthritis, malarial, wounds, fevers, diarrhoea, cancer, stomach discomfort, jaundice, and intestinal parasites. However, the anti-arthritic activity of the aerial part has still not been reported.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the antioxidant and anti-arthritic activity of G. oppositifolius in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) induced rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The dried aerial parts of this plant material were defatted with n-hexane and extracted by methanol using a soxhlet apparatus. The in vitro anti-arthritic activity of methanolic extract of G. oppositifolius (MEGO) was evaluated in protein denaturation, membrane stabilization, and inhibition of proteinase assay at 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/ml concentrations. Female Wistar rats were immunized sub-dermally into the right hind paw with 0.1 ml of CFA. Rats were administered with MEGO at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg once daily for fourteen days after arthritis induction. Assessment of arthritis was performed by measuring paw diameter, arthritic index, arthritic score, body weight, organ weight, and hematological and biochemical parameters, followed by the analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin 13 (IL-13) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) and histopathological study. In vivo antioxidant effect was investigated in enzymatic assays. The presence of phytoconstituents was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), respectively. In silico molecular docking study of the compounds was carried out against COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α using AutoDock 4.2 and BIOVIA-Discovery Studio Visualizer software.

RESULTS

MEGO's in vitro anti-arthritic activity showed dose-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation, membrane stabilization, and proteinase inhibition, followed by significant in vivo anti-arthritic activity. The rats treated with MEGO showed tremendous potential in managing arthritis-like symptoms by restoring hematological, biochemical, and histological changes in CFA-induced rats. MEGO (200 and 400 mg/kg) showed a significant alleviation in the levels of hyper expressed inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and oxidative stress (SOD, CAT, GSH, and LPO) in CFA-induced rats. Spergulagenin-A as identified by LC-MS analysis, exhibited the highest binding affinity against COX-2 (-8.6), IL-1β (7.2 kcal/mol), IL-6 (-7.4 kcal/mol), and TNF-α (-6.5 kcal/mol).

CONCLUSIONS

Provided with the comprehensive investigation, methanolic extract of G. oppositifolius against arthritic-like condition is a proof of concept that revalidates its ethnic claim. The presence of Spergulagenin-A might be responsible for the anti-arthritic activity.

A review on marine source as anticancer agents

This review investigates the potential of natural compounds obtained from marine sources for the treatment of cancer. The oceans are believed to contain physiologically active compounds, such as alkaloids, nucleosides, macrolides, and polyketides, which have shown promising effects in slowing human tumor cells both in vivo and in vitro. Various marine species, including algae, mollusks, actinomycetes, fungi, sponges, and soft corals, have been studied for their bioactive metabolites with diverse chemical structures. The review explores the therapeutic potential of various marine-derived substances and discusses their possible applications in cancer treatment.

Possible Side Effects of Polyphenols and Their Interactions with Medicines

Polyphenols are an important component of plant-derived food with a wide spectrum of beneficial effects on human health. For many years, they have aroused great interest, especially due to their antioxidant properties, which are used in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Unfortunately, as with any chemical substance, depending on the conditions, dose, and interactions with the environment, it is possible for polyphenols to also exert harmful effects. This review presents a comprehensive current state of the knowledge on the negative impact of polyphenols on human health, describing the possible side effects of polyphenol intake, especially in the form of supplements. The review begins with a brief overview of the physiological role of polyphenols and their potential use in disease prevention, followed by the harmful effects of polyphenols which are exerted in particular situations. The individual chapters discuss the consequences of polyphenols’ ability to block iron uptake, which in some subpopulations can be harmful, as well as the possible inhibition of digestive enzymes, inhibition of intestinal microbiota, interactions of polyphenolic compounds with drugs, and impact on hormonal balance. Finally, the prooxidative activity of polyphenols as well as their mutagenic, carcinogenic, and genotoxic effects are presented. According to the authors, there is a need to raise public awareness about the possible side effects of polyphenols supplementation, especially in the case of vulnerable subpopulations.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in Health and Disease: A Critical Review

The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), a species belonging to the Arecaceae family, has been cultivated for thousands of years in tropical Central and South America as a multipurpose dietary plant. The recent introduction of açaí fruit and its nutritional and healing qualities to regions outside its origin has rapidly expanded global demand for açaí berry. The health-promoting and disease-preventing properties of this plant are attributed to numerous bioactive phenolic compounds present in the leaf, pulp, fruit, skin, and seeds. The purpose of this review is to present an up-to-date, comprehensive, and critical evaluation of the health benefits of açaí and its phytochemicals with a special focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that açaí possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and exerts cardioprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, renoprotective, antilipidemic, antidiabetic, and antineoplastic activities. Moreover, clinical trials have suggested that açaí can protect against metabolic stress induced by oxidation, inflammation, vascular abnormalities, and physical exertion. Due to its medicinal properties and the absence of undesirable effects, açaí shows a promising future in health promotion and disease prevention, in addition to a vast economic potential in the food and cosmetic industries.

Neuroprotective activities of acai berries (Euterpe sp.): A review

Dietary interventions rich in fruits and vegetables in aging people can reverse or mitigate age-related cognitive declines, delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), and provide long-term health dividends. The novel food, popularly known as "Acai", is a berry belonging to the Euterpe genus of tropical palms trees and natively found in South America. Euterpe oleracea has been given much attention among scientists due to its high antioxidant capacity compared to other fruits and berries. Additionally, acai pulp composition analysis found that it contains various biologically active phytochemicals. In this review, we focused on current evidence relating to acai berry neuroprotection mechanisms and its efficacy in preventing or reversing neurodegeneration and age-related cognitive decline. A number of studies have illustrated the potential neuroprotective properties of acai berries. They have shown that their chemical extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and maintain proteins, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial function. Moreover, acai berry extract offers other neuromodulatory mechanisms, including anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and anti-aging properties. This neuromodulation gives valuable insights into the acai pulp and its considerable pharmacological potential on critical brain areas involved in memory and cognition. The isolated chemical matrix of acai berries could be a new substitute in research for NDD medicine development. However, due to the limited number of investigations, there is a need for further efforts to establish studies that enable progressing to clinical trials to consequently prove and ratify the therapeutic potential of this berry for several incurable NDDs.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Martius) Promotes Jejunal Tissue Regeneration by Enhancing Antioxidant Response in 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Mucositis

