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10.21664/2238-8869.2022v11i4.p206-223

Variability of Volatile Oils Composition, Tannins, and Phenols from Campomanesia adamantium (CAMBESS.) O. Berg

Fronteiras Journal of Social Technological and Environmental Science

Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae), known as "guabiroba-do-campo", is a native Cerrado shrub popularly used as anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, urinary tract antiseptics. The aims of this study were evaluate the seasonal variability of total phenols and tannins and chemical compounds of the volatile oils of C. adamantium leaves in a period of 12 months. The leaves and flowers were collected in Bela Vista, Goiás, Brazil. The volatile oils were obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by GC/MS. The determination of total phenols and tannins was performed by the method of Hagerman and Butler. The major compounds of the leaves oils were γ-elemene, limonene, italicene epoxide, β-funebrene, bicyclogermacrene, linalool, and those of flower oil were sabinene, limonene, linalool, tricyclene and methyl salicylate. The total phenols content ranged from 3.75% to 9.56% and tannins content from 2.25% to 4.84%.  It was concluded that the best period for collecting the leaves with the highest index phenols and tannins is the low rainfall. This work represents the first description of the seasonal variability of the essential oils, tannins and total phenols of C. adamantium collected in Bela Vista.

Sá, Stone de; Fiuza, Tatiana de Sousa; Borges, Leonardo Luiz; Cunha, Luiz Carlos da; Oliveira Neto, Jerônimo Raimundo de; Paula, José Realino de

10.17140/aftnsoj-8-174

Potential Properties of Guabiroba (Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg) Processing: A Native Brazilian Fruit

Advanced in Food Technology and Nutritional Sciences - Open Journal

Guabiroba (Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg) is a native Brazilian fruit with an important nutritional value and a great economic potential for processing. This fruit is a source of fibers, carbohydrates, potassium, and bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and Vitamin C. The phytochemicals of guabiroba are elucidated regarding their high antioxidant activity, which is related to human health benefits when introduced into a dietary routine. In addition, the antioxidant property of this native fruit can act as a natural preservative against oxidative and enzymatic reactions, and microbiological spoilage, extending the shelf-life of food. Thus, the addition of guabiroba in the development of new products, in addition to improving the functionality of the food, can reduce the use of chemical additives. Studies related to encouraging the use of guabiroba in food formulation, as well as the use of emerging technologies in the processing of this native fruit, become the basis of this review that aims to expand the knowledge of this Brazilian fruit and enhance its application in the food industry.

Prestes, Amanda A; Postgraduate Program in Food Engineering, Technology Center; Helm, Cristiane V; Esmerino, Erick A; Silva, Ramon; da Cruz, Adriano G; Prudencio, Elane S; Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Guaraituba; Department of Food, Institute of Rio de Janeiro; Department of Food, Institute of Rio de Janeiro; Postgraduate Program in Food Engineering, Technology Center

10.1016/j.carres.2022.108730

An arabinan isolated from the antioxidant active fraction of wild blackthorn fruits (Prunus spinosa L.)

Carbohydrate Research

Despite the many health benefits of wild blackthorn fruits, their use is negligible and little explored. Preliminary results suggest that this fruit is a rich source of natural antioxidants. Antioxidant active fraction, extracted from wild blackthorn fruits by cold water extraction (Cw), was subjected to ion-exchange chromatography, which gave ten fractions after a successive elution with water, sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide solutions. Fraction eluted by water contained an arabinan of a low molecular weight (Mw = 5000). Its chemical and spectroscopic studies have revealed a highly branched structure with backbone composed of 1,5-linked α-l-arabinofuranose residues; about 76% of them are branched dominantly through O3 and much less through O2, however, some arabinose units (∼8%) were fully branched. In addition to terminal α-L-Araf, the presence of β-L-Araf unit was also identified in blackthorn L-arabinan. Antioxidant activity tests of Cw ion exchange fractions revealed significant effects only of fractions eluted with 1 M sodium chloride (6F) and sodium hydroxide (7F) solutions, while phenolic free arabinan did not possess this effect. Phenolic compounds linked via α-l-arabinosyl side chains appear to be responsible for the antioxidant effect of two Cw fractions.

Capek, Peter; Uhliariková, Iveta; Košťalová, Zuzana

Capek, Peter (Institute of Chemistry)

10.1080/01904167.2022.2155549

Prediction of pilocarpine production from soil attributes and the nutritional status of Pilocarpus microphyllus

Journal of Plant Nutrition

Jaborandi (Pilocarpus microphyllus), an endemic species of the Brazilian flora threatened with extinction, is the only natural source of pilocarpine, an alkaloid widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. This compound is extracted from the leaf tissue and may be affected by edaphic and nutritional variations. The aim of this study was to correlate soil chemical parameters and leaf nutrient contents with pilocarpine production in Pilocarpus microphyllus plants collected from areas of the Carajás National Forest. In samples collected from 83 plants, pilocarpine, leaf nutrients (N, P, K, S, Mg, Ca, B, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn), and soil chemical attributes (P, K, S, Mg, Ca, B, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, organic matter, pH, and Al) were evaluated. The mean values of pilocarpine varied between 0.4% and 2.2% of the leaf dry matter, which are rare. In general, the soils presented low nutrient availability, marked acidity, and very high Fe and Mn values. In the leaves, low concentrations of N, P, and K and high leaf concentrations of Fe (2239.13 mg kg−1) and Mn (2095.46 mg kg−1) were observed, which suggested that P. microphyllus is a metal accumulator species. Through multivariate analysis, the model that best predicted pilocarpine production was composed of leaf N, leaf Mg, soil Fe (positive predictors), soil S, and leaf P (negative predictors). The nutritional management for large-scale cultivation of P. microphyllus should be focused mainly on the amounts of N, Fe, and Mg.

de Jesus, Priscila Maylana Modesto; Caldeira, Cecílio Frois; Gastauer, Markus; Ribeiro, Paula Godinho; Ramos, Silvio Junio

Ramos, Silvio Junio (Instituto Tecnológico Vale)

10.3390/horticulturae8121199

Extraction Optimization of Crocin from Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis)Fruits Using Response Surface Methodology and Quality Evaluation of Foam-Mat Dried Powder

The crocin in gardenia, as a medical plant, has drawnthe attention of researchers and scientists due to its color and high antioxidant activity. To optimize the extraction parameters of crocin from gardenia fruits, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed.The effects of four independent variables, namely extraction temperature (45–55 °C), time (40–60 min), percentage of gardenia fruits(15–25%), and ethanol concentration (50–60%),on a crocin compound were investigated. The extract from the gardenia fruit was dried at different temperatures (55–70 °C) by the foam-mat drying method. The optimal extraction parameters were an extraction temperature of 55 °C, time of 57 min, percent of fruits in solvent at 24%, and an ethanol concentration of 56%. The results showed that the dried gardenia powder had maintained the crocin content well(6.64 mg/g), and the product with low water activity and moisture content of 0.33 and 5.72%, respectively, is suitable for storage. The foam-mat dried product also maintains the natural color and characteristics inherent in the raw materials, which could also be used as supplemental ingredients for other food industries.

Thuy, Nguyen Minh; Nhu, Pham Huynh; Van Tai, Ngo; Minh, Vo Quang

Thuy, Nguyen Minh (Can Tho University); Van Tai, Ngo (King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang)

10.3390/plants11243481

A Critical Appraisal of the Most Recent Investigations on the Hepatoprotective Action of Brazilian Plants

Conventional treatments for liver diseases are often burdened by side effects caused by chemicals. For minimizing this problem, the search for medicines based on natural products has increased. The objective of this review was to collect data on the potential hepatoprotective activity of plants of the Brazilian native flora. Special attention was given to the modes of extraction, activity indicators, and identification of the active compounds. The databases were Science direct, Pubmed, and Google Academic. Inclusion criteria were: (a) plants native to Brazil; (b) studies carried out during the last 15 years; (c) high-quality research. A fair number of communications met these criteria. Various parts of plants can be used, e.g., fruit peels, seeds, stem barks, and leaves. An outstanding characteristic of the active extracts is that they were mostly obtained from plant parts with low commercial potential, i.e., by-products or bio-residues. The hepatoprotective activities are exerted by constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamin C, phytosterols, and fructose poly- and oligosaccharides. Several Brazilian plants present excellent perspectives for the obtainment of hepatoprotective formulations. Very important is the economical perspective for the rural producers which may eventually increase their revenue by selling increasingly valued raw materials which otherwise would be wasted.

Garcia-Manieri, Jéssica Amanda Andrade; Correa, Vanesa Gesser; Backes, Emanueli; de Sá-Nakanishi, Anacharis Babeto; Bracht, Lívia; Comar, Jurandir Fernando; Corrêa, Rúbia Carvalho Gomes; Peralta, Rosane Marina; Bracht, Adelar

Peralta, Rosane Marina (State University of Maringa)

10.11606/t.11.2022.tde-22032023-164358

Propagação clonal e ontogenia do fruto de uvaieira (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess.)

No Brasil, muitas espécies de fruteiras nativas pertencentes à família Myrtaceae, apesar de relevantes, são ainda pouco estudadas e desconhecidas pela população. Entre elas destaca-se a uvaieira, Eugenia...

do Amaral Brogio Colli, Bruna

10.1590/2447-536x.v28i4.2473

Sowing time and substrate in the production of ipê-mirim seedlings

Ornamental Horticulture

Ferraz, Marcos Vieira; de Souza, Antonio Maricélio Borges; Costa, Carla Rafaele Xavier; Muniz, Ana Carolina Corrêa; de Andrade Loureiro, Eduardo Akira Suzuki; Pivetta, Kathia Fernandes Lopes

Ferraz, Marcos Vieira (São Paulo State University)

10.1016/j.afres.2022.100143

Effect of different packaging materials on storage stability of Gardenia erubescens Stapf. & Hutch. dried fruits and powder

Applied Food Research

Gardenia erubscens fruits have been identified as a valuable source of nutrients and antioxidants, which are beneficial for human health. To preserve the nutritional properties of fruits after drying, appropriate packaging material should be considered. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of different packaging materials namely high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, single-layer polyethylene, double-layer polyethylene and laminated paper bags on moisture content (MC), water activity (aw), pH, color, ß-carotene, vitamins A and C, and microbial load of dried G. erubscens fruit and powder. The samples were stored under ambient conditions for 12-weeks. The results showed that MC and aw of the dried fruits and powder increased while pH decreased as the storage progressed irrespective of the packaging material type. The redness (a*), yellowness (b*) and total color change (ΔE*) values of both dried fruits and powder were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the storage period. Packaging material on the other hand affected (p<0.05) a* and b* of the dried fruits and ΔE* of the fruit powder. Beta-carotene, vitamin A and C contents decreased after storage in both packaging material. Microbial results of the dried fruits and powder for the 12-weeks storage in ambient conditions were in acceptable limits, regardless of the type of packaging material. The results suggest that dried G. erubscens fruits and powder may be stored in any of the packaging materials investigated for 3 months under ambient conditions without appreciable loss of quality.

Korese, Joseph Kudadam; Achaglinkame, Matthew Atongbiik; Adzitey, Frederick

Korese, Joseph Kudadam (University for Development Studies)

10.5902/1980509842472

Traços funcionais de espécies arbóreas de cerrado <i>sensu stricto</i> e sua importância para a manutenção de comunidades nativas

Ciência Florestal

Functional traits are morpho-physiological characteristics of species that can significantly influence ecological processes in their natural environment and can be used to form functional groups. Functional groups are species with similar characteristics and functions in communities. The initial objective of the study was to detect patterns in the functional traits of tree species in cerrado sensu stricto. We sought to answer: 1) is it possible to group species into functional groups using leaf and architecture traits, 2) which traits best explained the survival/maintenance of species in their communities. The foliar and architectural functional traits of 32 tree species from cerrado sensu stricto were evaluated. The analyses were able to form four distinct functional groups for cerrado sensu stricto. Group 1 showed trees with higher wood density, dry mass and leaf area and high volume and biomass values. Most species have leaves with low specific leaf area and high leaf area and dry mass. Group 2 had small species with low crown volume and biomass, however, it was the group with the highest specific leaf area and leaf water percentage. Group 3 was formed by species with the lowest contribution of biomass and crown volume in the study, and also showed low values for wood density, leaf area and dry mass, being typically small-sized species. Group 4 showed the highest values for crown volume, biomass and sorghum in the study, configuring the group of species with the largest size of the study, but showed low values for specific leaf area and percentage of water in the leaf.

Costa, João Paulo; Neto, Olavo Custódio Dias; Santos, Lilian Cristina Silva; Rodrigues, Amanda Wolberg; Rios, Jovan Martins; Prado-Júnior, Jamir Afonso; do Vale, Vagner Santiago

10.1016/j.fochms.2022.100148

Underexploited Brazilian Cerrado fruits as sources of phenolic compounds for diseases management: A review

Food Chemistry Molecular Sciences

The Brazilian Cerrado is home to a large number of native and endemic species of enormous potential, among which we can highlight the cagaita, gabiroba, jatobá-do-cerrado, lobeira, and mangaba. In this review, we report the nutritional and phenolic composition, as well as bioactivities of these five Brazilian Cerrado fruits. The compiled data indicated that these fruits have high nutritional, functional, and economic potential and contribute to the daily intake of macro- and micronutrients, energy, and phenolic compounds by inhabitants of the Cerrado region. Phenolic-rich extracts obtained from these fruits have shown several bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidyslipidemic, antidiabetic, analgesic, anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, gastrointestinal protective, and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, these fruits can be explored by the food industry as a raw material to develop food products of high value-added, such as functional foods, and can also be employed as plant sources to obtain bioactive compounds for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical purposes.

Arruda, Henrique Silvano; Araújo, Maria Vitória Lopes; Marostica, Mario Roberto

Arruda, Henrique Silvano (State University of Campinas)

10.3390/ijerph192215218

Toxicity Assessment of Curculigo orchioides Leaf Extract Using Drosophila melanogaster: A Preliminary Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Curculigo orchioides is used in Indian and Chinese traditional medicinal systems for various health benefits. However, its toxicological effects are mostly unknown. This study assesses the potential toxicity of aqueous leaf (A.L.) extract of C. orchioides using Drosophila melanogaster as an experimental model. Preliminary phytochemical tests were followed by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) tests to identify the functional group in the A.L. extract of C. orchioides. Drosophila larvae/adults were exposed to varying concentrations of C. orchioides A.L. extract through diet, and developmental, lifespan, reproduction, and locomotory behaviour assays were carried out to assess the C. orchioides toxicity at organismal levels. The cellular toxicity of A.L. extract was examined by analysing the expression of heat shock protein (hsps), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and cell death. The FTIR analysis showed the presence of functional groups indicating the presence of secondary metabolites like saponins, phenolics, and alkaloids. Exposure to A.L. extract during development resulted in reduced emergence and wing malformations in the emerged fly. Furthermore, a significant reduction in reproductive performance and the organism's lifespan was observed when adult flies were exposed to A.L. extract. This study indicates the adverse effect of C. orchioides A.L. extract on Drosophila and raises concerns about the practice of indiscriminate therapeutic use of plant extracts.

Kushalan, Sharanya; D'Souza, Leonard Clinton; Aloysius, Khyahrii; Sharma, Anurag; Hegde, Smitha

Sharma, Anurag (Nitte University); Hegde, Smitha (Nitte University)

10.1371/journal.pone.0276408

Population genomics of the neotropical palm Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H. E. Moore: Implications for conservation

Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H. E. Moore is a palm tree native to Brazil. The products obtained from its leaf extracts are a source of income for local families and the agroindustry. Owing to the reduction of natural habitats and the absence of a sustainable management plan, the maintenance of the natural populations of this palm tree has been compromised. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diversity and genetic structure of 14 C. prunifera populations using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to provide information that contributes to the conservation of this species. A total of 1,013 SNP markers were identified, of which 84 loci showed outlier behavior and may reflect responses to natural selection. Overall, the level of genomic diversity was compatible with the biological aspects of this species. The inbreeding coefficient (f) was negative for all populations, indicating excess heterozygotes. Most genetic variations occurred within populations (77.26%), and a positive correlation existed between genetic and geographic distances. The population structure evaluated through discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) revealed low genetic differentiation between populations. The results highlight the need for efforts to conserve C. prunifera as well as its distribution range to preserve its global genetic diversity and evolutionary potential.

