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Calotropis procera fibres have been proposed for free-phase diesel removal in case of spillage into groundwater. For this, characterizations were carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), wettability and contact angle measurements. Sorption oil capacity, kinetic, isothermal and recycling behaviour were evaluated. For initial optimization of the oil sorption capacity, an experimental design (DOE) was applied, with the optimized condition being 60â g L-1 of diesel in water and 0.01â g of fibre. Then, the results clearly indicated that the fibres have a hydrophobic and oleophilic character, quickly reaching more than 71.43â g g-1 of diesel sorption, according to the adjustment (R² > 0.99) of the pseudo-second order and Langmuir models, governed by absorption mechanisms. It should also be noted that at the end of 8 reuse cycles, the fibre presented a total accumulated sorption capacity of about 252.6â g g-1 of diesel. Furthermore, a laboratory-scale experiment was carried out to remove diesel from groundwater in gas station areas, the fibre removed 98.55% to 99.97% of removal efficiencies were achieved of the free phase over time. Therefore, the material demonstrates excellent characteristics for removing diesel spills in groundwater due to its fast, high and stable removal capacity.
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Nature is gifted with a wide range of ornamental plants, which beautify and clean the nature. Due to its great aesthetic value, there is a need to protect these plants from a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (L.) is an ornamental plant and it is commonly known as China rose or shoeblack plant. It is affected by several fungal and bacterial pathogens. Current study was designed to isolate leaf spot pathogen of H. rosa-sinensis and its control using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Based on molecular and morphological features, the isolated leaf spot pathogen was identified as Aspergillus niger. AgNPs were synthesized in the leaf extract of Calotropis procera and characterized. UV-vis spectral analysis displayed discrete plasmon resonance bands on the surface of synthesized AgNPs, depicting the presence of aromatic amino acids. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) described the presence of C-O, NH, C-H, and O-H functional groups, which act as stabilizing and reducing molecules. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the average size (~32.43 nm) of AgNPs and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicted their spherical nature. In this study, in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of AgNPs was investigated. In vitro antifungal activity analysis revealed the highest growth inhibition of mycelia (87%) at 1.0 mg/ml concentration of AgNPs. The same concentration of AgNPs tremendously inhibited the spread of disease on infected leaves of H. rosa-sinensis. These results demonstrated significant disease control ability of AgNPs and suggested their use on different ornamental plants.
A natureza é presenteada com uma grande variedade de plantas ornamentais que embelezam e limpam a natureza. Por causa de seu grande valor estético, existe a necessidade de proteger essas plantas de uma variedade de estresses bióticos e abióticos. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (L.) é uma planta ornamental comumente conhecida como rosa-da-China ou graxa-de-estudante. É afetada por vários patógenos fúngicos e bacterianos. O presente estudo buscou isolar o patógeno da mancha foliar de H. rosa-sinensis e seu controle usando nanopartículas de prata (AgNPs). Com base nas características moleculares e morfológicas, o patógeno isolado da mancha foliar foi identificado como Aspergillus niger. As AgNPs foram sintetizadas no extrato de folhas de Calotropis procera e caracterizadas. A análise de espectroscopia UV-vis mostrou discretas bandas de ressonância plasmônica na superfície das AgNPs sintetizadas, mostrando a presença de aminoácidos aromáticos. A espectroscopia no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR) descreveu a presença de grupos funcionais C-O, NH, C-H e O-H, que atuam como moléculas estabilizadoras e redutoras. A difração de raios X (DRX) revelou o tamanho médio (~32,43 nm) das AgNPs e a microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) mostrou sua natureza esférica. Neste estudo, foi investigada a atividade antifúngica in vitro e in vivo de AgNPs. A análise da atividade antifúngica in vitro revelou a maior inibição do crescimento de micélio (87%) na concentração de 1,0 mg/ml de AgNPs. A mesma concentração de AgNPs inibiu a propagação da doença em folhas infectadas de H. rosa-sinensis. Esses resultados demonstraram significativa capacidade de controle de doenças das AgNPs e sugeriram seu uso em diferentes plantas ornamentais.