Intestinal mucositis (IM) caused by antineoplastic chemotherapy is characterized by an important inflammatory process, which may compromise ongoing treatment. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Martius) on the antioxidant response in BALB/c mice pretreated with Açaí pulp (200 g/kg) for 14 day. A group of animals receiving a single intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (200 mg/kg) were euthanized on day three (D3) or seven (D7) after administration, the distal jejunum was isolated for the analyses of histology, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities, and concentration of total sulfhydryl groups (GSH). Seven days after induction, the intake of Açaí by the IM group almost completely regenerated tissue histology. Notably, SOD activity decreased in the MUC + Açaí group (D3). CAT activity reduced on D3 and D7 in the IM groups and Açaí treatment groups, respectively. No change was observed in the total GSH concentration at the tissue level. Our results demonstrated the protective effect of Açaí pulp components on intestinal damage induced by 5-FU, as well as the ability to control the response to oxidative stress, in order to mobilize defense pathways and promote tissue repair.

Marine Natural Products: A Source of Novel Anticancer Drugs

Cancer remains one of the most lethal diseases worldwide. There is an urgent need for new drugs with novel modes of action and thus considerable research has been conducted for new anticancer drugs from natural sources, especially plants, microbes and marine organisms. Marine populations represent reservoirs of novel bioactive metabolites with diverse groups of chemical structures. This review highlights the impact of marine organisms, with particular emphasis on marine plants, algae, bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, sponges and soft corals. Anti-cancer effects of marine natural products in in vitro and in vivo studies were first introduced; their activity in the prevention of tumor formation and the related compound-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicities were tackled. The possible molecular mechanisms behind the biological effects are also presented. The review highlights the diversity of marine organisms, novel chemical structures, and chemical property space. Finally, therapeutic strategies and the present use of marine-derived components, its future direction and limitations are discussed.

Marine Natural Products: A Source of Novel Anticancer Drugs

Cancer remains one of the most lethal diseases worldwide. There is an urgent need for new drugs with novel modes of action and thus considerable research has been conducted for new anticancer drugs from natural sources, especially plants, microbes and marine organisms. Marine populations represent reservoirs of novel bioactive metabolites with diverse groups of chemical structures. This review highlights the impact of marine organisms, with particular emphasis on marine plants, algae, bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, sponges and soft corals. Anti-cancer effects of marine natural products in in vitro and in vivo studies were first introduced; their activity in the prevention of tumor formation and the related compound-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicities were tackled. The possible molecular mechanisms behind the biological effects are also presented. The review highlights the diversity of marine organisms, novel chemical structures, and chemical property space. Finally, therapeutic strategies and the present use of marine-derived components, its future direction and limitations are discussed.

Green kiwifruit extracts protect motor neurons from death in a spinal muscular atrophy model in Caenorhabditis elegans

Kiwifruit is considered a functional food and a good source of nutraceuticals. Among the possible beneficial effects of kiwifruit species, a neuroprotective activity exerted in rats with learning and memory impairment induced by exposure to different chemicals was reported. We sought to investigate the neuroprotective activities of kiwifruit toward spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). To this purpose, we have used a recently developed Caenorhabditis elegans SMA model, displaying an age-dependent degeneration of motor neurons detected as locomotory defects, disappearance of fluorescent markers, and apoptotic death of targeted neurons. Although an anti-nematode activity is reported for kiwifruit, it has been verified that neither green (Actinidia deliciosa, cultivar Hayward) nor gold (Actinidia chinensis, cultivar Hort 16A) kiwifruit extracts cause detectable effects on wild-type C. elegans growth and life cycle. Conversely, green kiwifruit extracts have a clear effect on the C. elegans SMA model by partially rescuing the degeneration and death of motor neurons and the locomotion impairment. The gold species does not show the same effect. The components responsible for the neuroprotection are macromolecules with a molecular weight higher than 3 kDa, present in the green and not in the yellow kiwifruit. In conclusion, this is the first study reporting a protective activity of green kiwifruit toward motor neurons. In addition, we demonstrate that C. elegans is an animal model suitable to study the biological activities contained in kiwifruit. Therefore, this model can be exploited for future investigations aimed at identifying kiwifruit molecules with potential applications in the field of human health.

Amelioration of adjuvant induced arthritis in Sprague Dawley rats through modulation of inflammatory mediators by Ribes alpestre Decne

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ribes alpestre Decne has been commonly used in the treatment of joint complaints.

AIM OF STUDY

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antiarthritic potential of ethanolic extract and fractions of Ribes alpestre and to explore its probable mechanism of action.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Complete Freunds adjuvant induced arthritis in Sprague Dawley rats was used to assess antiarthritic activity of aqueous ethanol extract, butanol and aqueous fractions at 200 mg/kg oral dose for 28 days. Paw volume and diameter, arthritic index, body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters, radiographic and histological analysis of ankle joints were carried out. An array of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, NF-Kβ, TNF-α, COX-2, IL-4, IL-10 and PGE2) were estimated by RT-PCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH and reducing power assays. Qualitative phytochemical screening, total phenolic and flavonoid content and HPLC analysis of aqueous fraction of Ribes alpestre were also carried out.

