Francilene Amaral da Silva

Antinociceptive Action and Redox Properties of Citronellal, an Essential Oil Present in Lemongrass

Citronellal (CT) is a monoterpenoid and the major constituent of the mixture of terpenoids that give the citronella oil its lemon scent. Citronella oil is widely used around the world for various purposes and is mainly obtained from plants of the Cymbopogon genus, which are known as lemongrass. Considering these plants have been used worldwide for various medicinal purposes, the interest of researchers to understand the biological activities of monoterpenoids related to the Cymbopogon genus has been increasing. In the present work, we investigated the antinociceptive action and the redox properties of CT. Our results indicate that intraperitoneal injection of CT was effective in reducing nociceptive face-rubbing behavior in both phases of the formalin test, which was also naloxone-sensitive. CT also evoked antinociceptive response in the capsaicin and glutamate tests. The total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter and total antioxidant reactivity assays indicate that CT at doses of 0.1 and 1u2009mg/mL exerts a significant antioxidant activity, which is probably related to its ability to scavenge superoxide and nitric oxide, but not H(2)O(2) or hydroxyl radicals, as evaluated separately by specific in vitro tests. These results show for the first time the antinociceptive potential of CT and indicate that the antioxidant properties of this compound may rely on its mechanism of biological actions because CT-containing natural products are used to treat various diseases related to oxidative stress and reactive species.

Phenolic Content and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Fruits of Capsicum baccatum L. var. pendulum at Different Maturity Stages

The phenolic content, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial activity of extracts of different parts of the fruit from Capsicum baccatum L. var. pendulum were investigated. The analysis of phenolic content was performed by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed by the total reactive antioxidant potential and total antioxidant reactivity index. The antioxidant activity was positively correlated with the amount of phenolics found in each sample. The ex vivo antioxidant potential was assessed using the rat liver slice model. The antimicrobial activity was screened using Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. All the extracts revealed antioxidant activity and a weak antimicrobial activity.

Antinociceptive activity of atranorin in mice orofacial nociception tests.

Physicochemical characterization and antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of atranorin (AT) extracted from Cladina kalbii Ahti in formalin- and capsaicin-induced orofacial pain and anti-inflammatory tests in rodents were studied. Physicochemical characterization showed that AT has the general formula C19H18O8. Male Swiss mice were pretreated with AT (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, i.p.), morphine (3 mg/kg, i.p.), or vehicle (0.9% saline with two drops of 0.2% Tween 80) before formalin (20 μl, 2%) or capsaicin (20 μl, 2.5 μg) were injected into the right vibrissa. Our results showed that i.p. treatment with AT displayed marked inhibitory effects in different orofacial pain tests in mice. AT (400 mg/kg, i.p.) was effective in reducing the nociceptive face-rubbing behavioural response in both phases of the formalin test, which was also naloxone-sensitive. Additionally, AT produced a significant antinociceptive effect at all doses in the capsaicin test. Such results were unlikely to be provoked by motor abnormality, since AT-treated mice exhibited no performance alteration on the rota rod apparatus. AT exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in the acute model of inflammation (leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity), carrageenan- and arachidonic acid-induced hind paw edema in rats. Additionally, AT exhibited a dose-dependent antioxidant activity in vitro, as assessed by total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter and total antioxidant reactivity assays. All these findings suggest that AT might represent an important tool for the management of orofacial pain and/or inflammatory disorders

COMPARISON OF METHYLXANTHINE, PHENOLICS AND SAPONIN CONTENTS IN LEAVES, BRANCHES AND UNRIPE FRUITS FROM ILEX PARAGUARIENSIS A. ST.-HIL (MATE)

The contents of the methylxanthines, saponins, and phenolics compounds were determined in different parts of Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil., in order to investigate the chemical differences among some well explored plant parts, leaves and branches, with an innovative raw source as the unripe fruits of the specie. Three specific LC methods were employed. In the plant raw material, the highest contents of methylxanthines (caffeine and theobromine) were found in leaves (0.86% and 0.15%), while the lowest content was observed in the fruits (0.04% and 0.04%). In the same manner the content of phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid and rutin) was greater in leaves (0.14% and 1.09%) and lowest in unripe fruits (0.03% and not detectable). In contrast, the unripe fruits presented the highest saponin content (12.30%), followed by the leaves (4.14%), and the branches (0.94%). In a mate commercial beverage the high amounts of phenolic compounds (3.82% and 0.51%) and methylxanthines (0.79% and 0.30%) were observed.

