RESUMO
Antioxidants are materials that scavenge or remove free radicals from living systems. The oxidation process ends in the production of free radicals. These free radicals are the chief birthplace of cancerous cells. Antioxidizing agents remove free radical intermediates by terminating oxidation processes by being oxidized themselves. On the other hand, infectious diseases affect the world on a large scale. To fight these diseases several synthetic compounds have been used. Plant based medications play important role in this regard. So, the current research aimed to investigate the antibacterial and antioxidant effect of Berberis lycium Royle root bark (BLR) extract. Berberis lycium Royle was used for phytochemical analysis and also as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the agar well diffusion method. Current study revealed that BLR was rich in phytochemicals and toxic against tested pathogenic bacteria. BLR showed the highest activity against S. pyogenes (13.3±0.8 mm). The lowest antibacterial activity was reported against E. coli (0±0 mm). In case of minimum inhibitory concentration, it was observed that BLR with 10 µg/mL concentration showed the highest activity while 2.5 µg/mL of BLR showed the least inhibitory activity. The highest In vitro antioxidant activity was recorded as 65% at 100 µg/mL. In case of in vivo antioxidant activity level of CAT, GSH and SOD were decreased while that of MDA was enhanced in groups treated with CCl4 as compared to the control group. BLR extract treatment reversed all these changes significantly. Current results indicate that BLR is effective against bacterial pathogens and also has antioxidant potential.
Os antioxidantes são materiais que eliminam ou removem os radicais livres dos sistemas vivos. O processo de oxidação termina na produção de radicais livres. Esses radicais livres são o principal local de nascimento das células cancerosas. Os agentes antioxidantes removem os intermediários dos radicais livres ao encerrar os processos de oxidação ao serem eles próprios oxidados. Por outro lado, as doenças infecciosas afetam o mundo em grande escala. Para combater essas doenças, diversos compostos sintéticos têm sido utilizados. Os medicamentos à base de plantas desempenham um papel importante a este respeito. Assim, o objetivo da pesquisa atual é investigar o efeito antibacteriano e antioxidante do extrato da casca da raiz de Berberis lycium Royle (BLR). Berberis lycium Royle foi utilizado para análises fitoquímicas e também como agentes antimicrobianos e antioxidantes. A atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada pelo método de difusão em ágar em poço. A partir do estudo atual, observou-se que o BLR era rico em fitoquímicos e tóxico contra bactérias patogênicas testadas. BLR apresentou maior atividade contra S. pyogenes (13,3 ± 0,8 mm). A menor atividade antibacteriana foi relatada contra E. coli (0 ± 0 mm). No caso de concentração inibitória mínima, observou-se que BLR com concentração de 10 µg / mL apresentou maior atividade, enquanto BLR 2,5 µg / mL apresentou menor atividade inibitória. A maior atividade antioxidante in vitro foi registrada como 65% a 100 µg / mL. No caso do nível de atividade antioxidante in vivo de CAT, GSH e SOD diminuiu, enquanto o de MDA aumentou nos grupos tratados com CCl4 em comparação com o grupo controle. O tratamento com extrato de BLR reverteu todas essas mudanças significativamente. Os resultados atuais indicam que o BLR é eficaz contra patógenos bacterianos e também tem atividade antioxidante.
Assuntos
Berberis , Fitoterapia , Anti-Infecciosos , Antibacterianos , AntioxidantesRESUMO
Polyphenols are bioactive substances that participate in the prevention of chronic illnesses. High content has been described in Berberis microphylla G. Forst (calafate), a wild berry extensively distributed in Chilean-Argentine Patagonia. We evaluated its beneficial effect through the study of mouse plasma metabolome changes after chronic consumption of this fruit. Characterized calafate extract was administered in water, for four months, to a group of mice fed with a high-fat diet and compared with a control diet. Metabolome changes were studied using UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-based untargeted metabolomics. The study was complemented by the analysis of protein biomarkers determined using Luminex technology, and quantification of OH radicals by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Thirteen features were identified with a maximum annotation level-A, revealing an increase in succinic acid, activation of tricarboxylic acid and reduction of carnitine accumulation. Changes in plasma biomarkers were related to inflammation and cardiovascular disease, with changes in thrombomodulin (-24%), adiponectin (+68%), sE-selectin (-34%), sICAM-1 (-24%) and proMMP-9 (-31%) levels. The production of OH radicals in plasma was reduced after calafate intake (-17%), especially for the group fed with a high-fat diet. These changes could be associated with protection against atherosclerosis due to calafate consumption, which is discussed from a holistic and integrative point of view.
