Ana Mara de Oliveira e Silva

Characterization of constituents, quality and stability of pomegranate seed oil (Punica granatum L.)

This study aimed to characterize pomegranate seed oil and evaluate its quality and stability parameters against those of linseed oil. The profile of fatty acids and phytosterols and the content of tocopherols were analyzed by gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The quality of both oils was assessed as recommended by the American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS) and stability was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), β-carotene bleaching (coupled oxidation of β-carotene/linoleic acid) and Rancimat® assays. While α-linolenic acid (52%) was the most abundant fatty acid in linseed oil (LO), punicic acid (55%) was highest in pomegranate seed oil (PSO). Tocopherols and phytosterols (175 and 539 mg/100 g, respectively) were greater in PSO than in LO (51 and 328 mg/100 g, respectively). Both oils met quality standards. The β-carotene bleaching and the DPPH assays showed greater oxidative stability for PSO than for LO. The Rancimat® method, on the other hand, indicated low stability for both oils.

The ethanol extract of Leonurus sibiricus L. induces antioxidant, antinociceptive and topical anti-inflammatory effects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCEnLeonurus sibiricus L. (Lamiaceae), popularly known as motherwort, or erva-de-macaé or rubim in Brazil, is a plant used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, but few studies have evaluated this anti-inflammatory activity or other activities that may be relevant.nnnAIM OF THE STUDYnThis study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant, antinociceptive and topical anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanol extract of L. sibiricus (EELs).nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnChromatographic analysis, determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant assays were performed, while the formalin test and ear inflammation induced by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) were performed in mice.nnnRESULTSnWe observed that total phenolic and flavonoids content in EELs were respectively 60.1mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of extract and 15.4mg of catechin equivalent/g of extract. Chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric and ferulic acids, as well as quercetin were identified in EELs. This extract also led to the consumption of the radicals 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and nitric oxide, increased the ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and inhibited the spontaneous or FeSO4-induced in vitro lipid peroxidation. In the formalin test, oral pretreatment with EELs (400mg/kg) reduced (p<0.001) the licking/biting time in the second phase, but not in the first phase. In the ear inflammation induced by TPA, the concomitant topical administration of EELs (0.3-3mg/ear) significantly reduced the edema, myeloperoxidase activity, levels of tumoral necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β and lipoperoxidation, as well as increased FRAP in ear tissue when compared to vehicle-treated ears.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThese results indicate that EELs has antioxidant, antinociceptive and topical anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the use of this plant in folk medicine.

Incorporation and effects of punicic acid on muscle and adipose tissues of rats

BackgroundThis study evaluated the effect of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) supplementation, rich in punicic acid (55xa0%/C18:3-9c,11u2009t,13c/CLNA), on the lipid profile and on the biochemical and oxidative parameters in the gastrocnemius muscle and adipose tissues of healthy rats. Linseed oil (LO), rich in linolenic acid (52xa0%/C18:3-9c12c15c/LNA) was used for comparison.MethodsMale Wistar rats (nu2009=u200956) were distributed in seven groups: control (water); LNA 1xa0%, 2xa0% and 4xa0% (treated with LO); CLNA 1xa0%, 2xa0% and 4xa0% (treated with PSO), po for 40xa0days. The percentages were compared to the daily feed intake. Fatty acid profile were performed by gas chromatography, antioxidant enzymes activity by spectrophotometer and the adipocytes were isolated by collagenase tissue digestion. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to check for differences between the groups (control, LNAs and CLNAs) and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to project the groups in the factor-place (PC1 vs PC2) based on the biochemical responses assessed in the study.ResultsThe fatty acids profile of tissues showed that the LNA percentages were higher in the animals that were fed LO. However, PA was only detected in the adipose tissues. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was present in all the tissues of the animals supplemented with PSO, in a dose dependent manner, and 9c11t-CLA was the predominant isomer. Nevertheless there were no changes in the total weight gain of the animals, the weights of the tissues, and the oxidative stress parameters in the muscle. In addition, there was an increase in the size of the epididymal fat cells in the groups treated with PSO. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the CLNAs groups were arranged separately with a cumulative variance of 68.47xa0%.ConclusionsThe results show that PSO can be used as a source of CLAs but that it does not cause changes in body modulation and does not interfere in the antioxidant activity of healthy rats.

