Acute and topic anti-edematogenic fractions isolated from the seeds of Pterodon pubescens

Potential implications of vouacapan compounds for insecticidal activity: an in silico study

BACKGROUND

From the fruits and seeds of the species of Pterodon, it is possible to obtain two main products: the essential oil and oleoresin. In oleoresin, numerous vouacapan compounds have been demonstrated to have biological potential, including insecticidal activity.

OBJECTIVE

In silico studies were performed to identify potential candidates for natural insecticides among the vouacapans present in the genus Pterodon.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies were performed to analyze the interaction of vouacapan compounds with acetylcholinesterase of Drosophila melanogaster. Pharmacokinetic parameters regarding physicochemical properties, plasma protein binding, and activity in the central nervous system were evaluated. The toxicological properties of the selected molecules were predicted using Malathion as the reference compound.

RESULTS

6α,7β-dimethoxivouacapan-17-ene (15) showed a high number of interactions and scores in molecular docking studies. This result suggests that this compound exhibits an inhibitory activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Regarding physicochemical properties, this compound showed the best results, besides presenting low cutaneous permeability values, suggesting null absorption. Molecular dynamics studies demonstrated few conformational changes in the structure of the complex formed by compound 4 and acetylcholinesterase enzyme throughout the simulation time.

CONCLUSION

It was determined that compound 4 (vouacapan 6α,7β,17β,19-tetraol) is an excellent candidate for usage as a natural insecticide.

Recent progress in micro and nano-encapsulation of bioactive derivatives of the Brazilian genus Pterodon

In the last few decades, utilization of medicinal plants by the pharmaceutical industry has led to the identification of many new bioactive compounds. The genus Pterodon, native of the Brazilian Flora, is known for the therapeutic properties attributed to its species, which are widely used in popular medicine for their anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, tonic, and depurative properties. The intrinsic low water solubility of the plant derivatives from the genus, including diterpenes with vouacapane skeletons that are partially associated with the pharmacological activities, impairs the bioavailability of these bioactive compounds. Recent studies have aimed to encapsulate Pterodon products to improve their water solubility, achieve stability, increase their efficacy, and allow clinical applications. The purpose of this paper is to review recent research on the use of nanotechnology for the development of new products from plant derivatives of the Pterodon genus in different types of micro- and nanocarriers. Therapeutic properties of their different products are also presented. Finally, an update about the current and future applications of encapsulated formulations is provided.

Evaluation of non-clinical toxicity of extract and vouacapans from fruits of Pterodon pubescens Benth

Pterodon pubescens Benth. is widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, with the activity attributed to the compounds with a vouacapan moiety, however, few studies report the toxicological evaluation of the extract and safety issues related to the species. Herein the non-clinical toxicity, in in vivo and in vitro tests, of dichloromethane crude extract of Pterodon pubescens fruits (PPE) and vouacapan diterpene furan isomer´s mixture (1:1) 6α-hydroxy-7β-acetoxy-vouacapan-17β-oate methyl ester and 6α-acetoxy-7β-hydroxy-vouacapan-17β-oate methyl ester isomers (VDFI mixture) is reported. Toxicological evaluation of 110-day repeated dose oral toxicity study, as hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters demonstrated that animals (male and female Wistar rats) treated with PPE presented no signs of toxicity, nevertheless daily high dose administration (500 mg/Kg) altered the metabolic homeostasis of animals that manifested microgoticular hepatic steatosis. Biochemical and histopathological results of animals (female Swiss mice) treated daily with VDFI mixture, at the highest dose (300 mg/Kg), indicated liver toxicity in one animal causing acute hepatotoxicity. Alkaline Comet assay demonstrated that PPE and VDFI mixture increased the percentage of DNA fragmentation without interfering with the tail moment parameter, but only VDFI mixture (30 µg/mL) presented statistical difference. In the micronucleus induction test, PPE and VDFI mixture did not demonstrate mutagenic potential. Our data provide evidence for the safety use of PPE and VDFI mixture in lower doses enabling further clinical studies and the development of herbal medicine.

Protective effect of sucupira oil nanoemulsion against oxidative stress in UVA-irradiated HaCaT cells

OBJECTIVES

Bioactive molecules derived from natural products combine the ability to absorb UV light and act as antioxidants. We developed an oil-based sucupira (native species of the Brazilian cerrado) nanoemulsion (NE) using a high-energy emulsification method and assessed its effectiveness in vitro.