RESUMO
Background: Berberis commutata Eichler is a berry that grows in the Peruvian Andes and has been consumed in the Andes of South America since ancient times. The edible fruits have an intense purple color and are rich in anthocyanins and phenolic compounds that are available from February until May each year. The color of the fruits is a soft purple dye for natural fibers, and many birds use them as food. Objective: This study quantified the total phenolic, monomeric anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of Berberis commutata Eichler berries. Methods: The total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric assay. Monomeric anthocyanin content was determined by the method is pH differential, and the antioxidant activity was measured using the Brand-Williams method. Results: The total phenolic content was 7,490 ± 0.85 mg GAE/100g, and the monomeric anthocyanin content was 70 ± 0.03 mg/100g. The antioxidant activity of the berries showed a tendency to increase with B. commutata extract concentration; an EC50 of 0.91 mg/mL was calculated, indicating a high antioxidant power. Conclusion: Our results showed that B. commutata E. has both high total phenolic content and monomeric anthocyanins comparable to other superfruits and high antioxidant activity, which means that it is possible to use this berberis species as a functional food.
Introducción: Berberis commutata Eichleres una baya que crece en los Andes peruanos. Los frutos comestibles tienen un intenso color púrpura rico en antocianinas y componentes fenólicos que están disponibles desde febrero hasta mayo de cada año. El color de sus frutos se utiliza como un suave colorante púrpura para las fibras naturales y muchas aves los utilizan como alimento. Sin embargo, desde la antigüedad los frutos de esta especie han sido consumidas en los Andes de Sudamérica. Objetivo: Este estudio cuantificó el contenido fenólico total, antocianinas monoméricas y la actividad antioxidante usando el método del radical DPPH de las bayas de Berberis commutata Eichler. Método: El contenido fenólico total se midió a través del ensayo colorimétrico de Folin-Ciocalteu, el contenido de antocianinas monoméricas se determinó mediante el método del pH diferencial y la actividad antioxidante se midió con el método de Brand-Williams. Resultados: El contenido fenólico total fue de 7,490 ± 0.85 mg GAE/100g y el contenido de antocianinas monoméricas fue de 70 ± 0.03 mg/100g. La actividad antioxidante de las bayas mostró una tendencia a aumentar con la concentración del extracto de B. commutata, se calculó un EC50 de 0.91 mg/mL que indica un alto poder antioxidante. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados mostraron que B. commutata E. tiene tanto un alto contenido fenólico total, así como antocianinas monoméricas comparables con otras superfrutas y una elevada actividad antioxidante, lo que significa que es posible utilizar esta especie de berberis como alimento funcional.
Assuntos
Humanos , Compostos Fenólicos , Berberis , Antocianinas , AntioxidantesRESUMO
Urolithiasis is a disease thatcan occur alone or together, obstruct the urinary flow, and even progress to the animal's death. Objective:The present study is to report the dissolution of calculus in the ureter in a kitten. Methodology: a feline, SRD, male, started at 3 months old with the signs of vomiting, constipation,and hematuria, presenting leukocytosis and increased serum urea. Two abdominal ultrasounds were performed 30 days apart and the third at 3 months. Results:Inthe first ultrasound there was hydronephrosis in the right kidney and dilation of the ureter and microlithiasis in the urinary bladder. The animalhad already been treated with antibiotic therapy and did not improve. Given these characteristics, Cantharis Vesicatoria30cH was administered, there was no more hematuria and when the drug was discontinued, the symptom returned. After 30 days of startinghomeopathic treatment, we repeated the ultrasound which showed 2 kidney stones, and a urinary bladder with cystitis associated with sandy lithiasis. BerberisVulgaris30cH was then administered for 15 days, after which both drugs were discontinued and theanimal remained asymptomatic. After 3 months the ultrasound was repeated which showed 2 kidney stones, Causticum6cH was inserted for 14 days to dissolvekidney stones, thus preventing the return of the initial symptoms. Conclusion:the treatment was beneficial for the patient, who was asymptomatic after the use of Causticum.Considering the natural history of the disease in cats and the high chance of recurrence of the disease, the recommendation was to monitor the organs through an annual ultrasound examination, in addition to encouraging water intake.