RESULTS

Significant (p < 0.001) reduction in paw volume and thickness and arthritic score by aqueous ethanolic extract and its fractions has been found. Aqueous ethanolic extract and fractions in particular aqueous fraction considerably prevented decrease in body weight, alterations in hematological parameters. Radiographic and histological examination revealed no significant architectural changes in joints of treated rats. Significant (p < 0.05-0.001) down regulation of pro-inflammatory genes IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, PGE2 and NF-Kβ alongwith noteworthy increase in levels of IL-4 and IL-10 was recorded among treated animals. Aqueous ethanol extract and its fractions demonstrated notable and concentration dependent (50-6400 μg/ml) antioxidant potential. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of active fraction (aqueous) displayed presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and glycosides. Besides total phenolic and flavonoid contents has been found to be 179.3 mg GAE/ml and 389.40 μg QE/ml in aqueous fraction of Ribes alpestre respectively. HPLC profile demonstrated presence of quercitin, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid and cinamic acid in aqueous fraction.

CONCLUSION

Present communication suggests Ribes alpestre a potent antiarthritic therapy by ameliorating adjuvant arthritis in rats by downregulating proinflammatory mediators with up regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Antioxidant Effect of Flavonoids Present in Euterpe oleracea Martius and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are progressive, directly affecting the central nervous system (CNS), the most common and recurrent are Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). One factor frequently mentioned in the etiology of NDDs is the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress, producing cellular damages. Studies have shown that the consumption of foods rich in polyphenols, especially those of the flavonoid class, has been related to the low risk in the development of several diseases. Due to the antioxidant properties present in the food, a fruit that has been gaining prominence among these foods is the Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí), because it presents in its composition significant amounts of a subclass of the flavonoids, the anthocyanins.

METHODS

In the case review, the authors receive a basic background on the most common NDDs, oxidative stress and antioxidants. In addition, revisiting the various studies related to NDDs, including flavonoids and consumption of açaí.

RESULTS

Detailed analysis of the recently reported case studies reveal that dietary consumption of flavonoid-rich foods, such as açaí fruits, suggests the efficacy to attenuate neurodegeneration and prevent or reverse the age-dependent deterioration of cognitive function.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review points out that flavonoids presenting in açaí have the potential for the treatment of diseases such as PD and AD and are candidates for drugs in future clinical research. However, there is a need for in vitro and in vivo studies with polyphenol that prove and ratify the therapeutic potential of this fruit for several NDDs.

Anticancer potential, molecular mechanisms and toxicity of Euterpe oleracea extract (açaí): A systematic review

Cancer is an increasingly frequent malignancy worldwide, and despite the advances in drug development, it is still necessary to develop new plant-derived medicines. Euterpe oleracea (açaí) is abundant in South and Central America and has health benefits due to its high levels of phytochemicals, including lignans and polyphenols. The aim of this review was to systematically describe the safety and antitumor effects of açaí in preclinical models using rodents to provide a more comprehensive assessment of açaí for both therapeutic uses and the development of future clinical studies in cancer. Eligible studies were identified using four international databases (PubMed, Medline, Lilacs and SciELO) from their inception date through December 2017. The included studies were analyzed with methodological rigor (QATRS) to enable better quality control for these experimental studies. Sixty publications were identified in the databases, but only 9 articles were eligible: 6 evaluated the pharmacological effects of açaí in animal models of cancer (1 model each of esophageal cancer, urothelial cancer, melanoma and Walker-256 tumor and 2 models of colon cancer), and 3 were toxicological assays using preclinical models with rodents. Overall, 747 animals were analyzed. On a QATRS score scale of 0-20, the quality of the studies ranged from 16 to 20 points. Pulp was the main fraction of açaí administered, and an oral administration route was most common. The açaí dosage administered by gavage ranged from 30 mg/kg to 40,000 mg/kg, and açaí fed in the diet accounted for 2.5% to 5% of the diet. The anticarcinogenic and chemopreventive activities of açaí were observed in all experimental models of cancer and reduced the incidence, tumor cell proliferation, multiplicity and size of the tumors due to the antiinflammatory, antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties of açaí. No genotoxic effects were observed after açaí administration. The results of this review suggest that açaí is safe and can be used as a chemoprotective agent against cancer development. Açaí therapy may be a novel strategy for treating cancer.

Impact of Leaf Development Stages on Polyphenolics Profile and Antioxidant Activity in Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels

Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels, commonly known as "wampee," is an excellent food ingredient of medicinal value. Effects of leaf developmental stages on the composition of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were investigated. Phenolics composition was studied using HPLC-PAD, whereas antioxidant activity was estimated by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays. Increase in bound flavonoids, quercetin, and cellular antioxidant activity was observed in bound and free fractions at different stages of leaf development. Predominantly, quercetin and ferulic acid contents were high in free and bound fractions of old leaves. In addition, phenolic components depicted highly significant positive association (p < 0.05) with antioxidant activity. Overall, old leaves of wampee have utility value similar to leaf buds, so they could be a more sustainable and economical source of bioactive compounds for commercial application in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Anticancer Activity and Molecular Mechanism of Polyphenol Rich Calophyllum inophyllum Fruit Extract in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

This study was conducted to investigate the anticancer effects and mechanism of Calophyllum inophyllum fruit extract against MCF-7 cells. C. inophyllum fruit extract was found to have markedly cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner with the IC₅₀ for 24 h of 23.59 µg/mL. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that C. inophyllum fruit extract mediated cell cycle at G₀/G₁ and G₂/M phases, and MCF-7 cells entered the early phase of apoptosis. The expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 was decreased whereas the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, cytochrome C and p53 were increased after treatment. C. inophyllum fruit extract led to apoptosis in MCF-7 cells via the mitochondrial pathway in a dose dependent manner. This is evidenced by the elevation of intracellular ROS, the loss of mitochondria membrane potential (Δψm), and activation of caspase-3. Meanwhile, dose-dependent genomic DNA fragmentation was observed after C. inophyllum fruits extract treatment by comet assay. This study shows that C. inophyllum fruits extract-induced apoptosis is primarily p53 dependent and mediated through the activation of caspase-3. C. inophyllum fruit extract could be an excellent source of chemopreventive agent in the treatment of breast cancer and has potential to be explored as green anticancer agent.

