RESUMEN
The global concern about the use of disposable plastics has fed the research on sustainable packaging for food products. Among the virtuous materials, chitosan emerges as a valid alternative to conventional polyethylene films because of its abundance in nature. In this work, a novel film for food wrapping was developed by exploiting shellfish waste according to a vision of circular economy. Compared to previous studies, here, novel ingredients, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), fibroin, and essential oils, were used in a synergistic combination to functionally postpone cheese deterioration. The fermentative procedure applied for the obtainment of chitin contributes to filling the existing gap in the literature, since the majority of studies are based on the chemical pathways that dramatically impact the environment. After pretreatment, the shrimp shell waste (SSW) was fermented through two bacterial strains, namely Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis. A deacetylation step in an alkaline environment transformed chitin into chitosan, yielding 78.88 g/kg SWW. Four different film formulations were prepared, all containing chitosan with other ingredients added in order of decreasing complexity from the A to D groups. The novel films were tested with regard to their physico-mechanical and antioxidant properties, including the tensile strength (12.10-23.25 MPa), the elongation at break (27.91-46.12%), the hardness (52-71 Shore A), the film thickness (308-309 µm), and the radical scavenging activity (16.11-76.56%). The performance as a cling film was tested on two groups of cheese samples: the control (CTR), wrapped in conventional polyethylene (PE) film; treated (TRT), wrapped in the chitofilm formulation deemed best for its mechanical properties. The volatiles entrapped into the headspace were investigated by means of the SPME-GC technique. The results varied across soft, Camembert, and semi-hard cheeses, indicating a growing abundance of volatiles during the conservation of cheese. The bacterial growth trends for mesophilic, enterobacteriaceae, and lactic acid bacteria were expressed as the mean colony forming units (CFU)/mL for each type of cheese at different sampling times (day 2, day 8, and day 22): the highest load was quantified as 8.2 × 106 CFU/mL at day 22 in the CTR Camembert cheese. The TRT samples generally exhibited inhibitory activity comparable to or lower than that observed in the CTR samples. The sensory analysis revealed distinctions in cheese taste between the TRT and CTR groups.
RESUMEN
In addition to fulfilling their function of giving color, many natural pigments are known as interesting bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. These compounds have various applications. In recent times, in the food industry, there has been a spread of natural pigment application in many fields, such as pharmacology and toxicology, in the textile and printing industry and in the dairy and fish industry, with almost all major natural pigment classes being used in at least one sector of the food industry. In this scenario, the cost-effective benefits for the industry will be welcome, but they will be obscured by the benefits for people. Obtaining easily usable, non-toxic, eco-sustainable, cheap and biodegradable pigments represents the future in which researchers should invest.
Asunto(s)
Industria de Alimentos , Pigmentos Biológicos , Pigmentos Biológicos/farmacología , Análisis Costo-BeneficioRESUMEN
This work aimed to evaluate and compare the phenolic profile and some biological properties of the ripe "berries" methanol extracts of Juniperus oxycedrus L. subsp. oxycedrus (Joo) and Juniperus oxycedrus L. subsp. macrocarpa (Sibth. & Sm.) Ball. (Jom) from Turkey. The total phenolic content resulted about 3-fold higher in Jom (17.89±0.23 mg GAE/g extract) than in Joo (5.14±0.06 mg GAE/g extract). The HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis revealed a similar flavonoid fingerprint in Joo and Jom, whereas a difference in their quantitative content was found (4632 µg/g extract and 12644 µg/g extract). In addition, three phenolic acids were detected in Jom only (5765 µg/g extract), and protocatechuic acid was the most abundant one. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was evaluated by different in vitro assays: in the DPPH and in the TBA tests a stronger activity in Jom was highlighted, while Joo exhibited higher reducing power and metal chelating activity. Joo and Jom did not affect HepG2 cell viability and both extracts resulted virtually non-toxic against Artemia salina. The extracts were also studied for their antimicrobial potential, displaying efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria.