Costa, Marcones Ferreira; Morales-Marroquín, Jonathan Andre; de Araújo Batista, Carlos Eduardo; Alves-Pereira, Alessandro; de Almeida Vieira, Fábio; Zucchi, Maria Imaculada

Costa, Marcones Ferreira (Federal University of Piauí; State University of Campinas); Zucchi, Maria Imaculada (State University of Campinas; )

10.3390/biom12111550

Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model for the Effects of Phytochemicals on Mitochondria and Aging

The study of aging is an important topic in contemporary research. Considering the demographic changes and the resulting shifts towards an older population, it is of great interest to preserve youthful physiology in old age. For this endeavor, it is necessary to choose an appropriate model. One such model is the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which has a long tradition in aging research. In this review article, we explore the advantages of using the nematode model in aging research, focusing on bioenergetics and the study of secondary plant metabolites that have interesting implications during this process. In the first section, we review the situation of aging research today. Conventional theories and hypotheses about the ongoing aging process will be presented and briefly explained. The second section focuses on the nematode C. elegans and its utility in aging and nutrition research. Two useful genome editing methods for monitoring genetic interactions (RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9) are presented. Due to the mitochondria's influence on aging, we also introduce the possibility of observing bioenergetics and respiratory phenomena in C. elegans. We then report on mitochondrial conservation between vertebrates and invertebrates. Here, we explain why the nematode is a suitable model for the study of mitochondrial aging. In the fourth section, we focus on phytochemicals and their applications in contemporary nutritional science, with an emphasis on aging research. As an emerging field of science, we conclude this review in the fifth section with several studies focusing on mitochondrial research and the effects of phytochemicals such as polyphenols. In summary, the nematode C. elegans is a suitable model for aging research that incorporates the mitochondrial theory of aging. Its living conditions in the laboratory are optimal for feeding studies, thus enabling bioenergetics to be observed during the aging process.

Schmitt, Fabian; Eckert, Gunter P

Eckert, Gunter P (University of Giessen)

10.3390/ph15101250

Chalcone: A Promising Bioactive Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry

Pharmaceuticals

Chalcones are a class of privileged scaffolds with high medicinal significance due to the presence of an α,β-unsaturated ketone functionality. Numerous functional modifications of chalcones have been reported, along with their pharmacological behavior. The present review aims to summarize the structures from natural sources, synthesis methods, biological characteristics against infectious and non-infectious diseases, and uses of chalcones over the past decade, and their structure-activity relationship studies are detailed in depth. This critical review provides guidelines for the future design and synthesis of various chalcones. In addition, this could be highly supportive for medicinal chemists to develop more promising candidates for various infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Rajendran, Gayathri; Bhanu, Deepu; Aruchamy, Baladhandapani; Ramani, Prasanna; Pandurangan, Nanjan; Bobba, Kondapa Naidu; Oh, Eun Jung; Chung, Ho Yun; Gangadaran, Prakash; Ahn, Byeong-Cheol

Ramani, Prasanna (Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University; Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University); Ahn, Byeong-Cheol (Kyungpook National University; Kyungpook National University Hospital; Kyungpook National University)

10.3389/fpls.2022.981884

The anatomy of the seed-coat includes diagnostic characters in the subtribe Eugeniinae (Myrteae, Myrtaceae)

Frontiers in Plant Science

The subtribe Eugeniinae comprises of two genera, Eugenia (ca. 1,100 species) and Myrcianthes (ca. 40 species). Eugenia is the largest genus of neotropical Myrtaceae and its latest classification proposes 11 sections. This study describes the seed anatomy of forty-one species of Eugeniinae in order to provide possible diagnostic characteristics. Following standard anatomical techniques, flower buds, flowers, and fruits were processed and analyzed using microtome sections and light microscopy. The phylogeny used the regions ITS, rpl16, psbA-trnH, trnL-rpl32, and trnQ-rps16, following recent studies in the group. Ancestral character reconstruction uncovered that: (1) the ancestral ovule in Eugeniinae was campylotropous (98.9% probability), bitegmic (98.5% probability), and unitegmic ovules arose on more than one lineage independently within Eugenia; (2) the pachychalazal seed-coat appeared with a 92% probability of being the ancestral type; (3) non-lignified seed-coat (24,5% probability) and aerenchymatous mesotesta (45.8% probability) are diagnostic characters in Myrcianthes pungens (aerenchymatous mesotesta present in the developing seed-coat) and in the species of E. sect. Pseudeugenia until the species of E. sect. Schizocalomyrtus and it is the type of seed-coat that predominates in most basal sections on the tree; (4) the partial sclerification (only in the exotesta-exotestal seed-coat) is mainly observed in species of E. sect. Excelsae, E. sect. Jossinia (group X), and E. sect. Racemosae (22.2% probability); (5) and in the species of the recent lineages of Eugenia, with a probability of 27.2%, predominate the exomesotestal or testal construction of the seed-coat [character observed in almost all species analyzed of E. sect. Jossinia (group Y) and E. sect. Umbellatae]. A dehiscent fruit is considered as a plesiomorphic state in Myrtaceae; the ancestor of this family had seeds with a completely sclerified testa, and the other testa types described for the current species with dehiscent and indehiscent fruits are simplified versions of this ancestral type. Perhaps, this means that the sclerified layers in the seed-coat have remained in whole or in part as a plesiomorphic condition for taxa with a capsule and bacca. Maintaining the plesiomorphic condition may have represented a selective advantage at some point in the evolutionary history of the family and its groups.

Sbais, Patricia Gonçalves; Machado, Nayara Carreira; Valdemarin, Karinne Sampaio; Thadeo, Marcela; Mazine, Fiorella Fernanda; Mourão, Káthia Socorro Mathias

Mourão, Káthia Socorro Mathias (State University of Maringa; State University of Maringa)

10.1080/01916122.2022.2119293

Pollen Morphology: A Source of Information for Taxonomic Studies within Campomanesia (Myrtaceae)

Campomanesia is a well-delimited Neotropical genus of Myrtaceae, but some of its species have a poorly understood circumscription. Pollen morphology can provide characters to clarify the relationships among such taxa. Here, we analyze the pollen grains of 16 species of Campomanesia using light and scanning electron microscopy. Heat map and multivariate regression tree analyses were performed aiming to detect differences among species based on pollen morphology. Pollen grains of the studied taxa are isopolar monads that are oblate or, less often, suboblate, 3(4)-colporate, syncolporate or parasyncolporate, with a triangular or quandrangular amb. The exine ornamentation varies among rugulate-granulate, granulate, rugulate and rugulate-espiculate. Fastigium is present in 14 species, and a costa is present in three species. The heat map and regression tree analyses based on 16 character states of pollen morphology were able to distinguish all species of Campomanesia studied here. Some species differ from all the other species, such as Campomanesia guaviroba due to its exclusively rugulate exine. Amb, shape and exine ornamentation were distinctive characters, as previously reported for other genera of Myrtaceae. However, the presence of fastigium also proved to be an informative pollen character for species distinction in Campomanesia. Based on the sample of this study, we can state that Campomanesia is a eurypalynous genus within Myrtaceae.

Luber, Jaquelini; Carrijo, Tatiana Tavares; Martins, Mauricio Moreira; Mendona, Cludia Barbieri Ferreira; Gonalves-Esteves, Vania

10.1080/08905436.2022.2124520

Prebiotic potential of Puçá and Gabiroba fruit by-products from Cerrado Savannah

Food Biotechnology

This study investigated the prebiotic potential of by-products from Puçá (Mouriri elliptica Mart) and Gabiroba (Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg) (PBP and GBP). The fermentative capacity of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-05, Lacticaseibacillus casei L-26, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 was evaluated on PBP and GBP extracts. Their prebiotic activity scores were evaluated in the presence of two strains of Escherichia coli. PBP and GBP contain high levels of dietary fiber and significant content of phenolic compounds such as catechin and procyanidin B2. Probiotic cultivation in media with PBP and GBP showed increased bacterial counts and decreased pH values. Positive probiotic activity scores were found for all strains, such as increased production of short-chain fatty acids and consumption of glucose and fructose over time, indicating high metabolic activities. Therefore, the PBP and GBP have characteristics that indicate their prebiotic potential, and potentially are interesting components to increase the nutritional value of foods.

Barbosa, Jéssica Pereira; dos Santos Lima, Marcos; Tette, Patrícia Amaral Souza

Tette, Patrícia Amaral Souza (Universidade Federal de Goiás)

10.3389/fnut.2022.977813

Oxidative stability and elemental analysis of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) edible oil produced in Brazil using a domestic extraction machine

Frontiers in Nutrition

The consumption of regular vegetable oils has been linked to energy acquisition, nutritional benefits, health improvement, and the regulation of metabolic diseases. This study evaluated fatty acids composition, physicochemical, thermal, oxidative, and optical properties, and quantified trace elements in the sunflower oil extracted by a domestic cold-press machine. The oil presented linoleic (54.00%) and oleic (37.29%) primary unsaturated fatty acids (91.67%), in which atherogenic (0.05), thrombogenic (0.16), hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (21.97), peroxide (16.16), saponification (141.80), and relative density indices (0.92) demonstrated to be suitable for human consumption and possible health promotion. In addition, the concentrations of trace elements by ICP OES were ordered Zn > Fe > Al > Cu > Mn > Cr. Concentrations of Zn, Fe, Al, Cu, and Mn were lower than FAO/WHO and DRI/AI limits, while Cr concentrations exceeded the FAO/WHO limits, which can be used as an indicator of the polluted ambiance. Sunflower oil quantities daily consumption were calculated by taking into account non-carcinogenic risk (CR < 10-4), and total non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI < 1). Based on trace elements determined in this study, the suitable quantity of sunflower oil consumption varies according to individuals aged 8, 18, and 30 years and will be deemed 0.61, 1.46, and 1.65 g/kg, respectively, attending HI = 0.99 and CR < 10-4.

Machate, David Johane; Melo, Elaine S. P.; de Oliveira, Lincoln Carlos Silva; Bogo, Danielle; Michels, Flávio S.; Pott, Arnildo; Cavalheiro, Leandro F.; de Cássia Avellaneda Guimarães, Rita; de Cássia Freitas, Karine; Hiane, Priscila Aiko; Caires, Anderson R. L.; Vilela, Marcelo Luiz Brandão; Oliveira, Rodrigo Juliano; do Nascimento, Valter Aragão

do Nascimento, Valter Aragão (Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul; Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul)

10.5530/jppcm.2022.3.9

A Review on Futuristic Scope of Agents Related to Amphibian’s Skin and Plants-based Sources in Type 2 Antidiabetic Therapies

Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Community Medicine

Abstract:Based on the current scenario type-2 diabetes has been labelled as one of the major health issues, approaching exponentially towards mind boggling stage of epidemic globally. Considering to its lifelong latency from early to old ages, less awareness to its particular genotype and phenotype and hefty cost involved in its management and treatment; there is substantial need for more advance, personalised and economical therapeutic approaches for its effective therapy and treatment. The current review here discusses peculiar agents from amphibian’s skin and rarely explored distinctive plant sources with potential to be a viable therapeutic option for type-2 diabetes, therefore, could be devised into effective future treatment strategy to it and also to its related microvascular and macrovascular complications. Based on the literature search the therapeutic scope of agents from amphibian’s skin and selected plants sources are delineated, sighting their activities and prospects as to be future revolutionary remedy to type-2 diabetes and associated hitches such as their insulin releasing ability in pancreatic beta cell lines and primary islets cells, effects on glucose level and on other metabolic parameters such as obesity, lipid profile and pancreatic beta cell function etc.

Tripathi, Shipra; Dubey, Vaibhav; Semwal, Alok; Chaturvedi, Ratan B; Musale, Vishal; Narain, Kamal

10.3389/fmicb.2022.1000526

Inhibitory effect and mechanism of action of juniper essential oil on gray mold in cherry tomatoes

Frontiers in Microbiology

Juniper essential oil (JEO), which is mostly known as an immune system booster and effective detoxifier, has substantial antimicrobial activity. A comparison of the inhibitory effects of three plant essential oils from juniper (Juniperus rigida), cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana), and cypress (Crupressus sempervirens) on four plant pathogenic fungi indicated that JEO was the most effective at inhibiting the growth of gray mold (Botrytis cinerea). Additional studies were subsequently conducted to explore the in vivo and in vitro antifungal activity and possible mechanism of JEO against B. cinerea. The results show that JEO inhibited the germination of spores and mycelial growth of B. cinerea in a concentration-dependent manner and exhibited strong inhibition when its concentration exceeded 10 μL/mL. JEO also significantly inhibited the incidence of disease and diameters of gray mold lesions on cherry tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum). After 12 h of treatment with JEO, the extracellular conductivity, and the contents of soluble protein, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide were 3.1, 1.2, 7.2, and 4.7 folds higher than those of the control group, respectively (P < 0.05), which indicated that JEO can damage membranes. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that JEO affected the morphology of mycelia, causing them to shrivel, twist and distort. Furthermore, JEO significantly improved the activities of the antioxidant-related enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase but reduced the pathogenicity-related enzymes polygalacturonase (PG), pectin lyase and endoglucanase of B. cinerea (P < 0.05). In particular, PG was reduced by 93% after treatment with JEO for 12 h. Moreover, the 18 constituents of JEO were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, mainly limonene (15.17%), γ-terpinene (8.3%), β-myrcene (4.56%), terpinen-4-ol (24.26%), linalool (8.73%), α-terpineol (1.03%), o-cymene (8.35%) and other substances with antimicrobial activity. Therefore, JEO can be an effective alternative to prevent and control gray mold on cherry tomato fruit.

Wu, Yu-Xuan; Zhang, Yun-Di; Li, Na; Wu, De-Dong; Li, Qi-Meng; Chen, Yun-Ze; Zhang, Guo-Cai; Yang, Jing

Zhang, Guo-Cai (Northeast Forestry University); Yang, Jing (Northeast Forestry University; Guizhou University)

10.14393/bj-v38n0a2022-55923

The research effort on seeds of plant species native to the brazilian flora

Bioscience Journal

The study performed a checklist of publications on species with available seed information and identified their issues and volumes. These publications occurred during the existence of the online versions of Revista Brasileira de Sementes (Brazilian Journal of Seeds) and the Journal of Seed Science. This data survey intends to represent a foundation for other studies and contribute to the knowledge of native plant species in Brazil. The search focused on the seeds of plants native to Brazil, indicating high negligence regarding the knowledge of Brazilian biodiversity because of the total number of articles published in 33 issues of Revista Brasileira de Sementes between 2002-2012 and the Journal of Seed Science, a substitute of the former journal, from 2012 to the first semester of 2020, with 28 issues published, but only 208 studies addressing seeds of plant species native to Brazil.

Gonçalves, Thamyres Sabrina; Veloso, Maria das Dores Magalhães

10.3390/molecules27186016

The Free Radical Scavenging Property of the Leaves, Branches, and Roots of Mansoa hirsuta DC: In Vitro Assessment, 3D Pharmacophore, and Molecular Docking Study

In this work, a metabolic profile of Mansoa hirsuta was investigated, and in vitro assays and theoretical approaches were carried out to evaluate its antioxidant potential. The phytochemical screening detected saponins, organic acids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids in extracts of leaves, branches, and roots. Through LC-MS analysis, the triterpenes oleanolic acid (m/z 455 [M-H]-) and ursolic acid (m/z 455 [M-H]-) were identified as the main bioactive components. The extracts of the leaves, branches, and roots revealed moderate antioxidant potential in the DPPH test and all extracts were more active in the ABTS test. The leaf extracts showed better antioxidant capacity, displaying IC50 values of 43.5 ± 0.14, 63.6 ± 0.54, and 56.1 ± 0.05 µg mL-1 for DPPH, ABTS, and kinetics assays, respectively. The leaf extract showed higher total flavonoid content (TFC) (5.12 ± 1.02 mg QR/g), followed by branches (3.16 ± 0.88 QR/g) and roots (2.04 ± 0.52 QR/g/g). The extract of the branches exhibited higher total phenolic content (TPC) (1.07 ± 0.77 GAE/g), followed by leaves (0.58 ± 0.30 GAE/g) and roots (0.19 ± 0.47 GAE/g). Pharmacophore and molecular docking analysis were performed in order to better understand the potential mechanism of the antioxidant activity of its major metabolites.

