Renata de Freitas Mendes

Cecropia pachystachya: A Species with Expressive In Vivo Topical Anti-Inflammatory and In Vitro Antioxidant Effects

Cecropia pachystachya is a species traditionally used in Brazil to treat inflammation. This work aims to evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract of C. pachystachya (CPM) and to perform its chemical fingerprint by HPLC-DAD. The topical anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the mouse models of acute ear inflammation induced by croton oil, arachidonic acid, capsaicin, EPP, phenol, and chronic inflammation induced by multiple application of croton oil. The in vitro antioxidant effect of CPM was investigated using DPPH, reducing power, β-carotene bleaching, and TBARS assays. HPLC analysis was performed to quantify the antioxidant phenolics orientin, isoorientin, and chlorogenic acid previously identified in CPM. CPM exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effect in the acute models, in some cases comparable to the reference drugs. Histopathological analysis showed a moderate chronic skin anti-inflammatory effect with decrease in vasodilation, edema, cell infiltration, and epidermal hyperproliferation. It also showed strong in vitro antioxidant activity. The contents of orientin, isoorientin, and chlorogenic acid were 66.5 ± 1.8, 118.8 ± 0.7, and 5.4 ± 0.2 µg/mg extract, respectively. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of CPM could be based on its antioxidant properties, although other effects are probably involved, including COX inhibition and other mechanisms.

In vivo wound healing activity of gels containing Cecropia pachystachya leaves

To evaluate the in‐vivo wound healing and in‐vitro antioxidant activity of gels containing the ethyl acetate extract of Cecropia pachystachya (ECP) 2% and 5%, and to perform the chemical fingerprint of ECP by HPLC‐DAD.

Anti-inflammatory, laxative and intestinal motility effects of Senna macranthera leaves

Several species of Senna are well known for their therapeutic properties, being used in folk medicine to treat throat inflammation and constipation. In this regard, the anti-inflammatory, laxative and intestinal motility effects of different extracts of Senna macranthera (Colladon) H. Irwin and Barneby leaves were determined. The hexane extract significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats in a manner similar to that of sodium diclofenac. A laxative effect was observed for the methanolic and hexane extracts comparative to the standard drug bisacodyl; however, only the hexane extract increased the intestinal motility in the studied period. Moreover, the extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant activity and the ethyl acetate extract presented a pronounced activity comparable to the standard rutin. Phytochemical screening was also performed and phenolic compounds like flavonoids, tannins and coumarins were observed in all extracts except for the hexane extract, which instead presented anthrones, triterpenes and steroids in its composition. The HPLC profile showed the presence of the anthraquinone emodine in all tested extracts.

New aspects on the hepatoprotective potential associated with the antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic and anti-inflammatory activities of Vernonia condensata Baker

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Vernonia condensata Baker (Asteraceae) is traditionally used in South American Countries as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and hepatoprotective. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the in vivo hepatoprotective and antioxidant, and the in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of the ethyl acetate partition (EAP) from the ethanolic extract of this medicinal plant leaves. MATERIALS AND METHODS For the in vivo hepatoprotective activity, rats were pretreated orally for seven days with vehicle, silymarin 100mg/kg or EAP 50, 100 and 200mg/kg. Then, acetaminophen 3g/kg was also orally administrated. Animals were euthanatized 24h after the damage inducement. The levels of the serum enzymes ALT, AST and ALP were determined, as well as the triglycerides, total cholesterol and fractions. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by TBARS assay and by the measurement of glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the rats liver tissue. The in vitro anti-inflammatory assay using Raw 264.7 cell line induced by lipopolysaccharide was conducted to verify EAP ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS EAP was able to inhibit all the acute biochemical alterations caused by acetaminophen overdose. EAP inhibited malondialdehyde formation, maintained the catalase and increased the glutathione reductase activities. Also, EAP decreased NO, IL-6 and TNF-α levels at concentrations from 10 to 20µg/mL. 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid was isolated and identified as the major compound in EAP. Apigenin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid were also identified. EAP anti-inflammatory action may be due to its antioxidant activity or its capacity to inhibit the pro-inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION These results strongly suggested that V. condensata may be useful as a possible therapy against liver damage.

Pereskia aculeata: A plant food with antinociceptive activity

Abstract Context: Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) is a cactus distributed from south to northeast of Brazil, where its leaves are commonly used as a vegetable, in skin wound healing, and to treat inflammation. Objectives: The objective of this study was to perform the chemical characterization and to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of the hydromethanolic fraction obtained from the methanol extract of P. aculeata leaves. Materials and methods: Chemical characterization was performed by UPLC–MS analysis. The antinociceptive activity was evaluated by the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, and tail-flick tests in mice, administering the single oral doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg 1 h before each test. Results: Tryptamine, abrine, mescaline, hordenine, petunidin, di-tert-butylphenol isomers, and quercetin were identified. The antinociceptive activity was inversely proportional to the administered doses in the acetic acid test, as the dose of 100 mg/kg reduced by 78% the number of writhings, while the doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg reduced by 64% and 41%, respectively. In the formalin test, the dose of 300 mg/kg inhibited by 50% and 86% the licking paw time in the first and second phases, respectively, while the doses of 200 mg/kg (45% and 62%, respectively) and 100 mg/kg (15% and 48%, respectively) were less effective. The sample did not respond to the tail-flick test. Those results suggested a peripheral and central antinociception devoid of an opioid effect. Conclusion: Pereskia aculeata not only is a plant food with high nutritional value but also presents analgesic potential. It is the first time that this bioactivity is reported for this species.