Asunto(s)
Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Juniperus/química , Fenoles/análisis , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Animales , Células Hep G2 , Humanos , Juniperus/clasificación , Especificidad de la EspecieRESUMEN
Berberis aetnensis C. Presl. is a bushy-spiny shrub common on Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy), containing various alkaloids with several pharmacological properties. This study assessed the effect of berberine and of the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots on the glutamate-evoked tissue transglutaminase (TG2) up-regulation in rat astrocyte primary cultures, used as an in vitro model of excitotoxicity. The findings show that the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots consists mainly of berberine. Furthermore, berberine and the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots were able to restore the oxidative status modified by glutamate and the levels of TG2 to control values. It was found that berberine or the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots are able to ameliorate the excessive production of glutamate, protein misfolding and aggregation, mitochondrial fragmentation, and neurodegeneration. Thus, it is suggested that berberine and the alkaloid extract of B. aetnensis roots, may represent a natural therapeutic strategy in the neuropathological conditions associated with excitotoxicity.
Asunto(s)
Alcaloides/farmacología , Astrocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Berberina/farmacología , Berberis/química , Ácido Glutámico/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Transglutaminasas/metabolismo , Animales , Astrocitos/enzimología , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Raíces de Plantas/química , Proteína Glutamina Gamma Glutamiltransferasa 2 , Ratas , Sicilia , Regulación hacia Arriba/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of treatment with Citrus bergamia juice (1 mL/day, for 30 days) against hypercholesterolemic diet-induced renal injury in rat.C. bergamia juice provoked a significant reduction in the plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL, and an increase in HDL levels, versus hyperlipidemic controls (p < 0.05). Plasma creatinine levels, measured to assess renal glomerular function, did not change compared with hyperlipidemic controls (0.37 +/- 0.11 mg/dL and 0.32 +/- 0.10 mg/dL, respectively). Moreover, in vivo lipid peroxidation was measured in kidney homogenate; C. bergamia juice administration significantly decreased MDA levels elevations compared with hyperlipidemic controls (4.10 +/- 0.10 nmol/mg protein and 4.78 +/- 0.15 nmol/mg protein, respectively).Histological observations of the kidney supported the biochemical data and indicated a protective effect of C. bergamia juice on the development of renal damage in hypercholesterolemic rats.The antioxidant potential of C. bergamia juice was examined in two in vitro systems: in the DPPH test the juice showed a noticeable effect on scavenging free radicals (IC(50) = 25.01 +/- 0.70 +/-L); in the reducing power assay it showed a strong activity, too (1.44 +/- 0.01 ASE/mL).These findings suggest that C. bergamia juice has a protective role in hypercholesterolemic diet-induced renal damage, which may be attributed to its antioxidant properties.
Asunto(s)
Citrus , Hipercolesterolemia/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades Renales/prevención & control , Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Animales , Compuestos de Bifenilo , Colesterol/sangre , Citrus/química , Creatinina/sangre , Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos , Depuradores de Radicales Libres/análisis , Hipercolesterolemia/sangre , Hipercolesterolemia/complicaciones , Hipercolesterolemia/patología , Riñón/patología , Enfermedades Renales/sangre , Enfermedades Renales/etiología , Enfermedades Renales/patología , Masculino , Picratos , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Triglicéridos/sangreRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the relaxing effects of Valeriana officinalis L. (Valerianaceae) on human uterine muscle. The major uses of this species in Europe are as a sedative and an anxiolytic; it is also used as a spasmolytic to treat gastrointestinal spasm. METHODS: We evaluated two valerian extracts (ethanolic and aqueous) in comparison with a natural mixture of valepotriates and nifedipine on spontaneous and agonist-induced contractions in non-pregnant human myometrium in vitro. Qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis was used to correlate the chemical composition of extracts with their spasmolytic effects. Myometrial strips were obtained from hysterectomy specimens of premenopausal women. Longitudinal muscle strips were mounted vertically in tissue baths under physiological conditions to record their isometric contraction. The responses of cumulative concentrations of valerian extracts on spontaneous contractions in the presence and absence of the beta-adrenoceptor blocker atenolol or the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indometacin, and on agonist-induced contractions, were investigated. KEY FINDINGS: Valerian extracts and valepotriates inhibited uterine contractility in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment with either atenolol or indometacin did not affect the uterine responses to valerian extracts. Valerian extract reduced the maximal contractile response induced by acetylcholine, phenylephrine and histamine independent of the stimulus. CONCLUSIONS: Valerian extracts may have direct inhibitory effects on the contractility of the human uterus and this justifies the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of uterine cramping associated with dysmenorrhoea.