METHODS

An easily scalable high-pressure homogenization method was used to prepare the formulation. NE droplets mean diameter, pH, stability, conductivity and morphology were analysed. Formulation bioactivity was assessed using HaCaT cells.

KEY FINDINGS

The formulation presented suitable pH and size for topic administration and was stable for over 90 days upon storage at 4, 25 and 45°C. The NE showed protective effect against oxidative stress and reduced levels of UVA-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel, stable and easily prepared formulation was obtained for encapsulation of sucupira oil. The protective effect of the formulation by cytokine inhibition in the early stage of the inflammatory process was shown in vitro. Combined with the antioxidant effect by inhibition of reactive oxygen species, the use of sucupira oil NE for prevention and treatment of UVA-induced stress could contribute to decrease the effects of UV radiation on skin ageing.

Anti-inflammatory effect of diterpenes-enriched fractions from Pterodon polygalaeflorus through inhibition of macrophage migration and cytokine production

Objectives

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of Pterodon polygalaeflorus hexane extract (HE) and its fractions on macrophage migration in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Hexane extract from P. polygalaeflorus fruits was fractionated and yielded four fractions. RAW 264.7 cells were treated with samples to evaluate cell viability (MTT assay), cell migration (wound healing and transwell assays), CD14 expression (flow cytometry), iNOS and cytokine mRNA expression (RT-qPCR), NO (Griess reaction) and cytokine (ELISA) production. In vivo migration was evaluated on the thioglycollate-induced peritonitis model. Qualitative analysis was performed by GC-MS.

Key findings

All fractions inhibited the NO production by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Fr3 and Fr4 presented the lowest IC50 values. The expressions of iNOS and IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 cytokines were inhibited by Fr3 and Fr4, whereas the CD14 expression was only inhibited by Fr3. All the samples inhibited RAW 264.7 migration in the wound healing and transwell assays. Fr3 and Fr4 reduced the migration of Mac-1+Gr-1− cells to the peritoneum and presented in their compositions: 6α-hydroxy-7β-acetoxyvouacapan-17β-oate, methyl 6α,7β-dihydroxyvouacapan-17β-oate, methyl 6α-acetoxy-7β-hydroxyvouacapan-17β-oate, geranylgeraniol and 14,15-epoxy-geranylgeraniol.

Conclusions

The anti-inflammatory effects of Fr3 and Fr4 involve inhibition of cell migration, iNOS expression and NO production, cytokine expression (mRNA and proteins) and CD14 expression (Fr3).

Derivatives of furanditerpenes from Pterodon genus: Pharmacological studies disclose their potential as chronic pain relief in mice

Pterodon genus fruits are commercially available at the Brazilian medicinal market used in folk medicine due to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-rheumatic effects. Previous studies demonstrated that furanditerpenes possessing vouacapan skeleton, isolated from Pterodon genus, possess expressive antinociceptive activities, with promising moiety for the development of new analgesic products. The antinociceptive properties of compounds 6α,7β-6α-hidroxivouacapan-7β-17β-lactone (HVL) and 6α-oxovouacapan-7β-17β-lactone (OVL), semi-synthetic analogues of furanditerpenes previously reported as analgesic agents were evaluated on animal experimental models (Spindola et al., 2010, 2011). The chemical-induced pain methods used in the present work, demonstrated for the first time that both compounds HVL and OVL have potential as important templates for the development of chronic pain control drugs. The main findings of this work were that both compounds were: effective in the writhing test; reduced paw edema in the carrageenan test; effective in the inflammatory phase of the formalin test corroborating their activity against inflammatory pain conditions; effective on reducing pain through the stimulation of vanilloid receptors sensible to capsaicin (an important pathway for chronic pain maintenance); reduced the pain stimulus caused by PGE₂ injection (a pathway involved in chronic pain hypersensitivity); effective on decreasing mechanical allodynia in the CFA-model, demonstrating their potential use against chronic pain disorders.

