Natural products are considered one of the main sources that contribute to advances in research i... more Natural products are considered one of the main sources that contribute to advances in research in medical science, in such a way that the elucidation of the mechanism of action enables the industry to design new drugs, providing new applications, inputs, and alternatives for the treatment of various pathologies. Studies show the importance of secondary metabolites, presenting pharmacological, microbiological, and food functions. Given the above, this review aims to describe the importance of studies with natural products, emphasizing the gastroprotective activity of the Croton genus. The genus Croton (Euphorbiaceae) is characteristic of the Brazilian biome, especially in the semiarid climate. The species of the genus have anti-inflammatory and curative properties, correlating their gastroprotective effect. Among the plurality of species, one that has therapeutic and economic potential is Croton blanchetianus. The population widely uses the species as it has medicinal properties, us...
The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobi... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential of crude extract and fractions of Punica granatum leaves. The extract was produced by turbo extraction, after which hexanic, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions were obtained by partitioning. The chemical analyses were performed by thin layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, and the antioxidant activities were assayed by DPPH • and ABTS •+ . Minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC) were applied to twenty-two bacteria. Most strains susceptible to extract/fractions and resistant to antibiotics were selected, and ampicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin were associated with the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) against multidrug-resistant strains in modulatory and checkboard models. The data from chromatographic analyses showed flavonoids and tannins in the extract, as well as the enrichment of EAF in phenols, mainly flavonoids. The flavonoids were connected to the electron transfer activity demonstrated in the DPPH • and ABTS •+ assays. Gram-positive strains are more susceptible to EAF. The subinhibitory concentrations of P. granatum enhanced the antimicrobial activity of the agents and reduced the EAF individual MIC, and the combination of EAF and antibiotics demonstrated a synergistic effect. These results present a promising approach for developing a therapy in which antioxidant extracts and fractions can be used in combination with antibiotics.
This study evaluated the influence of the extract of in adhesion to human buccal epithelial cells... more This study evaluated the influence of the extract of in adhesion to human buccal epithelial cells (HBEC) biofilm formation and cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) of spp. isolated from the oral cavity of kidney transplant patients. To evaluate virulence attributes in vitro, nine yeasts were grown in the presence and absence of 1000 μg/mL of the extract. Adhesion was quantified using the number of cells adhered to 150 HBEC determined by optical microscope. Biofilm formation was evaluated using two methodologies: XTT (2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) and crystal violet assay, and further analyzed by electronic scan microscopy. CSH was quantified with the microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons test. We could detect that the extract of was able to reduce adhesion to HBEC and CSH for both and non- species. We also observed a statistically significant reduced ability to form biofilms in biofilm-producing strains using both methods of quantification. Howeve...
BMC complementary and alternative medicine, Jan 19, 2018
Spondias tuberosa is a plant that produces a fruit crop with high economic relevance at Brazilian... more Spondias tuberosa is a plant that produces a fruit crop with high economic relevance at Brazilian Caatinga. Its roots and leaves are used in folk medicine. Chemical composition of a hexane extract from S. tuberosa leaves was evaluated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Antioxidant potential was investigated by DPPH and ABTS assays. Antifungal action on Candida species was evaluated determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and putative mechanisms were determined by flow cytometry analysis. In addition, hemolytic activity on human erythrocytes was assessed and the concentration required to promote 50% hemolysis (EC) was determined. Phytochemical analysis by TLC showed the presence of flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, saponins and terpenes. The HPLC profile of the extract suggested the presence of gallic acid (0.28 ± 0.01 g%) and hyperoside (1.27 ± 0.01 g%). The representative H NMR spe...
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2018
Jacq. (Acanthaceae) leaves currently found in the Brazilian north-east are widely used to treat d... more Jacq. (Acanthaceae) leaves currently found in the Brazilian north-east are widely used to treat diabetes, menstrual pains, asthma, and other disorders. This work aimed to identify the phytochemical characterization and biological activities of leaf extracts. The plant material was ground and the crude extracts were obtained with water or acetone: water (7:3 v/v), yielding aqueous (JPA), and organic (JPO) extracts. Phytochemical characterization was performed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cytotoxicity was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay and trypan blue (TB) exclusion assay in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), BALB/c splenocytes, and neoplastic cells (TOLEDO, K562, DU-145, and PANC-1) at 1, 10, and 100 g/mL. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the microdilution test to obtain the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MB...