Flavonoids as Th1/Th2 cytokines immunomodulators: A systematic review of studies on animal models

BACKGROUNDnFlavonoids are naturally occurring compounds, extensively distributed in plants. T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cytokines balance plays an essential role in the reaction of inflammatory, allergic and infectious processes and transplantation rejection.nnnPURPOSEnThis systematic review focuses on various classes of flavonoids with a view to evaluate whether Th1/Th2 cytokine-mediated pathways of immunoenhancement could reduce immune overwhelming reactions.nnnMETHODSnArticles in English published from inception to December 2017 reporting flavonoids with immunomodulatory activity for the management of immune-mediated disorders were acquired from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science and a animal experiments where Th1 and Th2 cytokines were investigated to assess the outcome of immunoregulatory therapy were included.nnnCHAPTERSn1809 publications were identified and 26 were included in this review. Ten articles described the effect of flavonoids on allergic inflammation in an animal model of asthma; eleven in vivo studies evaluated the immunomodulating and immunosuppressive effects of flavonoids on Th1/Th2 cytokines production and five reports described the regulatory role of flavonoids for Th1/Th2 cytokine responses to experimental arthritis and myocarditis. Modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine balance, inhibition of eosinophil accumulation and remodeling of the airways and lungs, downregulation of Notch and PI3K signaling pathways, regulation of CD4u202f+u202f/CD8u202f+u202flymphocytes ratio and decreasing inflammatory mediator expressions levels are among the most important immunopharmacological mechanisms for the retrieved flavonoids.nnnCONCLUSIONnNaturally occurring flavonoids discussed in the present article have optimal immunomodulation to prevent immune-mediated disorders through management of Th1/Th2 cytokine balance.

Cytokines in the management of rotavirus infection: A systematic review of in vivo studies

Objective Rotavirus is a leading cause of childhood diarrhoea. Rotavirus vaccines are effective against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis, but have lower efficacy in low income countries in Africa. Anti‐rotavirus treatment is not available. This study reviews the literature of animal studies evaluating whether cytokine mediated pathways of immune activation could improve rotavirus therapy. Methods We performed a systematic review of articles in English published from 2010 to 2016 reporting agents with in vivo antirotavirus activity for the management of rotavirus infection. The search was carried in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science. Animal experiments where cytokines were investigated to assess the outcome of rotavirus therapy were included. Results A total of 869 publications were identified. Of these, 19 pertained the objectives of the review, and 11 articles described the effect of probiotics/commensals on rotavirus infection and immune responses in animals. Eight further in vivo studies evaluated the immunomodulating effects of herbs, secondary metabolites and food‐derived products on cytokine responses of rotavirus‐infected animals. Studies extensively reported the regulatory roles for T‐helper (Th)1 (interferon gamma (IFN‐&ggr;), interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐12) and Th2 (IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10) cytokines responses to rotavirus pathogenesis and immunity, inhibiting rotavirus infection through suppression of inflammation by viral inhibition. Conclusion Th1 and Th2 cytokines stimulate the immune system, inhibiting rotavirus binding and/or replication in animal models. Th1/Th2 cytokine responses have optimal immunomodulating effects to reduce rotavirus diarrhoea and enhance immune responses in experimental rotavirus infection. Graphical abstract Figure. No Caption available. HighlightsRotavirus is a primary cause of childhood diarrhoea.Rotavirus vaccines have lower efficacy in low income countries.Natural substances modulate cytokine responses against rotavirus infection.Th1/Th2 cytokines have prime immunomodulating effects to reduce rotavirus diarrhoea.

α-Terpineol reduces cancer pain via modulation of oxidative stress and inhibition of iNOS

α-Terpineol (TP) is present in a wide range of essential oils of the genus Eucalyptus, with recognized potential for a range of biological effects, such as analgesic. Hence, our study aimed to investigate the effect of TP on cancer pain induced by sarcoma 180 in Swiss mice. Our results showed that TP reduced significantly mechanical hyperalgesia and spontaneous and palpation-induced nociception, improved paw use without reducing tumor growth and grip strength. Importantly, no evident biochemical and hematological toxicity was oberved. Furthermore, TP increased the tissue antioxidant capacity due to ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and glutathione (GSH). TP also reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunocontent in the tumors. Molecular docking estimated that TP binds within the same range of iNOS regions (other iNOS inhibitors), such as N-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME). These data provide strong evidence that TP may be an interesting candidate for the development of new safe analgesic drugs that are effective for cancer pain control.