Asunto(s)
Relajación Muscular/efectos de los fármacos , Relajación Muscular/fisiología , Miometrio/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Valeriana/química , Acetilcolina/antagonistas & inhibidores , Acetilcolina/farmacología , Antagonistas Adrenérgicos beta/administración & dosificación , Animales , Atenolol/administración & dosificación , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Cromatografía en Capa Delgada/métodos , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Epinefrina/antagonistas & inhibidores , Epinefrina/farmacología , Femenino , Cobayas , Humanos , Hidrazinas/metabolismo , Indenos/química , Indometacina/administración & dosificación , Iridoides/química , Contracción Muscular/fisiología , Miometrio/patología , Miometrio/fisiología , Nifedipino/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/análisis , Extractos Vegetales/química , Raíces de Plantas/química , Premenopausia , Sesquiterpenos/química , Valeratos/química , Valeratos/aislamiento & purificación , Valeratos/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death has been implicated in different neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's. Using the Alzheimer's disease-associated hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), we investigated the neuroprotective efficacy of a natural mixture of phytoestrogenic isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, biochanin A and formononetin) from Trifolium pratense L. (Red clover) against oxidative stress-induced cell death in human cortical cell line HCN 1-A maintained in culture. Neuronal viability was determined by MTT or trypan blue test and neuronal integrity by morphological analysis.The results obtained indicate that exposure of HCN 1-A cell cultures to hydrogen peroxide resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in neuron viability. Concentration of H(2)O(2) ranging from 50 to 200 microg/ml were toxic to these cultures. A 24-hour pretreatment with 0.5, 1 and 2 microg/ml isoflavones extract significantly increased cell survival as evidenced by MTT or trypan blue test and significantly prevented the morphological disruption caused by H(2)O(2) as shown by microscopical inspection, indicating that neurons treated with isoflavones were protected from the cell death induced by H(2)O(2) exposure. These findings imply that the neuroprotective effect of isoflavones extract is partly associated with its antioxidant activity. Further, results of these investigations indicate that although isoflavones extract exert a neuroprotective effect, it do not promoted cortical neuron process outgrowth.
Asunto(s)
Isoflavonas/farmacología , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Trifolium/química , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular , Genisteína/farmacología , Humanos , Peróxido de Hidrógeno/farmacología , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/farmacologíaRESUMEN
The endogenous steroid estrogen has been shown to affect neuronal growth, differentiation and survival. Genistein, daidzein and other isoflavones have been shown to mimic the pharmacological actions of the gonadal steroid estrogen with which they have structural similarities. Several studies have looked at the effect of isoflavones in the brain. In the present study, human cortical cell line HCN 1-A maintained in culture was used to test the neuroprotective efficacy of a natural mixture of phytoestrogenic isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, biochanin A and formononetin) from Red clover against glutamate toxicity. Neuronal viability was determined by MTT or trypan blue test and neuronal membrane damage was quantitatively measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The results obtained indicate that exposure of HCN 1-A cell cultures to glutamate resulted in concentration-dependent decreases in neuron viability. Concentration of glutamate ranging from 0.01 to 5 mM was toxic to these cultures. A 24-h pretreatment with 0.5, 1 and 2 microg/ml isoflavones enriched fraction (IEF) significantly increased cell survival and significantly decreased cellular lactate dehydrogenase release from differentiated cortical neurons, indicating that neurons treated with isoflavones were protected from the cell death induced by glutamate exposure. Moreover, the pretreatment with IEF prevented the morphological disruption caused by glutamate as shown by microscopical inspection. These findings indicate that IEF has a neuroprotective effect in human cortical neurons and that this effect might be resulted from his antioxidant and estrogenic actions.