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Controle Biológico de Vetores , Calotropis , Hibiscus , Fungos/patogenicidadeRESUMO
The subtropical fruit known as the loquat is prized for both its flavour and its health benefits. The perishable nature of loquat makes it vulnerable to several biotic and abiotic stressors. During the previous growing season (March-April 2021), loquat in Islamabad showed signs of fruit rot. Loquat fruits bearing fruit rot symptoms were collected, and the pathogen that was causing the disease isolated and identified using its morphology, microscopic visualisation, and rRNA sequence. The pathogen that was isolated was identified as Fusarium oxysporum. Green synthesized metallic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) were employed to treat fruit rot disease. Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using a leaf extract of the Calotropis procera. Characterization of NPs was performed by different modern techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) determined the existence of stabilizing and reducing compounds like phenol, carbonyl compounds, and nitro compounds, on the surface of Fe2O3 NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) explained the crystalline nature and average size (~49 nm) of Fe2O3 NPs. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) exhibited Fe and O peaks, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the smaller size and spherical shape of Fe2O3 NPs. Following both in vitro and in vivo approaches, the antifungal potential of Fe2O3 NPs was determined, at different concentrations. The results of both in vitro and in vivo analyses depicted that the maximum fungal growth inhibition was observed at concentration of 1.0 mg/mL of Fe2O3 NPs. Successful mycelial growth inhibition and significantly reduced disease incidence suggest the future application of Fe2O3 NPs as bio fungicides to control fruit rot disease of loquat.
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Eriobotrya , Fusarium , Nanopartículas Metálicas , Nanopartículas , Frutas/química , Nanopartículas Metálicas/química , Paquistão , Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Difração de Raios X , Antibacterianos/farmacologiaRESUMO
One of the challenges of the scientific research on sweet potatoes in semi-arid environments is to increase biomass amounts of spontaneous species from the Caatinga biome, such as hairy woodrose (Merremia aegyptia L.) and roostertree (Calotropis procera Ait.), for use as green fertilizers during cultivation. Therefore, this study aimed to agronomically and economically optimize the agronomic characteristics of sweet potato root production in a monoculture, fertilized with equal amounts of biomass mixture of these spontaneous species, over two years of cultivation. The experimental design was complete randomized blocks with five treatments and five replications. The treatments consisted of equal amounts of hairy woodrose and roostertree biomass at 16, 29, 42, 55, and 68 t ha-1 on a dry basis. An additional sweet potato treatment was planted in each experiment, one without fertilizers (control) and another with mineral fertilizer, to compare with the treatment of maximum physical or economic efficiency. Sweet potato fertilization obtained the maximum optimized productive efficiency by incorporating 46.97 t ha-1 of dry biomass of M. aegyptia and C. procera into the soil. The maximum optimized agroeconomic efficiency (based on net income) of sweet potato cultivation occurred by adding 41.55 t ha-1 of dry biomass of M. aegyptia and C. procera to the soil. Using biomass from the green fertilizers M. aegyptia and C. procera is a viable technology for producers who practice sweet potato monocropping in semi-arid environments.
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BACKGROUND: Calotropis procera is a laticiferous plant (Apocynaceae) found in tropical regions all over the world. The ultrastructural characteristics of laticifers, their restricted distribution among different taxonomic groups, and in some species in each clade, as peptidases from latex, make them very attractive for biological analysis. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to investigate the effects of LP-PII-IAA (laticifer protein (LP) sub-fraction II (PII) of C. procera presenting an iodoacetamide-inhibited cysteine proteinase activity) on irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis, a serious adverse effect of this medicine for the treatment of cancer. METHODS: LP-PII-IAA is composed of closely related isoforms (90%) of peptidases derived from catalysis and an osmotin protein (5%). Animals receiving co-administration of LP-PII-IAA presented a significant decrease in mortality, absence of diarrhea, histological preservation, and normalization of intestinal functions. RESULTS: Clinical homeostasis was accompanied by a reduction in MPO activity and declined levels of IL-1ß, IL-6 and KC, while the IL-10 level increased in LP-PII-IAA-treated animals. COX-2 and NF-kB immunostaining was reduced and the levels of oxidative markers (GSH, MDA) were normalized in animals that received LP-PII-IAA. CONCLUSION: We suggest that peptidases from the latex of Calotropis procera were instrumental in the suppression of the adverse clinical and physiological effects of irinotecan.