The species , known as , has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antihistamine activities. It a... more The species , known as , has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antihistamine activities. It also has the quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids, which exert their therapeutic activities. With extensive popular use besides the defined therapeutical properties, the study of possible side effects is indispensable. The objective of this study is to evaluate the toxicity and from the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of . The action of the extract (concentrations from 0.1 to 1000 uL/100 uL) in normal and tumor cells was evaluated using the MTT method. Acute toxicity and subchronic toxicity were evaluated in mice with doses of 250 to 1000 mg/kg orally, following recognized protocols. The results indicated cytotoxic activity for 3T3 cell line (normal) and 786-0 (kidney carcinoma), showing the activity to be concentration-dependent, reaching 92.23% cell inhibition. , the extract showed no significant toxicity; only liver changes related to acute toxicity and some signs of liver damage, ...
Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP, Jan 4, 2018
People broadly use medicinal plants although their safety and efficacy are often neglected. Sever... more People broadly use medicinal plants although their safety and efficacy are often neglected. Several Cactaceae plants are used for medicinal purposes, but Pilosocereus gounellei (xique-xique) has been little studied for their pharmacological properties. In this study, a saline extract from Pilosocereus gounellei stem was evaluated for acute toxicity, effects on motor function, and antinociceptive activity in mice. Thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the presence of flavonoids and reducing sugars. No death of mice was noted with oral treatments at 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. Body weight gain, food intake, and water consumption were not affected with treatment at 2000 mg/kg. The number of segmented leukocytes was higher in the treated mice than in control, and reduced serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides were detected after both extract treatments. No histological alterations in the liver, heart, lung, kidney, and spleen were detected. Open f...
BMC complementary and alternative medicine, Jan 9, 2018
This study showed phytochemical composition and evaluates the anti-inflammatory, and analgesic ac... more This study showed phytochemical composition and evaluates the anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of crude extract (CE) and fractions from E. uniflora Linn leaves. Polyphenols present in crude extract (CE), in aqueous fraction (AqF), and ethyl acetate (EAF) treated fractions from E. uniflora Linn leaves were shown by chromatographic analysis in order to conduct a phytochemical characterization. Antibacterial activity was evaluated based on minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) determined using the agar dilution method. Doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of the CE and fractions were applied for conducting in vivo models (male Swiss mice, 8-10 weeks old). The peritonitis experimental model was induced by carrageenan following of Myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), Total glutathione and malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-1β and TNF-α levels by spectroscopic UV/VIS analysis. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated based on an abdominal writhing model and hot plate test. The results were stati...
Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi belongs to Anacardiacea family and is widely known as "aroeir... more Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi belongs to Anacardiacea family and is widely known as "aroeira." This species originates from South America, and its extracts are used in folk medicine due to its therapeutic properties, which include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. The complexity and variability of the chemical constitution of the herbal raw material establishes the quality of the respective herbal medicine products. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the variability of the volatile compounds from leaves of S. terebinthifolius. The samples were collected from different states of the Northeast region of Brazil and analyzed with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The collected data were analyzed using multivariate data analysis. The samples' chromatograms, obtained by GC-MS, showed similar chemical profiles in a number of peaks, but some differences were observed in the intensity of these analytical marker...
International journal of molecular sciences, Jan 18, 2017
Complexation with cyclodextrins (CDs) is a technique that has been extensively used to increase t... more Complexation with cyclodextrins (CDs) is a technique that has been extensively used to increase the aqueous solubility of oils and improve their stability. In addition, this technique has been used to convert oils into solid materials. This work aims to develop inclusion complexes of Copaifera multijuga oleoresin (CMO), which presents anti-inflammatory activity, with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) by kneading (KND) and slurry (SL) methods. Physicochemical characterization was performed to verify the occurrence of interactions between CMO and the cyclodextrins. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in mice was carried out to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of CMO alone as well as complexed with CDs. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the formation of inclusion complex of CMO with both β-CD and HP-β-CD by KND and SL methods. Carrageenan-induced paw edema test showed that the anti-inflammatory activity of CMO was maintained after complexat...