Topical antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effect of Scutia buxifolia Reissek gel and stability study

Scutia buxifolia Reissek (Rhamnaceae), popularly known in Brazil as "coronilha", is a plant species used in folk medicine for several disorders, including inflammation. However, no studies have been done with this species to confirm its topical anti-inflammatory action. In this study we evaluate the topical antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of the gel containing crude extract (CE) and the gel containing ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of S. buxifolia on croton oil or UVB radiation-induced ear edema in mice, and perform gel stability study. Antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated through ear edema induced by irritant agent croton oil, UVB irradiation-induced skin injury model and neutrophil infiltration. The gel stability study was performed by analyzing organoleptical aspects, pH, viscosity, and quantification of quercetin and rutin by HPLC. The topical treatment with S. buxifolia gel reduced the ear edema and myeloperoxidase activity. Antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of S. buxifolia were obtained with concentrations of 0.3, 1 and 3%, with maximal inhibition in the concentration of 1% for gel containing CE (inhibitions of 100, 73±0.05 and 97±0.08% for croton oil- or UVB irradiation-induced ear edema and myeloperoxidase activity, respectively) and EtOAc fraction (inhibitions of 79±0.05, 73±0.05 and 89±0.04% for croton oil- or UVB irradiation-induced ear edema and myeloperoxidase activity, respectively). Such effects may be attributed, at least in part, to rutin and quercetin, as well as other compounds found in this species. No important changes were detected in the stability study, in all aspects analyzed in temperature below 25°C. Our results demonstrate that topically applied S. buxifolia gel presented anti-inflammatory effects, provided that it was maintained at a temperature below 25°C.

Sucupira as a Potential Plant for Arthritis Treatment and Other Diseases

Trees of the genus Pterodon, commonly known as “sucupira-branca” or “faveira,” are native to central Brazil. The Pterodon fruits are traditionally used in ethnomedicine as an infusion, in small doses, and at regular time intervals as an antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, tonic, and depurative agent. The various compounds present in the Pterodon class are, generally, water-insoluble and derived from the fusion of high-molecular weight pentacarbonate units. Scientific research has shown that the major compounds isolated from Pterodon species are linear and/or tetracyclic diterpenes with vouacapane skeletons that partly underlie the pharmacological activities of the fruit-derived oil. Material from Pterodon species has several biological properties, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Therefore, recent studies have sought to microencapsulate these extracts to protect them from potential chemical degradation and improve their water solubility, ensuring greater stability and quality of the end products. This review presents a succinct overview of the available scientific evidence of the biological activity and toxicity of Pterodon species in addition to other important aspects, including phytochemical and technological features.

CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIFUNGAL, ANTIMYCOBACTERIAL, AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES OF Talinum paniculatum

In this study, the bioactivity of Talinum paniculatum was evaluated, a plant widely used in folk medicine. The extract from the T. paniculatum leaves (LE) was obtained by percolation with ethanol-water and then subjecting it to liquid-liquid partitions, yielding hexane (HX), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), butanol (BuOH), and aqueous (Aq) fractions. Screening for antimicrobial activity of the LE and its fractions was evaluated in vitro through broth microdilution method, against thirteen pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, and the antimycobacterial activity was performed through agar diffusion assay. The cytotoxic concentrations (CC90) for LE, HX, and EtOAc were obtained on BHK-21 cells by using MTT reduction assay. The LE showed activity against Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of 250 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, HX demonstrated outstanding activity against Micrococcus luteus and Candida albicans with a MIC of 31.2 µg/mL in both cases. The MIC for EtOAc also was 31.2 µg/mL against Escherichia coli. Conversely, BuOH and Aq were inactive against all tested microorganisms and LE proved inactive against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis as well. Campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol were the proposed structures as main compounds present in the EF and HX/EtOAc fractions, evidenced by mass spectrometry. Therefore, LE, HX, and EtOAc from T. paniculatum showed potential as possible sources of antimicrobial compounds, mainly HX, for presenting low toxicity on BHK-21 cells with excellent Selectivity Index (SI = CC90/MIC) of 17.72 against C. albicans.

Preparation and characterization of microcapsules of Pterodon pubescens Benth. by using natural polymers