Yoghurt with cajá jeleia (Spondias mombin l.) added probiotics: microbiological evaluation and sensory acceptance

Yogurt is a fermented milk that is widely consumed in the world and is considered an ideal food from a nutritional point of view, since it carries a variety of health benefits, and some yogurts still have therapeutic properties contributing, for example, to cholesterol lowering. Aiming at this, the objective was to elaborate and evaluate microbiologically and sensorially, formulations of yogurt with cassava jelly added with probiotics. However, three yoghurt formulations were elaborated, differentiated by the partial substitution of UHT milk and powdered milk by Cajan jelly. The samples were submitted to microbiological analyzes (total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli and salmonella sp and fungi) and sensorial (acceptance and Revista Brasileira de Higiene e Sanidade Animal Brazilian Journal of Hygiene and Animal Sanity ISSN: 1981-2965 I

Punicic acid was metabolised and incorporated in the form of conjugated linoleic acid in different rat tissues

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a supplementation of pomegranate seed oil (PSO), being rich in punicic acid, on the biochemical parameters of healthy rats. PSO was given to the animals intragastrically for 40u2009days at concentrations of 1%, 2% and 4%. There were no changes in their total body weight gain, their serum biochemical markers, or in the oxidative stress in their tissues. However, the TBARS values were reduced in the brains of the animals, noting that no significant amounts of conjugated fatty acids were found in this tissue. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was present in all the other tissues studied. The results obtained have demonstrated that punicic acid from PSO was metabolised and incorporated in the form of CLA in different rat tissues. It did not cause alterations in their lipid metabolism, nor did it participate in the processes of oxidation inhibition.

Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton Extract Ameliorates Inflammation and Hyperalgesia through Oxidative Stress Inhibition in Experimental Acute Pancreatitis

We evaluated the effect of the hydroethanolic extract of fruits of Vaccinium macrocarpon (HEVm) in a model of acute pancreatitis (AP) in mice. AP was induced by two injections of L-arginine and animals were treated with HEVm (50, 100, and 200u2009mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle (saline) every 24u2009h, starting 1u2009h after the induction of AP. Phytochemical analysis of the extract and measurement of inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters, as well as abdominal hyperalgesia, were performed. Catechin, epicatechin, rutin, and anthocyanins were identified in HEVm. Treatment with HEVm decreased L-arginine-induced abdominal hyperalgesia (from 48 to 72u2009h). Also, treatment with HEVm decreased L-arginine-induced pancreatic edema, pancreatic and pulmonary neutrophil infiltration, and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6, after 72u2009h of induction. L-arginine-induced hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia were also reduced by the treatment with HEVm in comparison to vehicle-treated group. Moreover, lipoperoxidation, carbonyl radicals, nonprotein sulfhydryl groups, and activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase, but not glutathione peroxidase, were restored by the treatment with HEVm. These results show that treatment with HEVm decreased hyperalgesia and pancreatic/extrapancreatic inflammation and oxidative damage in L-arginine-induced AP, making this extract attractive for future approaches designed to treat this condition.

Peel flour of Passiflora edulis Var. Flavicarpa supplementation prevents the insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis induced by low-fructose-diet in young rats

The increase in fructose consumption in the last decades has an important correlation with the growth of overweight population. Fructose is a monosaccharide found in fruits, vegetables and honey, however, it is widely used in processed food and beverages such as sweeteners. This monosaccharide is metabolized in the liver, so it can produce glucose, lactate, triglycerides, free fatty acids and uric acid, which are responsible for negative effects on the liver and extrahepatic tissues. One effect of the high consumption of fructose is the resistance to Insulin, which appears to be an important issue in the development of metabolic abnormalities observed in animals that were subjected to a high fructose diet. The population and, consequently, the market search for natural sources to manage metabolic abnormalities is increasing, but, adequate scientific proof still is necessary. The Passiflora edulis peel flour (PEPF) is a byproduct of the juice industry, and, represents an important source of fiber and bioactive compounds. The present study investigates the PEPF supplementation (30%) effects on insulin sensitivity, adiposity and metabolic parameters in young rats that were given beverages enriched with 10% of fructose for 8 weeks. Fructose intake induced insulin resistance, increased serum triglycerides levels, growth of fat deposits in the liver and widening of the diameter of adipocytes. In contrast, the group that received PEPF did not present such abnormalities, which could be related to the presence of fiber or bioactive compounds (phenolics compounds, e.g., caffeic acid and isoorientin) in its composition, as identified by analytical methods. Thus, for the first time, it has been demonstrated that PEPF supplementation prevents insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis induced by low-fructose-diet in young rats.