Gilda Carrasco

Antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and fibrinolytic activity in vitro of extracts from selected fruits and vegetables

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is known to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the information regarding the antithrombotic activity (antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and fibrinolytic) of fruits and vegetables is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the antithrombotic activity of extracts from fruits and vegetables widely consumed in central Chile. The study included samples of 19 fruits and 26 vegetables, representative of the local diet. The extracts prepared from each sample included an aqueous (juice or pressed solubles) and/or methanol-soluble fraction. The extracts were evaluated for antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and fibrinolytic activity in vitro at a final concentration of 1 mg/ml. The antiplatelet activity was assessed by platelet aggregation inhibition; anticoagulant activity was measured by the prothrombin time (PT), diluted prothrombin time (dPT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), kaolin clotting time (KCT), and thrombin time. The fibrinolytic effect was determined with the euglobin clot lysis time and fibrin plate methods. Extracts of green beans and tomatoes inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP and arachidonic acid, in a concentration-dependent manner. The methanolic extracts of grapes prolonged the PT and dPT. Finally, extracts of raspberry prolonged the APTT and also presented fibrinolytic activity. In conclusion, from a screening that included a variety of fruits and vegetables, we found antiplatelet activity in green beans and tomatoes, anticoagulant activities in grapes and raspberries, whereas fibrinolytic activity was observed only in raspberries. Further investigations are necessary to advance in knowledge of the active compounds of these fruits and vegetables and their mechanisms of action.

Strawberry extract presents antiplatelet activity by inhibition of inflammatory mediator of atherosclerosis (sP-selectin, sCD40L, RANTES, and IL-1β) and thrombus formation

Abstract Cardiovascular disease prevention is of high priority in developed countries. Healthy eating habits including the regular intake of an antithrombotic diet (fruit and vegetables) may contribute to prevention. Platelet function is a critical factor in arterial thrombosis and the effect strawberries have is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically examine the action of strawberries in preventing platelet activation and thrombus formation. Strawberry extract concentration-dependently (0.1–1 mg/ml) inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP and arachidonic acid. At the same concentrations as strawberry inhibits platelet aggregation, it significantly decreased sP-selectin, sCD40L, RANTES, and IL-1β levels. The strawberry may exert significant protective effects on thromboembolic-related disorders by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Also, this suggests that antithrombotic activity may have novel anti-inflammatory effects.

Bioassay-Guided Isolation and HPLC Determination of Bioactive Compound That Relate to the Antiplatelet Activity (Adhesion, Secretion, and Aggregation) from Solanum lycopersicum

In seeking the functionality of foodstuff applicable to medicine, ripe tomato fruits were found to show an antiplatelet activity. Therefore, the bioactive compound was isolated, structurally identified, and studied for an inhibitory effects on platelet adhesion, secretion, and aggregation. The concentration of adenosine in ripe tomato fruits (pulp and skin extracts) and its processing by-products (paste and pomace) was determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). According to platelet aggregation inhibition induced by ADP, the total extract residual was fractionated by liquid-liquid separation, obtaining aqueous, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extracts. The aqueous extract was subjected to repeated permeation over sephadex LH-20 and semipreparative TLC. The isolate finally obtained was identified as adenosine on the basis of ESI-MS, 1H NMR, HPLC, and UV spectra. Adenosine concentration dependently (2.3–457 μM) platelet aggregation inhibited induced by ADP. Also, adenosine present inhibition of platelet secretion and thrombus formation under flow conditions. The quantitative HPLC analysis revealed significant amounts of adenosine in ripe tomato fruits and its processing by-products. From these results, extracts/fractions of ripe tomato fruits and their processing by-products may be referred to as functional food and functional ingredients containing a compound that inhibits platelet function with a potent preventive effect on thrombus formation, as those that occur in stroke.

Nitrate accumulation reduction using chloride in the nutrient solution on lettuce growing by NFT in semiarid climate conditions

Abstract Nitrate accumulation in vegetable represents a serious threat to mans health. Different methods have been reported to reduce the nitrate accumulation in lettuce and other leafy vegetables with or without variation in the yield. The aim of this experiment was to show the different behavior of some cultivars of lettuce using the replacement of N‐NO3 for chloride in the nutrient solution during last week before harvest. The trial was carried out with three lettuce cultivars: Domino, Elvira, and Daguan and took place in southern Spain (Almeria) under greenhouse by NFT. The results indicated a correct method to decrease nitrate content in leafy vegetables and perhaps sulphate could be an anion to study their effect in this way.