Alves, Patrícia e Silva; Preet, Gagan; Dias, Leandro; Oliveira, Maria; Silva, Rafael; Castro, Isione; Silva, Giovanna; Júnior, Joaquim; Lima, Nerilson; Silva, Dulce Helena; Andrade, Teresinha; Jaspars, Marcel; Feitosa, Chistiane

Alves, Patrícia e Silva (Federal University of Piauí)

10.34119/bjhrv5n5-060

<em>Campomanesia adamantium</em> (Cambess.) O. Berg e <em>Campomanesia sessiliflora</em> (o.berg) mattos: estudo fitoquímico e toxicidade frente à Artemia salina l. (Crustacea) como indicadores preliminares na elaboração de produtos biotecnológicos

Brazilian Journal of Health Review

A Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg e a Campomanesia sessiliflora (O.Berg) Mattos (guaviras) são utilizadas para atividades terapêuticas na medicina popular, porém é necessária a extração dos metabólitos da planta com vistas ao desenvolvimento de produtos terapêuticos e o uso de bioindicadores para avaliar a sua  toxicidade. Foram realizadas as etapas de coleta e preparação do extrato botânico, obtidas soluções etanólicas a 20% e submetidas à análise. Os extratos etanólicos das folhas de C. adamantium e C. sessiliflora demonstraram perfis químicos semelhantes para flavonoides e taninos, negativos para esteroides, terpenos e saponinas, e pouco conclusivo para alcalóides, porém com presença de precipitado indicativo de compostos azotados. Os testes foram realizados em diversas concentrações. Ao revisitar os resultados prévios de citotoxicidade sobre Artemia salina Leach., foi verificado que os espécimes apresentaram resultados estabelecidos dentro da faixa de toxicidade elevada, onde o extrato da C. sessiliflora apresentou valor para CL50 de 65,78 μg mL-1  e com perfil de toxicidade variando entre 11,20 e 120,38 μg mL-1, compatível faixa de elevada toxicidade para todas as correlações dos testes, definidas para mortalidade de 10% e 90% da população exposta, respectivamente. Igualmente a C. adamantium também mostrou valores médios da CL50  em 52,03 μg mL-1 dentro da faixa de toxicidade elevada e suas concentrações atribuídas para as dosagens mínimas e máximas entre 8,45 e 95,44 μg mL-1, recaíram na faixa de elevado risco de toxicidade, revelando a necessidade de cuidado no uso do extrato. Desta forma fica evidente o potencial de toxicidade dos extratos de C. adamantium  e C. sessiliflora sobre Artemia salina L. mostrando que este pode ser promissor na inibição do crescimento in vitro de tumores sólidos humano em estudos. O bioensaio serve como uma ferramenta de pré-triagem para estudo de drogas antitumorais e para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos.

Junior, José Celso Rocha Martins; Pradebon, Vanessa Pinto Oleques; Ricci, Ana Patrícia; Almeida, Tiago Tognolli de; Roel, Antonia Railda; Carvalho, Cristiano Marcelo Espínola; Porto, Karla Rejane de Andrade

10.14393/bj-v38n0a2022-53571

Dehydration tolerance and storage sensitivity of Campomanesia adamantium seeds

Bioscience Journal

Cultivating native fruit species depends on the existence of technical and scientific information. In this context, studies on propagation are the basis for other investigations. Campomanesia adamantium is propagated by seeds, and quality seeds guarantee the formation of high-performance plants in the field. This study aimed to analyze the dehydration tolerance and storage sensitivity of Campomanesia adamantium seeds. Experiment 1 evaluated the physiological quality of seeds with moisture contents of 43, 30, 26, 23, 18, 15, and 5%. Experiment 2 determined the seed moisture content, germination, and vigor of seeds depulped and immediately stored at 16 and 25°C, for 25 and 50 days. Seed viability was not affected by dehydration up to 15% of moisture content but decreased at 5%. Drying was accompanied by reduced seed vigor and seedling mass. The germination of unstored seeds was superior to stored ones. Storage at 16°C for 25 days was promising to maintain seed viability. The seeds showed intermediate recalcitrant behavior. Dehydration below 30% reduced vigor, while 5% affected viability. Campomanesia adamantium seeds can be stored for 25 days at 16°C in permeable packaging that maintains approximately 10% of moisture, with germination higher than 60%.

Leão-Araújo, Érica Fernandes; Ferreira, Eliane Aparecida Silveira; Silva, Mariana Aguiar; Costa, Lilian Lúcia; Peixoto, Nei; de Souza, Eli Regina Barboza

10.1016/j.sajb.2022.06.047

Assessing genetic structure of Eugenia uniflora L. populations along an environmental gradient using a novel set of SSR markers

South African Journal of Botany

Gradients in biodiversity are often considered a result of environmental variables like temperature, precipitation, ecological disturbance regimes, and species coexistence. This study aimed at investigating the genetic diversity and structure of natural populations of Eugenia uniflora growing in two different biomes in southern Brazil (Atlantic Forest and Pampa biomes), as well as in the transition zone between them. A novel set of 11 SSR loci from E. uniflora was validated and employed to test the hypothesis that the allelic composition of the populations changes gradually along the environmental gradient sampled, with a characteristic genetic structure within each biome and an intermediary allelic composition in the transition zone. The results revealed high polymorphism of the validated markers and significant genetic structure of the different populations. The main source of genetic variation observed is the individual samples, but there was a considerable amount of variation among populations, and regions. We suggested that the genetic structure of the studied populations presents distinct patterns which may be related to adaptation to local environmental conditions, or at least related to the transition among them. Our study provides evidence that even environments neglected regarding the information on their biodiversity and the transition zones may hold important levels of genetic diversity. Thus, the distribution of genetic diversity should be interpreted in the light of the life traits of the species and the local environment since valuable diversity may be found both in a hotspot of diversity and in neglected forest formations.

Beise, Dalvan Carlos; de Oliveira, Luana Oliveira; dos Santos, Daniele Damian; Stefenon, Valdir Marcos

Stefenon, Valdir Marcos (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Universidade Federal do Pampa)

10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119748

Tactfully improve the antioxidant activity of 2′-hydroxychalcone with the strategy of substituent, solvent and intramolecular hydrogen bond effects

Journal of Molecular Liquids

The substituent and solvent effects on the antioxidant activity of 2′-hydroxychalcone (2′Cha) were systematically explored in gas and three solvent phases by designing six novel compounds (2′Cha-3′NH2, 2′Cha-4′NH2, 2′Cha-5′NH2, 2′Cha-3′CN, 2′Cha-4′CN, and 2′Cha-5′CN) based on the density functional theory (DFT) approach. Significant parameters involved in three primary antioxidant mechanisms, namely the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT), and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET) were computed to confirm the thermodynamically preferred reaction pathway in different media. Besides, 4′-hydroxychalcone (4′Cha) was introduced to unveil the intramolecular hydrogen bond (IHB) effect on the radical scavenging capacity of 2′Cha utilizing the DFT and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopic methods. Energy barriers and kinetic parameters for HAT reaction of 2′Cha and 4′Cha with hydroperoxyl (HOO ) radical were calculated to further compare the radical-trapping process. The photophysical properties of 2′Cha in benzene, chlorobenzene and ethanol are in good agreement with the measured experimental data and the excited-state antiradical capacity improving mechanism was also confirmed experimentally. The current work not only provides valuable guidance for synthesizing high-efficiency antioxidants but also exploits the potential application fields for 2′Cha.

Shang, Changjiao; Zhang, Yajie; Sun, Chaofan; Wang, Lingling

Sun, Chaofan (Northeast Forestry University); Wang, Lingling (Northeast Forestry University; Northeast Forestry University; Northeast Forestry University)

10.1007/s11274-022-03386-2

Insights into taxonomic diversity and bioprospecting potential of Cerrado endophytic fungi: a review exploring an unique Brazilian biome and methodological limitations

World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

Cerrado is the second largest biome in Brazil, and it is known for harboring a wide variety of endemic plant and microbial species, among which are endophytic fungi. Endophytic fungi are microorganisms capable of colonizing the interior of plant tissues without causing disease in host plants. Especially in the Cerrado biome, this group of microorganisms is still poorly studied and information on species estimation, ecological and evolutionary importance is not accurate and remains unknown. Also, it is extremely important to emphasize that great part of studies available on Cerrado endophytic fungi are national literature, including master’s dissertations, course conclusion works or unpublished doctoral theses. The majority of these studies has highlighted that the endemic plant species are an important habitat for fungal endophytes, and new species have increasingly been described. Due to the lack of international literature on Cerrado endophytic fungi, the present review brings a bibliographic survey on taxonomic diversity and bioprospecting potential of fungal endophytes from a unique environment. This review also emphasizes the importance of studying Brazilian endophytic fungi from Cerrado as a source of new technologies (biofertilizer and biocontroller), since they are secondary metabolite-producing organisms with different biological activities for biotechnological, agricultural and pharmaceutical applications.

dos Reis, Jefferson Brendon Almeida; do Vale, Helson Mário Martins; Lorenzi, Adriana Sturion

Lorenzi, Adriana Sturion (University of Brasília)

10.3390/polym14163421

Effect of the Application of a Coating Native Potato Starch/Nopal Mucilage/Pectin on Physicochemical and Physiological Properties during Storage of Fuerte and Hass Avocado (Persea americana)

The avocado fruit is an agro-industrial product with high export demand in Peru due to its sensory and nutritional qualities, which can be affected during storage. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the application of a coating formulated with potato starch (Solanum tuberosum ssp andigena), nopal mucilage (Opuntia ficus indica), and pectin on the physicochemical and physiological properties during the storage of Fuerte and Hass avocados. Samples were taken in their harvest state from the plantation in “Occobamba”, which is cultivated by the Avocado Producers Association in Chincheros, Apurímac, Peru. Physicochemical properties (titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solids) and physiological properties (weight loss, firmness, and color L* a* b*) were determined during 20 days of storage at 20 °C. The elaborated films present high transparency and low aw values. In the coated avocado of the Hass and Fuerte varieties, acidity and total soluble solids decreased significantly (p-value < 0.05) during the storage time. Weight loss and firmness of coated fruits decrease to a lesser extent. Luminosity L*, color index, and color variation showed better attributes for the coated samples. The use of coatings made with potato starch, nopal mucilage, and pectin allows the physicochemical and physiological properties of avocado fruits to be maintained for a longer time during storage.

Choque-Quispe, David; Diaz-Barrera, Yasmine; Solano-Reynoso, Aydeé M.; Choque-Quispe, Yudith; Ramos-Pacheco, Betsy S.; Ligarda-Samanez, Carlos A.; Peralta-Guevara, Diego E.; Martínez-Huamán, Edgar L.; Landa, John Peter Aguirre; Correa-Cuba, Odilon; Cerna, Henrry W. Agreda; Masco-Arriola, Mery Luz; Lechuga-Canal, Washington Julio; Loayza-Céspedes, Julio C.; Álvarez-López, Genaro Julio

Choque-Quispe, David (Universidad Nacional José María Arguedas; Universidad Nacional José María Arguedas; Universidad Nacional José María Arguedas)

10.1590/0034-737x202269040003

Morphophysiological adjustments to shade of jaboticaba tree saplings1

We aimed to verify the morphophysiological changes in jaboticaba tree (Plinia peruviana (Poir.) Govaerts) saplings under shade gradient to improve knowledge on the appropriate light environmental conditions for the saplings production and field homogeneous or intercropping cultivation of this species. The saplings were grown under full sun and artificial shade levels (30%, 50%, and 80%). Growth, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchanges, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf anatomy characters were evaluated. Our results showed that jaboticaba tree saplings growth was improved under full sun and 30% of shade. Under 50% and 80% shade the saplings demonstrate phenotypic plasticity, such as larger and thinner leaves. Chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll content, and quantum yield of photosystem II were higher under higher shade level, but the CO2 assimilation rate was not different between light conditions. These changes are typically found in shade-tolerant plants and is related to perform photosynthesis more efficiently in highly variable light conditions. Despite that, we recommend that cultivation be carried out under full sun or up to 30% shade to maximize jaboticaba tree saplings growth in nurseries and orchards.

Moura, Amanda Pacheco Cardoso; Gil, Bruna Valéria; Perboni, Anelise Tessari; Oliveira, Fabrícia Lorrane Rodrigues; Sant’Anna-Santos, Bruno Francisco; Danner, Moeses Andrigo

Danner, Moeses Andrigo (Federal University of Technology – Paraná)

10.1016/j.fbio.2022.101739

Isolation and identification of lactic acid bacteria in fruit processing residues from the Brazilian Cerrado and its probiotic potential

Food Bioscience

Fruit residues may contain lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with probiotic properties. This study aimed to isolate, characterize and identify LAB isolated from Brazilian Cerrado fruit residues, as well as to evaluate the safety and functionality properties in vitro. Twenty colonies were isolated and characterized. Biochemical and morphological analyses showed 14 LAB isolates, which were identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum/pentosus, Lacticaseibacillus casei/paracasei, Pediococcus adicilactici and Weissella cibaria/confusa. Most of the isolates showed susceptibility to antibiotics and none showed hemolytic, gelatinase, coagulase, and DNAse activity. At pH 2, the survival of most strains examined was reduced after 3h exposure -. Four showed a survival rate similar to control, while L. casei/paracasei from guapeva fruit showed a higher rate. 11 isolates inhibited the growth of Esherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella sp. Cluster analysis grouped the isolates according to similarity. The results highlight the specificity of the food matrix, genus, species and strain, however selected LAB strains can be submitted for further investigation of new probiotic strains.

de Amorim Trindade, Dennia Pires; Barbosa, Jéssica Pereira; Martins, Eliane Maurício Furtado; Tette, Patrícia Amaral Souza

Tette, Patrícia Amaral Souza (Universidade Federal de Goiás)

10.3390/plants11151945

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity of Campomanesia lineatifolia Ruiz & Pavón (Myrtaceae) Essential Oil

Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers, and the number of resistant strains to multiple conventional antimicrobial agents has been increasing in different parts of the world. Several studies have shown that some essential oils (EO) have bioactive compounds, which can be attributed to antimicrobial activity. Therefore, EOs have been proposed as a natural alternative to antibiotics, or for use in combination with conventional treatment for H. pylori infection. Campomanesia lineatifolia is an edible species found in the Brazilian forests, and their leaves are traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and antioxidant properties are attributed to C. lineatifolia leaf extracts; however, studies related to the chemical constituents of the essential oil and anti-H. pylori activity is not described. This work aims to identify the chemical composition of the EO from C. lineatifolia leaves and evaluate the anti-H. pylori activity. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation from C. lineatifolia leaves and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses. To assess the in vitro anti-H. pylori activity of the C. lineatifolia leaf's EO (6 μL/mL-25 μL/mL), we performed broth microdilution assays by using type cultures (ATCC 49503, NCTC 11638, both clarithromycin-sensitive) and clinical isolate strains (SSR359, clarithromycin-sensitive, and SSR366, clarithromycin-resistant). A total of eight new compounds were identified from the EO (3-hexen-1-ol (46.15%), α-cadinol (20.35%), 1,1-diethoxyethane (13.08%), 2,3-dicyano-7,7-dimethyl-5,6-benzonorbornadiene (10.78%), aromadendrene 2 (3.0%), [3-S-(3α, 3aα, 6α, 8aα)]-4,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,7,7-trimethyl-8-methylene-3H-3a,6-methanoazulene (2.99%), α-bisabolol (0.94%), and β-curcumene (0.8%)), corresponding to 98.09% of the total oil composition. The EO inhibited the growth of all H. pylori strains tested (MIC 6 μL/mL). To our knowledge, the current study investigates the relation between the chemical composition and the anti-H. pylori activity of the C. lineatifolia EO for the first time. Our findings show the potential use of the C. lineatifolia leaf EO against sensitive and resistant clarithromycin H. pylori strains and suggest that this antimicrobial activity could be related to its ethnopharmacological use.

Neves, Nívea Cristina Vieira; de Mello, Morgana Pinheiro; Smith, Sinéad Marian; Boylan, Fabio; Caliari, Marcelo Vidigal; Castilho, Rachel Oliveira

Neves, Nívea Cristina Vieira (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Trinity College Dublin; ); Castilho, Rachel Oliveira (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; )

10.3390/foods11152236

Advances in Evaluation of Antioxidant and Toxicological Properties of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart. in Drosophila melanogaster Model

This study investigated the flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and toxicological properties of the acetone-water fraction of stem bark of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart. (TFSR). The total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity were determined, as typified by DPPH● and ABTS●+ radical scavenging abilities, Fe3+ reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), relative antioxidant capacity (RAC), and the inhibition of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARs) in Drosophila melanogaster tissue. Toxicity and locomotor functions were evaluated in adult D. melanogaster flies through aging and survival assays, startle-induced negative geotaxis, and centrophobic responses with video-assisted open field motion tracking. The flavonoid content of dry TFSR (DF) was 3.36 mg quercetin/g. Furthermore, the significant antioxidant activity of TFSR was revealed through scavenging 95.3% of the ABTS●+ radical and 82.4% of the DPPH● radical, as well reducing 74.7% of Fe3+ in the FRAP assay and 80% Mo6+ in the RAC assay. TFSR conferred 70.25% protection against lipid peroxidation in Drosophila tissue. Survival rates ranged from 84.65 to 103.98% in comparison to the non-supplemented control and no evident deterioration of locomotor functions and centrophobia responses was observed. These results revealed that TFSR has potent antioxidant activity and low toxicity in vivo, profiling TFSR as a promising natural product in the treatment/management of iron overload and associated conditions.