Assuntos
Cães , Urolitíase/terapia , Berberis vulgaris/uso terapêutico , Cantharis vesicatoria/uso terapêutico , Causticum/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
The genus Nothofagus is one of the most abundant in the subantarctic Patagonian forests. Five species inhabit these ecosystems, three evergreen (Nothofagus betuloides, Nothofagus dombeyi, and Nothofagus nitida) and two deciduous (Nothofagus pumilio and Nothofagus antarctica). This is the first report on the levels of secondary metabolites and the antioxidant capacity of Patagonian tree species growing in natural environments. The aim of this work was to carry out a phytochemical screening, to determine the antioxidant capacity, the sun protection factor, and the α-glucosidase and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of foliar extracts of the five previous species. Besides, Aristotelia chilensis and Berberis microphylla, two species of Patagonian shrubs growing in the same forests, were used as reference. N. dombeyi was the Nothofagus with the best antioxidant capacity. B. microphylla differed from all studied species. Moreover, the Nothofagus was split into two groups. N. betuloides and N. dombeyi are the most similar species to A. chilensis. The α-glucosidase was completely inhibited by all studied extracts. Furthermore, N. antarctica, N.pumilio, and N. nitida inhibited about 70% of the tyrosinase activity. All the results found in this study for the species of the genus Nothofagus support further research on their potential beneficial properties for human health.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Inibidores Enzimáticos/farmacologia , Compostos Fitoquímicos/farmacologia , Árvores/química , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Benzotiazóis/antagonistas & inibidores , Compostos de Bifenilo/antagonistas & inibidores , Chile , Avaliação Pré-Clínica de Medicamentos , Inibidores Enzimáticos/química , Inibidores Enzimáticos/metabolismo , Florestas , Humanos , Monofenol Mono-Oxigenase/antagonistas & inibidores , Monofenol Mono-Oxigenase/metabolismo , Compostos Fitoquímicos/química , Compostos Fitoquímicos/metabolismo , Picratos/antagonistas & inibidores , Especificidade da Espécie , Ácidos Sulfônicos/antagonistas & inibidores , Árvores/metabolismo , alfa-Glucosidases/metabolismoRESUMO
Calafate is a berry rich in anthocyanins that presents higher content of polyphenols than other fruits. Its compounds have been described previously, however, the potential thereof in preventing and treating degenerative disorders has not yet been studied. Due to its astringency, the consumption of this berry in its natural state is limited. To profit from the aforementioned properties and reduce palatability issues, calafate berry extracts were microencapsulated by spray drying, a rapid, cost-effective and scalable process, and were then compared with freeze drying as a control. The stability of its contents and its in-vitro potential, with respect to AChE activity and neuroprotection, were measured from the obtained microcapsules, resulting from temperature treatments and different encapsulant contents. The results indicated that the spray-dried powders were stable, despite high temperatures, and their encapsulation exhibited nearly 50% efficiency. The highest quantity of polyphenols and 3-O-glycosylated anthocyanins was obtained from encapsulation with 20% maltodextrin, at 120 °C. Temperature did not affect the microcapsules' biological action, as demonstrated by their antioxidant activities. The prevention of Aß peptide cytotoxicity in PC12 cells (20%) revealed that encapsulated calafate can confer neuroprotection. We conclude that spray-drying is an appropriate technique for scaling-up and producing new value-added calafate formulations with anti-neurodegenerative effects and vivid colors.
RESUMO
Genetic characterization of wild and cultivated plants provides valuable knowledge for conservation and agriculture. DNA sequencing technologies are improving, and costs are dropping. Yet analysis of many species is hindered because they grow in regions that lack infrastructure for advanced molecular biology. The authors developed and adapted low-cost methods that address these issues. Tissue was collected and stored in silica gel, avoiding the need for liquid nitrogen and freezers. The authors optimized low-cost, homemade DNA extraction to increase yields, reduce costs and produce DNA suitable for next-generation sequencing. The authors describe how to build a gel documentation system for DNA quantification. As a proof of principle, the authors used these methods to evaluate wild Berberis darwinii, native to Southern Chile.
