RESUMO
The Triplaris gardneriana Wedd. seeds extract has great therapeutic potential due to numerous biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which are associated with phenolic content. Although this herbal preparation has shown many benefits, recently their toxicity profile has begun to be explored. In this present study, the toxic effects of T. gardneriana seeds ethanolic extract (EETg) on biological systems of different taxonomical groups and levels of complexity (from cell culture to lower vertebrates) were assessed, through a variety of viability and toxicological assays. It was found that EETg did not impair the Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth at the highest tested concentration (200 µg/mL), and no toxicant evidence was observed in Aedes aegypti larvae or in Drosophila melanogaster adult stage. Contrarily, the extract reduced the viability of undifferentiated Caco-2 cells (250 µg/mL, 40% of viable cells), but did not affect differentiated ones. The embryotoxicity in Danio rerio model showed a LC50 of 7.41 mg/L (95% confidence interval, 4.78 - 11.49 mg/L). EETg did not show signs of toxicity in the majority of the models used, but lethality and malformations in zebrafish embryos occurred. Further analyses are needed to better understand the selective toxicity mechanism of EETg on zebrafish, as well as whether the toxic effects happen in higher vertebrates.
Assuntos
Polygonaceae , Peixe-Zebra , Animais , Células CACO-2 , Drosophila melanogaster , Embrião não Mamífero , Etanol , Humanos , Larva , Extratos Vegetais/toxicidade , Sementes/toxicidadeRESUMO
Exposure to the herbicides Paraquat and Roundup® may cause cell lesions due to an increase in oxidative stress levels in different biological systems, even in the liver. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of melatonin on liver of rats exposed to herbicides. A total of 35 rats were randomly divided into seven equal-sized groups: control, Paraquat, Roundup®, Paraquat + Roundup®, Paraquat + melatonin, Roundup® + melatonin, and Paraquat + Roundup® + melatonin. Samples of blood and hepatic tissue were collected at the end of the seventh day of exposure and treatment with melatonin. Body weight, hematological parameters, and histopathological, biochemical analyses and determination of oxidative stress levels in liver were evaluated. Body weight was compromised (P < 0.01). Alterations of hematologic parameters were significant when compared to control (P < 0.001). Biochemically, serum levels of albumin decreased (P < 0.001), but serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase increased (P < 0.001). Histopathology revealed necrotic hepatocytes, portal and central-lobular inflammatory infiltrate, congestion of capillaries. Serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were found to be significantly elevated (P < 0.05; P < 0.001), and serum level of reduced glutathione was significantly lower (P < 0.05; P < 0.001). The groups treated concomitantly with melatonin revealed results similar to those of the control. However, melatonin acted as a protective agent for the liver against experimentally induced hepatic toxicity, promoting prevention of body weight, oxidative stress, and normalization of hematological and biochemical parameters.
RESUMO
Objective: Considering the limited number of studies that analyze the behavior of plant preparations in human body, this study aimed to characterize the phenolic compounds from Triplaris gardneriana extract (EETg) in terms of antioxidant and metabolic aspects, integrating in vitro, in silico and in vivo strategies.Methods: EETg was analyzed in relation to polyphenols release from the plant matrix under in vitro digestion, as well as the pharmacokinetic prediction of their major compounds by in silico simulation and understanding of its in vivo antioxidant effect in an alternative animal model.Results: About 35.22% of polyphenols from EETg proved to be accessible after enzymatic hydrolysis. A kinetics study showed that 40% of the total content of these phytochemicals was released from the extract accompanied by increased antioxidant capacity after 180 min of gastrointestinal simulation. A computational approach revealed that 7 out of 9 major phenolic compounds of EETg showed good pharmacokinetic parameters such as intestinal absorption and bioavailability score. In addition, the extract showed a protective effect on copper-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster, evidenced by the restoration of basal levels of thiol and malondialdehyde contents. These biochemical observations were supported by the examination of histological features of D. melanogaster brain.Conclusion: It was demonstrated that the oral administration of EETg would provide phenolic compounds partially absorbable by the human gut and capable of providing health benefits associated with the inhibition of oxidative stress. Additionally, the results highlight the need to implement new approaches for the rational development of plant-based medicines.
Assuntos
Drosophila melanogaster , Polygonaceae , Polifenóis/metabolismo , Animais , Antioxidantes , Estresse Oxidativo , Extratos Vegetais , Polifenóis/química , Sementes/químicaRESUMO
Spondias mombin L. is used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation and gastrointestinal diseases. Our study investigated the antiulcer activity of S. mombin ethanolic extract (SmEE) and its majority compounds gallic acid (GA) and ellagic acid (EA). Phytochemical characterization was performed by HPLC. The SmEE was screened for in vitro antioxidant activities using phosphomolybdenum, ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The antiulcer activity of SmEE, GA, EA, or GA + EA was evaluated by gastric lesion models induced by absolute ethanol and indomethacin. Following this, it is capable of stimulating mucus production, antisecretory capacity, and the influence of -SH groups and NO in the effect of SmEE. Its healing activity was demonstrated by acetic acid-induced chronic ulcer model. Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was assessed by determining the MIC of the SmEE (64-1024 µg/mL). The HPLC results identified the presence of gallic acid and ellagic acid in SmEE. The extract showed antioxidant activity in vitro. SmEE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) reduced the area of ulcerative lesions induced by ethanol in 23.8, 90.3, and 90.2%, respectively. In NSAID model, the SmEE induced protection of 36.8, 49.4, and 49.9%, respectively. GA (10 mg/kg) or EA (7 mg/kg) or the association of GA + EA (10 + 7 mg/kg) inhibited the ethanol-induced lesions in 71.8, 70.9, and 94.9%, respectively, indicating synergistic action. SmEE (100 mg/kg) decreased acid secretion and H+ concentration in the gastric contents, increased levels of mucus, and showed to be dependent of -SH groups and NO on the protection of the gastric mucosa. In chronic ulcer model, SmEE reduced the gastric area lesion. SmEE showed anti-H. pylori activity. In conclusion, our study showed that SmEE has antiulcerogenic activity. GA and EA are isolated gastric protectors and, when associated, acted synergistically to protect the gastric mucosa.
Assuntos
Anacardiaceae/química , Medicina Herbária/métodos , Fitoterapia/métodos , Folhas de Planta/química , Úlcera Gástrica/tratamento farmacológico , Animais , Camundongos , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
Spondias purpurea is used in folk medicine to treat diarrhea and diuresis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antioxidant and antiulcer activities of the hexane extract of the leaves of S. purpurea (SpHE). Phytochemical profile was evaluated via thin layer chromatography (TLC) and HPLC. SpHE was screened for antioxidant activities using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and phosphomolybdenum assays. To determine its antiulcer properties, animals were pretreated with injured control, lansoprazole, ranitidine, carbenoxolone, or SpHE (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) and were screened; acute ulcers were induced by HCl/ethanol, absolute ethanol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). TLC revealed the presence of flavonoids, whereas HPLC analysis showed the presence of caffeic acid and epigallocatechin. The phenolic compounds and in vitro assays showed antioxidant activity. After gastric ulcer induction by using HCl/ethanol, SpHE reduced the area of ulcerative lesions by 82, 91, and 88%, respectively. In ethanol, SpHE reduced the area of ulcerative lesions by 77, 93, and 92%, respectively. In the NSAID, the percentages of protection were 70, 76, and 78%, respectively. SpHE promoted the minimization of ulcers, increased the levels of reduced glutathione, and decreased tumor necrosis factor. S. purpurea has antioxidant and antiulcer properties.