An oleaginous fraction obtained from an alcohol extract of the fruit of Pterodon pubescensBenth. (FHPp) was microencapsulated in polymeric systems. These systems were developed using a complex coacervation method and consisted of alginate/medium-molecular-weight chitosan (F1-MC), alginate/chitosan with greater than 75% deacetylation (F2-MC), and alginate/low-molecular-weight chitosan (F3-MC). These developed systems have the potential to both mask the taste of the extract, and to protect its constituents against possible chemical degradation. The influence of the formulation parameters and process were determined by chemical profiling and measurement of the microencapsulation efficiency of the oleaginous fraction, and by assessment of microcapsule morphology. The obtained formulations were slightly yellow, odorless, and had a pleasant taste. The average diameters of the microcapsules were 0.4679 µm (F2-MC), 0.5885 µm (F3-MC), and 0.9033 µm (F1-MC). The best formulation was F3-MC, with FHPp microencapsulation efficiency of 61.01 ± 2.00% and an in vitro release profile of 75.88 ± 0.45%; the content of vouacapans 3-4 was 99.49 ± 2.80%. The best model to describe the release kinetics for F1-MC and F3-MC was that proposed by Higuchi; however, F2-MC release displayed first-order kinetics; the release mechanism was of the supercase II type for all formulations.

Antitumor Screening of Pterodon pubescens Terpenic Fraction Indicates High Sensitivity for Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells

Cancer is the second leading cause of human mortality worldwide. Therefore, the search for new drugs or alternative therapy strategies has been required. Anticancer agents have been developed from plants since the 1950s and natural products still represent an important source of new and promising bioactive molecules. This work describes the cytotoxic effects of SF5 on tumor cells of high prevalence in the world and investigated some mechanisms of its antitumor action. The antitumor screening was performed with human lung carcinoma (A549), human breast (MCF-7) and prostate (PC-3) adenocarcinoma and chronic myeloid and acute lymphocytic leukemia cell lines. The acute lymphocytic leukemia Jurkat cells presented high sensitivity to the cytotoxic effects of SF5 (inhibition of 85–90%), compared with either the chronic myeloid leukemia K562 or solid tumor cell lines (lung, breast and prostate). SF5 arrested the cell cycle in G1 phase, which may be related with the observed downregulation of mRNA expression of c-Myc transcription factor at 24 h and 36 h. SF5 treatment induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria to cytosol, leading the Jurkat cells into apoptosis, which was evidenced by the internucleosomal fragmented DNA and increased number of annexin V-FITC positive cells. The SF5 showed high cytotoxicity for lymphocytic leukemia cells and low or none for solid tumor cells, without toxicity for peripheral mononuclear cells of healthy humans. SF5 altered gene expression, arrested the cell cycle and induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway, similar to traditional antineoplastic chemotherapeutic drugs.

Inhibitory Effect of the Hexane Fraction of the Ethanolic Extract of the Fruits of Pterodon pubescens Benth in Acute and Chronic Inflammation

Fruits of Pterodon pubescens Benth have been used traditionally for the treatment of rheumatism, sore throat, and respiratory disorders, and also as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, depurative, tonic, and hypoglycemic agent. The study was aimed at evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity of the hexane fraction of an ethanolic extract of P. pubescens fruits. The oil from P. pubescens fruits was extracted with ethanol and partitioned with hexane. The anti-inflammatory activity was measured with increasing doses of the hexane fraction (FHPp) by using a carrageenan-induced rat model of pleurisy and a rat model of complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis by using an FHPp dose of 250 mg/kg for 21 days. Treatment with an FHPp resulted in anti-inflammatory activity in both models. The results of biochemical, hematological, and histological analyses indicated a significant decrease in glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels (18.32%, 34.20%, and 41.70%, resp.) and reduction in the numbers of total leukocytes and mononuclear cells. The FHPp dose of 1000 mg/kg induced no changes in behavioral parameters, and no animal died. The results of this study extend the findings of previous reports that have shown that administration of extracts and fractions obtained from species of the genus Pterodon exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and lacks toxicity.

Pterodon polygalaeflorusEssential Oil Modulates Acute Inflammation and B and T Lymphocyte Activation

The increased life expectancy of the population has led to increasing incidences of cancer, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Thus the continuous search for new drugs is necessary because ineffectiveness and adverse effects have been described for standard drugs. Essential oils are important sources of bioactive metabolites and several clinical trials have been developed using them. The Pterodon genus has been used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatic disorders, thus this work investigated the properties of essential oil from Pterodon polygalaeflorus fruits (EsOPpg) on acute inflammation and lymphocyte activation. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and its components were identified by GC/MS. The anti-inflammatory response was assessed using the air pouch model. Antinociceptive potential was evaluated using the writhing model. Lymphocyte phenotyping, cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. EsOPpg promoted a reduction in leukocyte counts and protein concentration in the exudate, and reduced vasodilatation and inflammatory cell infiltrate in air pouch tissue. No antinociceptive effect was demonstrated for the doses tested. EsOPpg inhibited lymphocyte proliferation, arresting the cell cycle in G1phase, and induced apoptosis in these cells. EsOPpg downregulated both the total number of CD8+T cells and the activated subpopulation (CD8+CD69+), while promoting upregulation of the total number of CD19+and CD19+CD69+B cells. In conclusion, Pterodon polygalaeflorus essential oil diminished the acute inflammatory response and inhibited lymphocyte proliferation, reducing neutrophil recruitment into the cavity and air pouch tissue and promoting distinct modulations of the activation level of each lymphocyte subpopulation.