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Calotropis , Cisteína Proteases , Animais , Calotropis/química , Ciclo-Oxigenase 2 , Interleucina-10 , Interleucina-6 , Iodoacetamida , Irinotecano/farmacologia , Látex/química , Látex/farmacologia , NF-kappa B , Proteínas de Plantas/farmacologia , Proteínas de Plantas/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand (Apocynaceae) is an herb that has been commonly used in folk medicine to treat various diseases for more than 1500 years. AIMS: Our goal was to investigate the anti-metastatic effects of phenolics extracted from C. procera (CphE) against 4T1 breast cancer cells and in BALB/c mice. METHODS: 4T1 cells were treated with CphE and quercetin (positive control) at concentrations that inhibited cell viability by 50% (IC50). Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), wound healing, and protein expressions were determined following standard protocols. For the in vivo pilot study, the syngeneic BALB/c mouse model was used. 4T1 cells were injected into mammary fat pads. Tumors were allowed to grow for 9 days before gavage treatment with CphE (150 mg GAE/kg/day) or PBS (controls) for one week. Excised tumors, liver, and lungs were analyzed for gene and protein expression and histology. RESULTS: In vitro results showed that CphE suppressed cell viability through apoptosis induction, via caspase-3 cleavage and total PARP reduction. CphE also scavenged ROS and suppressed Akt, mTOR, ERK1/2, CREB, and Src activation contributing to cell motility inhibition. CphE reduced IR, PTEN, TSC2, p70S6, and RPS6, protein levels, which are proteins involved in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, suggesting this pathway as CphE primary target. In vivo results showed downregulation of ERK1/2 activation by phosphorylation in tumor tissues, accompanied by angiogenesis reduction in tumor and lung tissues. A reduction of Cenpf mRNA levels in liver and lung tissues strongly suggested anti-invasive cancer activity of CphE. CONCLUSION: CphE inhibited 4T1 cell signal pathways that play a key role in cell growth and invasion. The potential for in vitro results to be translated in vivo was confirmed. A complete animal study is a guarantee to confirm the CphE anticancer and antimetastatic activity in vivo.
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Calotropis , Neoplasias , Animais , Apoptose , Calotropis/genética , Calotropis/metabolismo , Caspase 3/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinases/metabolismo , Projetos Piloto , Inibidores de Poli(ADP-Ribose) Polimerases/farmacologia , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-akt/metabolismo , Quercetina/farmacologia , RNA Mensageiro , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio , Transdução de Sinais , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/metabolismoRESUMO
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been reported to be promising alternatives to chemical preservatives. Thus, this study aimed to characterise AMPs generated from the hydrolysis of wheat gluten proteins using latex peptidases of Calotropis procera, Cryptostegia grandiflora, and Carica papaya. The three hydrolysates (obtained after 16 h at 37 °C, using a 1:â25 enzyme: âsubstrate ratio) inhibited the growth of Aspergillus niger, A. chevalieri, Trichoderma reesei, Pythium oligandrum, Penicillium sp., and Lasiodiplodia sp. by 60-90%, and delayed fungal growth on bread by 3 days when used at 0.3 g/kg. Moreover, the specific volume and expansion factor of bread were not affected by the hydrolysates. Of 28 peptides identified, four were synthesised and exhibited activity against Penicillium sp. Fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy suggested that the peptides damaged the fungal plasma membrane. Bioinformatics analysis showed that no peptide was toxic and that the antigenic ones had cleavage sites for trypsin or pepsin.