Salazar, Gerson Javier Torres; Ecker, Assis; Adefegha, Stephen Adeniyi; da Costa, José Galberto Martins

da Costa, José Galberto Martins (; )

10.1007/s10722-022-01431-5

Genomic population structure of Parkia platycephala Benth. (Leguminosae) from Northeastern Brazil

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution

Parkia platycephala Benth. is a native species with high nutritional and ecological potential that is used in forest recovery and restoration. However, studies on the diversity and population genetic structure of this species are limited. Therefore, 5036 nucleotide polymorphism loci (resulting from genotyping by sequencing) were used to investigate the diversity and population structure of P. platycephala in two localities of Northeast Brazil. One of the evaluated areas comprised the Conservation Unit, Sete Cidades National Park, the other location consisted of the trees located around the park. A high level of genetic diversity was found for both populations, with similar values of expected heterozygosity (HE = 0.29), showing the existence of a considerable level of genetic variation. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that most of the diversity (99.06%) was distributed within populations. The results of the genetic structuring indicated little divergence between the plants, suggesting that the evaluated groups could be considered a single population. Few loci under selection (outliers) were identified; thus, no significant evidence of adaptive divergence was found. The results indicate that P. platycephala trees inside and outside the Conservation Unit maintain high genetic diversity, which has potential for use in breeding programs and for the production of seedlings for forest restoration. Furthermore, the importance of the Sete Cidades National Park for in situ conservation of this species is highlighted.

Morais, João Gabriel Silva; Costa, Marcones Ferreira; Alves-Pereira, Alessandro; Zucchi, Maria Imaculada; Pinheiro, José Baldin; Araujo, Ademir Sergio Ferreira; Silva, Verônica Brito; Ferreira-Gomes, Regina Lucia; de Almeida Lopes, Angela Celis

Costa, Marcones Ferreira (Federal University of Piauí)

10.1007/s11627-022-10275-8

A novel in vitro propagation system for West Indian elm [Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (Malvaceae)]: a valuable medicinal woody species

In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant

The aim of this study was to establish a system of in vitro germination and propagation of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. microcuttings (Malvaceae). Seeds were inoculated into test tubes containing different concentrations (half-strength (½) and full-strength) of Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal salts and sucrose (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 g L−1). For the induction of multiple shoots, microcuttings were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg L−1 of 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (KIN), or thidiazuron (TDZ), or containing no plant growth regulator (control). Nodal segments were also cultured in vessels with two different sealing systems, for example, sealed with a porous membrane (1 M) (21 μL L−1 s−1 of CO2) or with no membrane (0 M) (14 μL L−1 s−1 of CO2). Treatments with full-strength MS salts supplemented with 20% sucrose and ½ MS with 10% sucrose showed 100% germination, whereas there was no germination in the culture media with the highest sucrose concentration (80 g L−1), regardless of the MS salt concentration. The presence of cytokinins in the culture medium reduced shoot length and number of leaves and roots in the microcuttings. Plants cultured in vessels sealed with a porous membrane showed greater total and shoot lengths and greater leaf area. Anatomical analyses also showed that the mesophyll and leaf blade were thicker in plants cultured under higher gas exchange (1 M), a condition that also favored ex vitro plant acclimatization. These results provide relevant information for the establishment of G. ulmifolia micropropagation systems.

de Jesus Santana, Mayla; Barbosa-Júnior, Sebastião Martins; Dias, Lana Laene Lima; Silva, Lázara Aline Simões; da Silva, Givanildo Zildo; Fortini, Evandro Alexandre; Batista, Diego Silva; Otoni, Wagner Campos; da Costa Netto, Antônio Paulino; Rocha, Diego Ismael

Rocha, Diego Ismael (Universidade Federal de Viçosa)

10.1002/cbf.3727

Oral administration of botryosphaeran [(1 → 3)(1 → 6)‐β‐d‐glucan] reduces inflammation through modulation of leukocytes and has limited effect on inflammatory nociception

Cell Biochemistry and Function

Several biological activities of the fungal exopolysaccharide (1 → 3)(1 → 6)-β-d-glucan (botryosphaeran) have been described in the literature, but its effects on inflammation have not been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the action of botryosphaeran on experimental mice models of carrageenan-induced acute pleurisy and acute paw edema, and complete Freund's adjuvant-induced persistent paw edema. All botryosphaeran doses tested (1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/kg birth weight [b.w.], orally administered) reduced leukocyte recruitment, nitric oxide (NO) levels, and protein extravasation in the pleural cavity. Botryosphaeran (5 mg/kg b.w.) did not diminish edema and mechanical hyperalgesia in the paw within 4 h; however, cold allodynia was alleviated within the first 2 h. In the persistent paw inflammation model, the effects of daily oral administration of botryosphaeran (5 mg/kg b.w.) were evaluated over 3 and 7 days. The fungal β-glucan significantly reduced the levels of the cytokines, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6), and IL-10, in the paw homogenates in both protocols, while paw edema and the levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) only diminished on Day 7. No effect in mechanical hyperalgesia was observed. Oral treatment for 3 or 7 days also decreased the plasma levels of NO, AOPP, TNF-α, and IL-10. On Day 7, the number of leukocytes in the blood was also reduced by this treatment. Importantly, botryosphaeran did not induce inflammation in mice when administered alone over 7 days. This study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential of botryosphaeran in these experimental models, making this fungal β-glucan a new possibility for complementary treating acute and chronic inflammation.

Silva, Nubia A.; Pereira, Bianca G.; Santos, Joyce A.; Guarnier, Flávia A.; Barbosa‐Dekker, Aneli M.; Dekker, Robert F. H.; Kassuya, Cândida A. L.; Bernardes, Sara S.

Bernardes, Sara S. (Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados)

10.14295/bjs.v1i7.151

Óleo essencial dos pecíolos de Protium ovatum Engl. (Burseraceae) apresenta atividade bioativa e antifúngica?

Brazilian Journal of Science

Protium ovatum is a specie present in the most varied types from Cerrado in Brasil, and this specie is reconoced as a phytotherapeutic plant. The objective of the study was to characterize chemically and biologically the essential oils of Protium ovatum petioles collected in three areas of the Cerrado in the state of Goiás, Brasil. Petioles were collected in three areas of savanna Cerrado. The essential oil was extracted in Clevenger, the yield determined in percentage. Physicochemical analyzes were performed for chemical composition by gas chromatography with mass emitter, relative density, solubility, refractive index and optical rotation. To determine the biological antioxidant activity, the DPPH was used, and determined in IC50, and the antifungal activity performed by diluting the essential oil in the disc diffusion method. Essential oils showed a yield of 0.35; 0.44 and 0.29%, density of 0.905; 0.907 and 0.912 g mL-1, positive solubility, refractive index of 1.3881; 1.3853 and 1.3799, optical rotation of +40.6; +40.9 and +39.8 αD, and IC50 of 1.67; 1.57 and 2.19 µL mL-1, for Cerradão, Cerrado rupestre and Cerrado sujo, respectively. There were about 12 major compounds and exceptional antifungal activity against Candida isolates. Essential oils presented as a new antioxidant and antifungal source against Candida isolates. The physicochemical characteristics similar to other essential oils in the literature. The phytophysiognomic characteristics should in the future be evaluated through genetic analysis between groups of individuals in the three study areas.

de Menezes Filho, Antonio Carlos Pereira; Cristofoli, Marcela; Ventura, Matheus Vinicius Abadia; Taques, Aparecida Sofia; Alves, Ivan; de Souza Castro, Carlos Frederico

10.1007/s11104-022-05562-7

Can ecological strategies be explained by photochemical efficiency in ironstone outcrops vegetation?

AimsVegetation in ironstone outcrops is under potential environmental stressors. The aim of this work was to understand the relationships between the ecological strategies of species from ironstone outcrops in Brazil and their photosynthetic adjustments, and to contribute for the selection of species for the recovery of mined environments.MethodsA total of 22 species belonging to 12 families were selected over canga vegetation. The physiological characteristics, chlorophyll a fluorescence and chlorophyll indices, were evaluated during the rainy and dry seasons. Analysis of competitor, stress-tolerator and ruderal (CSR) ecological strategies was performed during the rainy season for each species using functional leaf characteristics.ResultsThe species presented the following ecological strategies: tolerance to stress (74.76%), competition (22.31%) and ruderality (2.93%). Despite a weak correlation between the ecological stress-tolerant strategy and photosynthetic variables, the low soil fertility and reduced rainfall during the dry season led to photochemical adjustments. The species were divided into five distinct groups based on the ability to use and dissipate excess light energy. Some species showed maintenance or increments in photochemical efficiency parameters, chlorophyll indices, and the capacity to avoid damage to the photosynthetic complex through a photoprotective process during the dry season.ConclusionsThe photochemical responses observed highlighted the diversity of adaptive strategies found in plant species from ironstone outcrops. The different photosynthetic adjustments are related to the competition capacity and stress tolerance mechanisms. Thus, the analyzed physiological parameters can be used for selecting plant species for the recovery of environments impacted by mining companies.

Rios, Camilla Oliveira; Pimentel, Paulo Antônio; Živčák, Marek; Brestič, Marián; Pereira, Eduardo Gusmão

Pereira, Eduardo Gusmão (Universidade Federal de Viçosa)

10.11606/d.11.2022.tde-12092022-160549

Mudas de cambucizeiro (Campomanesia phaea O. Berg Landrum): adubação fosfatada, calagem e deficiência nutricional

A falta de conhecimento sobre os aspectos produtivos do cambucizeiro, principalmente quanto ao manejo nutricional das plantas e da fertilidade do solo, é um fator que dificulta sua expansão além da região...

Soares, Márcio Rezende Ribeiro

10.1038/s41598-022-12640-4

Indirect organogenesis for high frequency shoot regeneration of two cultivars of Sansevieria trifasciata Prain differing in fiber production

Scientific Reports

Sansevieria trifasciata is used as an indoor plant, in traditional medicine and as a fiber source. Here we characterized fibers of two of varieties of S. trifasciata, Lorentii and Hahnii, and report a protocol for their propagation based on indirect shoot organogenesis. Structural and ribbon fibers were scattered within leaf parenchyma when viewed with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Chemical analysis of the fibers by mass spectrometry and high-performance chromatography revealed higher contents of cellulose and xylose in Lorentii than in Hahnii and significant differences for total lignin between both. A protocol for de novo shoot production was then developed using leaf explants. Time-course histological analyses showed that the first events of transdifferentiation were triggered preferentially in cells surrounding fibers and vascular bundles. Callogenesis and shoot performances were quantified for both varieties, and 2,4-D at 2 and 3 mg·L-1 yielded the best results for primary calli induction and fresh calli mass. The length, number, and mass of shoots produced did not differ significantly between the two cultivars. The fast morphogenic response of S. trifasciata to in vitro culture may be useful for mass propagation or other biotechnological purposes such as metabolite production.

García-Hernández, Eleazar; Loera-Quezada, Maribel M.; Morán-Velázquez, Dalia C.; López, Mercedes G.; Chable-Vega, Manuel A.; Santillán-Fernández, Alberto; Zavaleta-Mancera, Hilda A.; Tang, John Z.; Azadi, Parastoo; Ibarra-Laclette, Enrique; Alatorre-Cobos, Fulgencio

Alatorre-Cobos, Fulgencio

10.3390/plants11101302

Associations between Integument Color and Physical and Physiological Quality in Pterodon pubescens Seeds

Pterodon pubescens is a native Brazilian species typical of the cerrado biome, belonging to the Leguminosae-Papilionoideae (Fabaceae) family and popularly known as sucupira branca or faveiro. Its seeds exhibit different integument colors, which may exhibit a direct association to physiological quality related to higher germination percentage rates, vigor, and germination speed index (GSI). Therefore, selection and evaluation methods concerning P. pubescens seed quality are required for the preservation of this species. In this context, the aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between P. pubescens seed integument color and seed quality, through a combination of radiographic imaging and physiological, histochemical and biochemical assays. P. pubescens seeds were obtained from five matrices, and visually classified into four color classes, yellow, light brown, dark brown and black. The coordinates "L", "a" and "b", indicated by the colorimeter and the calculations of the chroma and hue angle values, verified that there was a difference in the color of the seeds, eliminating the subjectivity of the visual classification. Thus, the clearer the integuments, the greater their density, filling and α-amylase and β-amylase hydrolytic enzyme activities, the latter comprising important germination power indicators, in addition to high ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme activities, responsible for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) elimination. Because of this, lighter colored seeds led to higher vigor, germination and GSI rates. The removal of darker seeds from P. pubescens seed lots guarantees higher germination rates and vigor of new plants in nurseries destined to recompose P. pubescens populations.

Vieira Medeiros, Renato; de Fátima Sales, Juliana; Juliane Telles Nascimento, Kelly; Rúbio Neto, Aurélio; Zuchi, Jacson; Resende, Osvaldo; Almeida Rodrigues, Douglas; Almeida Rodrigues, Arthur

Almeida Rodrigues, Arthur

10.3390/nu14091973

The Impact of Flavonols on Cardiovascular Risk

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of deaths globally. The main target for prevention of cardiovascular (CV) risk are lifestyle changes, including particular dietary recommendations, involving high intake of fruits and vegetables. Flavonols are a subgroup of flavonoids-compounds present in fruits, vegetables, and tea-known for their antioxidative properties. There are many findings about the beneficial impact of flavonols on general CV risk and its factors, but mainly from in vitro and animal model studies. This paper summarizes data from human studies about flavonols' impact on general CV risk and its factors. A high dietary intake of flavonols could decrease CVD mortality directly or through impact on selected CV factors; however, available data are inconsistent. Nonetheless, specific groups of patients (smoking men, hypertensive and diabetic patients) can potentially benefit from selected dietary modifications or flavonols (quercetin) supplementation. Future investigations about kaempferol and myricetin are needed.

Popiolek-Kalisz, Joanna; Fornal, Emilia

Popiolek-Kalisz, Joanna (Medical University of Lublin; )

10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111291

Dietary polysaccharides from guavira pomace, a co-product from the fruit pulp industry, display therapeutic application in gut disorders

Food Research International

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two distinct diseases: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). IBD is a chronic systemic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by an inflammatory process. The mechanisms by which diseases develop are still unknown, but it is known that it results from a complex interaction between genetic variability, the host's immune system, and environmental factors. One of the main complaints of patients is abdominal pain, which may be associated with the release of inflammatory mediators, changes in the normal motility of the digestive tract, and increased intestinal permeability. Currently available drugs for abdominal pain are not satisfactory, therefore, it is extremely necessary to seek new therapeutic options for the treatment of abdominal pain. Polysaccharides extracted from fruits have attracted interest, as these molecules protect the intestinal mucosa and promote wound healing, attenuating inflammation, pain, and altered intestinal motility. In this study, we investigated the ability of pectic polysaccharides obtained from guavira pomace, named CPW to reduce visceral hypersensitivity, regulate intestinal motility, and control diarrhea in mice. Acetic acid, capsaicin, or mustard oil were used to assess visceral pain in normal mice. CPW reduced abdominal writhing, cell migration, and capsaicin-induced visceral nociception. Furthermore, it regulated intestinal motility and all measured parameters of castor oil-induced diarrhea. CPW treatment reversed the increase in mucosal permeability, TEER, and tissue weight caused by acetic acid. In addition, molecular docking analysis showed that specific the CPW units binds to the 3N8V, 5COX, 2J67 and 6RBF proteins. Thus, the results suggest that CPW has attractive therapeutic characteristics for the treatment of abdominal pain and ulcerative colitis.