Pterodon pubescens oil: characterisation, certification of origin and quality control via mass spectrometry fingerprinting analysis

INTRODUCTION

The oil obtained from Pterodon pubescens (Leguminosae) seeds are known to display anti-cancer, anti-dermatogenic and anti-nociceptive activitiy. Phytochemical studies have demonstrated that its main constituents are diterpenoids with voucapan skeletons. Considering the potential biological activities of the oil, rapid and efficient methods for assessing its quality would facilitate certification and quality control.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a direct mass spectrometric fingerprinting method for the P. pubescens seed oil that would focus on the major diterpenoids constituents, enabling quality control, origin certification and recognition of marker species in commercially available products.

METHOD

Two techniques were used: (i) direct infusion electrospray ionisation (ESI) mass spectrometry after solvent extraction and dilution and (ii) ambient desorption/ionisation via easy ambient sonic-spray ionisation, EASI(+)-MS, performed directly on the seed surface or at a paper surface imprinted with the oil.

RESULTS

From a combination of ESI-MS, HRESI-MS and ESI-MS/MS data, 12 diterpenes were characterised, and typical profiles were obtained for the oil extract or the crude oil via both ESI-MS and EASI-MS. These techniques require no or very simple sample preparation protocols and the whole analytical processes with spectra acquisition take just a few minutes.

CONCLUSION

Both techniques, but particularly EASI-MS, provide simple, fast and efficient MS fingerprinting methodologies to characterise the P. pubescens oil with typical (di)terpene profiles being applicable to quality control and certification of authenticity and origin.

Terpenic fraction of Pterodon pubescens inhibits nuclear factor kappa B and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 activation and deregulates gene expression in leukemia cells

Background

Plant derived compounds have been shown to be important sources of several anti-cancer agents. As cell cycle deregulation and tumor growth are intimately linked, the discovery of new substances targeting events in this biochemical pathway would be of great value. The anti-leukemic effect of an ethanolic extract of Pterodon pubescens seeds (EEPp) has been previously demonstrated and now we show that a terpenic subfraction (SF5) of EEPp containing farnesol, geranylgeraniol and vouacapan derivatives induces apoptosis in the human chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line K562. This work addresses SF5’s antiproliferative mechanisms in these cells since they are still unclear.

Methods

DNA synthesis in K562 cells was assessed by [³H]-methyl-thymidine incorporation and cell cycle status by flow cytometry. The expression of cyclins D1 and E2, of the cell cycle inhibitor p21 and of the proto-oncogene c-myc was evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation was evaluated by western blotting.

Results

In K562 cells, SF5 treatment induced a higher inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell growth than the original EEPp hexanic fraction from which SF5 originated, and also arrested the cell cycle in G1. Exposure of these cells to SF5 led to a decrease in cyclin E2 and c-myc expression while p21 mRNA levels were increased. Furthermore, SF5 inhibited the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) ERK 1/2 and NF-κB.

Conclusions

This work suggests that the anti-leukemic action of SF5 is linked to the inhibition of ERKs, NF-κB and c-myc signaling pathways resulting in reduced cyclin E2 mRNA expression and cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase.

Pharmaceutical properties of 'sucupira' (Pterodon spp.)

The plant of the genus Pterodon (Fabaceae, Leguminosae), commonly known as 'sucupira' or 'faveira', are disseminated throughout the central region of Brazil and has frequently been used in popular medicine for its anti-rheumatic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In recent years, interest in these plants has increased considerably. The biological effects of different phytoextracts and pure metabolites have been investigated in several experimental models in vivo and in vitro. The literature describes flavonoids, triterpene and steroids, while one paper presented studies with proteins isolated from the genus. This review provides an overview of phytochemical and pharmacological research in Pterodon, showing the main chemical compounds studied to date, and focusing on the relationship between these molecules and their biological activity. Furthermore, this study paves the way for more in-depth investigation, isolation and characterization of the molecules of this plant genus.