Assuntos
Variação Genética , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala , Plantas , Berberis/genética , Chile , DNA , Plantas/genética , Análise de Sequência de DNARESUMO
Calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst) is a Patagonian barberry very rich in phenolic compounds. Our aim was to demonstrate, through in vitro models, that a comprehensive characterized calafate extract has a protective role against oxidative processes associated to cardiovascular disease development. Fifty-three phenolic compounds (17 of them not previously reported in calafate), were tentatively identified by Ultra-Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detector, coupled to Quadrupole-Time of Fly Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-QTOF). Fatty acids profile and metals content were studied for the first time, by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Total X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF), respectively. Linolenic and linoleic acid, and Cu, Zn, and Mn were the main relevant compounds from these groups. The bioactivity of calafate extract associated to the cardiovascular protection was evaluated using Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and human low density lipoproteins (LDL) to measure oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The results showed that calafate extract reduced intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production (51%) and completely inhibited LDL oxidation and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. These findings demonstrated the potential of the relevant mix of compounds found in calafate extract on lipoperoxidation and suggest a promising protective effect for reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease.
RESUMO
Berberis laurina (Berberidaceae) is a well-known medicinal plant used in traditional medicine since ancient times; however, it is scarcely studied to a large-scale fingerprint. This work presents a broad-range fingerprints determination through high-resolution magical angle spinning (HR-MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, a well-established flexible analytical method and one of most powerful "omics" platforms. It had been intended to describe a large range of chemical compositions in all plant parts. Beyond that, HR-MAS NMR allowed the direct investigation of botanical material (leaves, stems, and roots) in their natural, unaltered states, preventing molecular changes. The study revealed 17 metabolites, including caffeic acid, and berberine, a remarkable alkaloid from the genus Berberis L. The metabolic pattern changes of the leaves in the course of time were found to be seasonally dependent, probably due to the variability of seasonal and environmental trends. This metabolites overview is of great importance in understanding plant (bio)chemistry and mediating plant survival and is influenceable by interacting environmental means. Moreover, the study will be helpful in medicinal purposes, health sciences, crop evaluations, and genetic and biotechnological research.
Assuntos
Berberis/química , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Metaboloma , Extratos Vegetais/análise , Extratos Vegetais/metabolismo , Plantas Medicinais/química , Folhas de Planta/químicaRESUMO
An important portion of vitamins, minerals and polyphenols components in human diet are captured from fruit consumption. Argentinean Patagonia Berberis microphylla was characterized with the phenolic content, the proximate composition and the identification and quantification of anthocyanins, not-anthocyanins and proteins. The antioxidant capacity of berberis ethanolic extracts (EB) was determined by the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. EB was used to reduce production of reactive substances species (ROS) in zebrafish. EB presented a total polyphenols content of 1,035.03 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight (FW). EB presented an ABTS value of 116.25 ± 17 µmol TE/g FW. EB presented a DPPH value of 137.80 ± 1.90 µmol TE/g FW. EB was able of reducing the ROS in zebrafish. Berberies Protein Isolate (BPI) presented proteins with bands from 15 to 62 kDa. BPI presented an ABTS value of 593.11 ± 8.60 µmol TE/g. The BPI duodenal digest presented a value of 641.07 ± 12.60 µmol TE/g digests. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The practical applications of the present study are to increase scientific knowledge for consumers about the quality and benefits of the consumption of the native fruit (Berberis microphylla) from the Patagonia region of Argentine. This work describes the protein profile of berberies, their digestibility and their antioxidant activity. This study allows to better understand the phytonutrients that make up this fruit. Future studies may identify the peptides present in hydrolyzates. The bio-compounds of this fruit could be used as functional ingredients by the food industry for different purposes.