Mulinari Turin de Oliveira, Natalia; Barbosa da Luz, Bruna; Schneider, Vanessa Suzane; Barbosa da Costa Filho, Humberto; Sérgio de Araujo Sousa, Paulo; Fernanda de Paula Werner, Maria; Henrique Loiola Ponte de Souza, Marcellus; Almeida Rocha, Jefferson; Antonio Duarte Nicolau, Lucas; Mach Côrtes Cordeiro, Lucimara; Maria-Ferreira, Daniele

Maria-Ferreira, Daniele (Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe; )

10.1111/btp.13105

Low‐intensity cattle grazing is better than cattle exclusion to drive secondary savannas toward the features of native Cerrado vegetation

Although livestock have been historically associated with land conversion and biodiversity loss, well‐managed cattle grazing has been reported to contribute to conservation of open ecosystems. Knowing the balance between positive and negative effects of livestock (presence or exclusion) on different ecosystems is, therefore, crucial to support management decisions. We conducted an experiment in a secondary savanna with exotic grasses, used as pasture, to assess the effect of cattle presence in low density and cattle exclusion (in paired plots) on the trajectory of these ecosystems. Richness, composition and structure of the woody community, and exotic grass cover and biomass were compared between treatments in the beginning of the experiment and after 7 years. At the end of the experiment, we also compared composition, richness, and density of the native ground layer. We verified that (a) cattle exclusion accelerates the undesirable woody encroachment, changes the species composition and leads to huge grass fuel accumulation, while (b) cattle grazing/browsing hinders changes in savanna structure and composition and reduces the exotic grass cover and biomass, thus favoring native herbaceous plants. By decreasing the grass biomass, cattle grazing also reduces the system flammability and, therefore, the risk and intensity of wildfires. Together, the positive effects of cattle presence and the negative effects of cattle exclusion lead to the conclusion that cattle should be maintained in these systems. Low‐intensity cattle grazing limits woody and exotic grass invasion, improves native forb biodiversity, and help to maintain composition and structural features of secondary savannas of the Cerrado. Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material Embora a pecuária tenha sido historicamente associada ao desmatamento e à perda de biodiversidade, estudos demonstram que o pastejo, se adequadamente manejado, contribui para a conservação de ecossistemas abertos. Conhecer o balanço entre os efeitos positivos e negativos da presença ou exclusão do gado em diferentes ecossistemas é crucial para respaldar decisões de manejo conservacionista. Nós avaliamos os efeitos da exclusão do gado e da presença do gado em baixa densidade sobre a trajetória de pastagem de braquiária com vegetação nativa de Cerrado em regeneração. Entre o início do experimento e após sete anos, comparamos riqueza, composição e estrutura da comunidade lenhosa, cobertura e biomassa da gramínea exótica. Ao final do experimento, comparamos ainda a composição, riqueza e densidade do estrato rasteiro nativo. Verificamos que: (a) a exclusão do gado acelera o adensamento lenhoso, muda a composição florística e resulta em grande acúmulo de biomassa inflamável, enquanto (b) o pastejo retarda mudanças de composição e estrutura e reduz biomassa e cobertura da gramínea exótica, favorecendo o estrato rasteiro nativo. Ao reduzir a biomassa de braquiária, o pastejo reduz a inflamabilidade do sistema e, portanto, o risco e intensidade de incêndios. Juntos, os efeitos negativos da exclusão do gado e os efeitos positivos do pastejo levam à recomendação de que o gado seja mantido nesses sistemas. Pastejo em baixa intensidade limita o adensamento lenhoso e a invasão por gramíneas exóticas, aumentando a diversidade de plantas herbáceas e contribuindo para manter a composição e os atributos das savannas secundárias no bioma Cerrado. PALAVRAS CHAVES: adensamento lenhoso, conservação, gramíneas exóticas, manejo do gado, regeneração natural, savana, uso sustentável. Secondary savannas invaded by African grasses are a common feature in the Cerrado. We compared the effect of cattle grazing vs. cattle exclusion to drive the system towards the structure and composition of the native vegetation. We concluded that low‐intensity cattle grazing is a successful strategy, limiting woody encroachment and exotic grass invasion, improving native forb biodiversity, and helping to maintain composition and structural features of secondary savannas of the Cerrado.

Durigan, Giselda; Pilon, Natashi A.L.; Souza, Flaviana M.; Melo, Antônio C.G.; Ré, Danilo Scorzoni; Souza, Silvana C.P.M.

Durigan, Giselda (; State University of Campinas)

10.4025/arqmudi.v26i1.62737

POTENCIAL ALELOPÁTICO E ANÁLISE FITOQUÍMICA DE Diatenopteryx sorbifolia Radlk.

Arquivos do Mudi

Allelopathy is defined as any harmful or beneficial effect between plants or microorganisms through chemical compounds released into the environment (secondary compounds). The objective of this work was to investigate the allelopathic effect of aqueous extracts of dried leaves of Diatenopteryx sorbifolia Radlk, at different concentrations, on germination and initial growth of cultivated species and two invasive plants, using Lactuca sativa L., as target species, Ipomoea triloba (Dammer) O'Donell and Solanum americanum Mill. For the germination bioassays, 25 cypselas of L. sativa were distributed in Petri dishes, containing 6 mL of aqueous extract. The plates were kept in a germination chamber at 25°C and a photoperiod of 12 hours. The same procedure was carried out for the seeds of I. triloba. After 48 hours, the germination percentage (%G), mean germination time (TMG) and germination speed index (IVG) were calculated. For analysis of initial growth, cypselas of L. sativa and seeds of I. triloba and S. americanum, germinated in distilled water, were placed in Petri dishes containing two filter paper discs and 6 mL of aqueous extract of D. sorbifolia. After 48 hours, the length of the hypocotyl and the root of the seedlings was obtained. As a control, distilled water was used. A phytochemical analysis of the leaves of D. sorbifolia was also carried out, where positive results were obtained for saponins, phenols and hydrolysable tannins, steroids and triterpenoids, depsides and depsidons. It was observed that the extract with the highest concentration of D. sorbifolia reduced the %F and IVG of lettuce cypselas and caused a delay in the germination of I. triloba. Extracts with the highest concentration of D. sorbifolia also reduced root growth in the species studied. The results obtained indicate the allelopathic potential of the leaves of D. sorbifolia.

da Silva, Tatiane Martins; Ximenez, Gabriel Rezende; Pastorini, Lindamir Hernandez

10.3390/ijms23084429

S-Acetyl-Glutathione Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury by Modulating Oxidative Imbalance and Inflammation

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Liver fibrosis, depending on the stage of the disease, could lead to organ dysfunction and cirrhosis, and no effective treatment is actually available. Emergent proof supports a link between oxidative stress, liver fibrogenesis and mitochondrial dysfunction as molecular bases of the pathology. A valid approach to protect against the disease would be to replenish the endogenous antioxidants; thus, we investigated the protective mechanisms of the S-acetyl-glutathione (SAG), a glutathione (GSH) prodrug. Preliminary in vitro analyses were conducted on primary hepatic cells. SAG pre-treatment significantly protected against cytotoxicity induced by CCl4. Additionally, CCl4 induced a marked increase in AST and ALT levels, whereas SAG significantly reduced these levels, reaching values found in the control group. For the in vivo analyses, mice were administered twice a week with eight consecutive intraperitoneal injections of 1 mL/kg CCl4 (diluted at 1:10 in olive oil) to induce oxidative imbalance and liver inflammation. SAG (30 mg/kg) was administered orally for 8 weeks. SAG significantly restored SOD activity, GSH levels and GPx activity, while it strongly reduced GSSG levels, lipid peroxidation and H2O2 and ROS levels in the liver. Additionally, CCl4 induced a decrease in anti-oxidants, including Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1, which were restored by treatment with SAG. The increased oxidative stress characteristic on liver disfunction causes the impairment of mitophagy and accumulation of dysfunctional and damaged mitochondria. Our results showed the protective effect of SAG administration in restoring mitophagy, as shown by the increased PINK1 and Parkin expressions in livers exposed to CCl4 intoxication. Thus, the SAG administration showed anti-inflammatory effects decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1 and IL-1β in both serum and liver, and suppressing the TLR4/NFkB pathway. SAG attenuated reduced fibrosis, collagen deposition, hepatocellular damage and organ dysfunction. In conclusion, our results suggest that SAG administration protects the liver from CCl4 intoxication by restoring the oxidative balance, ameliorating the impairment of mitophagy and leading to reduced inflammation.

Di Paola, Rosanna; Modafferi, Sergio; Siracusa, Rosalba; Cordaro, Marika; D’Amico, Ramona; Ontario, Maria Laura; Interdonato, Livia; Salinaro, Angela Trovato; Fusco, Roberta; Impellizzeri, Daniela; Calabrese, Vittorio; Cuzzocrea, Salvatore

Salinaro, Angela Trovato (University of Catania; ); Fusco, Roberta (University of Messina)

10.3390/molecules27072346

Computational Analysis and Biological Activities of Oxyresveratrol Analogues, the Putative Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors

Polyphenols are a large family of naturally occurring phytochemicals. Herein, oxyresveratrol was isolated from ethanolic crude extracts of Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham., and chemically modified to derive its lipophilic analogues. Biological screening assays showed their inhibitory potency against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) with very low cytotoxicity to the MRC-5 normal cell lines. At the catalytic site of COX-2, docking protocols with ChemPLP, GoldScore and AutoDock scoring functions were carried out to reveal hydrogen bonding interactions with key polar contacts and hydrophobic pi-interactions. For more accurate binding energetics, COX-2/ligand complexes at the binding region were computed in vacuo and implicit aqueous solvation using M06-2X density functional with 6-31G+(d,p) basis set. Our computational results confirmed that dihydrooxyresveratrol (4) is the putative inhibitor of human COX-2 with the highest inhibitory activity (IC50 of 11.50 ± 1.54 µM) among studied non-fluorinated analogues for further lead optimization. Selective substitution of fluorine provides a stronger binding affinity; however, lowering the cytotoxicity of a fluorinated analogue to a normal cell is challenging. The consensus among biological activities, ChemPLP docking score and the binding energies computed at the quantum mechanical level is obviously helpful for identification of oxyresveratrol analogues as a putative anti-inflammatory agent.

Jongkon, Nathjanan; Seaho, Boonwiset; Tayana, Ngampuk; Prateeptongkum, Saisuree; Duangdee, Nongnaphat; Jaiyong, Panichakorn

Duangdee, Nongnaphat (Thammasat University); Jaiyong, Panichakorn (Thammasat University)

10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.114568

Brazilian Cerrado biome essential oils to control the arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus

Industrial Crops and Products

Insecticides have been used not only to control pests in agricultural production, but also in integrated vector management strategies to reduce populations of mosquitoes, and, consequently, decrease transmission of pathogens they carry. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a vector of dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever viruses, whereas the common mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus is a vector of human filariasis and the West Nile virus. Natural insecticides constitute effective ecofriendly alternatives to synthetic control agents. Thus, we investigated the larvicidal, adulticidal and repellent activity of six Brazilian Cerrado plant essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation, together with their major components identified by GC/MS: p-cymene, (R)-(+)-limonene, (S)-(-)-limonene and (-)-β-pinene. The species were selected taking into account the fact they are plants commonly found in this biome, easy to be collected and being still poorly studied in terms of their activity in the Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus. These essential oils demonstrated activity against (i) Ae. aegypti larvae (24 h): Xylopia aromatica (LC50 12.1 µg/mL), Myrcia dictyophylla (LC50 17.6 µg/mL) and Campomanesia adamantium (LC50 18.0 µg/mL); and (ii) Ae. aegypti adults (after 4 h exposure) with the highest knockdown values observed for C. adamantium (93.8%), Blepharocalyx salicifolius (93.4%), M. dictyophylla (92.5%) and X. aromatica (87.2%). These natural product mixtures also demonstrated repellency to (i) Ae. aegypti: Eugenia dysenterica leaves: spatial activity index (SAI) 0.737; weighted spatial activity index (wSAI) 20.229, B. salicifolius (SAI 0.611; wSAI 14.804) and M. dictyophylla (SAI 0.586; wSAI 8.798); and (ii) Cx. quinquefasciatus: E. dysenterica - Protection (P) 71%, C. adamantium (P 61%) and B. salicifolius (P 60%). B. salicifolius leaves essential oil showed both insecticidal and repellent activity. Our results support the use of Cerrado plant essential oils at low concentrations as a promising alternative vector control strategy.

Silva, Raquel L.; Mello, Thiago R.B.; Sousa, João Paulo B.; Albernaz, Lorena C.; Magalhães, Natália M.G.; Morais, Lais S.; Francisco, Larissa R.; Leal, Walter S.; Espindola, Laila S.

Espindola, Laila S. (University of Brasília)

10.11606/t.11.2022.tde-12072022-110506

What is planted in the restoration of the Atlantic Forest: floristic and functional analysis

Forest deforestation causes loss of taxonomic diversity and alteration in ecological processes. Forest restoration plantings aims to conserving landscape species, but if the planted species do not represent...

de Almeida, Crislaine

10.31186/jspi.id.17.1.29-43

Potential Benefits of Plant-Derived Products on Broiler Meat Characteristics - A Short Review

Jurnal Sain Peternakan Indonesia

Herbal supplements have been researched for decades as a safe alternative to synthetic antioxidants. These natural supplements may help broilers enhance their meat quality, growth, and physiological circumstances. The phenolic compounds in herbal products can serve as antioxidants, thereby responsible for lessening the negative effect of stress before slaughter. One of the most critical factors impacting broiler meats' physical, chemical, and oxidative stability is stress before slaughter. Reducing stress levels during rearing may be anticipated to enhance broiler meat qualities. Some studies have found that herbal supplementation improves meat qualities, whereas others have no impact. The efficacy of herbal supplementation on meat characteristics may be determined by the nature and levels of herbal supplementation and the condition of the animals throughout the rearing. The use of plant-derived products in broiler production and their impact on carcass characteristics, physical and organoleptic qualities, chemical compositions, and oxidative stability of broiler meats are covered in this review.

Sugiharto, Sugiharto

10.3390/nu14071439

Targeting Cardiovascular Diseases by Flavonols: An Update

Flavonols are one of the most plentiful flavonoid subclasses found in natural products and are extensively used as dietary supplements. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the cardioprotective properties of flavonols, especially quercetin. This group of substances exerts positive impacts primarily due to their antiatherogenic, antithrombotic, and antioxidant activities. The potential of flavonols to promote vasodilation and regulation of apoptotic processes in the endothelium are other beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Despite promising experimental findings, randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have yielded inconsistent results on the influence of these substances on human cardiovascular parameters. Thus, this review aims to summarize the most recent clinical data on the intake of these substances and their effects on the cardiovascular system. The present study will help clinicians and other healthcare workers understand the value of flavonol supplementation in both subjects at risk for cardiovascular disease and patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Kozłowska, Aleksandra; Szostak-Węgierek, Dorota

Szostak-Węgierek, Dorota (Medical University of Warsaw)

10.17807/orbital.v14i1.1690

Production and Characterization of Craft Beers with Addition of Campomanesia adamantium O. Berg Fruits and Leave

Orbital - The Electronic Journal of Chemistry

Verdan, Maria Helena; Mascarenhas Santos, Maria do Socorro; Castro, Thiago Luis Aguayo de; Cardoso, Claudia Andrea Lima

10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.03.150

Isolation, NMR characterization and bioactivity of a (4-O-methyl-α-D-glucurono)-β-D-xylan from Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg fruits

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Hemicellulose-type polysaccharides were isolated from Campomanesia xanthocarpa fruits by alkaline extraction and submitted to fractionation processes giving rise to eluted (GE-300) and retained (GR-300) fractions. GE-300 presented a mixture of galactoglucomannans (GGM) and glucuronoxylans (MGX), while the GR-300 fraction is composed only of MGX. In this way, the chemical structure of MGX, investigated by 1D 1H, 13C and 2D 1H-13C HSQC, 1H-1H COSY and 1H-13C HMBC NMR spectroscopy, revealed that the chemical structure of polysaccharide is a (4-O-methyl-α-D-glucurono)-D-xylan. Deep and precise NMR chemical shift determination of clean and specific 1H NMR glycosyl units were developed by 1D TOCSY and 1D NOESY analysis. This approach demonstrated unequivocally that 4-O-methyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl uronic acid group is linked to O-2 of a (1 → 4)-β-D-xylan in the main chain. Furthermore, MGX scavenged DPPH radical (0.5 to 1.0 mg mL-1) and was not cytotoxic to human dermal fibroblasts at concentrations up to 1.0 mg mL-1, as demonstrated by neutral red and crystal violet assays, evidencing in vitro biocompatibility. The structure elucidation of GR-300 together with its bioactivity assessment contributed to better understand the chemical characteristics of C. xanthocarpa hemicelluloses and may provide structural basis for future structure-property studies.

Barbieri, Shayla Fernanda; da Costa Amaral, Sarah; Mazepa, Ester; Filho, Arquimedes Paixão Santana; Sassaki, Guilherme Lanzi; Silveira, Joana Léa Meira

Silveira, Joana Léa Meira (Federal University of Paraná)

10.3390/ijms23073413

Toxic Potential of Cerrado Plants on Different Organisms

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Cerrado has many compounds that have been used as biopesticides, herbicides, medicines, and others due to their highly toxic potential. Thus, this review aims to present information about the toxicity of Cerrado plants. For this purpose, a review was performed using PubMed, Science Direct, and Web Of Science databases. After applying exclusion criteria, 187 articles published in the last 20 years were selected and analyzed. Detailed information about the extract preparation, part of the plant used, dose/concentration tested, model system, and employed assay was provided for different toxic activities described in the literature, namely cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, insecticidal, antiparasitic, and molluscicidal activities. In addition, the steps to execute research on plant toxicity and the more common methods employed were discussed. This review synthesized and organized the available research on the toxic effects of Cerrado plants, which could contribute to the future design of new environmentally safe products.