Influence of Geographical Location of Orchards on Green Kiwifruit Bioactive Components

Italy is one of the world's major kiwifruit producers and exporters with orchards located in different areas from the north to the south of the peninsula. This study sought to investigate for the first time the possible influence of the geographical location of kiwifruit orchards on some fruit components, selected because of their involvement in beneficial or negative effects on human health. The fruits harvested in 16 Italian areas were analyzed, and the results obtained show that the observed variations of the relative amounts of total proteins, kiwellin, the major allergen actinidin, ascorbate, polyphenols, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity seem not to be related to the geographical location of the orchards. In contrast, the high concentration of the nutraceutical peptide kissper seems to have some relationship with the cultivation area. In fact, its amount is much higher in the fruits from the Lazio region, thus providing added value to these kiwifruits.

Subchronic treatment with acai frozen pulp prevents the brain oxidative damage in rats with acute liver failure

Acai has been used by the population due to its high nutritional value and its benefits to health, such as its antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of acai frozen pulp on oxidative stress parameters in cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of Wistar rats treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Thirty male Wistar rats (90-day-old) were orally treated with water or acai frozen pulp for 14 days (7 μL/g). On the 15th day, half of the animals received treatment with mineral oil and the other half with CCl₄ (3.0 mL/kg). The cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum were dissected and used for analysis of creatine kinase activity (CK), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), carbonyl, sulfhydryl, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-test. CCl₄ was able to inhibit CK activity in all tissues tested and to provoke lipid damage in cerebral cortex and cerebellum, and protein damage in the three tissues tested. CCl₄ enhanced CAT activity in the cerebral cortex, and inhibited CAT activity in the hippocampus and cerebellum and reduced SOD activity in all tissues studied. Acai frozen pulp prevented the inhibition of CK, TBARS, carbonyl and CAT activity in all brain structures and only in hippocampus for SOD activity. Therefore, acai frozen pulp has antioxidant properties and maybe could be useful in the treatment of some diseases that affect the central nervous system that are associated with oxidative damage.

DNA damage protective effect of honey-sweetened cashew apple nectar in Drosophila melanogaster

Fruits and derivatives, such as juices, are complex mixtures of chemicals, some of which may have mutagenic and/or carcinogenic potential, while others may have antimutagenic and/or anticancer activities. The modulating effects of honey-sweetened cashew apple nectar (HSCAN), on somatic mutation and recombination induced by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and mitomycin C (MMC) were evaluated with the wing spot test in Drosophila melanogaster using co- and post-treatment protocols. Additionally, the antimutagenic activity of two HSCAN components, cashew apple pulp and honey, in MMC-induced DNA damage was also investigated. HSCAN reduced the mutagenic activity of both EMS and MMC in the co-treatment protocol, but had a co-mutagenic effect when post-administered. Similar results were also observed with honey on MMC mutagenic activity. Cashew apple pulp was effective in exerting protective or enhancing effects on the MMC mutagenicity, depending on the administration protocol and concentration used. Overall, these results indicate that HSCAN, cashew apple and honey seem capable of modulating not only the events that precede the induced DNA damages, but also the Drosophila DNA repair processes involved in the correction of EMS and MMC-induced damages.

Protective effects of acerola juice on genotoxicity induced by iron in vivo

Metal ions such as iron can induce DNA damage by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. Vitamin C is one of the most widely consumed antioxidants worldwide, present in many fruits and vegetables, especially inMalpighia glabra L., popularly known as acerola, native to Brazil. Acerola is considered a functional fruit due to its high antioxidant properties and phenolic contents, and therefore is consumed to prevent diseases or as adjuvant in treatment strategies. Here, the influence of ripe and unripe acerola juices on iron genotoxicity was analyzed in vivo using the comet assay and micronucleus test. The comet assay results showed that acerola juice exerted no genotoxic or antigenotoxic activity. Neither ripe nor unripe acerola juices were mutagenic to animals treated with juices, in micronucleus test. However, when compared to iron group, the pre-treatment with acerola juices exerted antimutagenic activity, decreasing significantly micronucleus mean values in bone marrow. Stage of ripeness did not influence the interaction of acerola compounds with DNA, and both ripe and unripe acerola juices exerted protective effect over DNA damage generated by iron.

Carbon Tetrachloride Increases the Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Levels in Different Brain Areas of Wistar Rats: The Protective Effect of Acai Frozen Pulp

Acai offers health benefits associated with its high antioxidante capacity, phytochemical composition, nutritional and sensory value. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of acai frozen pulp on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced damage via modulation of anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines in rat brain tissue. The rats were treated via oral (gavage) daily with water or acai frozen pulp for 14 days at a dose of 7 μL/g. On the 15th day, the animals in each group received a single intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 in a dose of 3.0 mL/kg or the same volume of mineral oil. After 4 h, the animals were euthanized by decapitation and the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum were dissected and homogenated to evaluate the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 18 (IL-18), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance followed by the Tukey post hoc test. It was observed that CCl4 increased TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-18 levels in all brain tissues, and that acai frozen pulp was able to prevent this increase. IL-6 and IL-10 brain tissue levels remained unchanged during all treatments. CCl4 experimental model was suitable to investigate brain tissue anti and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Acai frozen pulp prevented an increase in IL-1β, IL-18 and TNF-α, while IL-6 and IL-10 levels remained unchanged. The precise pathway by which inflammation contribute to hepatic encephalopathy, as well as to how this pathway can be modulated, is still under investigation.

Fruit and vegetable intake among Jordanians: results from a case-control study of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Diets that include fruits and vegetables have been suggested as one way to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the association between consuming fruits and vegetables and CRC risk is not clear. The objective of the present study is to compare fruit and vegetable intake between 2 groups of Jordanians and further investigate this possible relationship.