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Calotropis , Látex , Peptídeos Antimicrobianos , Aspergillus niger , Pão , Peptídeo Hidrolases , PeptídeosRESUMO
The objective was to evaluate the qualitative and nutritional aspects of elephant grass cv. BRS capiaçu silage with increasing proportions of silk cotton. A completely randomized design was used with five (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60% on natural matter basis) different inclusion proportions of silk cotton to elephant grass silage and four repetitions. Silages were prepared in PVC minisilos and remained ensiled for 42 days. The inclusion of silk cotton resulted in a linear reduction in dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, and indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) contents at 0.06, 0.30, 0.23, 0.20, and 0.09 percentage points for each 1% inclusion, respectively. There was an increasing linear effect of crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN), with an increase of 39.32 and 20.89% from the lowest to the highest inclusion of silk cotton to elephant grass cv. BRS capiaçu silage. Values of pH, gas losses (GL), effluent losses (EL), dry matter recovery (DMR), hemicellulose, and lignin were not influenced by the evaluated inclusion levels, showing estimated averages of 3.87, 1, 42%, 11.55kg t-1 natural matter, 97.36%, 19.30%, and 7.20%, respectively. An increasing linear effect was found for fraction a, c, effective degradability (ED) (2% and 5%) dry matter, with an increment of 0.05, 0.0005, and 0.11 percent points, respectively. There was a quadratic effect for fraction b, potential degradability (PD), ED (2%), with minimum points of 23.72%, 50.52%, (at 45% inclusion level) 39.69%, (at 15% inclusion level) respectively. The indigestible fraction (IF) had a quadratic effect with a maximum of 49.48% at the 45% inclusion level. The colonization time (CT) linearly reduced by 0.09 percentage points for each 1% inclusion evaluated. According to the parameters evaluated, the inclusion of up to 60% silk cotton improved nutritional aspects and nutritional value of elephant grass cv. BRS capiaçu silage.(AU)
Objetivou-se avaliar aspectos qualitativos e nutricionais da silagem de capim-elefante cv. BRS capiaçu com proporções crescentes de algodão-de-seda. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco (0, 15; 30; 45; 60% na base da matéria natural) diferentes proporções de inclusão do algodão-de-seda à silagem de capim-elefante cv. BRS Capiaçu e quatro repetições. As silagens foram confeccionadas em silos de PVC e permaneceram ensiladas por 42 dias. A inclusão do algodão-de-seda resultou em redução linear nos teores de matéria seca (MS), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), celulose e fibra em detergente neutro indigestível (FDNi) em 0,06, 0,30, 0,23, 0,20 e 0,09 pontos percentuais para cada 1% de inclusão, respectivamente. Houve efeito linear crescente da proteína bruta (PB) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT), com incremento de 39,32 e 20,89% da menor à maior proporção de inclusão do algodão-de-seda à silagem do capim-elefante cv. BRS Capiaçu. O potencial hidrogeniônico (pH), perdas por gases (PG), perdas por efluentes (PE), recuperação de matéria seca (RMS), hemicelulose e lignina não foram influenciados pelos níveis de inclusão avaliados apresentando médias estimadas de 3,87, 1,42%, 11,55kg t-1 de MN, 97,36%, 19,30% e 7,20%, respectivamente. Foi observado efeito linear crescente para fração a, c, degradabilidade efetiva (DE) (2% e 5%) da matéria seca, com incremento de 0,05, 0,0005, e 0,11 pontos percentuais, respectivamente. Houve efeito quadrático para fração b, degradabilidade potencial (DP), DE (2%), com pontos de mínima de 23,72%, 50,52%, (no nível de 45 % de inclusão) 39,69%, (no nível de 15 % de inclusão) respectivamente. A fração indigestível (FI) apresentou efeito quadrático com máxima de 49,48% no nível de 45% de inclusão. O tempo de colonização (TC) reduziu linearmente em 0,09 pontos percentuais para cada 1% de inclusão avaliada. De acordo com os parâmetros avaliados, a inclusão de até 60% de algodão-de-seda à silagem de capim-elefante cv. BRS capiaçu favorece os aspectos nutricionais e o valor nutritivo das mesmas.(AU)
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Silagem , Calotropis , Pennisetum , Valor NutritivoRESUMO
The objective of this study was to evaluate the Calotropis procera fiber treated with NaOH combined with heat treatment as sorbent material for removal of petroleum and derivatives in cases of oil spill. The effects of oil viscosity, fiber/oil contact time, and the type of sorption system (oil and oil/water) were evaluated by experimental planning. The fiber obtained was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM-FEG), thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), contact angle, and wettability. The fiber treated by combining NaOH and heat treatment (CPNaOHT) exhibited a large structure with an internal diameter of 42.99 ± 3.98 µm, roughness, and hydrophobicity on the surface with a contact angle of 101 ± 2°. The sorption capacity of oil ranged from 190.32 g/g to 98.9 g/g. After five cycles of recycling, the fiber still maintains about 70% of its initial sorption capacity and presented low liquid desorption (0.25 g). In this way, it can be used as an efficient sorbent to clean up spills of oil and oil products.
