•The flavonoid taxifolin is reported for the first time in stingless bee honey.•Clidemia is the predominant pollen type in the Melipona seminigra merrillae honey from Amazonas, Brazil.•M. seminigra ...merrillae honeys display remarkable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.•The catechol compounds in Brazilian honeys are identified.
In this study honey samples produced by Melipona (Michmelia) seminigra merrillae, collected in seven counties distributed in the central and southern region of Amazonas state in Brazil, were analysed for their botanical origin, content and profile of phenolic compounds, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Twenty-two pollen types were identified. The total phenolic content ranged from 17 to 66mgGAE/g of extract; the highest contents were found in honeys produced from pollen types such as Clidemia and Myrcia. The antioxidant activity was higher in the samples that contained higher quantities of phenolic compounds. In relation to the antibacterial activity, samples CAD3, CAD4 and SAD3 presented the best results. Fourteen phenolic compounds were determined. Among them, we identified the flavonoid taxifolin, which has not previously been described in honeys from stingless bees, and we report the identification of catechol in Brazilian honey samples for the first time.
A series of eight substituted bis-2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives was synthesized through lawsone condensation with various aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes under mild acidic conditions. The ...title compounds were evaluated for antileishmanial activity in vitro against Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis promastigotes; six compounds showed good activity without significant toxic effects. The compound with the highest activity was used for an in vivo assay with Leishmania amazonensis.
Medicinal plants have long been used as an alternative to traditional drugs for the treatment of inflammatory conditions due to the classical side effects and restricted access of various ...commercially available drugs, such as steroids (GCs) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Sambucus australis is a Brazilian herb that is commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases; however, few studies have examined the use of this species in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. The present study aims to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory activity of S. australis in vitro. We established spleen cell cultures stimulated with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) to evaluate the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, IFN-y, and IL-10 (by ELISA), and the expression of the transcription factor NF-kB (by RT-PCR). In addition, we evaluated the levels of nitric oxide in macrophage cultures and the membrane-stabilizing activity of S. australis methanolic extract (EMSA). Treatment with EMSA at concentrations of 100, 50, 25 and 12.5 µg/ml significantly decreased IL-4 (p<0.001) and IL-5 (p<0.001) levels. Treatment with 100 µg/ml EMSA reduced IFN-у (p<0.001) levels. Moreover, at 100 mg/ml, EMSA also increased IL-10 production and reduced NF-kB expression (p<0.01). In macrophage cultures stimulated with LPS, EMSA decreased nitric oxide levels (p<0.001) at all concentrations tested (100, 50, 25 and 12.5 µg/ml). Additionally, EMSA had a protective effect in the erythrocyte membrane stabilization assay. Taken together, these results suggest that S. australis has anti-inflammatory potential in vitro, characterized by the reduction of both inflammatory cytokines and the expression of NF-kB along with the up-regulation of IL-10.
Converging evidence points to the significant involvement of the immune system in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Positron emission tomography (PET) can quantify translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), ...a marker with increased expression mainly in microglia and, to some extent astroglia during neuropsychiatric diseases with inflammation. This preliminary analysis explored, for the first time, whether TSPO binding was altered in male and female participants with ASD in vivo using full kinetic quantification. Thirteen individuals with ASD (IQ > 70 n = 12, IQ = 62 n = 1), 5 F, 25 ± 5 years) were scanned with
FFEPPA PET. Data from 13 typically developing control participants with matching age and TSPO rs6971 polymorphism (9 F, age 24 ± 5 years) were chosen from previous studies for comparison. The two tissue compartment model (2TCM) was used to determine the total volume of distribution (
FFEPPA V
) in four previously identified regions of interest (ROI): prefrontal, temporal, cerebellar, and anterior cingulate cortices. We observe no significant difference in
FFEPPA V
relative to controls (F
= 1.74, p = 0.20). However, 2 ASD participants with higher V
had concurrent major depressive episodes (MDE), which has been consistently reported during MDE. After excluding those 2 ASD participants, in a post-hoc analysis, our results show lower
FFEPPA V
in ASD participants compared to controls (F
= 6.62, p = 0.02). This preliminary analysis provides evidence suggesting an atypical neuroimmune state in ASD.
Solanum paniculatum L., popularly known as jurubeba, is a common subtropical plant from Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina, that is used in folk medicine for the treatment of anemia, ...gastrointestinal disorders and inflammatory conditions in general. In addition to that, an ethnobotanical survey in “Todos os Santos” Bay have pointed out S. paniculatum as an herb to treat asthma. Previous publications have shown that S. paniculatum possesses antibiotic, antioxidant and modulatory effects on gastric acid secretion; however, its anti-inflammatory potential remains unexplored.