Asunto(s)
Corteza Cerebral/efectos de los fármacos , Ácido Glutámico/toxicidad , Isoflavonas/farmacología , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Fitoestrógenos/farmacología , Trifolium/química , Diferenciación Celular , Línea Celular , Corteza Cerebral/citología , Humanos , Isoflavonas/aislamiento & purificación , Neuronas/citología , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/aislamiento & purificación , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/farmacología , Fitoestrógenos/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau fruits have been traditionally utilized, in Calabria (Italy), as a popular remedy for their hypolipidemic properties. C. bergamia juice total phenol content (2474.35+/-38 microg/mL) was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method; moreover, HPLC analysis led to the identification of naringin (520 ppm), neoeriocitrin (370 ppm), and neohesperidin (310 ppm). The present study was designed to investigate the hypolipidemic effects of C. bergamia juice and its protective effect on liver of hyperlipidemic rats. Chronic administration of C. bergamia (1 mL/rat/day) provoked a significant reduction in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels; moreover, histopathological observations showed, in rats submitted to C. bergamia treatment, a protection of hepatic parenchyma. In addition, fecal neutral sterols and fecal bile acid excretion was found to be increased after C. bergamia treatment. These results suggest that the hypocholesterolemic effect of C. bergamia may be mediated by the increase in fecal neutral sterols and total bile acids excretion. In addition to the hypolipidemic effect, the juice shows radical scavenging activity in the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test; probably the two effects are related. These observations suggest that the positive intake of C. bergamia may reduce the risk of some cardiovascular diseases through its radical scavenging function and hypocholesterolemic action.
Asunto(s)
Bebidas/análisis , Citrus/química , Frutas/química , Hipolipemiantes/administración & dosificación , Animales , Ácidos y Sales Biliares/análisis , Heces/química , Flavonoides/análisis , Depuradores de Radicales Libres/análisis , Hipolipemiantes/análisis , Masculino , Fenoles/análisis , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Esteroles/análisisRESUMEN
The anticoronaryspastic and antibronchospastic activities of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Valeriana officinalis L. roots were investigated in anaesthetized guinea-pigs and the results were correlated with the qualitative/quantitative chemical composition of the extracts in order to account for some of the common uses of this plant. The protective effects of orally administered ethanolic and aqueous extracts (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were evaluated against pitressin-induced coronary spasm and pressor response in guinea-pigs and were compared with those of nifedipine. Furthermore, the protective effects against histamine-induced and Oleaceae antigen challenge-induced bronchospasm were evaluated. Finally, the two valerian extracts were analytically characterized by qualitative and quantitative chromatographic analysis. The results showed that the two valeriana extracts possessed significant anticoronaryspastic, antihypertensive and antibronchospastic properties. These were similar to those exhibited by nifedipine and are due to the structural features of the active principles they contain. This study justifies the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of some respiratory and cardiovascular disorders.