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The medicinal uses of Calotropis procera are diverse, yet some of them are based on effects that still lack scientific support. Control of diabetes is one of them. Recently, latex proteins from C. procera latex (LP) have been shown to promote in vivo glycemic control by the inhibition of hepatic glucose production via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Glycemic control has been attributed to an isolated fraction of LP (CpPII), which is composed of cysteine peptidases (95%) and osmotin (5%) isoforms. Those proteins are extensively characterized in terms of chemistry, biochemistry and structural aspects. Furthermore, we evaluated some aspects of the mitochondrial function and cellular mechanisms involved in CpPII activity. The effect of CpPII on glycemic control was evaluated in fasting mice by glycemic curve and glucose and pyruvate tolerance tests. HepG2 cells was treated with CpPII, and cell viability, oxygen consumption, PPAR activity, production of lactate and reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial density and protein and gene expression were analyzed. CpPII reduced fasting glycemia, improved glucose tolerance and inhibited hepatic glucose production in control animals. Additionally, CpPII increased the consumption of ATP-linked oxygen and mitochondrial uncoupling, reduced lactate concentration, increased protein expression of mitochondrial complexes I, III and V, and activity of peroxisome-proliferator-responsive elements (PPRE), reduced the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased mitochondrial density in HepG2 cells by activation of AMPK/PPAR. Our findings strongly support the medicinal use of the plant and suggest that CpPII is a potential therapy for prevention and/or treatment of type-2 diabetes. A common epitope sequence shared among the proteases and osmotin is possibly the responsible for the beneficial effects of CpPII.
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The chronification of ulcers or sores may result in a dramatic outcome such as amputation. Currently, the search for plant based treatments of various diseases/disorders, including complicated ones, is getting the attention of researchers worldwide. The soluble latex protein fraction (CpLP) obtained from Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae) was previously demonstrated to accelerate wound healing by topical application or when incorporated in a polyvinyl alcohol biomembrane (BioMemCpLP). Here, in vitro assays were performed to investigate and characterize the biocompatibility and bioactivity of latex proteins dressing. Macrophages (RAW 264.7), fibroblasts (L929) and keratinocytes (HaCaT) cell lines were used to evaluate the effect of CpLP. These cell lines were exposed to concentrations of CpLP comparable to those found in BioMemCpLP during 24-72 h. The cytotoxicity, proliferation, release of wound healing mediators (TGF-ß, VEGF, IL-10, IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α and NO) and migration of cells (E-cadherin and ß-catenin) incubated with CpLP was assessed and the cell adhesion to BioMemCpLP as well. The results showed that CpLP has no cytotoxic effects. It induced a suitable balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, enhanced proliferation and re-epithelialization in all cell lines, but the intensity of each effect was different at various doses in all cell strains. The BioMemCpLP stimulated cell adhesion to PVA substrate. The CpLP-PVA based biomembrane can be a good option for healing of different wounds.
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Bandagens , Látex , Proteínas de Plantas , Álcool de Polivinil , Cicatrização , Animais , Calotropis , Linhagem Celular , Fenômenos Fisiológicos Celulares , Citocinas/genética , Citocinas/metabolismo , Humanos , Camundongos , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/genética , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/metabolismoRESUMO
Calotropis procera produces a milky sap containing proteolytic enzymes. At low concentrations, they induce milk-clotting (60 µg/ml) and to dehair hides (0.05 and 0.1%). A protocol for obtaining the enzymes is reported. The latex was mixed with distilled water and the mixture was cleaned through centrifugation. It was dialyzed with distilled water and centrifuged again to recover the soluble fraction [EP]. The dialyze is a key feature of the process. EP was characterized in terms of protein profile, chemical stability, among other criteria. Wild plants belonging to ten geographic regions and grown in different ecological conditions were used as latex source. Collections were carried out, spaced at three-month, according to the seasons at the site of the study. Proteolytic activity was measured as an internal marker and for determining stability of the samples. EP was also analyzed for metal content and microbiology. EP showed similar magnitude of proteolysis, chromatographic and electrophoretic profiles of proteins. Samples stored at 25 °C exhibited reduced solubility (11%) and proteolytic capacity (11%) after six months. Enzyme autolysis was negligible. Microbiological and metal analyses revealed standard quality of all the samples tested. EP induced milk clotting and hide dehairing after storage for up to six months.