Antioxidant and Antiplatelet Activities in Extracts from Green and Fully Ripe Tomato Fruits (Solanum lycopersicum) and Pomace from Industrial Tomato Processing

The consumption of fruits and vegetables is accepted to be one of the strategies to reduce risk factors for these diseases. The aim of this study was to examine potential relationships between the antioxidant and the antiplatelet activities in green mature and fully ripe (red) tomatoes and of lycopene-rich byproducts of tomato paste processing such as pomace. The total phenol content of tomato components was the highest in peels, pulp, and in the mucilaginous myxotesta covering the tomato seeds with values 36.9 ± 0.8, 33.3 ± 00.5, and 17.6 ± 0.9 mg GAE/100 g, respectively (P < 0.05). Tomato peels had the highest antioxidant activity, both, as measured by the FRAP (46.9 ± 0.9 μmol Fe+2/g, P < 0.05) and the DPPH assays (97.4 ± 0.2%, 1000 μg/mL, P < 0.05). Pomace extracts showed the highest antiplatelet activity induced by ADP, collagen, TRAP-6, and arachidonic acid. While the maturation stage of the tomato fruit affected the antioxidant effect, antiplatelet activity was independent of fruit ripeness. Finally, based on the present results, tomato and its byproducts may be considered as a valuable source of antioxidant and antiplatelet activities.

A novel role of Eruca sativa Mill. (rocket) extract: antiplatelet (NF-κB inhibition) and antithrombotic activities.

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown the prevention of cardiovascular diseases through the regular consumption of vegetables. Eruca sativa Mill., commonly known as rocket, is a leafy vegetable that has anti-inflammatory activity. However, its antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities have not been described. Methods: Eruca sativa Mill. aqueous extract (0.1 to 1 mg/mL), was evaluated on human platelets: (i) P-selectin expression by flow cytometry; (ii) platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen and arachidonic acid; (iii) IL-1β, TGF-β1, CCL5 and thromboxane B2 release; and (iv) activation of NF-κB and PKA by western blot. Furthermore, (v) antithrombotic activity (200 mg/kg) and (vi) bleeding time in murine models were evaluated. Results: Eruca sativa Mill. aqueous extract (0.1 to 1 mg/mL) inhibited P-selectin expression and platelet aggregation induced by ADP. The release of platelet inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TGF-β1, CCL5 and thromboxane B2) induced by ADP was inhibited by Eruca sativa Mill. aqueous extract. Furthermore, Eruca sativa Mill. aqueous extract inhibited NF-κB activation. Finally, in murine models, Eruca sativa Mill. aqueous extract showed significant antithrombotic activity and a slight effect on bleeding time. Conclusion: Eruca sativa Mill. presents antiplatelet and antithrombotic activity.

EFECTO DE LA CONDUCTIVIDAD ELÉCTRICA DE LA SOLUCIÓN NUTRITIVA SOBRE EL RENDIMIENTO Y CONTENIDO DE ACEITE ESENCIAL EN ALBAHACA CULTIVADA EN NFT

La albahaca (Ocimum basilicum) es una planta aromatica ampliamente usada para condimentar diversos platos. La falta de esta hierba fresca en los mercados durante la epoca de invierno y la necesidad de contar con plantas libres de contaminacion microbiana impulsaron el presente estudio. Para ello se evaluo el efecto de diferentes conductividades electricas de la solucion nutritiva en plantas cultivadas en el sistema hidroponico Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) en invernadero no calefaccionado entre los meses de octubre a enero en Talca, Chile. Las plantas se cultivaron en un diseno experimental con bloques completos al azar en soluciones nutritivas con conductividades electricas (CE) crecientes de 1,5, 3,0 y 4,5 dS/m. Las plantas de albahaca presentaron un comportamiento favorable en las variables materia fresca total, materia fresca radical y rendimiento de aceite esencial al ser tratadas con la solucion nutritiva de CE 1,5 dS/m, mientras que la concentracion de aceite esencial no vario con los diferentes tratamientos. Los valores medios obtenidos para la materia fresca fluctuaron entre 110,33 g/planta (1,5 dS/m) y de 78,62 g/planta (CE de 4,5 dS/m). La materia fresca radical alcanzo un valor maximo de 29,13 g/planta (CE de 1,5 dS/m). Asimismo, el tratamiento de 1,5 dS/m obtuvo el doble de rendimiento de aceite esencial que el tratamiento 4,5 dS/m con 0,4 ml/m2.