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie, Jan 3, 2017
Colorectal cancer is noted for being one of the most frequent of tumors, with expressive morbidit... more Colorectal cancer is noted for being one of the most frequent of tumors, with expressive morbidity and mortality rates. In new drug discovery, plants stand out as a source capable of yielding safe and high-efficiency products. Well known in Brazilian popular medicine, Libidibia ferrea (Mart. Ex Tul.) L.P. Queiroz var. ferrea (better known as "ironwood" or "jucá"), has been used to treat a wide spectrum of conditions and to prevent cancer. Using methodologies that involved flow cytometry, spectrophotometry and RT-qPCR assays, crude extracts of the fruits of L. ferrea (20T, 40T, 60T and 80T) were evaluated at 24h and/or 48h for: their ability to inhibit cell proliferation; induce apoptosis through Bcl-2, caspase-3 and Apaf-1; their antioxidant activity and effects on important targets related to cell proliferation (EGFR and AKT) in the HT-29 human colorectal cancer lineage. The results revealed high antiproliferative potential as compared to the controls, induction...
Plectranthus amboinicus Lour is a species which is widespread throughout tropical countries where... more Plectranthus amboinicus Lour is a species which is widespread throughout tropical countries where it is widely used against respiratory tract disorders such as bronchodilator, antitussive, and expectorant conditions. This study aims to characterize the essential oil of P. amboinicus (PaEO) and produce and evaluate emulsions containing PaEO. The essential oil was characterized by physical-chemical analyses for density, refractive index, 90% ethanol solubility, color, appearance, and identification by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detection. The emulsions were prepared following a hydrophile-lipophile balance [HLB] spreadsheet design from two nonionic surfactants (Span 80(®) and Tween 20(®)) producing HLB values ranging from 4.3 to 16.7. The products were stored at room temperature at 5°C. The emulsion stabilities were tested both in the long and short-term. The PaEO was obtained by steam distillation and the total extraction was reached after 3 hours yielding of 0.2...
Natural products are considered one of the main sources that contribute to advances in research i... more Natural products are considered one of the main sources that contribute to advances in research in medical science, in such a way that the elucidation of the mechanism of action enables the industry to design new drugs, providing new applications, inputs, and alternatives for the treatment of various pathologies. Studies show the importance of secondary metabolites, presenting pharmacological, microbiological, and food functions. Given the above, this review aims to describe the importance of studies with natural products, emphasizing the gastroprotective activity of the Croton genus. The genus Croton (Euphorbiaceae) is characteristic of the Brazilian biome, especially in the semiarid climate. The species of the genus have anti-inflammatory and curative properties, correlating their gastroprotective effect. Among the plurality of species, one that has therapeutic and economic potential is Croton blanchetianus. The population widely uses the species as it has medicinal properties, us...
The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobi... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential of crude extract and fractions of Punica granatum leaves. The extract was produced by turbo extraction, after which hexanic, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions were obtained by partitioning. The chemical analyses were performed by thin layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, and the antioxidant activities were assayed by DPPH • and ABTS •+ . Minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC) were applied to twenty-two bacteria. Most strains susceptible to extract/fractions and resistant to antibiotics were selected, and ampicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin were associated with the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) against multidrug-resistant strains in modulatory and checkboard models. The data from chromatographic analyses showed flavonoids and tannins in the extract, as well as the enrichment of EAF in phenols, mainly flavonoids. The flavonoids were connected to the electron transfer activity demonstrated in the DPPH • and ABTS •+ assays. Gram-positive strains are more susceptible to EAF. The subinhibitory concentrations of P. granatum enhanced the antimicrobial activity of the agents and reduced the EAF individual MIC, and the combination of EAF and antibiotics demonstrated a synergistic effect. These results present a promising approach for developing a therapy in which antioxidant extracts and fractions can be used in combination with antibiotics.