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Ácido Aspártico Endopeptidases/metabolismo , Calotropis/enzimologia , Técnicas de Química Analítica/normas , Ecossistema , Látex/química , Proteínas de Plantas/metabolismo , Estações do Ano , Pelo Animal/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Ácido Aspártico Endopeptidases/análise , Ácido Aspártico Endopeptidases/química , Ácido Aspártico Endopeptidases/farmacologia , Bovinos , Cabras , Remoção de Cabelo/métodos , Látex/isolamento & purificação , Proteínas de Plantas/análise , Proteínas de Plantas/química , Proteínas de Plantas/farmacologia , Proteólise , Padrões de Referência , SolubilidadeRESUMO
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Oral mucositis (OM) is an intense inflammatory reaction progressing to tissue damage and ulceration. The medicinal uses of Calotropis procera are supported by anti-inflammatory capacity. PII-IAA, a highly homogenous cocktail of laticifer proteins (LP) prepared from the latex of C. procera, with recognized pharmacological properties was tested to treat OM. MATERIALS AND SUBJECTS: Male Golden Sirius hamsters were used in all treatments. TREATMENT: The latex protein samples were injected i.p. (5 mg/Kg) 24 h before mucositis induction (mechanical trauma) and 24 h later. METHODS: Histology, cytokine measurements [ELISA], and macroscopic evaluation [scores] were performed. RESULTS: PII-IAA eliminated OM, accompanied by total disappearance of myeloperoxidase activity and release of IL-1b, as well as reduced TNF-a. Oxidative stress was relieved by PII-IAA treatment, as revealed by MDA and GSH measurements. PII-IAA also reduced the expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1) and Iba-1, two important markers of inflammation, indicating modulatory effects. Histological analyses of the cheek epithelium revealed greater deposition of type I collagen fibers in animals given PII-IAA compared with the control group. This performance was only reached when LPPII was treated with iodoacetamide (IAA), an irreversible inhibitor of proteolytic activity of cysteine proteases. The endogenous proteolytic activity of LPPII induced adverse effects in animals. Candidate proteins involved in the phytomodulatory activity are proposed. CONCLUSIONS: Therapy was successful in treating OM with the laticifer protein fraction, containing peptidases and osmotin, from Calotropis procera. The effective candidate from the latex proteins for therapeutic use is PII-IAA.
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Anti-Inflamatórios/uso terapêutico , Calotropis/química , Látex/química , Proteínas de Plantas/uso terapêutico , Estomatite/tratamento farmacológico , Animais , Fluoruracila/toxicidade , Masculino , Mesocricetus , Estomatite/patologiaRESUMO
Biosorbents have been highlighted as an alternative method for the removal of contaminants from spills or leaks of oil and its derivatives, since they are biodegradable, are highly available, low-cost, and have a good sorption capacity. This research investigated the sorption capacity of Calotropis procera fiber in natura (CP) and thermally treated (150 °C and 200 °C) for crude oil removal and recovery. The oil sorption tests were carried out in a dry and water (layer) static systems. The assays revealed that CP fiber has excellent hydrophobic-oil properties and good crude oil sorption capacity, about 75 times its own weight (76.32 g/g). The results of the treated fibers, CPT150 and CPT200, showed oil sorption capacities (in 24 h) higher than CP, between 94.31-103.37 g/g and 124.60-180.95 g/g, respectively. The results from sample CPT200 showed that it can be an excellent biosorbent for the removal of crude oil and other derivatives due to its high hydrophobicity, great reuse/resorption capacity, and ability to retain oil within the fiber lumens. Thus, it can be applied in the recovery, cleaning, and removal of petroleum products and its derivatives from spills and leaks in the future.
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The healing performance of a hydrogel composed of hemicelluloses extracted from seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Fabaceae) and mixed with phytomodulatory proteins obtained from the latex of Calotropis procera was characterized on excisional wounds. The hydrogel did not induce dermal irritability. When topically used on excisional wounds, the hydrogel enhanced healing by wound contraction. Histology and the measurement of inflammatory mediators (myeloperoxidase, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-6) suggested that the inflammatory phase of the healing process was intensified, stimulating fibroplasia and neovascularization (proliferative phase) and tissue remodeling by increasing new collagen fiber deposition. In addition, reduction on levels of malondialdehyde in the groups that the hydrogel was applied suggested that the oxidative stress was reduced. The hydrogel performed better than the reference drug used, as revealed by the extended thickness of the remodeled epithelium.
