Seasonality Role on the Phenolics from Cultivated Baccharis dracunculifolia

Antihypertensive effect of a nanoemulsion of baccharis dracunculifolia leaves extract in sodium-dependent hypertensive rats

Baccharis dracunculifolia (DC) is an important botanical source of Brazilian green propolis and have many compounds with potential antihypertensive activity. However, little is known about the specific antihypertensive properties of DC, or the mechanisms involved. Here we aimed to chemically characterise an ethanolic DC extract (eDC), test its antihypertensive properties and the involvement of neurogenic mechanisms using an animal model of salt-dependent hypertension. The chemical analysis of the eDC revealed the presence of many antihypertensive compounds. Administering the eDC in a nanoemulsion formulation (25 to 50 mg/kg) effectively normalised blood pressure in hypertensive rats. The result also suggested that neurogenic mechanisms are involved in the antihypertensive action of eDC. The treatment with p-coumaric acid (0.32 to 3 mg/kg), a polyphenol abundant in the eDC, produced no significant antihypertensive effect. The findings indicate that the eDC has antihypertensive properties, and that these effects may be mediated through neurogenic pressor mechanisms.

In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of BACCHARIN from BRAZILIAN green PROPOLIS

Baccharin is one of the major compounds found in Brazilian green propolis and its botanical source, Baccharis dracunculifolia. Considering the biological effects of propolis and B. dracunculifolia, this study aims to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of baccharin. The neurodepressor potential was performed by the open field test, analgesia by mechanical stimulation with Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer, and by thermal stimulation with Hargreaves apparatus. In addition, the anti-inflammatory potential was achieved by the paw edema assay, histopathological evaluation, and NF-kB expression. Doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg of baccharin were evaluated. After euthanasia, plantar tissue was collected and prepared for histology. As a result, analgesic activity was observed at a dose of 10 mg/kg of baccharin in thermal stimulation under an inflammatory process and anti-inflammatory potential at a dose of 5 mg/kg of baccharin from the second hour in the paw edema test. A decrease in cellular infiltrate and down-modulation of NF-kB, besides the reduction of edema in the histopathology was observed. There was no evidence of kidney and liver toxicity and neurodepressive potential at the doses tested. Thus, baccharin has a promising anti-inflammatory effect possibly associated with antiedematogenic activity by inhibiting mediators such as prostaglandins, inhibiting the migration of polymorphonuclear cells, and modulating NF-kB expression.

Baccharin from Brazilian green propolis induces neurotrophic signaling pathways in PC12 cells: potential for axonal and synaptic regeneration

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive loss of the structure and function of specific neuronal populations, and have been associated with reduced neurotrophic support. Neurotrophins, like NGF (nerve growth factor), are endogenous proteins that induce neuritogenesis and modulate axonal growth, branching, and synapsis; however, their therapeutic application is limited mainly by low stability, short half-life, and inability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Small neurotrophic molecules that have suitable pharmacokinetics and are able to cross the BBB are potential candidates for neuroprotection. Baccharin is a bioactive small molecule isolated from Brazilian green propolis. In the present study, we investigated the neurotrophic and neuroprotective potential of baccharin in the PC12 cell neuronal model. We used pharmacological inhibitors (K252a, LY294002, and U0126), and ELISA (phospho-trkA, phospho-Akt, and phospho-MEK) to investigate the involvement of trkA receptor, PI3k/Akt pathway, and MAPK/Erk pathway, respectively. Additionally, we evaluated the expression of axonal (GAP-43) and synaptic (synapsin I) proteins by western blot. The results showed that baccharin induces neuritogenesis in NGF-deprived PC12 cells, through activation of trkA receptor and the downstream signaling cascades (PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK), which is the same neurotrophic pathway activated by NGF in PC12 cells and neurons. Baccharin also induced the expression of GAP-43 and synapsin I, which mediate axonal and synaptic plasticity, respectively. Additionally, in silico predictions of baccharin showed favorable physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness, and medicinal chemistry friendliness. Altogether, these findings suggest that baccharin is a promising neurotrophic agent whose therapeutic application in neurodegeneration should be further investigated.