This study evaluated the influence of the extract of in adhesion to human buccal epithelial cells... more This study evaluated the influence of the extract of in adhesion to human buccal epithelial cells (HBEC) biofilm formation and cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) of spp. isolated from the oral cavity of kidney transplant patients. To evaluate virulence attributes in vitro, nine yeasts were grown in the presence and absence of 1000 μg/mL of the extract. Adhesion was quantified using the number of cells adhered to 150 HBEC determined by optical microscope. Biofilm formation was evaluated using two methodologies: XTT (2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) and crystal violet assay, and further analyzed by electronic scan microscopy. CSH was quantified with the microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons test. We could detect that the extract of was able to reduce adhesion to HBEC and CSH for both and non- species. We also observed a statistically significant reduced ability to form biofilms in biofilm-producing strains using both methods of quantification. Howeve...
BMC complementary and alternative medicine, Jan 19, 2018
Spondias tuberosa is a plant that produces a fruit crop with high economic relevance at Brazilian... more Spondias tuberosa is a plant that produces a fruit crop with high economic relevance at Brazilian Caatinga. Its roots and leaves are used in folk medicine. Chemical composition of a hexane extract from S. tuberosa leaves was evaluated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Antioxidant potential was investigated by DPPH and ABTS assays. Antifungal action on Candida species was evaluated determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and putative mechanisms were determined by flow cytometry analysis. In addition, hemolytic activity on human erythrocytes was assessed and the concentration required to promote 50% hemolysis (EC) was determined. Phytochemical analysis by TLC showed the presence of flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, saponins and terpenes. The HPLC profile of the extract suggested the presence of gallic acid (0.28 ± 0.01 g%) and hyperoside (1.27 ± 0.01 g%). The representative H NMR spe...
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2018
Jacq. (Acanthaceae) leaves currently found in the Brazilian north-east are widely used to treat d... more Jacq. (Acanthaceae) leaves currently found in the Brazilian north-east are widely used to treat diabetes, menstrual pains, asthma, and other disorders. This work aimed to identify the phytochemical characterization and biological activities of leaf extracts. The plant material was ground and the crude extracts were obtained with water or acetone: water (7:3 v/v), yielding aqueous (JPA), and organic (JPO) extracts. Phytochemical characterization was performed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cytotoxicity was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay and trypan blue (TB) exclusion assay in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), BALB/c splenocytes, and neoplastic cells (TOLEDO, K562, DU-145, and PANC-1) at 1, 10, and 100 g/mL. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the microdilution test to obtain the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MB...
The species , known as , has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antihistamine activities. It a... more The species , known as , has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antihistamine activities. It also has the quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids, which exert their therapeutic activities. With extensive popular use besides the defined therapeutical properties, the study of possible side effects is indispensable. The objective of this study is to evaluate the toxicity and from the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of . The action of the extract (concentrations from 0.1 to 1000 uL/100 uL) in normal and tumor cells was evaluated using the MTT method. Acute toxicity and subchronic toxicity were evaluated in mice with doses of 250 to 1000 mg/kg orally, following recognized protocols. The results indicated cytotoxic activity for 3T3 cell line (normal) and 786-0 (kidney carcinoma), showing the activity to be concentration-dependent, reaching 92.23% cell inhibition. , the extract showed no significant toxicity; only liver changes related to acute toxicity and some signs of liver damage, ...
Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP, Jan 4, 2018
People broadly use medicinal plants although their safety and efficacy are often neglected. Sever... more People broadly use medicinal plants although their safety and efficacy are often neglected. Several Cactaceae plants are used for medicinal purposes, but Pilosocereus gounellei (xique-xique) has been little studied for their pharmacological properties. In this study, a saline extract from Pilosocereus gounellei stem was evaluated for acute toxicity, effects on motor function, and antinociceptive activity in mice. Thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the presence of flavonoids and reducing sugars. No death of mice was noted with oral treatments at 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. Body weight gain, food intake, and water consumption were not affected with treatment at 2000 mg/kg. The number of segmented leukocytes was higher in the treated mice than in control, and reduced serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides were detected after both extract treatments. No histological alterations in the liver, heart, lung, kidney, and spleen were detected. Open f...