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Calotropis/química , Hidrogel de Polietilenoglicol-Dimetacrilato/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Cicatrização/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Látex/farmacologia , Masculino , CamundongosRESUMO
Intestinal mucositis (IM) is the critical side effect of irinotecan (CPT-11), which is the front-line drug used for the treatment of colorectal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of latex proteins (LP) from Calotropis procera to prevent IM and diarrhea in animals. Swiss mice were treated daily with saline or LP (1, 5, or 50 mg/kg, i.v.) 24 h prior to CTP-11 (75 mg/kg/4 days, i.p) and for additional 6 days. Animal survival, body weight variation, and diarrhea were registered. After animal sacrifice (day 7 post first injection of CPT-11), intestinal samples were collected to study morphology and inflammatory parameters. Animals given LP exhibited improved parameters (survival, body weight, and absence of diarrhea) as compared with the CPT-11 control. The severity of IM observed in animals given CPT-11 was reduced in animals treated with LP. Treatment with LP also prevented the reduction in the villus/crypt ratio promoted by CPT-11. The rise in MPO activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines, over-contractility of the smooth muscle, and diarrhea were all abrogated in LP-treated mice. Markedly reduced immunostaining intensity for COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1ß, iNOS, and NF-κB was observed in the intestinal tissue of animals treated with LP. The side-effects of CPT-11 were eliminated by LP treatment in experimental animals and improved clinical parameters characteristic of IM All known biochemical pathogenesis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assuntos
Apocynaceae/química , Calotropis/química , Camptotecina/análogos & derivados , Neoplasias do Colo/tratamento farmacológico , Látex/farmacologia , Animais , Camptotecina/efeitos adversos , Neoplasias do Colo/patologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Irinotecano , Masculino , CamundongosRESUMO
Calotropis procera is among the species of medicinal plants that have traditionally been used for the treatment of parasites in small ruminants, stimulating the scientific validation of anthelmintic effects. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of ethyl acetate extract of Calotropis procera latex (EAECPL), assess the in vitro effect against Haemonchus contortus and the structural changes caused in the adult worm. The latex was collected, lyophilized and subjected to washing with the ethyl acetate solvent to obtain EAECPL. The constituents of the extract were isolated by column chromatography and identified by (13)C and (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The egg hatching test (EHT), larval development test (LDT) and adult worms motility test (WMT) were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of EAECPL on eggs, larvae and adult of H. contortus, respectively. The worms obtained from the WMT, after 24h exposure to EAECPL or controls were observed on a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results were analysed by variance analysis and compared with Tukey's test (P<0.05). Three compounds were isolated from EAECPL and identified as urs-19(29)-en-3-yl acetate, (3ß)-Urs-19(29)-en-3-ol, and 1-(2',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)-glycerol. In the EHT, EAECPL inhibited larval hatching by 91.8% at dose of 4mg/ml. In the LDT 1mg/ml inhibited 99.8% larval development. In the WMT, EAECPL in the concentration of 100µg/ml inhibited 100% motility of worms, 12h post-exposition. In the SEM, obvious differences were not detected between the negative control worms and the worms treated with EAECPL. In this study, EAECPL showed an effect on inhibition egg hatching, larval development and motility of the adult worms of H. contortus. This should be related both to the identified compounds, as well as the other compounds present in the EAECPL, acting alone or synergistically.
Assuntos
Calotropis/química , Hemoncose/veterinária , Haemonchus/efeitos dos fármacos , Látex/química , Látex/farmacologia , Abomaso/parasitologia , Acetatos , Animais , Fezes/parasitologia , Liofilização/veterinária , Hemoncose/tratamento farmacológico , Hemoncose/parasitologia , Haemonchus/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Haemonchus/fisiologia , Haemonchus/ultraestrutura , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura/veterinária , Contagem de Ovos de Parasitas/veterinária , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Ovinos , Doenças dos Ovinos/tratamento farmacológico , Doenças dos Ovinos/parasitologiaRESUMO
In a previous study, we performed the chemical characterization of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membrane supplemented with latex proteins (LP) displaying wound healing activity, and its efficacy as a delivery system was demonstrated. Here, we report on aspects of the mechanism underlying the performance of the PVA-latex protein biomembrane on wound healing. LP-PVA, but not PVA, induced more intense leukocyte (neutrophil) migration and mast cell degranulation during the inflammatory phase of the cicatricial process. Likewise, LP-PVA induced an increase in key markers and mediators of the inflammatory response (myeloperoxidase activity, nitric oxide, TNF, and IL-1ß). These results demonstrated that LP-PVA significantly accelerates the early phase of the inflammatory process by upregulating cytokine release. This remarkable effect improves the subsequent phases of the healing process. The polyvinyl alcohol membrane was fully absorbed as an inert support while LP was shown to be active. It is therefore concluded that the LP-PVA is a suitable bioresource for biomedical engineering.