Use of Peroxyacetic Acid as Green Chemical on Yield and Sensorial Quality in Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) Under Soilless Culture

The goal of this research was to evaluate the effect of different doses of peroxyacetic acid on the productivity of watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) cultivated hydroponically using a constant nutritive solution. Green chemistry in protected horticulture seeks compatibility with the environment through the creation of biodegradable byproducts. In hydroponics, appropriate doses of peroxyacetic mixtures deliver these byproducts while also oxygenating the roots. Watercress producers who recirculate the nutritive solution can use these mixtures in order to increase oxygenation in the hydroponic system. The experiment took place between August and December 2009, beginning with the planting of the watercress seeds and concluding with the completion of the sensory panels. A completely random design was used, including three treatments and four repetitions, with applications of 0, 20 and 40 mg L−1 of the peroxyacetic mixture. Measured variables were growth (plant height, leaf length and stem diameter), yield (weight per plant and dry matter) and organoleptic quality (color and sensory panel). The application of 40 mg L−1 of the peroxyacetic mixture had a greater effect on the growth and development of the plants, which reached an average height of 29.3 cm, stem diameter of 3.3 mm and leaf length of 7.6 cm, whereas the control group reached an average height of only 20.2 cm, stem diameter of 1.9 mm and leaf length of 5.7 cm. The application of the peroxyacetic mixtures resulted in an improvement in growth parameters as well as in yield. Individual weights achieved using the 40 mg L−1 dose were 1.3 g plant−1 in the control group and 3.4 g plant−1 in the experimental group (62% yield increase). Sensory analysis revealed no differences in organoleptic quality.

ROCKET PRODUCTION (ERUCA SATIVA MILL.) IN A FLOATING SYSTEM USING PERACETIC ACID AS OXYGEN SOURCE COMPARED WITH SUBSTRATE CULTURE

Rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) is a green leafy vegetable that is increasingly used as an ingredient in salad. The floating system is a way to grow this crop, at high density from sowing to harvest and easy to use in relation substrate culture, and it is well known water culture can be limited by hypoxia. Few studies have examined the use of peroxides or peracetic acid in nutrient solutions as a source of oxygenation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the rocket grown in substrates as compared to the floating system, with a stabilized mixture of peracetic acid in the nutrient solution. The experiment was carried out in and Talca (Chile) from October to November 2008. The treatments were substrate culture perlite and composted pine bark (1:1); floating system with trays filled with the same substrate and 0, 40 and 80 mg·L−1 of stabilized peracetic acid mix (PA). The fresh and dry weight of rocket leaves at harvest we evaluated. We recorded total nutrient solution uptake; the average dissolved oxygen; pH and electrical conductivity (EC). A randomized complete block design with four replicates was conducted using Tukeys multiple range test (P < 0.05). The results suggest from 40 to 80 mg·L−1 PA applied to the nutrient solution, increases the fresh and dry weight in the rocket crop grown by floating system and may compensate this limiting factor in the growth, if it was compared with higher oxygen available substrate culture.

Contenido de nitratos en lechugas cultivadas en sistemas hidropónicos

Se estudio el contenido de nitrato en lechugas cultivadas en sistemas hidroponicos. Altos niveles de nitrato pueden ser daninos a la salud humana. La Comision Europea indica que las plantas de lechuga cultivadas en invernadero en periodo invernal deberian contener una concentracion de nitrato foliar menor a 4.500 mg/kg (peso fresco). En este estudio se determinaron los contenidos de nitrato de lechugas cultivadas en los sistemas hidroponicos de mesa flotante y nutrient film technique (NFT), en invernadero no calefaccionado y en invierno. Cuatro experimentos se realizaron en Talca, Chile, en periodo invernal (mayo a septiembre). Tres cultivares de lechuga tipo Espanola (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata) fueron evaluados: ?Loreto?, ?Floresta? y ?Esmeralda?. En el sistema flotante, el contenido de nitrato foliar fluctuo entre 1.344 y 3.839 mg/kg y desde 1.754 a 2.157 mg/kg a inicios y termino del periodo invernal, respectivamente. Los contenidos de nitrato en cultivares de lechuga cultivados en el sistema NFT fluctuaron desde 2.552 a 2.818 mg/kg y entre 2.676 a 3.100 mg/kg a inicios y fin del invierno, respectivamente. Ninguno de los cultivares de lechuga sobrepaso el contenido maximo estipulado por la Comision Europea y tampoco existieron diferencias consistentes entre ellas.