Topical application of the hexane fraction of Lacistema pubescens reduces skin inflammation and cytokine production in animal model

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute topical anti‐inflammatory effect of the hexane fraction (HLP) of Lacistema pubescens in mice.

The essential oil from the fruits of the Brazilian spice Xylopia sericea A. St.-Hil. presents expressive in-vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activity

The aims of this study were to investigate the chemical composition and the antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Xylopia sericea fruits (OXS). The fruits of this species are popularly used for medicinal purposes, and as a condiment in food preparation.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Some Plant Extracts

Infectious diseases are the world’s leading cause of premature deaths, killing almost 50,000 people every day. In recent years, drug resistance to human pathogenic bacteria has been commonly reported from all over the world (N’guessan et al., 2007). The abusive and indiscriminate use of antimicrobial compounds over many years is the main factor responsible for the appearance of the phenomenon of bacterial resistance to such compounds (Andremont, 2001). With increased incidence of resistance to antibiotics, natural products from plants could be interesting alternatives (Lu et al., 2007; Mbwambo et al., 2007). Some plant extracts and phytochemicals are known to have antimicrobial properties, and can be of great significance in therapeutic treatments. In the last few years, a number of studies have been conducted in different countries to demonstrate such efficacy (BenoitVical et al., 2006; Senatore et al., 2007; Singh et al., 2007). On the other hand, free radicals are known to be the major cause of various chronic and degenerative diseases. Oxidative stress is associated with pathogenic mechanisms of many diseases including atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes and inflammatory diseases, as well as aging processes. It is defined as an imbalance between production of free radicals and reactive metabolites, so-called oxidants, and it also includes their elimination by protective mechanisms, referred to as antioxidative systems. This imbalance leads to damage of important biomolecules and organs with potential impact on the whole organism. Antioxidants can delay, inhibit or prevent the oxidation of oxidizable materials by scavenging free radicals and diminishing oxidative stress (Durackova, 2010; Reuter et al., 2010). Natural antioxidants have been studied extensively for decades in order to find compounds protecting against a number of diseases related to oxidative stress and free radical-induced damage. To date, many plants have been claimed to pose beneficial health effects such as antioxidant properties (Kaur & Arora, 2009; Newman & Cragg 2007). According to World Health Organization (WHO), 65 80% of the world populations rely on traditional medicine to treat various diseases (Kaur & Arora, 2009). The WHO recommends

A promising antibiotic, synergistic and antibiofilm effects of Vernonia condensata Baker (Asteraceae) on Staphylococcus aureus

Vernonia condensata Baker is traditionally used to treat several inflammatory and infectious processes. So, this study evaluated the antibiotic, synergistic and antibiofilm effects, and the mode of action of ethyl acetate fraction from V. condensata leaves (Vc-EAF) against Staphylococcus aureus. Five S. aureus ATCC® and five methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) routine strains were used to determine Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration. The combinatory effect was evaluated by checkerboard and time kill methods; the mode of action through the bacterial cell viability and leakage of compounds absorbing at 280 nm; and the antibiofilm action by quantifying the percentage of adhesion inhibition. Vc-EAF was active against S. aureus (ATCC® 6538™), (ATCC® 25923™), (ATCC® 29213™), (ATCC® 33591™), (ATCC® 33592™), MRSA 1485279, 1605677, 1664534, 1688441 and 1830466, with MIC of 625 μg/mL for ATCC®, and 1250, 1250, >2500, 2500 and 2500 μg/mL for MRSA, in this order, with bacteriostatic effect for both ATCC® and MRSA strains. Vc-EAF plus ampicillin revealed a total synergic effect on MRSA 1485279, and Vc-EAF combined with chloramphenicol, a partial synergic action against S. aureus (ATCC® 29213™) and (ATCC® 25923™). The time kill data agreed with checkerboard results, and the treated cells number was reduced with release of bacterial content. An expressive bacterial adhesion inhibition for S. aureus (ATCC® 25923™) and MRSA 1485279 was detected. These results showed that V. condensata is a promising natural source of active substances against S. aureus, including multiresistant strains, interfering with their antibacterial growth and hampering their adhesion to surfaces.

Comparative analysis of Lacistema pubescens and dexamethasone on topical treatment of skin inflammation in a chronic disease model and side effects

This study aimed to evaluate the chronic topical anti‐inflammatory activity of the pharmaceutical formulation ProHLP containing the hexane fraction of Lacistema pubescens (HLP). It was also investigated the possible cutaneous and systemic adverse effects of HLP and ProHLP in mice when compared to dexamethasone.