Assuntos
Berberis , Animais , Antocianinas , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Humanos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Peixe-ZebraRESUMO
The Argentinean Patagonia berries Berberis microphylla, Berberis darwinii, and Fragaria chiloensis ssp. chiloensis f. patagonica were investigated for their polyphenol content and composition by means of liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The in vitro antioxidant activity and inhibition of metabolic syndrome-associated enzymes (α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase) of the fruit extracts was assessed. The most complex polyphenol profile was found in the Berberis samples, with 10 anthocyanins, 27 hydroxycinnamic acids, 3 proanthocyanidins, 2 flavan-3-ol, and 22 flavonols. Fragaria presented four anthocyanins, nine ellagitannins, two proanthocyanidin dimers, one flavan-3-ol, and five flavonols. The Berberis samples showed the best antioxidant capacity, while Fragaria displayed better activity against α-glucosidase and lipase. The phenolic content and composition of the Argentinean Patagonia berries was similar to that reported for Chilean samples but with some chemical differences between Eastern (Argentina) and Western (Chile) Patagonia. The data obtained supports the consumption of these berries as sources of beneficial polyphenols.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Berberis/química , Fragaria/química , Polifenóis/análise , Polifenóis/farmacologia , Antocianinas/análise , Antioxidantes/análise , Argentina , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Ácidos Cumáricos/análise , Inibidores de Glicosídeo Hidrolases/farmacologia , Humanos , Taninos Hidrolisáveis/análise , Síndrome Metabólica/enzimologia , Extratos Vegetais/análise , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Espectrometria de Massas por Ionização por Electrospray , alfa-Amilases/antagonistas & inibidoresRESUMO
Hydroalcoholic extracts of Patagonian Calafate berry (Berberis microphylla) contain mono or disaccharide conjugated anthocyanins and flavonols. The Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) chemical extract profile identified glycosylated anthocyanidins such as delphinidin-, petunidin- and malvidin-3-glucoside as the major constituents. The predominant flavonols were 3-O substituents quercetin-rutinoside or -rhamnoside. Anthocyanins doubled flavonols in mass (13.1 vs. 6 mg/g extract). Polyphenols vascular actions were examined in the rat arterial mesenteric bed bioassay; extract perfusion elicited concentration-dependent vasodilatation mimicked by conjugated anthocyanins standards. Vascular responses of main glycosylated anthocyanins were endothelium-dependent (p < 0.001) and mediated by NO production (p < 0.05). The anthocyanins antioxidant activity determined in isolated endothelial cells (CAA) showed a reduced redox potential as compared to the extract or quercetin. While in the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the anthocyanins showed an equivalent quercetin potency, the extract was 15-fold less active, proposing that the anthocyanin-induced vasodilation is not due to an antioxidant mechanism. The extract shows promising commercial nutraceutical potential.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Berberis/química , Suplementos Nutricionais/análise , Frutas/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Vasodilatadores/farmacologia , Animais , Antioxidantes/química , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Células Endoteliais/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Endoteliais/metabolismo , Estrutura Molecular , Compostos Fitoquímicos , Extratos Vegetais/química , Ratos , Espectrometria de Massas em Tandem , Vasodilatadores/químicaRESUMO
Calafate is a berry with high concentration of anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acids that grows in South Patagonia. To date, no metabolism studies of phenolic compounds using calafate have been carried out. A calafate extract was characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. After extract administration (300â¯mg/kg), a pharmacokinetic study of phenolic compounds in gerbil plasma was performed by GC-MS/MS. Sixteen phenolic acids increased after intake. Phenylacetic acid derivatives exhibit the highest concentration, while main increase of phenolic catabolites was observed 2â¯h post-intake. 3-hydroxyphenylacetic and phenylacetic acids increased at 4-8â¯h post-intake. All catabolites found in gerbil plasma exhibit concentration peaks between 0.1 and 1⯵M, however no parental anthocyanins were detected. Establish in vivo plasmatic concentration ranges of phenolic compounds derived from polyphenol consumption following WHO recommendations, plays a key role to carry out future in vitro assays in order to correctly assign biological benefits of calafate berry consumption.
Assuntos
Berberis/química , Gerbillinae/metabolismo , Fenóis/farmacocinética , Animais , Frutas , Gerbillinae/sangue , Peso Molecular , Espectrometria de Massas em TandemRESUMO
Berberis darwinii Hook es una especie que habita el sur de Chile y la Patagonia. Siendo utilizada por la etnia mapuche para el tratamiento de procesos inflamatorios, estados febriles, y dolor estomacal. El propoÌsito del siguiente estudio fue evaluar in vitro las propiedades del extracto de alcaloides de raiÌz de B. darwinii sobre respuestas celulares en monocitos desde sangre perifeÌrica de rata. Los resultados de la cuantificacioÌn del extracto muestran una concentracioÌn de alcaloides totales de 1,67 mg/g y la caracterizacioÌn por HPLC- MS determinoÌ la presencia de berberina y palmatina. In vitro se observoÌ que los extractos disminuyeron la capacidad de adhesioÌn y la actividad fagociÌtica de los monocitos e inhibieron la translocacioÌn del factor nuclear NF-κB asociado a la modulacioÌn de la inflamacioÌn, pero no asiÌ la produccioÌn de anioÌn superoÌxido. Estos resultados indicariÌan que los alcaloides totales de B. darwinii inhiben algunos mecanismos especiÌficos de defensa celular.