BMC complementary and alternative medicine, Jan 9, 2018
This study showed phytochemical composition and evaluates the anti-inflammatory, and analgesic ac... more This study showed phytochemical composition and evaluates the anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of crude extract (CE) and fractions from E. uniflora Linn leaves. Polyphenols present in crude extract (CE), in aqueous fraction (AqF), and ethyl acetate (EAF) treated fractions from E. uniflora Linn leaves were shown by chromatographic analysis in order to conduct a phytochemical characterization. Antibacterial activity was evaluated based on minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) determined using the agar dilution method. Doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of the CE and fractions were applied for conducting in vivo models (male Swiss mice, 8-10 weeks old). The peritonitis experimental model was induced by carrageenan following of Myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), Total glutathione and malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-1β and TNF-α levels by spectroscopic UV/VIS analysis. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated based on an abdominal writhing model and hot plate test. The results were stati...
Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi belongs to Anacardiacea family and is widely known as "aroeir... more Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi belongs to Anacardiacea family and is widely known as "aroeira." This species originates from South America, and its extracts are used in folk medicine due to its therapeutic properties, which include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. The complexity and variability of the chemical constitution of the herbal raw material establishes the quality of the respective herbal medicine products. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the variability of the volatile compounds from leaves of S. terebinthifolius. The samples were collected from different states of the Northeast region of Brazil and analyzed with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The collected data were analyzed using multivariate data analysis. The samples' chromatograms, obtained by GC-MS, showed similar chemical profiles in a number of peaks, but some differences were observed in the intensity of these analytical marker...
International journal of molecular sciences, Jan 18, 2017
Complexation with cyclodextrins (CDs) is a technique that has been extensively used to increase t... more Complexation with cyclodextrins (CDs) is a technique that has been extensively used to increase the aqueous solubility of oils and improve their stability. In addition, this technique has been used to convert oils into solid materials. This work aims to develop inclusion complexes of Copaifera multijuga oleoresin (CMO), which presents anti-inflammatory activity, with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) by kneading (KND) and slurry (SL) methods. Physicochemical characterization was performed to verify the occurrence of interactions between CMO and the cyclodextrins. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in mice was carried out to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of CMO alone as well as complexed with CDs. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the formation of inclusion complex of CMO with both β-CD and HP-β-CD by KND and SL methods. Carrageenan-induced paw edema test showed that the anti-inflammatory activity of CMO was maintained after complexat...
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie, Jan 3, 2017
Colorectal cancer is noted for being one of the most frequent of tumors, with expressive morbidit... more Colorectal cancer is noted for being one of the most frequent of tumors, with expressive morbidity and mortality rates. In new drug discovery, plants stand out as a source capable of yielding safe and high-efficiency products. Well known in Brazilian popular medicine, Libidibia ferrea (Mart. Ex Tul.) L.P. Queiroz var. ferrea (better known as "ironwood" or "jucá"), has been used to treat a wide spectrum of conditions and to prevent cancer. Using methodologies that involved flow cytometry, spectrophotometry and RT-qPCR assays, crude extracts of the fruits of L. ferrea (20T, 40T, 60T and 80T) were evaluated at 24h and/or 48h for: their ability to inhibit cell proliferation; induce apoptosis through Bcl-2, caspase-3 and Apaf-1; their antioxidant activity and effects on important targets related to cell proliferation (EGFR and AKT) in the HT-29 human colorectal cancer lineage. The results revealed high antiproliferative potential as compared to the controls, induction...
Plectranthus amboinicus Lour is a species which is widespread throughout tropical countries where... more Plectranthus amboinicus Lour is a species which is widespread throughout tropical countries where it is widely used against respiratory tract disorders such as bronchodilator, antitussive, and expectorant conditions. This study aims to characterize the essential oil of P. amboinicus (PaEO) and produce and evaluate emulsions containing PaEO. The essential oil was characterized by physical-chemical analyses for density, refractive index, 90% ethanol solubility, color, appearance, and identification by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detection. The emulsions were prepared following a hydrophile-lipophile balance [HLB] spreadsheet design from two nonionic surfactants (Span 80(®) and Tween 20(®)) producing HLB values ranging from 4.3 to 16.7. The products were stored at room temperature at 5°C. The emulsion stabilities were tested both in the long and short-term. The PaEO was obtained by steam distillation and the total extraction was reached after 3 hours yielding of 0.2...
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