METHODS

A history of fruit and vegetable consumption was obtained from 220 people with CRC and 281 healthy controls, all of whom were from Jordan. Both groups were matched for age, sex, occupation, and marital status. Fruit and vegetable consumption was quantified for the previous 12 months in both groups.

RESULTS

Total vegetable intake was associated with the risk of developing CRC. Consuming 5 servings of vegetables a day decreased the risk of developing CRC when compared with no more than 1 serving a day (odds ratio [OR] = 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55-0.97). A significant direct relationship between CRC risk and consuming cauliflower and cabbage was found; however, no association was found for raw or cooked leafy vegetable and other vegetable types. Consuming several types of fruits also revealed no association with risk of CRC, although an increased intake of dates and figs was associated with a reduced risk of developing CRC. The ORs for the highest intake of servings compared with the lowest intake were 0.48 (95% CI: 0.27-0.87; P = .004) for dates and 0.604 (95% CI: 0.35-1.06; P = .003) for figs.

CONCLUSIONS

Consuming fruits and vegetables did not significantly correlate with a lowered incidence of CRC. However, a trend of protection was detected for several types of fruits and vegetables.

Modulation of T-helper cytokines and inflammatory mediators by Atropa accuminata. Royle in adjuvant induced arthritic tissues

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Atropa acuminata has been widely used in traditional medicine against arthritis and several associated inflammatory disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was undertaken to investigate the anti-arthritic activities of ethanolic extract of Atropa accuminata (AAEE) and to explore the probable mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-arthritic activity of AAEE was evaluated within a dose range of 125-500 mg/kg b.w. in adjuvant induced-arthritis in male wistar rats. An array of pro-inflammatory mediators (PGE2 NO, IL-1β and LTB4) and T-cell-mediated cytokines (IL-2, TNF-a, IFN-c, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IL-6) were assayed in arthritic paw tissue homogenate of the treated animals. In addition the effects on arthritic lesions, changes in body weight; haematological (Hb, ESR, WBC and RBC) and biochemical parameters (SOD, GSH, GR) and the serum markers (CRP, RF) were also observed.

RESULTS

Significant anti-arthritic activity was observed for AAEE in the polyarthiritis test both in the developing and developed phase of the disease. This was associated with dose dependant suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators (PGE2, NO, IL-1β and LTB4)., Th1-Th17 cytokines (IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-17, IL-6) and upregulation of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). AAEE was also observed to protect rats against the primary and secondary arthritic lesions, body weight changes and haematological perturbations. In addition, inhibitory effects of AAEE on biochemical parameters and the serum markers further confirmed that it reduced signs on chronic inflammatory responses.

CONCLUSION

The present investigation therefore suggested that AAEE is a potent anti-arthritic agent. The multipronged attack on the inflammatory mediators and T-helper cytokines and strong potency of AAEE may have relevance for inhibition of the chronic inflammatory responses in arthritis.

Comparison of in vivo and in vitro digestion on polyphenol composition in lingonberries: potential impact on colonic health

The composition of polyphenols in ileal fluid samples obtained from an ileostomy subject after lingonberry intake was compared with lingonberry extracts obtained after simulated in vitro digestion (IVDL) and subsequent faecal fermentation (IVFL). HPLC-PDA-MS/MS analysis confirmed similar patterns of lingonberry (poly)phenolic metabolism after the in vivo and in vitro digestion, with reduced recovery of anthocyanins and a similar pattern of recovery for proanthocyanidins observed for both methods of digestion. On the other hand, the IVFL sample contained none of the original (poly)phenolic components but was enriched in simple aromatic components. Digested and fermented extracts exhibited significant (P < 0.05) anti-genotoxic (Comet assay), anti-mutagenic (Mutation Frequency assay), and anti-invasive (Matrigel Invasion assay) effects in human cell culture models of colorectal cancer at physiologically-relevant doses (0-50 μg/mL gallic acid equivalents). The ileal fluid induced significant anti-genotoxic activity (P < 0.05), but at a higher concentration (200 μg/mL gallic acid equivalents) than the IVDL. Despite extensive structural modification following digestion and fermentation, lingonberry extracts retained their bioactivity in vitro. This reinforces the need for studies to consider the impact of digestion when investigating bioactivity of dietary phytochemicals.

Antioxidant Effect of Lippia alba (Miller) N. E. Brown

Lippia alba is a shrub found in all regions of Brazil and other countries in South and Central America. L. alba exhibits variability among its different accessions, showing differences in morphology and in the composition of its essential oil. This study evaluated the phenolic profiles and the antioxidant activities of seven different accessions of L. alba. The seven accessions of L. alba studied exhibited an important phenolic content, and all accessions demonstrated antioxidant activity with different efficacies. The main flavonoids in all accessions were apigenin, luteolin, naringin and rutin. The Santa Vitória do Palmar accession exhibited higher naringin and total phenolic content. This extract was able to reduce hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in tissue homogenates of cerebellum, cerebral cortex, hippocampus and liver of Wistar rats.

Atropa acuminata Royle Ex Lindl. blunts production of pro-inflammatory mediators eicosanoids., leukotrienes, cytokines in vitro and in vivo models of acute inflammatory responses

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Atropa acuminata Royle Ex Lindl. has been widely used in folk medicine for several inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, asthma, conjunctivitis, encephalitis, pancreatitis, peritonitis, acute infections and neuroinflammatory disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our aim was to evaluate Atropa acuminata for its anti-inflammatory properties and to delineate its possible mechanism of action on the modulation of the inflammatory mediators.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the inhibitory action of ethanolic extract of Atropa acuminata (AAEE) on production of NO, TNF-α and IL-1β in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and also assayed it for COX 1/2 and 5-LOX inhibitory activities. Next AAEE was tested in acute inflammatory animal models., carragenean induced rat paw edema, carragenean induce pleurisy in rats and vascular permeability in mice and the effects on NO, PGE2 and LTB4 production in the pleural fluid and paw exudates were evaluated. In addition the effects on leukocyte migration and exudation and vascular permeability were also observed.