Asunto(s)
Antihipertensivos , Parasimpatolíticos , Valeriana/química , Alérgenos , Animales , Espasmo Bronquial/inducido químicamente , Espasmo Bronquial/tratamiento farmacológico , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Cromatografía en Capa Delgada , Vasoespasmo Coronario/inducido químicamente , Vasoespasmo Coronario/tratamiento farmacológico , Cobayas , Histamina , Hipertensión/inducido químicamente , Hipertensión/tratamiento farmacológico , Masculino , Oleaceae/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Raíces de Plantas/química , Espectrofotometría Ultravioleta , Ultrasonido , Vasoconstrictores , VasopresinasRESUMEN
Estrogens have a profound influence on skin. The relative hypoestrogenism that accompanies menopause exacerbates the deleterious effects of both intrinsic and environmental aging. Estrogens improve skin in many ways. Among these, they increase collagen content, skin thickness and improve skin moisture. There is evidence that diets with high levels of phytoestrogenic isoflavones are associated with a low incidence of menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis. Plant extracts such as red clover, which contain high levels of isoflavones, have been used to reduce menopausal symptoms and have been shown to reduce bone loss in healthy women. In this study to investigate the effects of red clover isoflavones on skin aging, the histology of the skin, skin thickness and the amount of total collagen determined by a colorimetric method, were studied in ovariectomized rats after treatment for 14 weeks with a red clover extract standardized to contain 11% isoflavones determined by HPLC. In ovariectomized rats the thickness and keratinization of the epidermis were reduced; glands were less in number and vascularity was poor; the distribution and morphology of the collagen bundles and elastic fibers were altered. Whereas the skin of the ovariectomized rats treated with red clover isoflavones (20 and 40 mg of total isoflavones daily for 14 weeks) appeared well organized with a normal epidermis with uniform thickness and regular keratinization; vascularity, collagen and elastic fibers were well developed. The amount of collagen significantly increased in the treated group in comparison with the control group. These findings suggest that red clover isoflavones are effective in reducing skin aging induced by estrogen deprivation.
Asunto(s)
Isoflavonas/farmacología , Fitoterapia , Envejecimiento de la Piel/efectos de los fármacos , Piel/efectos de los fármacos , Trifolium/química , Animales , Colágeno/análisis , Colágeno/efectos de los fármacos , Etanol/química , Femenino , Isoflavonas/aislamiento & purificación , Ovariectomía , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Distribución Aleatoria , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Piel/citologíaRESUMEN
The bronchodilatory activity of the aqueous extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino leaves was investigated in anaesthetized guinea-pigs and compared with two of its isolated gypenosides (III and VIII). The results showed that the intravenous administration of the decoction of G. pentaphyllum (2.5, 5 or 10 mg kg(-1)) decreased bronchial resistance in basal conditions and significantly (P < 0.01) reduced (68% inhibition) the bronchoconstrictor action of histamine. Furthermore, the extract antagonized (80% inhibition) the bronchoconstrictor response induced by the antigen in sensitized guinea-pigs. Gypenosides III (0.7 mg kg(-1), i.v.) and VIII (0.3 mg kg(-1), i.v.) caused a similar protective effect in both experimental models used; however, the duration and the intensity of the action was less than that of the extract containing corresponding quantities of gypenosides III and VIII. This study confirmed the validity of the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory disorders.
Asunto(s)
Broncoconstricción/efectos de los fármacos , Broncodilatadores/farmacología , Gynostemma , Animales , Antígenos , Broncoconstricción/inmunología , Broncodilatadores/administración & dosificación , Cobayas , Gynostemma/química , Histamina , Masculino , Oleaceae/inmunología , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Hojas de la Planta/química , Sistema Respiratorio/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
The antioxidant activity of extracts from Capparis spinosa L. buds was evaluated using different in vitro tests: ascorbate/Fe(2+)-mediated lipid peroxidation of microsomes from rat liver; bleaching of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical; and autoxidation of Fe(2+) ion in the presence of bathophenanthroline disulfonate. The methanolic extract showed strong activities in all of these in vitro tests. The amount of total phenols was determined in the methanolic extract. In addition, the level of rutin was calculated as 0.39% (w/w) by HPLC analysis. Our findings indicate the following: (a) the antioxidant efficiency of the methanolic extract may be attributed to its phenolic content; and (b) the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract was maintained after removal of glucosinolates, confirming that these compounds do not interfere with the antioxidant properties of the extract. The results obtained from this study exalt the nutritional value of the flowering buds (capers) which are widely used as a source of flavor.