Synthesis, antiproliferative activity in cancer cells and theoretical studies of novel 6α,7β-dihydroxyvouacapan-17β-oic acid Mannich base derivatives

Natural products are great prototypes for the design of new anticancer agents. The plant-derived natural product 6α,7β-dihydroxyvouacapan-17β-oic acid (1) is promising for the development of more potent antiproliferative agents against human cancer cells. Indeed, its lactone derivative 6α-hydroxyvouacapan-7β,17β-lactone (2), a non-natural furanoditerpene, exhibited higher anticancer activity than compound 1. Herein, we describe the synthesis and antiproliferative activity of six new Mannich derivatives of compound 2 against nine cancer cell lines. Overall, our results revealed that Mannich derivatives 3-8 were more potent than compound 2 in inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. Theoretical studies also supported our findings, revealing the nucleophilic character of furan ring as an important feature for antiproliferative activity of the studied Mannich derivatives.

Pterodon pubescens seed extract induces the cell cycle arrest of leukemic cells by deregulating cyclin D1 and E2 mRNA levels

Plant-derived compounds are important sources of effective anti-cancer agents. Pterodon pubescens is a native Brazilian plant popularly known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. The ethanolic extract of its seeds (EEPp) is a viscous, brown and fragrant oil containing geranylgeraniol, farnesol, naphthalene, dimethyldodecatrienol and vouacapan diterpene derivatives, in addition to other compounds. This study investigated the in vitro anti-leukemic properties of EEPp using the resistant human leukemia cell line K562. The EEPp anti-proliferative effect was demonstrated by the inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell growth, and the induction of cell cycle arrest in the G(1) phase. Furthermore, cyclin E2 mRNA levels were down-regulated, while those of cyclin D1 were up-regulated. An EEPp anti-leukemic effect may have also triggered apoptosis, as it increased the number of shrunken cells and phosphatidylserine cell membrane exposure. These observations suggest that EEPp deregulates cyclin D1 and E2 expression, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of leukemic cells.

Antinociceptive effect of geranylgeraniol and 6alpha,7beta-dihydroxyvouacapan-17beta-oate methyl ester isolated from Pterodon pubescens Benth

Background

Pterodon pubescens Benth seeds are commercially available in the Brazilian medicinal plant street market. The crude alcoholic extracts of this plant are used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-rheumatic preparations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of geranylgeraniol (C1) and 6α, 7β-dihydroxyvouacapan-17β-oate methyl ester (C2) isolated from Pterodon pubescens Benth. to the antinociceptive activity of the crude extract.

Results

Compounds C1 and C2 demonstrated activity against writhing with intraperitoneal (i.p.) and oral (p.o.) routes, capsaicin (i.p. and p.o.), glutamate (i.p.), and in the hot-plate (p.o.) tests, demonstrating their contribution to the antinociceptive activity of crude Pterodon pubescens Benth extracts. The observed activity of compounds C1 and C2 may be related to vanilloid receptors VR1, and/or glutamate peripheral receptors. In hot-plate model, the antinociceptive activity was maintained when naloxone chloride (opioid antagonist) was administered prior to treatment with compounds suggesting that C1 and C2 (p.o.) do not exert their antinociceptive effects in the hot-plate test via opioid receptors. The findings presented herein also suggest that compounds within the crude Pterodon pubescens Benth. extract may exert a synergistic interactive effect, since the crude extract (300 mg.kg^-1) containing lower concentrations of compounds C1 (11.5%- 34.6 mg. kg^-1) and C2 (1.5% - 4.7 mg.kg^-1) gave statistically the same effect to the pure compounds when tested separately (C1 = C2 = 300 mg.kg^-1) in writhing experimental model with p.o. administration. Further studies will be undertaken to establish more specifically the mechanisms of action for compounds C1 and C2. Possible synergistic interactions will be evaluated employing the Isobole method.

Conclusion

These results allowed us to establish a relationship between the popular use of Pterodon pubescens seeds for pain relief and the activity of two major compounds isolated from this species which demonstrated antinociceptive activity. Various "in vivo" experimental models corroborate the folk use of this species for different pain and inflammation disorders.