Berberis darwinii Hook is a species that inhabits southern Chile and Patagonia. This is being used by the Mapuche ethnic group for the treatment of inflammatory processes, febrile states, and stomach pain. The purpose of the following study was to evaluate in vitro the properties of an alkaloid extract of B. darwinii root on cellular responses in monocytes from the rat peripheral blood. The results of the quantification of the extract showed a total alkaloid concentration of 1.67 mg/g and the characterization by HPLC-MS determined the presence of berberine and palmatine. In vitro, it was observed that the extracts decreased the adhesion capacity and phagocytic activity of the monocytes and inhibited the translocation of the nuclear factor NF-κB associated with the modulation of inflammation, but not the production of superoxide anion. These results indicate that the total alkaloids of B. darwinii inhibit some specific mechanisms of cellular defense.
Assuntos
Animais , Masculino , Ratos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Raízes de Plantas/química , Berberis/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Monócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Adesão Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão/métodos , NF-kappa B/efeitos dos fármacos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Alcaloides/análiseRESUMO
Tropical mountains are areas of high species richness and endemism. Two historical phenomena may have contributed to this: (i) fragmentation and isolation of habitats may have promoted the genetic differentiation of populations and increased the possibility of allopatric divergence and speciation and (ii) the mountain areas may have allowed long-term population persistence during global climate fluctuations. These two phenomena have been studied using either species occurrence data or estimating species divergence times. However, only few studies have used intraspecific genetic data to analyse the mechanisms by which endemism may emerge at the microevolutionary scale. Here, we use landscape analysis of genomic SNP data sampled from two high-elevation plant species from an archipelago of tropical sky islands (the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt) to test for population genetic differentiation, synchronous demographic changes and habitat persistence. We show that genetic differentiation can be explained by the degree of glacial habitat connectivity among mountains and that mountains have facilitated the persistence of populations throughout glacial/interglacial cycles. Our results support the ongoing role of tropical mountains as cradles for biodiversity by uncovering cryptic differentiation and limits to gene flow.
Assuntos
Biodiversidade , Genética Populacional , Genômica , Plantas/genética , Animais , Clima , Ecossistema , Fluxo Gênico , Ilhas , México , Filogenia , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único/genéticaRESUMO
The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of intravenous administration of Berberis vulgaris root bark aqueous extract (BRBD) on the cardiovascular and renal functions of healthy normotensive rats. The different doses of BRBD 1, 10 and 20 mg/kg were administered intravenously (i.v) in normal rats. Blood pressure, diuretic activity and serum renal profile were analyzed. Intravenous injection of BRBD at the different doses of 1, 10 and 20 mg/kg showed a dose-dependent reduction in mean arterial blood pressure (P<0.001). At different doses of 1, 10 and 20 mg/kg, the hypotensive effect remained for more than one hour. Single dose administration of BRBD at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg caused a significant increase in urine output (P<0.001) as compared to the control rats. Serum renal profile test (albumin, Urea, Uric Acid, creatinine and BUN) did not show any significant alteration. The authors conclude that the BRBD is a potent hypotensive and possesses diuretic potential
Assuntos
Animais , Masculino , Feminino , Ratos , Extratos Vegetais/efeitos adversos , Berberis vulgaris/efeitos adversos , Administração Intravenosa/instrumentação , Casca de Planta , Pressão Arterial/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Berberis microphylla is a native plant that grows in Patagonia and is commonly used by aboriginal ethnic groups in traditional medicine as an antiseptic for different diseases. The present study evaluated the antibacterial and synergistic activity of alkaloid extracts of B. microphylla leaves, stems and roots used either individually or in combination with antibiotics against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The in vitro antibacterial activities of leaf, stem and root alkaloid extracts had significant activity only against Gram-positive bacteria. Disc diffusion tests demonstrated that the root extract showed similar activity against B. cereus and S. epidermidis compared to commercial antibiotics, namely ampicillin and cephalothin, and pure berberine, the principal component of the alkaloid extracts, was found to be active only against S. aureus and S. epidermidis with similar activity to that of the root extract. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the alkaloid extracts ranged from 333 to 83 µg/mL, whereas minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) varied from 717 to 167 µg/mL. In addition, synergistic or indifferent effects between the alkaloid extracts and antibiotics against bacterial strains were confirmed.