Rocha, Jamira Dias; Carneiro, Fernanda Melo; Fernandes, Amanda Silva; Morais, Jéssyca Moreira; Borges, Leonardo Luiz; Chen-Chen, Lee; de Almeida, Luciane Madureira; Bailão, Elisa Flávia Luiz Cardoso

Bailão, Elisa Flávia Luiz Cardoso (Goiás State University)

10.1016/j.jep.2022.115212

Huang Bai Jian Pi decoction alleviates diarrhea and represses inflammatory injury via PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway: In vivo and in vitro studies

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Yan, Zunxiang; Zhang, Kai; Zhang, Kang; Wang, Guibo; Wang, Lei; Zhang, Jingyan; Qiu, Zhengying; Guo, Zhiting; Kang, Yandong; Song, Xiaoping; Li, Jianxi

Song, Xiaoping (North West Agriculture and Forestry University); Li, Jianxi (Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences)

10.3390/antiox11030602

Antioxidants of Fruit Extracts as Antimicrobial Agents against Pathogenic Bacteria

Fruit is an essential part of the human diet and is of great interest because of its richness in phytochemicals. Various fruit extracts from citrus, berries and pomegranates have been shown to possess a broad spectrum of medicinal properties. Fruit phytochemicals are of considerable interest because of their antioxidant properties involving different mechanisms of action, which can act against different pathogenic bacteria. The antioxidant capacity of fruit phytochemicals involves different kinds of reactions, such as radical scavenging and chelation or complexation of metal ions. The interaction between fruit phytochemicals and bacteria has different repercussions: it disrupts the cell envelope, disturbs cell-cell communication and gene regulation, and suppresses metabolic and enzymatic activities. Consequently, fruit phytochemicals can directly inhibit bacterial growth or act indirectly by modulating the expression of virulence factors, both of which reduce microbial pathogenicity. The aim of this review was to report our current knowledge on various fruit extracts and their major bioactive compounds, and determine the effectiveness of organic acids, terpenes, polyphenols, and other types of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties as a source of antimicrobial agents.

Suriyaprom, Sureeporn; Mosoni, Pascale; Leroy, Sabine; Kaewkod, Thida; Desvaux, Mickaël; Tragoolpua, Yingmanee

Desvaux, Mickaël (University of Clermont Auvergne; ); Tragoolpua, Yingmanee (Chiang Mai University; Chiang Mai University)

10.1111/jfpp.16498

Amla essential oil‐based nano‐coatings of Amla fruit: Analysis of morphological, physiochemical, enzymatic parameters, and shelf‐life extension

Journal of Food Processing and Preservation

This study aimed to develop and examine the potential effect of Amla essential oil‐based nano‐coatings at different concentrations 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0% (v/v) on Amla fruits stored in the room conditions (29 ± 2°C and 45%RH) for 15 days. Nanoemulsions were formulated by ultrasonication with Amla essential oil along with modified corn starch (2% w/v) and Tween 80 (5% v/v). All the shelf‐life parameters were analyzed at an interval of 3 days. Results have shown that nano‐coatings have a positive and significant effect on delaying browning and total yeast and mold count. Fruits having nano‐coatings effectively retained their antioxidant activity along with bioactive components in comparison with the uncoated fruits. Particle size, Zeta potential, and polydispersity index of the best‐performed nano‐coating having 10% (v/v) of Amla essential oil were also evaluated. Thus, our findings suggest that Amla essential oil‐based nano‐coatings had a promising effect on enhancing the shelf life of Amla fruits. The fruits coated with nanoemulsions maintained good fruit quality with a lower decay percentage, the least degradation of ascorbic acid and chlorophyll, and high retention of antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds. The application of Amla essential oil‐based nano‐coatings had a promising effect on fungal decay, weight loss, firmness, browning index, and other color attributes of fruits. Amla essential oil‐based nano‐coatings had a promising effect on enhancing the shelf life of Amla fruits.

Braich, Amandeep Kaur; Kaur, Gurkirat; Singh, Arashdeep; Dar, B. N.

Kaur, Gurkirat (Punjab Agricultural University); Dar, B. N. (Islamic University of Science and Technology)

10.1111/jvs.13118

Shade drives plant community changes of ground‐layer savanna vegetation: Short‐term changes under an experimental approach

Journal of Vegetation Science

Woody‐plant encroachment is a reality in many savannas worldwide, leading savannas to become replaced by forest ecosystems. As tree density and cover increase, increased shade and litter deposition may suppress the savanna's community of low‐lying plants. By using field manipulation, we tested shading and litter effects, alone and in combination, on the savanna's ground‐layer plant community. We investigated how changes in these environmental factors may affect the composition, structure, and above‐ground biomass in the plant community of a species‐rich Neotropical savanna. Savanna patches in the Cerrado, southeastern Brazil. Annual surveys of the herbaceous–shrub layer in a three‐year field manipulation experiment examining shading and litter deposition. Shade negatively affected all evaluated parameters, while litter addition had only minor effects. The largest losses of richness, density, and cover occurred in forbs and grasses. Increased shade resulted in a sharp decrease in the above‐ground biomass of monocots. Our results show that light is a strong environmental filter for the ground‐layer community. The reductions in grass cover and biomass under shade treatments likely altered ecosystem functioning. Woody encroachment can thus be considered to represent a process that can alter the structure and functioning of savannas. Management interventions should therefore be taken to prevent woody encroachment or mitigate its harmful effects on savanna biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Shade and litter deposition have been suggested as causes of ground‐layer species disappearance in savannas under encroachment. In an experimental approach we tested the effects of shade and litter addition on the ground‐layer species of a Cerrado in southeastern Brazil. We found shade as the major driver of the decrease in richness, cover and biomass of ground‐layer species.

Pinheiro, Luiz Felipe Souza; Pilon, Natashi Aparecida Lima; Rossatto, Davi Rodrigo; Kolb, Rosana Marta

Kolb, Rosana Marta (São Paulo State University; São Paulo State University)

10.4025/actasciagron.v44i1.53561

Shade induces contrasting light photosynthetic performance between Signal and Guinea Grasses

Acta Scientiarum Agronomy

Signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) and guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) are African grasses that are well established in the Brazilian Savannah and we tested their adaptation to different light intensity. Plants were grown for 45 days under 0% shade (full sun) and 25, 40, and 80% induced shade to evaluate their photosynthetic performance. Light curves showed higher values of electron transport rate, photochemical quenching, and effective quantum yield in plants subjected to 0 and 25% shade for signal grass and in 25 and 40% shade for guinea grass. The potential quantum yield evaluations revealed that signal grass felt the effects of excessive light around 11:30 am on plants subjected to 0 and 25% shade. Conversely, guinea grass showed these photoinhibition effects at the same shade level but in a longer time range (9:30 am to 1:30 pm). As shade increased, there was a reduction tendency of the pigment content in signal grass and the opposite was observed for guinea grass. Stomatal conductance showed different values during the day and among different shade levels and there were no differences in relative water content between treatments and species. Results indicated better photosynthetic performance for signal grass under high intensity and better photosynthetic performance for guinea grass subjected to intermediate and higher levels of shade. Altogether, the results indicate that guinea grass seems to be a more appropriate choice for silvopasture systems.

de Paula Lima, Diogo; Della Torre, Felipe; Cordeiro, Áurea Rodrigues; Scotti, Maria Rita; França, Marcel Giovanni Costa

10.4025/actasciagron.v44i1.53555

Toxicogenetic effects are involved in the occurrence of imbibitional damage in soybean seeds

Acta Scientiarum Agronomy

Soybean represents a valuable source of food for humans and animals and the quality of the seeds has great importance for the establishment and high productivity of this crop. Soybean seeds require continuous improvement, which is dependent on a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms that coordinate seed germination. To investigate whether the method of water absorption into soybean seeds could lead to abnormal seedlings, and if this could be associated with cytogenetical consequences, we premoistened the seeds of three cultivars; M 6410 IPRO, M6210 IPRO, and BMX Potência RR by direct immersion (fast method), use of a wet substrate (intermediate method), and by moist atmosphere (slow method) with distilled water at 25ºC for 24 hours. We investigated the normal and abnormal seedlings, electrical conductivity, mitosis, cell death, and the chromosomal abnormalities index. The comet assay was applied to investigate DNA fragmentation. Direct immersion in water induced seedling growth inhibition and caused cytological alterations associated with genotoxicity effects in the studied soybean genotypes. Slow premoistening of the seeds increased seedling performance as a result of higher final germination percentage (above 85%), reduced abnormal seedlings (below 5%, on average), and reduced the electrical conductivity of seeds. All three genotypes of soybean seeds lost their ability to withstand the imbibitional damage induced by direct immersion as abnormal seedlings increased. We concluded that the fast water absorption by seeds poses a threat to genomic integrity owing to its potential for genotoxicity to DNA, manifesting as breaks or loss of whole chromosomes. Slow premoistening of the seeds resulted in a longer time period to deal with damage. Stabilized seedling growth was provided by altering cytogenetic responses during uptake of water by soybean seeds through the maintenance of cell viability.

Pereira, Lisiane Sartori; Masetto, Tathiana Elisa; do Amaral Crispim, Bruno; dos Santos Nascimento, Hélina; Barufatti, Alexeia

10.1080/11956860.2022.2043004

Leaf beetle herbivory shapes the subsequent flower-visiting insect community and impacts plant reproduction

Herbivory can induce changes in flower traits influencing the community of flower-visiting insects and ultimately impacting the plant’s reproductive output. Here, we investigated how leaf herbivory on sweet pepper plants, Capsicum annuum L., by Diabrotica speciosa (Germar) adults influences the community of insect floral visitors and alters plant reproduction. In an experimental field, we found that flowers of herbivore-infested plants were less visited by insects than those of uninfested plants. A similar pattern was found for the abundance of the three most common species of floral visitors in the collections, Apis mellifera (Linnaeus), Toxomerus sp.1, and Trigona spinipes (Fabricius). The insect community associated with the flowers of herbivore-infested plants was distinct, less rich, and diverse than that of uninfested plants. Leaf herbivory also impacted flower abundance that likely influenced the visual attraction of insects. The changes in flower-visiting insect community associated with herbivore-infested plants coincided with a reduced number of fruits, which were smaller and contained fewer seeds than those from uninfested plants. Our results suggest that leaf herbivory by D. speciosa results in direct and indirect costs to the plants through modifications in abundance and composition of flower-visiting insect community.

de Souza, Livia Aparecida; Souza, Brígida; Pereira, Ramom Vasconcelos; Morales, Mírian Nunes; Peñaflor, Maria Fernanda G. V.

Peñaflor, Maria Fernanda G. V. (Federal University of Lavras)

10.2174/1573401317666210913095237

Valorisation of Fruit & Vegetable Wastes: A Review

Current Nutrition & Food Science

: Fruits and vegetables play an important part in the diets of global human population. During processing, the unused residues, such as peels, stalks, rinds, stem, leaves etc., come out as waste. Due to the high moisture content of these perishable wastes, they undergo rapid decomposition that leads to foul odour and growth of pathogens. Almost 30% of the loss occurs at the supply, retail, consumer, post-harvest and processing level. The perishable waste like peels, pomace, seeds etc., act as threat to the environment and degrade pollution-free model. The wastes are rich in protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and other phytochemicals and bioactive compounds, such as pigments, dietary fibre, essential oils, etc. Recent researches have shown that there is an increase in the utilization of these wastes for the extraction of value- added products, such as bioactive compounds, bio-colorants, organic acids, single cell protein (SCP), organic minerals, enzymes and others. The present review paper deals with the recent studies conducted on the valorisation of the fruit & vegetable waste.

Zahid, Anila; Khedkar, Renu

Khedkar, Renu (Amity University)

10.15835/nbha50112503

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi promote early flowering and prolong flowering in Antirrhinum majus L. by regulating endogenous hormone balance under field-planting conditions

Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca

It is well documented that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) affect growth and nutrient absorption in host plants under pot conditions. However, their effects on reproductive growth in ornamental plants under field conditions are unknown. Our study evaluated the effects of AMF on flowering and physiological traits in snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) under greenhouse field conditions. Seedlings were inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae (Nicolson & Gerd.) and without as controls. Results showed that AMF inoculation significantly increased plant height, stem diameter, phosphorus, and soluble protein; decreased soluble sugar; and had no effect on total nitrogen, carbon, and potassium. AMF colonization increased concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA), indol-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA3), and zeatin riboside (ZR); increased the ZR/IAA ratio; and reduced ABA/GA3 and ABA/IAA+GA3+ZR ratios. AMF advanced flowering by five days and prolonged flowering by 13 days. Our study showed that AMF can promote flowering and prolong flowering in snapdragon, which may be due to the improvement of endogenous hormone equilibrium.

XING, Li-Jun; Wei, LI; ZHAI, Yan-Lin; HU, Xue-Yi; GUO, Shao-Xia

10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100169

Mulinum spinosum root extract, rich in antioxidant compounds, mitigates harmful effects in mice with diet-induced metabolic syndrome

Phytomedicine Plus

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a health issue with a high incidence in adult population. Using herbal medicines for the management of serious complications of MetS, such as dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, is highly promising. An aqueous extract from Mulinum spinosum (M. spinosum), traditionally used as hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory, could have beneficial effects on the treatment of MetS. Purpose: The present study was aimed to characterize the composition of M. spinosum roots decoction, and to evaluate antidiabetic, antilipemic and antioxidant effects in an animal model of MetS. Study design and methods: M. spinosum roots extract was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) method. Total Phenolic Content (TPC) was spectrophotometrically measured and the antioxidant capacity was determined by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. To generate the MetS model, adult male C57BL/6 mice were fed with a 20% w/v fructose (Fru) in drinking water combined with 30% w/w high fat diet (HFD) over a period of 12 weeks. M. spinosum aqueous extracts (3 or 6 g/kg/day) were administered in drinking water together with Fru-HFD. At the end of the exposure period, mice were weighed and glucose tolerance test was determined. After sacrifice, adipose tissues were isolated and blood samples were collected to evaluate lipid profile, lipid peroxidation level (LPO) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Results: The characterization of M. spinosum revealed the presence of caffeic acid, trans-resveratrol, kaempferol-3-glucoside, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-gallocatechin gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin and (+)-catechin. A high antioxidant capacity of the extract was revealed by ORAC test.  Mice fed a Fru-HF diet and treated with M. spinosum, reduced diet-induced weight gain and significantly decreased mesenteric fat compared with Fru-HFD group (p<0.01). Post prandial glycaemia significantly diminished when mice were treated with M. spinosum, and also total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) were reduced. Regarding the antioxidant effect of the consumption of M. spinosum, we found a decrease in plasmatic LPO, and a significant increase in plasmatic FRAP. Conclusion: To our knowledge, the phenolic composition and the antioxidant capacity of M. spinosum roots decoction is reported for the first time. In addition, we provide evidence that M. spinosum root extract is a promising source of antioxidants able to alleviates Fru-HFD-induced metabolic alterations and slow the progression of MetS.

Berruezo, Silvia; Ferreyra, Susana; Fontana, Ariel; de Paola, Matilde; Pérez, María Belén; Scapini, Celina; Cremer, Cecilia; Castro, Claudia

Castro, Claudia (National University of Cuyo)

10.1007/s40415-021-00765-1

A review of Neotropical Burseraceae

Brazilian Journal of Botany

This review of Neotropical Burseraceae emphasizes developments since the last major review of the family in 2011. The Burseraceae comprise a Laurasian group (represented by Eocene fossils in the Northern Hemisphere) that originally dispersed through Central America into Amazonia. During cooling and drying events in the Oligocene, the frost-intolerant northern American progenitors were likely driven extinct; subsequently, the family experienced several vicariant events and later several long-distance dispersals across the Southern Hemisphere. From Amazonia, the family re-colonized Central America and the Caribbean. The most rapid diversifications in the Americas for the Burseraceae occurred during the Miocene in Protium and Bursera, much of it through geological events, dispersal, and habitat specialization. A number of taxonomic advances were made in Neotropical Burseraceae since 2011; these included 59 published new species overall, re-drawn generic limits in tribe Protieae, new genus records for Burseraceae in Central America and the Cerrado of Brazil, new taxa that more than doubled the number of Neotropical Dacryodes, and a recently recognized center of diversity for Protium in the Andes. Revised generic descriptions and a new key to the New World genera of Burseraceae are provided. Special attention is given to the implications of leaf architecture for characterization of clades. Monoecy (rare) and parthenocarpy (possibly frequent) are discussed, and the close relationship of dioecious trees and small bee pollination is highlighted. Most Burseraceae are dispersed by birds or arboreal mammals that carry pyrenes relatively short distances away from the mother tree; however, other modes are found in the family, including wind dispersal (rare in New World Burseraceae), clumped dispersal of pyrenes by ants and lizards, and oilbirds that can disperse Dacryodes fruits more than 30 km; some dispersers that ingest pyrenes also aid in germination. The diversity and abundance of Burseraceae in a number of regions and habitats (but especially in moist forests of Amazonia and dry forests of Mexico) are striking. This, plus the fact that the taxonomy and phylogeny of New World Burseraceae are relatively well-resolved, spotlights the Burseraceae as an important model organism for researching mechanisms of diversification, species limits, cryptic species, and “hyperdominance” in tropical forests. High chemical diversity and differences in biological activity make sense in the context of diversification and coexistence. Studies of chemical defenses support the idea of a “growth defense trade-off” and suggest that selection by different natural enemies could be implicated in the speciation process; they also show that closely related species often display high chemical divergence, and plants with the most chemical defenses have a lower number and diversity of insect herbivores. The range of physical and chemical properties of Burseraceae resin is reflected in their cultural uses, which are diverse while showing strong ethnobotanical convergence.