Herein, we analyzed the S. paniculatum fruits hexane extract (SpE) for the presence of stigmasterol and β-sitosterol and investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of SpE in vitro.
SpE was subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for standardization and quantification of stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. Spleen cells from BALB/c mice were cultivated and stimulated with pokeweed mitogen and also exposed to 15, 30 and 60µg/mL of SpE. Following treatment, levels of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 in the culture supernatants were assessed by ELISA. We also evaluated nitric oxide (NO) production by murine LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages using the Griess technique. In addition, the ability of SpE to stabilize membranes was assessed using a model of hemolysis induced by heat on murine erythrocytes. Gene expression of Th1-cell-specific Tbx21 transcription factor (TBET), zinc-finger transcription factor-3 (GATA3), and nuclear factor-κB (NFKB) in murine spleen cells were assessed by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR).
SpE at 15, 30 and 60µg/mL significantly attenuated cell proliferation, decreased IL-4 release, reduced NO production and improved erythrocyte membrane stabilization in a concentration-dependent manner. SpE was also able to decrease the release of IFN-γ without altering IL-10 levels. The mechanism whereby SpE decreased inflammatory markers may be related to the reduction of NFKB, TBET and GATA3 gene expression.
This study is the first to test the anti-inflammatory action of S. paniculatum. Herein, we provided evidence for the popular use of S. paniculatum in inflammatory conditions. Additional studies must be conducted to further explore the anti-inflammatory potential of SpE and to elucidate possible clinical applications.
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► Jandaíra honey was analyzed for melissopalynological, chemical and antioxidant tests. ► Physicochemical and phenolic analysis revealed a similar profile consisting of flavonoids and abscisic acid. ...► The identified compounds were adequately quantified using HPLC-DAD. ► All honey samples showed high antioxidant activity correlating strongly with the phenolic content.
Profile of phenolic compounds, melissopalynological, physicochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of Melipona subnitida honeys from Brazil are presented. The constituents in the EtOAc fraction were identified by HPLC-DAD. The melissopalynological analysis showed 19 pollen types from 9 families. Mimosa caesalpiniifolia was the predominant pollen type in 8 of the 9 honey samples. The physicochemical analysis revealed that the samples showed a similar profile. All jandaíra honey samples had similar characteristic profile of phenolic compounds, strong antioxidant activity accompanied by high total polyphenol contents. The flavonoids naringenin, quercetin, and isorhamnetin along with gallic, vanillic, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic, and cumaric acids are common to eight samples and were adequately quantified. The two isomers of abscisic acid (trans–trans and cis–trans) present in major quantity in the sample 9 were isolated and quantified in all samples. The antioxidant activity of the honey samples strongly correlated with their phenolic content.
In search of new antiviral compounds against Zika virus we conducted a bioassay-guided fractionation of bisbenzyilisoquinoline alkaloids isolated from
Cissampelos sympodialis
(Menispermaceae), a ...medicinal plant species endemic to Brazil. Six subfractions were obtained from a tertiary alkaloidal fraction of the rhizomes (TAFrz) using preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. All the subfractions were tested against Zika virus-infected Vero cells as the cellular model to evaluate cytotoxicity and antiviral effective concentrations. The results showed that three of the six TAFrz subfractions tested were active. The most active ones were the subfraction 6 (that consisted of the alkaloids methylwarifteine and warifteine present as a mixture at a ratio of 8.8:1.2 respectively) and the subfraction 5, that was later identified as warifteine, the major tertiary alkaloid of this species. Warifteine was able to significantly reduce virus titer in Zika virus-infected Vero cells with an IC
50
of 2.2 μg/ml and this effect was selective (selectivity index, SI = 68.3). Subfraction 6 had an IC
50
= 3.5 μg/ml and was more cytotoxic than pure warifteine, with SI = 6.14. Fraction 5 and fraction 6 were more potent in decreasing the viral titer of Zika virus-infected Vero cells than 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside (IC
50
= 24.5 μg/ml and SI = 11.9), a mercaptopurine riboside with ZIKV antiviral activity used as a positive control. Our data demonstrate that alkaloids of the bisbenzylisoquinoline type may be explored as new antiviral agents or as an useful pharmacophore for investigating ZIKV antiviral activity.