RESULTS

Our findings summarized novel anti-inflammatory mechanisms for Atropa acuminata based on dual in vitro cyclooxygenase 1/2/ and 5-Lipoxygenase inhibitory activities and also significant downregulation of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokin (TNF-α and Il-1 β) release in LPS-stimulated RAW 246.7 macrophage cell line. In acute inflammatory models in vivo (carragenean induced edema, carragenean induced pleurisy in rats and vascular permeability in mice), AAEE exhibited an extensive diverse mechanism for anti-inflammatory properties. This was indicated on the basis of dose dependent suppression of multi targeted inflammatory mediators., NO, TNF-α and IL-1β, eicosanoids., PGE2 and leukotrienes., LTB4 along with significantly decreased leucocyte migration, exudation and decreased vascular permeability. These effects were more potent and prolonged than traditional NSAIDS, thereby indicating fewer side effects. AAEE was found to be safe for long term administration, as confirmed by the results of acute toxicity studies and MTT assay. The complex mode of action of the herbs was attributed possibly due to the high polyphenolic, flavanol and flavonoid content present in the extracts as observed by means of quantitative screening for phytochemicals.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides scientific evidence to support the traditional anti-inflammatory uses of Atropa acuminata and is probably due to inhibitory effects on multiple inflammatory mediators which indicates a promising potential for the development of a strong anti-inflammatory agent from this plant.

Anti-pancreatic cancer deliverables from sea: first-hand evidence on the efficacy, molecular targets and mode of action for multifarious polyphenols from five different brown-algae

Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains the fourth leading cause of cancer death with an unacceptable survival that has remained relatively unchanged over the past 25 years. The presence of occult or clinical metastases at the time of diagnosis together with the lack of effective chemotherapies pose a dire need for designing new and targeted therapeutic deliverables that favors the clinical outcome. Herein, we investigated the anti-tumorigenic potential of polyphenols from five different brown-algae in human PC cells (MiaPaCa-2, Panc-1, BXPC-3 and Panc-3.27). Total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) analysis on stepwise polyphenol separations with increasing polarity (Hexane-DCM-EA-methanol) identified high levels of TAC in DCM and EA extractions across all seaweeds assessed. All DCM and EA separated polyphenols induced a dose-dependent and sustained (time-independent) inhibition of cell proliferation and viability. Further, these polyphenols profoundly enhanced DNA damage (acridine orange/Ethidium bromide staining and DNA fragmentation) in all the cell lines investigated. More importantly, luciferase reporter assay revealed a significant inhibition of NFκB transcription in cells treated with polyphenols. Interestingly, QPCR analysis identified a differential yet definite regulation of pro-tumorigenic EGFR, VEGFA, AKT, hTERT, kRas, Bcl2, FGFα and PDGFα transcription in cells treated with DCM and EA polyphenols. Immunoblotting validates the inhibitory potential of seaweed polyphenols in EGFR phosphorylation, kRas, AurKβ and Stat3. Together, these data suggest that intermediate polarity based fractions of seaweed polyphenols may significantly potentiate tumor cell killing and may serve as potential drug deliverable for PC cure. More Studies dissecting out the active constituents in potent fractions, mechanisms of action and synergism, if any, are warranted and are currently in process.

Flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity of Theobroma grandiflorum (Cupuassu) pulp and seeds

The ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins content and in vitro antioxidant activity of fresh pulps and seeds of cupuassu, harvested at three different times of the year, and in commercial frozen pulps were evaluated. Lipids, total phenolics contents, and antioxidant activities were the highest in the seeds, followed by fresh and commercial frozen pulps, respectively. The latter also showed a lower content of ascorbic acid (9-13 mg/100 g DW) when compared to fresh pulps (96-111 mg/100 g DW). The 8-O-β-D-glucuronides and the corresponding 3″-sulfates of isoscutellarein (5,7,8,4'-tetrahydroxyflavone), hypolaetin (5,7,8,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavone), and 8-hydroxychrysoeriol (5,7,8,4'-tetrahydroxy-3'-methoxyflavone), also known as hypoaletin 3'-methyl ether, were identified and quantified (31 mg/g DW) in cupuassu seeds. The same flavonoid profile was present in pulps although in much lower concentrations (0.5 to 2 mg/g DW). The two 8-hydroxychrysoeriol glycosides had not been previously reported in cupuasssu. The content of proanthocyanidin oligomers in seeds (23 mg/g DW), mainly of the epicatechin type, and the mean degree of polymerization (5.5) were calculated. No discernible effect of the harvesting period on the evaluated chemical aspects could be identified. Commercial frozen pulps contained a smaller amount of all these compounds than the fresh pulp, suggesting that these compounds were potentially degraded during processing/storage.

Rheological behavior of Brazilian Cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) pulp at pasteurization temperatures

The rheological behavior of Brazilian Cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) pulp in the range of temperatures used for pasteurization (83 to 97 °C) was studied. The results indicated that Brazilian Cherry pulp presented pseudoplastic behavior, and the Herschel-Bulkley model was considered more adequate to represent the rheological behavior of this pulp in the range of temperatures studied. The fluid behavior index (n) varied in the range from 0.448 to 0.627. The effect of temperature on the apparent viscosity was described by an equation analogous to Arrhenius equation, and a decrease in apparent viscosity with an increase in temperature was observed.