Artepillin C as an outstanding phenolic compound of Brazilian green propolis for disease treatment: A review on pharmacological aspects

Propolis is a viscous resin consisting of plant material (shoots, flowers, and plant exudates), salivary secretions and waxes produced by Apis mellifera bees. Its popular use aroused the interests of scientific research, which proved to be a potential source of various bioactive substances. The chemical composition of propolis depends on several factors, such as the different types of plant sources collected by bees, geographic origin, and the time of year in which they are produced, but it is known that phenolic represent the main bioactive constituents of propolis. Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae) is the most important botanical source of propolis and a native to southeastern Brazil. It is widely known as the green propolis because of its deep green color. One of its major phenolic acids is artepillin C (Art-C), a diprenyl-p-hydroxycinnamic acid derivative. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the pharmacological effects of Art-C. The limited number of publications on this topic over the past two decades have been collected from databases and summarized. Numerous biological activities have been described for the Art-C, such as gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor. This article describes aspects of occurrence, synthesis, biological activities and pharmacokinetic approaches.

Artemisia scoparia and Metabolic Health: Untapped Potential of an Ancient Remedy for Modern Use

Botanicals have a long history of medicinal use for a multitude of ailments, and many modern pharmaceuticals were originally isolated from plants or derived from phytochemicals. Among these, artemisinin, first isolated from Artemisia annua, is the foundation for standard anti-malarial therapies. Plants of the genus Artemisia are among the most common herbal remedies across Asia and Central Europe. The species Artemisia scoparia (SCOPA) is widely used in traditional folk medicine for various liver diseases and inflammatory conditions, as well as for infections, fever, pain, cancer, and diabetes. Modern in vivo and in vitro studies have now investigated SCOPA's effects on these pathologies and its ability to mitigate hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress, obesity, diabetes, and other disease states. This review focuses on the effects of SCOPA that are particularly relevant to metabolic health. Indeed, in recent years, an ethanolic extract of SCOPA has been shown to enhance differentiation of cultured adipocytes and to share some properties of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), a class of insulin-sensitizing agonists of the adipogenic transcription factor PPARγ. In a mouse model of diet-induced obesity, SCOPA diet supplementation lowered fasting insulin and glucose levels, while inducing metabolically favorable changes in adipose tissue and liver. These observations are consistent with many lines of evidence from various tissues and cell types known to contribute to metabolic homeostasis, including immune cells, hepatocytes, and pancreatic beta-cells. Compounds belonging to several classes of phytochemicals have been implicated in these effects, and we provide an overview of these bioactives. The ongoing global epidemics of obesity and metabolic disease clearly require novel therapeutic approaches. While the mechanisms involved in SCOPA's effects on metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and oxidative stress pathways are not fully characterized, current data support further investigation of this plant and its bioactives as potential therapeutic agents in obesity-related metabolic dysfunction and many other conditions.

Treatment of anal fistula with Baccharis dracunculifolia extract. Experimental study in rats

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the efficacy of Baccharis dracunculifolia extract in the treatment of anal fistulas in rats.

METHODS

twenty male Wistar rats were submitted to anal fistula and, after 30 days, were divided into three groups: Control Group, with five animals; Carbopol Group, with five animals; and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, with ten animals. In the Control Group, no treatment was performed. In the Carbopol Group, a daily infusion of Carbopol was performed for 30 days. In the Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, a daily infusion of Carbopol plus Baccharis dracunculifolia extract was performed for 30 days. Specimens were taken for histological analysis after euthanasia.

RESULTS

there was no complete closure of the fistulous tract in any of the animals. The mean area of the remaining tract was of 847.2µm2, 565.6µm2 and 372.7µm2, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.001). The mean of the inflammatory process score was of 2.4, 2.4, and 2.1, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.285), while the mean values of vascular congestion were of 1.6, 1.4, and 1.1, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.031).

CONCLUSION

Baccharis dracunculifolia extract was able to reduce the lumen of the fistulous tracts and the degree of vascular congestion, without, however, reducing the local inflammatory process or totally closing the fistulous tracts.

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae) selectively modulates the effector functions of human neutrophils

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether the hydroalcoholic extract from Baccharis dracunculifolia leaves (BdE) modulates the human neutrophil oxidative metabolism, degranulation, phagocytosis and microbial killing capacity.

METHODS

In-vitro assays based on chemiluminescence, spectrophotometry, flow cytometry and polarimetry were used, as well as docking calculations.

KEY FINDINGS

At concentrations that effectively suppressed the neutrophil oxidative metabolism elicited by soluble and particulate stimuli (<10 μg/ml), without clear signs of cytotoxicity, BdE (1) inhibited NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase activity; (2) scavenged H₂ O₂ and HOCl; (3) weakly inhibited phagocytosis; and (4) did not affect neutrophil degranulation and microbial killing capacity, the expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, FcγRIIa, FcγRIIIb and CR3 and the activity of elastase and lysozyme. Caffeic acid, one of the major B. dracunculifolia secondary metabolites, did not inhibit phagocytosis but interfered in the myeloperoxidase-H₂ O₂ -HOCl system by scavenging H₂ O₂ and HOCl, and interacting with the catalytic residues His-95, Arg-239 and Gln-91.