Considering the relevance of natural products to the development of new drugs, this study focuses on the species Sida rhombifolia (L.), Malvaceae, widely used as a traditional remedy in several ...countries. The species is used to treat several diseases such as fevers, skin diseases, stomach pain, diarrhea, gum infection, conjunctivitis, urinary infections and inflammation. Many researchers around the word have investigated its pharmacological potential, and many uses have been confirmed. In spite of that, the phytochemical composition of its extracts is still poorly investigated. This research aims to make advances on the understanding of the constituents of S. rhombifolia identifying its alkaloidal compounds using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). By analyzing its alkaloidal fraction it was possible to identify: 11-cryptolepine carboxylic acid (1), cryptolepine (2), quindoline (3), 11-methoxyquidoline (4), quindolinone (5), cryptolepinone (6), and 11-quindoline methyl ester (7). The alkaloids 1 and 7 are being reported for the first time from Sida genus. Based on the antimicrobial potential of cryptolepinone-type alkaloids, we prepared by semi-synthesis two cryptolepinone derivatives: 10-methylcryptolepinone (8) and the unreported compound 10-ethylcryptolepinone (9). Both derivatives were tested against fungae and bacterial strains and 10-methylcryptolepinone (8) showed strong activity against Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, Aspergillus fumigatus and A. flavus.
Introduction
Melipona subnitida Ducke (jandaíra) is a stingless bee native to north‐eastern Brazil, which produces geopropolis, a mixture of beeswax, plant resins, pollens and earth that is used for ...sealing beehives.
Objective
To extend the knowledge on phenolic compounds in fractions obtained by C18‐solid phase extraction (SPE) of nine geopropolis samples from Melipona subnitida collected at different times.
Methodology
Chromatographic profiles of nine samples of geopropolis from jandaíra were analysed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐DAD‐QTOF‐MS/MS) and combined with the use of data‐independent acquisition (MSE) for the profiling and structural characterisation of the phenolic compounds. The isolated compound was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance of hydrogen and carbon (1H‐ and 13C‐NMR).
Results
The present study with geopropolis of jandaíra resulted in the characterisation of 51 phenolics by UPLC‐DAD‐QTOF‐MS/MS: four galloyl glucosides, one ellagic acid, 11 acyl‐hexosides, 23 acyl‐galloyl‐hexosides and 12 flavonoids. The structures of two compounds (1,6‐di‐O‐(E)‐coumaroyl‐2‐O‐galloyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside and 1‐O‐cinnamoyl‐6‐O‐(E)‐coumaroyl‐2‐O‐galloyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside) were established by 1H and the attached proton test (APT) experiments as well as high‐resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectroscopy (HR‐ESI‐MS) analysis.
Conclusion
The geopropolis of jandaíra showed phenolic compounds galloyl hexosides, ellagic acid, acyl‐(cinnamoyl/coumaroyl)‐hexosides, acyl‐(cinnamoyl/coumaroyl)‐galloyl‐hexosides and flavonoids (aglycones and acylated‐O‐glycosides).
The present study with geopropolis of jandaíra (Melipona subnitida) resulted in the characterization of 51 phenolics by UPLC‐DAD‐QTOF‐MS/MS: four galloyl glucosides, one ellagic acid, 11 acyl‐hexosides, 23 acyl‐galloyl‐hexosides and 12 flavonoids. The structures of two compounds (1,6‐di‐O‐(E)‐coumaroyl‐2‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside and 1‐O‐cinnamoyl‐6‐O‐(E)‐coumaroyl‐2‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside) were established. This study suggests a specific foraging behavior, even in an environment with a rich diversity of vegetable sources as the north‐eastern Brazil semi‐arid region. Probably, the M. subnitida bees also collect the resin from the same vegetal species closest to the hive.
The design of materials for regenerative medicine has focused on delivery of small molecule drugs, proteins, and cells to help accelerate healing. Additionally, biomaterials have been designed with ...covalently attached mimics of growth factors, cytokines, or key extracellular matrix components allowing the biomaterial itself to drive biological response. While the approach may vary, the goal of biomaterial design has often centered on promoting either cellular infiltration, degradation, vascularization, or innervation of the scaffold. Numerous successful studies have utilized this complex, multicomponent approach; however, we demonstrate here that a simple nanofibrous peptide hydrogel unexpectedly and innately promotes all of these regenerative responses when subcutaneously implanted into the dorsal tissue of healthy rats. Despite containing no small molecule drugs, cells, proteins or protein mimics, the innate response to this material results in rapid cellular infiltration, production of a wide range of cytokines and growth factors by the infiltrating cells, and remodeling of the synthetic material to a natural collagen-containing ECM. During the remodeling process, a strong angiogenic response and an unprecedented degree of innervation is observed. Collectively, this simple peptide-based material provides an ideal foundational system for a variety of bioregenerative approaches.
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