Antioxidant, Antinociceptive, and Anti-inflammatory Properties of the Ethanolic Extract of Combretum duarteanum in Rodents

The antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract from leaves of Combretum duarteanum (EEC) were assessed in rodents through in vitro tests. The antioxidant activity was investigated by using thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), hydroxyl radical-scavenging, and scavenging activity of nitric oxide assays. The antinociceptive activity was investigated by using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, and hot-plate tests in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in rats by using the carrageenan-induced hind-paw edema test and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema test. EEC possesses a strong antioxidant potential according to the TBARS, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radical-scavenging assays; it also presented scavenger activity in all in vitro tests. After intraperitoneal injection, EEC (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhes (38.1%, 90.6%, and 97.8%, respectively) in a writhing test and the number of paw licks during phase 1 (30.5% and 69.5%, higher doses) and phase 2 (38.1%, 90.6%, and 97.8%, all doses) of a formalin test when compared with the control group. Naloxone (1.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) antagonized the antinociceptive action of EEC (400 mg/kg), and this finding suggests participation of the opioid system. Administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg (intraperitoneally) of EEC exhibited an anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenin test, which was based on interference with prostaglandin synthesis. This finding was confirmed by the arachidonic acid test. Together, these results indicate that properties of EEC might be further explored in the search for newer tools to treat painful inflammatory conditions, including those related to pro-oxidant states.

Validation of an LC Method for Polyphenol Assay in Extractive Solutions from Ilex paraguariensis (Mate)

Abstract A liquid chromatography (LC) method was developed and validated for identification and quantification of polyphenols in aqueous extractive solution from Ilex paraguariensis (erva‐mate), in agreement with the ICH requirements for analytical methods. The analysis was performed using a RP 18 column, in gradient solvent. Chlorogenic acid (CLOA) and rutin (RU) were used as external standards. The standard curves for CLOA and RU were linear with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9980. The LC method showed excellent performance in separating seven peaks. The method showed excellent repeatability (R.S.D.<2.0%) and accuracy (CLOA=97.4 and RU=104.0%). Besides CLOA and RU, six other constituents were detected, which were identified by LC‐MS/MS based on their mass spectra in full scan mode and retention times compared with those available in the literature data. The analytical method was successfully applied for quantifying polyphenols in four different extractive solutions from erva‐mate, a decoction (ES), an infusion (ESI), and an extractive solution obtained by turbo extraction with water (TE1) or ethanol 40% (v/v) (TE2). The last one presented the highest polyphenol concentration.

Redox-Active Profile Characterization of Remirea maritima Extracts and Its Cytotoxic Effect in Mouse Fibroblasts (L929) and Melanoma (B16F10) Cells

Remirea maritima is a tropical plant with a reticulated root system belonging to the family Cyperaceae, also known to have biologically active secondary metabolites. However, very few data on R. maritima’s biological actions are available and there are no reports regarding the redox-active profile of this plant. In this study, we examined the total phenolic content of Remirea maritima hydroalcoholic (RMHA) extracts, redox properties against different reactive species generated in vitro and their cytotoxic effect against fibroblasts (L929) and melanoma (B16F10) cells. Total reactive antioxidant potential index (TRAP) and total antioxidant reactivity (TAR) results revealed that RMHA at all concentrations tested showed significant antioxidant capacity. RMHA was also effective against hydroxyl radical formation, reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ and in scavenging nitric oxide (NO) radicals. In vitro, the level of lipid peroxidation was reduced by RMHA extract and the data showed significant oxidative damage protection. The RMHA cytotoxicity was evaluated by a neutral red assay in fibroblast (L929) and melanome (B16F10) cells. The obtained results showed that the RMHA (40 and 80 µg/mL, respectively) reduced 70% of the viable cells. In conclusion, this study represents the first report regarding the antioxidant and anti-proliferative potential of R. maritima against B16F10 melanoma cells.

Technical Evaluation of Eye Drops Instillation: A Systematic Review

Objective: Assess the profile of eye drops in patients with eye diseases. Methods: Studies available in the scientific literature were identified without any time limits using the databases Embase-Medline, Scielo, Scopus and Web of Knowledge. The selected studies were compared with the following inclusion criteria: (i) if the study evaluated the eye drop instillation, (ii) if the study involved participation of patients with eye diseases. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Of them, 83.33% evaluated the technique of eye drop instillation in patients with glaucoma, 8.33% in patients with eye diseases and 8.33% in patients with cataract after undergoing surgery to correct. 41.66% of studies have chosen to record a video of patients to analyze the technique of instilling eye drops and 41.66% did not describe the/esearch location. Regarding the type of study, 75% had the design as prospective cross-sectional, 8.33% prospective open label study, 8.33% intervention study and 8.33% study called masked trial. Although studies evaluate the technique of eye drop instillation, only 8.33% describe in the article the reference in the literature used to evaluate patients. 50% of articles acknowledged some sort of bias or limitation. Conclusion: The limitations inherent in these types of studies should guide future research.