CONCLUSIONS

BdE selectively modulates the effector functions of human neutrophils, inhibits the activity of key enzymes and scavenges physiological oxidant species. Caffeic acid contributes to lower the levels of oxidant species. Our findings help to unravel the mechanisms by which these natural products exert immunomodulatory action towards neutrophils.

Chronic Intake of Green Propolis Negatively Affecting the Rat Testis

BACKGROUND

Human and animal evidence suggests that environmental toxicants may have an adverse impact on male reproductive health, reducing the population's reproductive output. Owing to the renewed attraction for natural products, some of them constitute effective alternatives to mitigate these effects. Propolis is a candidate for this use because of its intrinsic properties. In many situations, it improved the testicular damage and alleviated the toxic effects induced by environmental contaminant exposure.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate possible alterations of testicular parameters and certify if its use is really advantageous to the testis, since this could affect rat reproductive function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (Co = control, T1 = 3 mg propolis/kg/day, T2 = 6 mg/kg/day, T3 = 10 mg/kg/day) and were exposed during 56 days. The testes were assessed with morphometrical, stereological, and ultrastructural analyses. Cell proliferation and death were diagnosed, respectively, by immunocytochemistry. Connexin 43 (Cx43) and N-cadherin transcript levels were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Increased cell proliferation and Leydig cell volume were observed in T2, and in contrast, Cx43 upregulation and cell death were observed in T3. Both T2 and T3 showed ultrastructural abnormalities in testicular parenchyma.

CONCLUSION

We recommend a cautious intake of propolis to avoid deleterious effects.

SUMMARY

Chronic intake of Brazilian green propolis induced N.-cadherin downregulation and decreased on seminiferous tubule volumeIncrease on connexin 43 expression and cell death and decrease in Leydig cell.(LC) number/testis with the concentration of 10 mg/kg/day were observedIncrease on cell proliferation, cytoplasmic proportion, and volume of LC with the concentration of 6 mg/kg/day was detectedThe presence of empty spaces between spermatids and malformed spermatozoa in the lumen of seminiferous tubule was showedThis male reproductive disruption can be linked to phenolic compounds present in Brazilian green propolis. Abbreviation Used: AEC: 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole; AJ: Adherens junction; AME: Aromadendrin-40-methyl ether; CAPE: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester; Co: Control group; C×43: Connexin 43; DAB: Diaminobenzidine; dNTP: Deoxyribonucleotide phosphate; DSP: Daily sperm production; FA: Ferulic acid; FSH: Follicle-stimulating hormone; GJ: Gap junction; GJIC: Gap junction intercellular communication; HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography; LC: Leydig cell; LH: Luteinizing hormone; N-cad: N-cadherin; PCNA: Proliferating cell nuclear antigen; PCR: Polymerase chain reaction; RT-PCR: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; SDM: Standard deviation of mean; T1: Group exposed to 3 mg of propolis/kg/day; T2: Group exposed to 6 mg of propolis/kg/day; T3: Group exposed to 10 mg of propolis/kg/day; TUNEL: Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling; WB-ras 2 cells: Ras-transformed rat liver epithelial cell line.

Sustainability, natural and organic cosmetics: consumer, products, efficacy, toxicological and regulatory considerations

The interest in sustainable products has increased along the years, since the choice of products, packaging and production processes have a great impact on the environment. These products are classified by regulatory agencies in different categories, aggregating advantages to the product and increasing the demand by consumers. However, there is no harmonization in guidelines of these certifying agencies and each cosmetic industry formulates their product and packaging in a more rational way, which causes less damage to the environment. Many cosmetic products have in their formulation natural products that perform a specific biological function, but these products should be evaluated on efficacy and toxicological aspects. The aim of this article is to approach sustainability, natural and organic cosmetics, considering the consumer and the efficacy, toxicological and regulatory aspects.