Assuntos
Calotropis , Portadores de Fármacos , Látex/farmacologia , Membranas Artificiais , Proteínas de Plantas/farmacologia , Álcool de Polivinil/química , Pele/efeitos dos fármacos , Cicatrização/efeitos dos fármacos , Ferimentos Penetrantes/tratamento farmacológico , Administração Cutânea , Animais , Calotropis/química , Degranulação Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Composição de Medicamentos , Mediadores da Inflamação/metabolismo , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , Látex/isolamento & purificação , Ativação de Macrófagos/efeitos dos fármacos , Mastócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Mastócitos/metabolismo , Mastócitos/patologia , Camundongos , Infiltração de Neutrófilos/efeitos dos fármacos , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Peroxidase/metabolismo , Fitoterapia , Proteínas de Plantas/isolamento & purificação , Plantas Medicinais , Pele/lesões , Pele/metabolismo , Pele/patologia , Fatores de Tempo , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Ferimentos Penetrantes/metabolismo , Ferimentos Penetrantes/patologiaRESUMO
Con el objetivo de aislar y caracterizar parcialmente las enzimas ribonucleasas (RNasas) contenidas en el látex de Calotropis procera y Pedilanthus tithymaloides, se colectaron muestras de plantas adultas. Las proteínas solubles fueron extraídas con acetato de sodio y centrifugación a 16.000 x g durante 15 min y fraccionadas por cromatografía de intercambio iónico. Se estimó la masa molecular a través de ecuaciones de regresión lineal. Se realizaron pruebas de glicosilación. En ambas especies, las proteínas con actividad RNasa presentaron una masa molecular entre 28 y 30 kDa. No existe evidencia de proteínas glicosiladas en el látex de C. procera. En P. tithymaloides la RNasa es una proteína glicosilada.
In order to isolate and characterize partially ribonucleases (RNases) enzymes contained in the latex from Calotropis procera and Pedilanthus tithymaloides, samples were collected from mature plants. Soluble proteins were extracted with sodium acetate and centrifugation at 16,000 xg for 15 min and fractionated by ion exchange chromatography. Molecular mass was estimated by linear regression equations. Glycosylation tests were conducted. In both species, proteins with RNase activity showed a molecular mass between 28 and 30 kDa. No evidence of glycosylated proteins in latex from C. procera. In P. tithymaloides, RNase may be a glycosylated protein.
Assuntos
Calotropis/enzimologia , Euphorbiaceae/enzimologia , Látex/química , Ribonucleases/isolamento & purificação , Ribonucleases/metabolismo , Calotropis/química , Euphorbiaceae/química , GlicosilaçãoRESUMO
CpOsm is an antifungal osmotin/thaumatin-like protein purified from the latex of Calotropis procera. The protein is relatively thermostable and retains its antifungal activity over a wide pH range; therefore, it may be useful in the development of new antifungal drugs or transgenic crops with enhanced resistance to phytopathogenic fungi. To gain further insight into the mechanism of action of CpOsm, its three-dimensional structure was determined, and the effects of the protein on Fusarium solani spores were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The atomic structure of CpOsm was solved at a resolution of 1.61Å, and it contained 205 amino acid residues and 192 water molecules, with a final R-factor of 18.12% and an Rfree of 21.59%. The CpOsm structure belongs to the thaumatin superfamily fold and is characterized by three domains stabilized by eight disulfide bonds and a prominent charged cleft, which runs the length of the front side of the molecule. Similarly to other antifungal thaumatin-like proteins, the cleft of CpOsm is predominantly acidic. AFM images of F. solani spores treated with CpOsm resulted in striking morphological changes being induced by the protein. Spores treated with CpOsm were wrinkled, and the volume of these cells was reduced by approximately 80%. Treated cells were covered by a shell of CpOsm molecules, and the leakage of cytoplasmic content from these cells was also observed. Based on the structural features of CpOsm and the effects that the protein produces on F. solani spores, a possible mechanism of action is suggested and discussed.