Persistence of anticancer activity in berry extracts after simulated gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation

Fruit and vegetable consumption is associated at the population level with a protective effect against colorectal cancer. Phenolic compounds, especially abundant in berries, are of interest due to their putative anticancer activity. After consumption, however, phenolic compounds are subject to digestive conditions within the gastrointestinal tract that alter their structures and potentially their function. However, the majority of phenolic compounds are not efficiently absorbed in the small intestine and a substantial portion pass into the colon. We characterized berry extracts (raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants) produced by in vitro-simulated upper intestinal tract digestion and subsequent fecal fermentation. These extracts and selected individual colonic metabolites were then evaluated for their putative anticancer activities using in vitro models of colorectal cancer, representing the key stages of initiation, promotion and invasion. Over a physiologically-relevant dose range (0–50 µg/ml gallic acid equivalents), the digested and fermented extracts demonstrated significant anti-genotoxic, anti-mutagenic and anti-invasive activity on colonocytes. This work indicates that phenolic compounds from berries undergo considerable structural modifications during their passage through the gastrointestinal tract but their breakdown products and metabolites retain biological activity and can modulate cellular processes associated with colon cancer.

Inhibition of mouse urinary bladder carcinogenesis by açai fruit (Euterpe oleraceae Martius) intake

Açai, fruit from Euterpe oleraceae Martius, is consumed in natura and in a variety of beverages and food preparations and possesses several potential antioxidant compounds. In a first study for anticarcinogenicity screening, male Swiss mice (n = 20/per group) were chemically-induced to urothelial bladder carcinogenesis for 10 weeks and received a standard diet or a standard diet containing 2.5 and 5 % spray-dried açai pulp (AP) for 10 weeks. At week 20, the incidence of simple and nodular hyperplasia and the incidence and multiplicity of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) were evaluated. In a second study for antigenotoxicity screening, male Swiss mice (n = 6/per group) were fed standard diet or standard diet containing 5 % AP for three weeks. Urothelial cell suspensions were obtained and challenged with H(2)O(2) for induction of DNA damage and analyzed by comet assay. Overall, dietary 5 % AP reduced TCC incidence and multiplicity (p = 0.019 and p = 0.015, respectively) and tumor cell proliferation and p63 expression (p = 0.02 and p = 0.007, respectively), Furthermore, the group fed the 5 % AP presented a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in DNA damage induced by H(2)O(2), a notable oxidant agent. The results suggest that the spray-dried açai pulp used here inhibits the TCC development in male Swiss mice, probably due to its potential antioxidant action.

Antitumour and antioxidant activity of Scutia myrtina against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice

The aim of this study is to investigate the antitumour and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extract of Scutia myrtina (EESM) against Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) in mice. Twenty-four hours after tumour inoculation, EESM was administered at doses 100, 200 and 300 mg kg⁻¹ bodyweight/mice/day for 21 days. EESM caused a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in ascites volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count, and also prolonged the life span of EAC tumour-bearing mice. Haematological profiles reverted to near-normal levels in extract-treated mice (p < 0.01). EESM also produced protective effects by significantly decreasing the activity of serum enzymes and bilirubin and increasing the protein and uric acid levels (p < 0.05). EESM significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation, while it significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The results indicate that EESM exhibited significant antitumour and antioxidant activities in EAC-bearing mice.

Efficient approach for simultaneous estimation of multiple health-promoting effects of foods

The investigation of new food constituents for purposes of disease prevention or health promotion is an area of increasing interest in food science. This paper proposes a new system that allows for simultaneous estimation of the multiple health-promoting effects of food constituents using informatics. The model utilizes expression data of intracellular marker proteins as descriptors that reply to stimulation of a constituent. To estimate three health-promoting effects, namely, cancer cell growth suppression activity, antiviral activity, and antioxidant stress activity, each model was constructed using expression data of marker proteins as input data and health-promoting effects as the output value. When prediction performances of three types of mathematical models constructed by simple, multiple regressions, or artificial neural network (ANN), were compared, the most adequate model was the one constructed using an ANN. There were no statistically significant differences between the actual data and estimated values calculated by the ANN models. This system was able to simultaneously estimate health-promoting effects with reasonable precision from the same expression data of marker proteins. This novel system should prove to be an interesting platform for evaluation of the health-promoting effects of food.

Anticancer drugs from marine flora: an overview

Marine floras, such as bacteria, actinobacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi, microalgae, seaweeds, mangroves, and other halophytes are extremely important oceanic resources, constituting over 90% of the oceanic biomass. They are taxonomically diverse, largely productive, biologically active, and chemically unique offering a great scope for discovery of new anticancer drugs. The marine floras are rich in medicinally potent chemicals predominantly belonging to polyphenols and sulphated polysaccharides. The chemicals have displayed an array of pharmacological properties especially antioxidant, immunostimulatory, and antitumour activities. The phytochemicals possibly activate macrophages, induce apoptosis, and prevent oxidative damage of DNA, thereby controlling carcinogenesis. In spite of vast resources enriched with chemicals, the marine floras are largely unexplored for anticancer lead compounds. Hence, this paper reviews the works so far conducted on this aspect with a view to provide a baseline information for promoting the marine flora-based anticancer research in the present context of increasing cancer incidence, deprived of the cheaper, safer, and potent medicines to challenge the dreadful human disease.

Macro and micro minerals: are frozen fruits a good source?

Fruits are rich in minerals, which are essential for a wide variety of metabolic and physiologic processes in the human body. The use of frozen fruits has greatly spread in the last years not only in the preparation of juices, but also as raw material for yogurts, candies, cookies, cakes, ice creams, and children's food. However, up to now there is no data about the mineral profile of frozen fruits. This is the first database to quantify the levels of minerals in 23 samples of frozen fruits, including the most used around the world and some native fruits from the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. Considering the Dietary Reference Intakes, 100g of frozen fruits can provide 0.2 to 2.8% of macro and 2.5 to 100% of microminerals for adults (31-50 years old). Although geographical differences should be considered, these data can help to plan diets and to develop population interventions aiming to prevent chronic diseases.