A comparison between characterization and biological properties of Brazilian fresh and aged propolis

Objective. As propolis is a highly valued bee product, we aimed to verify the quality of aged propolis, investigating their phenolic and flavonoid composition, levels of toxic metals, radical scavenging and antimicrobial activities. Material and Methods. Samples of fresh and aged propolis of six different beekeepers, from the same geographical location, were investigated in terms of their phenolic and flavonoid composition and levels of Pb, Cd, and Cr, as well as radical scavenging and antimicrobial activities. Results. The two groups of propolis had similar qualitative composition by HPLC-PDA and ESI(-)-MS. Fresh propolis and aged propolis show no differences when average values of extraction yield, flavonoids, EC₅₀, or MIC were compared and both types of propolis showed good antimicrobial activity at low concentrations. Only levels of phenolic compounds were higher in fresh propolis. Conclusion. The propolis samples considered in this study, aged or fresh, had similar qualitative composition, although they were collected in different periods. Samples only differed in their levels of total phenolic content. Moreover, aged propolis conserves significant radical scavenging and antimicrobial properties. We suggest that aged propolis should not be discarded but explored for alternative applications.

Histone deacetylase inhibitory effect of Brazilian propolis and its association with the antitumor effect in Neuro2a cells

Propolis is a resinous product produced by honey bees and is known to have antitumor functions. On the other hand, histone deacetylase (Hdac) inhibitors have recently attracted attention for their antitumor effects. In this study, we examined whether Brazilian green propolis has an Hdac inhibitory activity and its contribution on antitumor effects. By in vitro Hdac activity assay, Brazilian propolis extract (BPE) significantly inhibited the enzyme activity. Actually, BPE treatment increased the intracellular histone acetylation in Neuro2a cells. Regarding antitumor effect in Neuro2a cells, BPE treatment significantly decreased cell viability. An Hdac activator theophylline significantly attenuated the effect. Then, we analyzed whether the decreasing effect on cell number was caused by cell death or growth retardation. By live/dead cell staining, BPE treatment significantly increased the dead cell number. By cell cycle analysis, BPE treatment retarded cell cycle at the M-phase. Both of these cellular effects were suppressed by addition of theophylline. These data indicate that BPE induced both cell death and growth retardation via Hdac inhibitory activity. We demonstrated that Brazilian propolis bears regulatory functions on histone acetylation via Hdac inhibition, and the effect contributes antitumor functions. Our data suggest that intake of Brazilian propolis shows preventing effects against cancer.

Green Brazilian propolis effects on sperm count and epididymis morphology and oxidative stress

Basal generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is essential for male reproductive function, whereas high ROS levels may be linked to low quality of sperm and male infertility. The number of antioxidants known to inflict damage is growing, and it will be of interest to study natural products, which may have this activity. Since the epididymis is known to play an important role in providing the microenvironment for sperm maturation and storage of sperm, this study was undertaken to evaluate the morphometric-stereological and functional alterations in the epididymis after chronic treatment with low doses of Brazilian green propolis, which is known for its antioxidant properties. For this purpose, forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were treated with 3, 6 and 10 mg/kg/day of aqueous extract of Brazilian green propolis during 56 days and morphological parameters, sperm production and number of sperm in rat epididymis and oxidative stress levels were analyzed. The results showed higher sperm production and greater epithelium height of the epididymis initial segment and no induction of oxidative stress in treated animals. Further studies are needed to fully understand the effects of propolis on the reproductive system but our results showed that it could alter male reproductive function.

Artepillin C (3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid) sensitizes LNCaP prostate cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis

Naturally occurring phenolic compounds have been shown to sensitize prostate cancer cells to tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. TRAIL is a potent stimulator of apoptosis in cancer cells and an important immune effector molecule in the surveillance and elimination of developing tumours. However, many cancer cells are resistant to TRAIL-mediated death. In this study, we aimed to determine the mechanisms by which TRAIL resistance can be overcome in prostate cancer cells by 3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (artepillin C). Artepillin C is a bioactive component of Brazilian green propolis that possesses antitumour and chemopreventive activities. TRAIL-resistant LNCaP prostate cancer cells were treated with TRAIL and artepillin C. Cytotoxicity was measured by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Apoptosis was detected using Annexin V-FITC staining by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Death receptor (DR) (TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5) expression was analyzed using flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was evaluated using DePsipher staining by fluorescence micro scopy. The inhibition of NF-κB (p65) activation was confirmed with the ELISA-based TransAM NF-κB kit. Caspase-8 and caspase-3 activities were determined by colorimetric protease assays. The results showed that artepillin C sensitized the TRAIL-resistant LNCaP cells by engaging the extrinsic (receptor-mediated) and intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptotic pathways. Artepillin C increased the expression of TRAIL-R2 and decreased the activity of NF-κB. Co-treatment with TRAIL and artepillin C induced the significant activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3, as well as the disruption of ΔΨm. These findings show that prostate cancer cells can be sensitized to TRAIL-mediated immunoprevention by artepillin C and confirm the role of phenolic compounds in prostate cancer immunochemoprevention.