Daly, Douglas C.; Perdiz, Ricardo O.; Fine, Paul V. A.; Damasco, Gabriel; Martínez-Habibe, María Cristina; Calvillo-Canadell, Laura

Daly, Douglas C. (New York Botanical Garden)

10.1007/s12600-021-00970-4

The effects of some essential oils on Alternaria alternata, a post-harvest phyto-pathogenic fungus in wheat by disrupting ergosterol biosynthesis

Foods contaminated with fungi and their toxins cause many infections in developing and underdeveloped countries. Owing to the development of resistance by fungal pathogens to existing chemical antifungal agents, there is an urgent need to look for new eco-friendly antimicrobial agents. There is an increasing demand from agro-food industries for new environmentally compatible fungicides. Plant essential oils are an excellent source of antifungal volatile substances which are appropriate substitutes for food protection. Keeping this in mind we evaluated the efficacy of selected essential oils in suppressing the growth of Alternaria alternata isolated from stored wheat grains using in vitro and in vivo models. Preliminary antifungal activities varied among the tested oils with the zones of inhibition ranging from 10.66±1.15 mm to 19±1.00 mm. Among the tested oils T. asiatica oil showed significant inhibitory effects on A. alternata at 2.5 µL/mL. Further, its mechanistic action was related to the impairment of the squalene gene (SqSy) which was involved in the biosynthesis of sterol and ergosterol membrane factors. This was further supported by altered sterol profile of A. alternata with 29.4±2.40% reduction of total ergosterol content at 30 µL/mL. Moreover, prolonged exposure to T. asiatica oil as a fumigant controlled the total fungal count up to 68.75% compared to the control for a period of 12 months. T. asiatica oil proved to be a promising candidate to control A. alternata and its mycotoxin residues in stored wheat. It can be used as a sustainable and effective alternative to develop new fungicide.Graphical abstract

Kumar, Pachaiyappan Saravana; Nattudurai, Gopal; Islam, Villianur Ibrahim Hairul; Ignacimuthu, Savarimuthu

Kumar, Pachaiyappan Saravana (South China Sea Institute Of Oceanology; St Xavier’s College); Ignacimuthu, Savarimuthu (St Xavier’s College; Bharath University)

10.1007/s10722-021-01318-x

Genetic diversity of cambuci [Campomanesia phaea (O. Berg) Landrum] revealed by microsatellite markers

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution

Campomanesia phaea (O. Berg) Landrum (Myrtaceae), known as cambuci, is a native species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest with great potential to be developed as a new fruit crop. Microsatellite markers were developed for cambuci to characterize the genetic diversity and to investigate the genetic structure of a group of accessions originally collected at the presumed center of the species diversity. This work involved the collection of 145 accessions from five regional groups (Juquitiba, Paraibuna, Mogi das Cruzes, Ribeirão Pires, and Salesópolis) in São Paulo state, Brazil. Fourteen loci were identified in an enriched genomic library developed from one of these accessions. Six of the 14 loci were polymorphic, disclosing 26 alleles. Based on the allele frequencies, the calculated genetic parameters of the five groups indicated an average allele number per locus (A) of 3.83, with an expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.57 and observed heterozygosity (Ho) of 0.54. Analysis of the genetic structure indicated that most of the genetic diversity was found within population (HS = 0.57), whereas the genetic diversity among populations was low (GST = 0.19). The genetic diversity parameter of Nei was considered low for the cambuci analyzed populations, with no evidence of inbreeding. Based on Darwin analysis, 18 accessions were chosen from the five regional populations to compose a core collection that included most of the genetic diversity found in this study. Our findings may contribute to defining better conservation strategies and genetic breeding approaches for this native species in Brazil.

Moreira, Rafael Oliveira; de Andrade Bressan, Eduardo; Bremer Neto, Horst; Jacomino, Angelo Pedro; Figueira, Antonio; de Assis Alves Mourão Filho, Francisco

de Assis Alves Mourão Filho, Francisco (Universidade de São Paulo)

10.1007/s11756-021-00987-4

Developing propagation protocols for Justicia lanstyakii Rizz. (Acanthaceae), an ornamental Ni-accumulating subshrub of Brazilian Cerrado

The Cerrado biodiversity has been threatened by uncontrolled anthropization, which makes essential the propagation of native species for conservation purposes. This study aims to propagate Justicia lanstyakii, a Ni-accumulating subshrub, by cuttings, micropropagation, and plantlet formation. Hence, J. lanstyakii plants were collected in September (dry season) and December (rainy season). For cuttings, stem segments treated with IBA were inoculated in either sand or vermiculite. For in vitro propagation, the explants from mature plants were decontaminated with Carbendazim, ethanol, and either Na- or Ca-hypochlorite. Explant multiplication was accomplished in two consecutive subcultures in MS medium with BAP (0.0, 0.01 and 0.1 mg.L−1). Rooting was done with explants treated with IBA (0.0 and 0.01 mg.L−1) in MS. For J. lanstyakii plantlet formation, stem segments from seven distinct matrices were inoculated in ¼MS with BAP (1 and 2 mg.L−1). The results showed that the cuttings collected in December responded significantly better than those from September. Rooting and sprouting rates of December cuttings were 98.6% and produced 5.8 and 2.5 roots/shoots per explant, respectively. Furthermore, phytoregulators and substrates had no effects on cuttings. For in vitro propagation, Ca-hypochlorite showed higher explant decontamination and survival rates. Also, phytoregulators had no significant effects on multiplication and rooting. Nonetheless, the subcultures positively affected multiplication and rooting. However, plantlet development was highly influenced by the plant matrix and BAP (1 and 2 mg.L−1). Thus, all three techniques are suitable to propagate J. lanstyakii, which will facilitate its use in bioremediation programs of Ni-contaminated areas.

Lima, Mayara Rodrigues; Gomes, Hugo Teixeira; Cury, Natalia Faustino; Pereira, Luiz Alfredo Rodrigues; dos Santos Silveira, Conceição Eneida

Pereira, Luiz Alfredo Rodrigues (University of Brasília)

10.1016/j.jep.2022.114995

In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of Syzygium aromaticum and the preliminary mechanism of action

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Peng, Chang; Sang, Shuyi; Shen, Xue; Zhang, Weijia; Yan, Jiahui; Chen, Pengting; Jiang, Cheng; Yuan, Yuemei; Zhu, Weixing; Yao, Meicun

Zhu, Weixing ; Yao, Meicun (Sun Yat-sen University)

10.1007/s40495-021-00269-2

Myricetin: a Multifunctional Flavonol in Biomedicine

Current Pharmacology Reports

Agraharam, Gopikrishna; Girigoswami, Agnishwar; Girigoswami, Koyeli

Girigoswami, Koyeli (Chettinad Academy of Research and Education; Chettinad Health City)

10.3390/ijerph19020660

Transfer of Metal(loid)s from Soil to Leaves and Trunk Xylem Sap of Medicinal Plants and Possible Health Risk Assessment

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

The objective of the present study was to investigate metal(loid)s in soils, in the trunk xylem sap and in the leaves of the Dipteryx alata plant located near the highway with high vehicle traffic in agricultural regions and near landfills, and to assess the transfer of metal(loid)s from soil to plant and possible health risk assessment. Trunk xylem sap, leaves and soil samples were collected at three sites near the highway. The analysis of trace elements was carried out using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES). In the three soil sampling sites far from the highway edge, 15 elements were quantified. The concentrations of elements in the soil presented in greater proportions in the distance of 5 m in relation to 20 and 35 m. The metal(loid)s content in the study soil was higher than in other countries. The concentrations of Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, Se and Zn in the xylem sap were much higher than the leaves. The values of transfer factor of P, Mg and Mn from soil to the xylem sap and transfer factor of P from soil to leaf were greater than 1, indicating that the specie have a significant phytoremediation and phytoextraction potential. This plant has a tendency to accumulate As, Cd and Cr in its leaf tissues. The chronic hazard index (HI) values recorded in this study were above 1 for adults and adolescents. It is concluded that the soil, the trunk xylem sap and leaves of this plant are contaminated by heavy metals. Ingestion of the trunk xylem sap of this plant can cause toxicity in humans if ingested in large quantities and in the long term; therefore, its consumption should be avoided.

Rosa, Ana C. Gomes; de Pádua Melo, Elaine S.; A., Ademir S.; Gondim, Jacqueline M. S.; de Sousa, Alexsandro G.; Cardoso, Claudia A. L.; Viana, Lucilene F.; Carvalho, Alexandra M. A.; Machate, David J.; do Nascimento, Valter Aragão

do Nascimento, Valter Aragão (Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul)

10.1079/cabicompendium.108001

Campomanesia adamantium

CABI Compendium

This datasheet on Campomanesia adamantium covers Identity.

CABI Compendium

10.1186/s43094-021-00392-3

Phytochemical analysis and thrombolytic profiling of Costus afer stem fractions

Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

BackgroundThe most commonly occurring mechanism driving ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction is thrombosis. It is normally characterized by platelet activation and aggregation. Thrombolytics have been used in the treatment of several forms of thrombosis, but their adverse effects have limited their usefulness. Thus, there is a need to develop alternatives from medicinal plants known to possess antithrombotic activity such as Costus afer.ResultsThe phytochemical evaluations indicated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, and saponins. The antithrombotic profiling showed that streptokinase had the highest percentage clot lysis, followed by ethylacetate fraction of the extract, which was higher than aspirin and other fractions of the extract.ConclusionThe present findings show that C. afer stem extract and various fractions possess antithrombotic activities. However, further studies are needed to characterize the antithrombotic bioactive compounds present in the different fractions that are responsible for the activities.

Ogugofor, Martins Obinna; Njoku, Ugochi Olivia; Njoku, Obioma Uzoma; Batiha, Gaber El-Saber

Ogugofor, Martins Obinna (University of Nigeria; )

10.1007/s10265-021-01365-6

Cell wall thickenings and tylosoid: developmental morphology reveals novelties for secretory canals in Protium ovatum (Burseraceae)

Journal of Plant Research

We investigated the structure, histochemistry, and ultrastructure of the secretory canals in the vegetative axis of Protium ovatum from a developmental perspective. Samples of roots, stems, and leaves were analyzed using light and transmission electron microscopy. Secretory canals composed of a uniseriate epithelium and a wide lumen occurred in the phloem of all analyzed organs. Schizogenesis and lysigenesis were merging processes involved in the origin, growth, ramification, and fusion of the secretory canals, forming an anastomosed secretory net. Essential oils, polysaccharides, and proteins were detected in the epithelial cells, as well as plastids with poorly developed thylakoids, dictyosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, polysomes, and oil drops, showing the mixed nature of the secretion. Epithelial cells exhibited pectin-cellulosic thickenings in the anticlinal and radial walls. These thickenings may act in directing the secretion flux toward the lumen, protecting the neighboring tissues from the toxicity of secreted metabolites. Structural irregularities observed in the mitochondria cristae in epithelial cells may be associated with processes induced by toxic substances. Epithelial cells protruded into the lumen and became lignified in the outer portion of the secondary phloem, obliterating the non-functional secretory canals. We propose that this phenomenon presents a physiological significance similar to that of tylose, preserving the secretion flow inside the active portions of the secretory system. To our knowledge, epithelial cells with wall thickenings, mitochondria with structural abnormalities, and obliteration of non-functional canals are features reported for the first time for Burseraceae. These features have important functional significance for Burseraceae secretory system and contribute to a deeper knowledge of P. ovatum, a medically and economically important plant.

de Nicolai, Juan; Rodrigues, Tatiane Maria

de Nicolai, Juan (São Paulo State University)

10.1080/15569543.2021.2018612

‎‎Lethality and effects on biological and population growth parameters of ladybird predator Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) treated by some plant essential oils

The lethal and sublethal effects of essential oils isolated from Heracleum persicum, Mentha pulegium, and Achillea millefolium were studied on ladybird predator Hippodamia variegata feeding on wheat aphids. M. pulegium and H. persicum essential oils had, respectively, the most and the least lethal effects on the egg and first-instar larvae of the ladybird. The essential oil of M. pulegium had the most adverse effects on gross reproductive rate (GRR), net reproductive rate (R0 ), age-specific survival rate (lx ), and age-specific fecundity (mx ). Contrary, the most intrinsic rate of increase (rm ) and fecundity were recognized on ladybirds treated with H. persicum essential oil.

Shaltoki, Saeed; Rafiee Dastjerdi, Hooshang; Golizadeh, Ali; Hassanpour, Mahdi; Ebadollahi, Asgar; Mahdavi, Vahid

Rafiee Dastjerdi, Hooshang (University of Mohaghegh Ardabili)

10.2174/1570180819666211220111245

Boesenbergia Pandurata as an Anti-Breast Cancer Agent: Molecular Docking and ADMET Study

Letters in Drug Design & Discovery

Background: Boesenbergia pandurata or fingerroot is known to have various pharmacological activities, including anticancer properties. Extracts from these plants are known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, including breast cancer. Anti-breast cancer activity is significantly influenced by the inhibition of two receptors: ER-α and HER2. However, it is unknown which metabolites of B. pandurata play the most crucial role in exerting anticancer activity. Objective: This study aimed to determine the metabolites of B. pandurata with the best potential as ER-α and HER2 inhibitors. Method: The method used was molecular docking of several B. pandurata metabolites to ER-α and HER2 receptors, followed by an ADMET study of several metabolites with the best docking results. Results: The docking results showed eight metabolites with the best docking results for the two receptors based on the docking score and ligand-receptor interactions. Of these eight compounds, compounds 11 ((2S)-7,8-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(4''-methyl-3''-pentenyl)-8-phenyl-2H,6H-benzo(1,2-b-5,4- b')dipyran-6-one) and 34 (geranyl-2,4-dihydroxy-6-phenethylbenzoate) showed the potential to inhibit both receptors. Both ADMET profiles also showed mixed results; however, there is a possibility of further development. Conclusion: In conclusion, the metabolites of B. pandurata, especially compounds 11 and 34, can be developed as anti-breast cancer agents by inhibiting ER-α and HER2.

Pratama, Mohammad Rizki Fadhil; Praditapuspa, Ersanda Nurma; Kesuma, Dini; Poerwono, Hadi; Widiandani, Tri; Siswodihardjo, Siswandono

Siswodihardjo, Siswandono (Airlangga University)

10.1016/j.sajb.2021.08.032

Imbibition curve in forest tree seeds and the triphasic pattern: theory versus practice

South African Journal of Botany

Although providing the basis for seed germination studies, there is little information available on seed imbibition curves for Brazilian forest species. Among the few studied species, the theoretical triphasic pattern may not apply, hampering the conduction of subsequent studies that require a clear definition of imbibition phases. In this paper, we characterize the seed imbibition curves of 25 Brazilian forest species and compare them with those from other studies and with the classic triphasic pattern. We collected seeds of the chosen species in the region of Lavras, MG, Brazil, and measured their fresh weight before and during the entire germination process. Seed weight data were used to calculate the weight gain percentage of each species. We defined the imbibition curves of Peltophorum dubium seeds using seed fresh weight and seed weight gain percentage of both single and multiple samples, as well as using water content (on fresh and dry bases) to compare potential changes in imbibition patterns caused by differences in data. When only weight gain was considered, we observed the triphasic pattern in 11 species; however, only in four of them, the germination coincided with the third phase of imbibition. The triphasic pattern did not emerge for the remaining 14 species. Considering seed water content instead of weight resulted in some changes in the pattern of the imbibition curve, influencing the accuracy of the results.