Safety evaluation of an açai-fortified fruit and berry functional juice beverage (MonaVie Active(®))

The safety of an açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp enriched fruit and berry juice, MonaVie Active®, fortified with the functional ingredient, glucosamine, was studied. The beverage was found not to be mutagenic, clastogenic, cytotoxic, or genotoxic, as determined by the bacterial reverse mutation assay, chromosomal aberration assay, mouse micronucleus assay, and mammalian cell gene mutation (L5178Y) assay. The single dose LD50 based on a 14-day acute oral toxicity study is greater than 20,000 mg/kg bw, the highest dose tested. In a repeat dose 90-day oral subchronic toxicity study by gavage, 220 animals were randomly assigned to a control group, an untreated group, or one of three experimental groups (10, 20 and 40 g/kg bw). No treatment-related significant changes in body weight, food and water consumption, ophthalmology, organ weights, urinanalysis, hematological and clinical chemistry, or gross pathology, were observed in surviving animals compared to the control groups. Three animals died midway through the observation period (male, 20 g/kg bw/day; male 40 g/kg bw/day; and, female, 10 g/kg bw/day). These animals died without preceding clinical symptoms, histopathological lesions, or evidence of injury to tissue or organs except for signs of suffocation/aspiration congestion, which was concluded to be due to problems with the gavage administration of the fluid test article, and not due to the test article itself. The NOEAL was determined to be 40 g/kg bw/day for male and female rats, which was the highest dose tested. Phylloquinone (vitamin K1) content averaged 21.7 μg/100 g, comparable to amounts found in iceberg lettuce. In conclusion, the results provide additional experimental evidence that MonaVie Active® juice is non-toxic.

Frozen fruit pulp of Euterpe oleraceae Mart. (Acai) prevents hydrogen peroxide-induced damage in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus of rats

Oxidative stress is implicated in several human illnesses, including neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Acai is largely consumed in Brazil and contains high levels of antioxidant compounds. This work aims to study the antioxidant activity of acai frozen fruit pulp in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of rats treated with the oxidizing agent hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). Pretreatment of tissue with acai decreased H(2)O(2)-induced damage of both lipids and proteins in all tissues tested. This fruit was also able to reduce the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase to basal levels. We observed a negative correlation between the polyphenol content of acai and the levels of lipid (r = -0.689; P <or= .05) and protein damage (r = -0.569; P <or= .05), suggesting the participation of polyphenols in the observed antioxidant activity. These data suggest that acai has a positive contribution in the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Prevention of colon carcinogenesis by apple juice in vivo: impact of juice constituents and obesity

It is estimated that 75-85% of all chronic diseases are linked to lifestyle-related and environmental factors. The development of colon cancer is positively associated with obesity and inversely associated with the intake of dietary fibre, fruit and vegetable. Apple juice is the most widely consumed fruit beverage in Germany. It contains a specific spectrum of polyphenols and other components that may reduce the risk of colon cancer. Epidemiologic studies suggest an inverse correlation between apple consumption and colon cancer risk, although the mechanisms for these observations are not clear. The present review summarizes the preventive potential of apple juices and different apple constituents on biomarkers related to colon carcinogenesis with special focus on the in vivo evidence and the cancer promoting condition of obesity. However, under the cancer promoting condition of obesity, apple juice did not show cancer-preventive bioactivity. In our experiments a cancer-preventive bioactivity of apple juice is lacking in rats under the cancer-promoting condition of obesity. To further investigate, whether this lack of efficacy observed in obese rats might be representative for obese individuals human intervention studies on high risk groups such as obese or diabetic individuals are of interest and will be conducted.

Evaluation of the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects after acute and subacute treatments with açai pulp (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) on mice using the erythrocytes micronucleus test and the comet assay

Açai, the fruit of a palm native to the Amazonian basin, is widely distributed in northern South America, where it has considerable economic importance. Whereas individual polyphenolics compounds in açai have been extensively evaluated, studies of the intact fruit and its biological properties are lacking. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the in vivo genotoxicity of açai and its possible antigenotoxicity on doxorubicin (DXR)-induced DNA damage. The açai pulp doses selected were 3.33, 10.0 and 16.67g/kg b.w. administered by gavage alone or prior to DXR (16mg/kg b.w.) administered by intraperitoneal injection. Swiss albino mice were distributed in eight groups for acute treatment with açai pulp (24h) and eight groups for subacute treatment (daily for 14 consecutive days) before euthanasia. The negative control groups were treated in a similar way. The results of chemical analysis suggested the presence of carotenoids, anthocyanins, phenolic, and flavonoids in açai pulp. The endpoints analyzed were micronucleus induction in bone marrow and peripheral blood cells polychromatic erythrocytes, and DNA damage in peripheral blood, liver and kidney cells assessed using the alkaline (pH >13) comet assay. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between the negative control and the groups treated with the three doses of açai pulp alone in all endpoints analyzed, demonstrating the absence of genotoxic effects. The protective effects of açai pulp were observed in both acute and subacute treatments, when administered prior to DXR. In general, subacute treatment provided greater efficiency in protecting against DXR-induced DNA damage in liver and kidney cells. These protective effects can be explained as the result of the phytochemicals present in açai pulp. These results will be applied to the developmental of food with functional characteristics, as well as to explore the characteristics of açai as a health promoter.

Antioxidant and anticancer activities of wampee (Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels) peel

Antioxidant activities of wampee peel extracts using five different solvents (ethanol, hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol and water) were determined by using in-vitro antioxidant models including total antioxidant capability, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and superoxide scavenging activity. Ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared to other fractions, even higher than synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT). In addition, the EAF exhibited strong anticancer activities against human gastric carcinoma (SGC-7901), human hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HepG-2) and human lung adenocarcinoma (A-549) cancer cell lines, higher than cisplatin, a conventional anticancer drug. The total phenolic content of wampee fraction was positively correlated with the antioxidant activity. This is the first report on the antioxidant and anticancer activities of the wampee peel extract. Thus, wampee peel can be used potentially as a readily accessible source of natural antioxidants and a possible pharmaceutical supplement.