Assuntos
Ampicilina/farmacologia , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Alcaloides de Berberina/farmacologia , Berberis/química , Cefalotina/farmacologia , Antibacterianos/isolamento & purificação , Alcaloides de Berberina/isolamento & purificação , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Bactérias Gram-Negativas/efeitos dos fármacos , Bactérias Gram-Negativas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Bactérias Gram-Positivas/efeitos dos fármacos , Bactérias Gram-Positivas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Extratos Vegetais/química , Folhas de Planta/química , Raízes de Plantas/química , Caules de Planta/químicaRESUMO
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common chronic disease whose prevalence is currently increasing worldwide. Nowadays, the main antidiabetic agent used is metformin. However, between 10 and 30 percent of patients undergoing metformin therapy have nonspecific gastric alterations as an undesired secondary effect. Therefore, the search for new therapeutic alternatives is especially useful, where plant- derived products emerge as an excellent phytochemical resource. The objective of this review is to present and discuss the state of the art of current research conducted on the Berberis gender with hypoglycemic activity, which is normally used in alternative medicine therapy for the treatment of T2DM, and its possible mechanisms of action described in literature.
La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) es una enfermedad crónica común, cuya prevalencia está actualmente aumentando en todo el mundo. Al presente, el principal fármaco antidiabético utilizado es la metformina. Sin embargo, entre un 10 y 30 por ciento de los pacientes tratados presentan como efecto no deseado de alteraciones gástricas inespecíficas. Por lo tanto, la búsqueda de nuevas alternativas terapéuticas es de gran utilidad, en donde los productos derivados de plantas emergen como un excelente recurso fitoquímico. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar y discutir sobre el estado del arte de investigaciones realizadas en las especies del género Berberis con actividad hipoglicemiante, las cuales son normalmente utilizadas en medicina alternativa como terapia para el tratamiento de DM, y sus posibles mecanismos de acción descritos en la literatura.
Assuntos
Berberis/química , /tratamento farmacológico , Hipoglicemiantes/uso terapêutico , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Terapias ComplementaresRESUMO
Berberis hartwegii Benth., Berberidaceae, Hamelia patens Jacq., Rubiaceae, Dendropanax arboreus (L.) Decne & Planch., Araliaceae, Erythrina herbacea L., Fabaceae, and Zanthoxylum caribaeum Lam., Rutaceae, acetone extracts were selected on the basis of their use in traditional Mexican medicine to treat scabies or skin diseases. Anti-dermatophyte activity in vitro was evaluated using the agar dilution assay, and the therapeutic efficacy of B. hartwegii and Z. caribaeum were tested against experimental tinea pedis. The infected animals were treated intragastrically daily for seven days with 2.5 and 5 mg/kg of acetone extracts. The acetone extract of H. patens exhibited 100% growth inhibition against T. mentagrophytes and E. floccosum at 100.0 and 50.0 µg/ml, respectively, and B. hartwegii inhibited growth of M. canis and T. mentagrophytes at 100.0 µg/ml. Effective treatments with 2.5 mg/kg of Z. caribaeum and B. hartwegii extract were comparable with 1 mg/kg of clotrimazole in mice. Liver profile tests and histological analyses did not exhibit any signs of toxicity and the Ames test indicated that both extracts were safe when evaluated in strains TA98, TA100 and TA102. Our results suggest the potential for the future development of new antifungal drugs from B. hartwegii or Z. caribaeum.
RESUMO
There are 20 species of the Berberidaceae family described in Chile, whose fruits are edible and show high anthocyanin and hydroxycinnamic acid levels. Berberis microphylla G. Forst, commonly known as calafate, is the most extensively distributed. Flavonols and alkaloids in seed, pulp, skin, and whole calafate berry extracts and other Berberis were studied using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and HPLC with fluorescence detector. Berry samples from different locations in Chilean Patagonia, including different phenological stages, were systematically addressed. Results were compared with other organs of the plant and with other Berberis species. Total flavonol concentration in calafate (n = 65) was 1.33 ± 0.54 µmol/g. Glycosyl metabolites of quercetin and isorhamnetin were the most abundant. Similar profiles were observed in calafate from distinct locations, but important differences were observed for the other edible Berberis species. Calafate pulp and skin have higher flavonol concentrations than seeds, and the maturation process reduced its levels. TEACCUPRAC and TEACABTS of whole calafate extracts and fractions are also explored. Finally, only berberine was detected in the fruit (0.001%), mainly in seeds. Results contribute to the promotion of this berry as a superfruit from Patagonia.