Suppression of T and B cell responses by Pterodon pubescens seeds ethanolic extract

The anti-arthritic property of hydro alcoholic extract of Pterodon pubescens seeds was previously demonstrated using the Collagen Induced Arthritis (CIA) in mice, the most similar arthritis experimental model to human rheumatoid arthritis. This disease is characterized by chronic inflamed joints resulting from exacerbated functions of macrophages and T and B lymphocytes. Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities by ethanolic extract of Pterodon pubescens seeds (EEPp) have been also reported. This study describes the effects of EEPp on T and B lymphocytes functions from healthy mice. Delayed Type Hypersensitivity (DTH), in vivo antibody production, T and B lymphocyte proliferation and NO production were determined. Mice treated orally for 7 days with EEPp had inhibited 58% of B cell antibody production (10(-3) mg kg(-1) b.wt.) and 33% of the DTH response (10(-4) mg kg(-1) b.wt.), also reducing tissue leukocyte infiltration. EEPp (10(-2) mg mL(-1)) also inhibited in vitro T (89%) and B (68%) lymphocytes proliferation and NO production (53%) by macrophage cell line J774. The immunosuppression here described for EEPp supports its potential therapeutic use to control exacerbated humoral and/or cellular immune response as in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Antiproliferative activity of Pterodon pubescens Benth. seed oil and its active principle on human melanoma cells

On a preliminary screening, relevant in vitro antiproliferative activity was observed to the crude ethanolic extract of Pterodon pubescens seed oil against the human melanoma cell line SK MEL 37. The diethyl ether fraction from crude ethanolic extract which exhibited stronger activity was submitted to fractionation by gradient elution with hexane/ethyl acetate. Subfraction A, eluted by hexane/ethyl acetate (80:20), was essentially the most active between all the assayed subfractions with an IC(50) of 37microg/ml calculated by the MTT colorimetric method. At this concentration, subfraction A caused morphological features and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation pattern of apoptosis. Through chromatographic separation, the furane diterpene 1 was isolated from this active subfraction and identified by spectral techniques. Compound 1 showed an IC(50) value of 32microM and fluorescence staining with DAPI revealed some typical nuclear changes which are characteristic of apoptosis. These findings support a role for diterpenoids vouacapan-type skeleton as a model to develop new anticancer agents.

Quantification of phenolic constituents and antioxidant activity of Pterodon emarginatus vogel seeds

In the present study the phenolic (Folin-Dennis) and flavonoid (colorimetric assay) constituents and the antioxidant activity of Pterodon emarginatus seeds were investigated in several samples prepared with different extraction procedures: essential oil (EO) using a Clevenger-type apparatus; hexanic (HF), ethyl acetate (EAF), buthanolic (BF) and methanolic (MF) fractions using Soxhlet extraction, and extracts (1 g/extract) obtained from different methods: reflux 80°C/30 min, ultrasound/30 min, static maceration/48 h and heating plate 100°C/45 min. These extracts were prepared using water or ethanol/water at 30:70 v/v, 50:50 v/v or 70:30 v/v. Antioxidant activity [2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH)] was tested only in the fractions obtained from Soxhlet extraction. The extract obtained from reflux using ethanol/water (70:30, v/v) showed the highest phenolic constituents level. The EAF, BF and MF showed DPPH scavenging activities with IC₅₀=163.22, 18.89 and 10.15 μg/ml, respectively.

Antinociceptive properties of ethanolic extract and fractions of Pterodon pubescens Benth. seeds

We have previously demonstrated that the hydroalcoholic extract from Pterodon pubescens Benth. seeds (sucupira branca, Leguminosae) exhibits anti-arthritic activity and that its oleaginous extract (OEP) and PF1 fraction exhibit acute and topic anti-edematogenic activities. In this work, we studied the antinociceptive activity of OEP and its fractions on the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction and formalin assays in SW male mice. OEP was obtained by ethanol extraction and its four fractions by sequential liquid-liquid extraction. PF2 GC/MS profile indicated it contains furane diterpenes derivatives of vouacapan and non-vouacapan compounds. The antinociceptive properties were demonstrated to OEP and predominantly to PF1 and PF2 by the writhing test. In the formalin assay, PF1 inhibited both phases and PF2 inhibited mainly the late one. Then, PF1 and PF2 seemed to present antinociceptive effects by different mechanisms, peripheral and/or central inhibitory ones, and showed maximum antinociceptive properties with very low doses, providing a rationale for its popular use in pain disorders.