Pereira, Wilson Vicente Souza; José, Anderson Cleiton; Tonetti, Olívia Alvina Oliveira; de Melo, Lucas Amaral; Faria, José Marcio Rocha

Faria, José Marcio Rocha (Federal University of Lavras)

10.1590/1519-6984.231957

Chemical composition and phytotoxicity of essential oils of Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae)

Brazilian Journal of Biology

Essential oils from the stems and leaves of Croton doctoris were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, resulting in 22 identified compounds. The effects of these essential oils on the germination, root and shoot growth, total chlorophyll content, potential root respiration, peroxidase activity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and mitotic index in lettuce and onion were determined. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity were also investigated. The results revealed that the stem oil consisted of 15 compounds, of which caryophyllene oxide (24.5%) and E-caryophyllene (13.3%) were the major constituents. The leaf oil contained E-caryophyllene (39.6%) and α-humulene (13.2%) as major compounds. The oils inhibited the germination and growth of lettuce and onion seedlings and reduced chlorophyll content, root respiration, and cell division. They also caused oxidative stress, indicated by the increased activity of the evaluated antioxidant enzymes. These abnormal physiological processes contributed to the inhibition of plant growth. The most pronounced phytotoxic effects were observed in the stem oil. The cytotoxicity tests indicated that leaf oil was more active than stem oil, resulting from the presence of biologically active sesquiterpenes that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Cândido, A. C. S.; Scalon, S. P. Q.; Silva, C. B.; Simionatto, E.; Morel, A. F.; Stüker, C. Z.; Matos, M. F. C.; Peres, M. T. L. P.

Cândido, A. C. S. (Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados)

10.1590/1519-6984.266521

Bioactivity of aqueous extract of Jacaranda spp. (Bignoniaceae) on Plutella xylostella L. 1758 (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Brazilian Journal of Biology

The high consumption rate of vegetables stimulates the cultivation and increases the demand regarding the adequacy of the production processes. The attack of the pest Plutella xylostella causes high losses by reducing product quality, typifying a phytosanitary problem. This study aimed to verify the bioactivity of aqueous extracts of leaves of Jacaranda decurrens and Jacaranda mimosifolia at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15% on the insect. The choice test was carried out at the laboratory to determine the food effect of plant extracts and evaluate changes in the life cycle of insects exposed to active compounds through the analysis of biological parameters. Plant extracts of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia presented with phagodeterrent classification in the choice experiments. The three J. decurrens extract concentrations promoted a prolongation of larval and pupal duration, while the duration of individuals treated with J. mimosifolia at 10% was significantly reduced. Occurred reduction in larval survival of individuals treated with aqueous extracts of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia. Eggs from treatments with aqueous extract of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia had reduced survival. Pupal survival of individuals treated with extract at 15% showed a significant reduction compared to the treatments at 5% and 10%. Pupae from the treatment with aqueous extract of Jacaranda mimosifolia showed a reduction in biomass in the treatment at 15% differing from the control e 5%. Thus, the aqueous extracts of the species J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia show insecticidal potential in the tests performed on P. xylostella.

dos Santos, Leticia Paula; da Silva, Rosicleia Matias; Fioratti, Claudemir Antonio Garcia; de Souza, Silvana Aparecida; de Carvalho, Emerson Machado; Mauad, Juliana Rosa Carrijo; de Campos Domingues, Nelson Luis; Mussury, Rosilda Mara

Mussury, Rosilda Mara (Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados)

10.1590/0100-29452022084

Growth ofCampomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg, native to Brazilian Cerrado, with green manure in agroecological system contributes to the preservation of the species

Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura

Nascimento, Jaqueline Silva; do Carmo Vieira, Maria; Zárate, Néstor Antonio Heredia; Goelzer, Ademir; da Silva, Orivaldo Benedito; Santos, Cleberton Correia

Nascimento, Jaqueline Silva (Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados)

10.1590/fst.14021

Application of dehydration technologies as a tool to foster bioeconomics and fruit consumption in rural populations in South America

Food Science and Technology

Strengthening the use and improvement of species native to South America may lead to the development of new food products with high nutritional potential, in addition to contributing to disease prevention, thus meeting the varied demands of consumption. The focus of this strategy is especially on native plant species and/or introduced species, but which have become very popular for presenting edible fruits appreciated for their characteristic flavor and aroma. In addition, the pulp of such fruits has antioxidant potential, which makes it possible to call them functional foods. However, perishability and seasonality hinder production on a larger scale, and it is necessary to explore conservation alternatives to make the fruit pulp available all year round. Studies have shown the use of conventional technologies and emerging and promising technologies for the preservation of the organoleptic characteristics of fruits. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of each conservation technique are discussed in view of the variety of fruits found in different regions of the world and especially in South American countries.

de OLIVEIRA, Vinícius Soares; DONADON, Juliana Rodrigues; de Cássia Avellaneda GUIMARÃES, Rita; HIANE, Priscila Aiko

de OLIVEIRA, Vinícius Soares (Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul)

10.18605/2175-7275/cereus.v14n3p183-195

Potencial antioxidante e antimicrobiano das folhas de Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg

Aguayo de Castro, Thiago Luis; Souza, Larissa Paula; Lima Cardoso, Claudia Andrea

10.48017/dj.v7i3.2283

Germinação e desenvolvimento pós-seminal de cambuí (Myrciaria floribunda (H. West Ex Willd.) O. Berg.) in vitro

Diversitas Journal

Myrciaria floribunda (h. West ex Willd.) O. Berg, known as cambuí, is a fruit shrub of Family Myrtaceae. It’s mainly propagated by seeds and presentes slowness unevenness in the germinative process. For methods of assexual germination, like the in vitro cultive of M. floribunda O. Berg, there are few reports, requiring further studies. This paper aimed to avaliate the in vitro germination of sementes of M. floribunda O. Berg, in diferente storage times, growing media and genotypes. The seeds were taken from ripe fruits of M. floribunda O. Berg, grown in the experimental orchard of CECA/UFAL in Rio Largo – AL. The outline was entirely randomized, in a factorial scheme of 4x2x2, in three storage times (±8ºC of refrigeration for 7 days, 15 days and 30 days) and at room temperature for 24 hours; two growing media (ágar + sacarose and MS) and two genotypes colors of M. floribunda O. Berg (red and Orange), 5 repetitions and 3 seeds per plot. The ágar + sacarose media provided a bigger germination percentual, root and aerial part length, and the MS media contributed for a bigger number of leaves in seedlings of M. floribunda O. Berg. The viability of this fruit shrub seeds in the study was affected by long storage periods at ± 8°C temperature. The genotype type (red of orange) have little or none influency in the evaluated variables.

da Silva Santos, Hilda Rafaella; de Paula Rezende, Leila; de Lima Salvador, Tatiana; de Oliveira Farias, Ana Rosa; de Oliveira, Débora Sofia Pimentel; de Lemos, Eurico Eduardo Pinto

10.48017/dj.v7i1.2109

Potencial germinativo de sementes de feijão caupi, cv. BRS Potengi, após condicionamento fisiológico

Diversitas Journal

Physiological conditioning consists of a technique that aims to stimulate the metabolism of seeds in the face of adverse situations, being applied to several cultures of economic expression, with the cowpea bean standing out for its relevance, mainly in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of physiological conditioning and subsequent drying on the germination potential of cowpea seeds, cv. BRS Potengi. The first experiment consisted of comparing whether the use of the same seeds for all periods of imbibition (experiment I) or the use of new seeds at each period could interfere in the construction of the imbibition curve (30'; 1; 3; 6; 9; 12; 18 and 24 hours). Previously, the period of imbibition necessary for the seeds to reach phase II of the three-phase imbibition process, without starting phase III, was evaluated. In the second experiment, using imbibition methodology II, the seeds after each soaking period were divided into two fractions, one being kept moist (wet fraction) until sowing and the other submitted to the drying process (dry fraction). A completely randomized design was used, adopting for the second experiment a 2×7 factorial scheme + control (seeds without imbibition), that is, presence and absence of drying after physiological conditioning × periods of imbibition. It was evaluated: water content; germination (primary root protrusion); velocity index, velocity coefficient and mean primary root protrusion time and electrical conductivity. The imbibition curve can be efficiently conducted using the same seeds during all evaluation periods or using new seeds at each period. Aiming at using fewer seeds and better optimizing the time for preparing and conducting the soaking experiment, the methodology that uses the same seeds for all soaking periods is indicated. The physiological conditioning of seeds for 18 and 24 hours, without further drying, provides a faster emission of the primary root of the seeds of cowpea, cv. BRS Potengi. The seed drying process does not interfere with the beneficial effect of physiological conditioning.

de Souza Caçula, Bruna Tuane; da Silva, Monalisa Alves Diniz; da Silva, Joyce Naiara; de Andrade Bezerra, Lauizy

10.1590/2175-7860202273086

Does shading mitigate water restriction in Ormosia arborea seedlings?

Reis, Lucas Coutinho; de Mauro Barbosa Freitas, Vanessa; de Paula Quintão Scalon, Silvana; Foresti, Andressa Caroline; Dresch, Daiane Mugnol; Santos, Cleberton Correia

de Paula Quintão Scalon, Silvana (Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados)

10.1590/0100-29452022932

Dormancy overcoming in seeds of Myrciaria glomerata O. Berg.

Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura

Santos, Cleberton Correia; Santos, Silvia Correa; Pinto, Fernanda; Dresch, Daiane Mugnol; de Paula Quintão Scalon, Silvana; Torales, Elissandra Pacito

Santos, Cleberton Correia (Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados)

10.1590/2317-1545v44264545

SARS software for analysis of radiographic images of Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) RD Webster seeds

Journal of Seed Science

Ramos, Amanda Karoliny Fernandes; de Medeiros, André Dantas; Pereira, Márcio Dias; Araújo, Yuri Felipe; da Silva, Laércio Junio; Alves, Charline Zaratin

Ramos, Amanda Karoliny Fernandes (Federal University of Paraíba)

10.1055/a-1683-5599

Nutrition Phytochemicals Affecting Platelet Signaling and Responsiveness: Implications for Thrombosis and Hemostasis

Thrombosis and Haemostasis

Cardiovascular disease, in particular due to arterial thrombosis, is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, with crucial roles of platelets in thrombus formation. For multiple plant-derived phytochemicals found in common dietary components, claims have been made regarding cardiovascular health and antiplatelet activities. Here we present a systematic overview of the published effects of common phytochemicals, applied in vitro or in nutritional intervention studies, on agonist-induced platelet activation properties and platelet signaling pathways. Comparing the phytochemical effects per structural class, we included general phenols: curcuminoids (e.g., curcumin), lignans (honokiol, silybin), phenolic acids (caffeic and chlorogenic acid), derivatives of these (shikimic acid), and stilbenoids (isorhapontigenin, resveratrol). Furthermore, we evaluated the flavonoid polyphenols, including anthocyanidins (delphinidin, malvidin), flavan-3-ols (catechins), flavanones (hesperidin), flavones (apigenin, nobiletin), flavonols (kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin), and isoflavones (daidzein, genistein); and terpenoids including carotenes and limonene; and finally miscellaneous compounds like betalains, indoles, organosulfides (diallyl trisulfide), and phytosterols. We furthermore discuss the implications for selected phytochemicals to interfere in thrombosis and hemostasis, indicating their possible clinical relevance. Lastly, we provide guidance on which compounds are of interest for further platelet-related research.

Tamer, Funda; Tullemans, Bibian M. E.; Kuijpers, Marijke J. E.; Claushuis, Theodora A.M.; Heemskerk, Johan W. M.

Kuijpers, Marijke J. E. (Maastricht University; Maastricht University Medical Centre)

10.1007/s40415-021-00769-x

Understanding molecular relationships in Campomanesia Ruiz & Pav. (Myrtaceae): emphasizing the C. xanthocarpa complex based on multiple accessions

Brazilian Journal of Botany

Campomanesia comprises approximately 45 species, and 18 of them are organized into three informal morphological complexes. Among these, the “C. xanthocarpa complex” includes nine accepted species displaying delimitation problems, especially in C. adamantium (Cambess.) O.Berg, C. eugenioides (Cambes.) D.Legrand ex Landrum and C. xanthocarpa (Mart.) O.Berg. As there are no phylogenies available for the genus, we seek to understand whether the morphological similarities observed between the cited taxa may be congruent with molecular data. Thus, we generated sequences of the internal transcribed spacer of the ribosomal nuclear DNA (ITS) from 32 samples of Campomanesia and nine belonging to other genera of neotropical Myrtaceae. Phylogenetic analyses using Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian Inference produced similar topologies, which indicate that the “C. xanthocarpa complex” is not monophyletic. Otherwise, the taxa previously assigned to this complex correspond to two distinct lineages highly supported, here designated as the “C. xanthocarpa Group” and “C. eugenioides Group.” The use of multiple accessions of these species also provided taxonomic insights for the recognition of C. littoralis D.Legand and C. repanda O.Berg, as well as the separation of C. rhombea from C. xanthocarpa.

de Oliveira, Marla Ibrahim Uehbe; Vieira, João Paulo Silva; van den Berg, Cássio; de Oliveira, Reyjane Patrícia; Funch, Ligia Silveira

de Oliveira, Marla Ibrahim Uehbe (Universidade Federal de Sergipe)

10.1590/1983-21252021v34n422rc

INFLUENCE OF DRYING TEMPERATURE AND PULP LAYER THICKNESS ON THE PHYSICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL QUALITY OF PEQUI POWDER1

Revista Caatinga

DE SOUSA, ELISABETE PIANCÓ; LEMOS, DANIELLE MARTINS; DE FIGUEIREDO, ROSSANA MARIA FEITOSA; GOMES, JOSIVANDA PALMEIRA; DE MELO QUEIROZ, ALEXANDRE JOSÉ

DE SOUSA, ELISABETE PIANCÓ (Rio de Janeiro Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology)

10.1016/j.hazadv.2021.100028

Advances in sample pretreatment and detection of PCBs in the environment

Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances

Pollution of the environment by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) continues to be a global concern because of their toxicity, persistence, long-range transport properties and ability to bioaccumulate in fatty tissues. PCBs are classified as 'probable human carcinogens' as well as endocrine-disrupting compounds, and, therefore, their presence in the environment is a threat to human and animal health. Their monitoring in the environment requires novel techniques to achieve detection at very low concentrations that demonstrate harmful effects to the ecosystem. This review discusses conventional and novel sample preparation methods that make use of novel sorbent materials that are aimed at reducing matrix interferences in different environmental and biological matrices. It also focuses on advancements in detection techniques aimed at high selectivity and sensitivity, and low detection limits. These range from conventional chromatographic techniques to sensor technology that facilitates the detection of PCBs at very low concentrations prompting the attainment of cost-effective and reliable methods that promote routine monitoring.

Mwanza, Moses M.; Ndunda, Elizabeth N.; Bosire, Geoffrey O.; Nyamori, Vincent O.; Martincigh, Bice S.

Ndunda, Elizabeth N. (Machakos University)

10.32480/rscp.2021.26.2.77

Composición florística de la formación forestal y sabánica en el Cerrado Aguará Ñu, Reserva Natural del Bosque Mbaracayú, Paraguay

Revista de la Sociedad Científica del Paraguay

The aim of this study was to carry out a rapid ecological assessment of the forest and savannah´s native flora in the Cerrado Aguará Ñu of the Mbaracayú Forest Natural Reserve in Paraguay, to determine the species richness and the differences in composition among them, and to complement existing floristic surveys. The native vascular flora of the Cerrado was recorded in situ in ten 50 m x 2 m (1000 m2) transects within each plant community (forest and savannah). A total of 171 species in 61 families were recorded. The savannah showed the higher species richness in relation to the forest, with 106 species in 40 families and 81 species in 40 families, respectively. The most frequent species in the savannah were Axonopus cfr. siccus (Nees) Kuhlm., Butia paraguayensis (Barb. Rodr.) L.H. Bailey, Duguetia furfuracea (A. St.-Hil.) Benth. & Hook. f., Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg, and Pradosia brevipes (Pierre) T.D. Penn. As for the forest, the most frequent species were Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. var. langsdorfii, Didymopanax morototoni (Aubl.) Decne. & Planch., Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) Marchand, and Vochysia tucanorum C. Mart. Only 14 plant species were found to be common in both plant communities. The Fabaceae family had the highest number of species. On the other hand, the typical floristic dissimilarity was evidenced between the Cerrado forest and savannah in the study area, which suggests a good state of conservation of the protected area. However, given the traits and constraints of the rapid ecological assessment, we recommend to continue monitoring the area in order to advance towards a better understanding of the local vegetation dynamics and a better valuation of its biodiversity.

Cárdenas, Rafael; de Molas, Lidia Pérez

10.3390/molecules26237206

Physicochemical Characterization and Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Myrciaria Floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg Accessions

Myrciaria floribunda, also known as rumberry, is a tree native to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, where its fruits have the potential for commercial use. This study evaluates the antioxidant potential, determines the phytochemical profile, and chemically characterizes the rumberry fruit. Accessions were sampled from the Rumberry Active Germplasm Bank of the Federal University of Alagoas, Brazil. Physical characteristics, chemical characteristics, and phenolic compound content were analyzed. Chemical profile characterization was carried out using PSMS. Accessions had an average weight of 0.86 g. Accession AC137 presented a higher pulp yield (1.12 g). AC132 and AC156 had larger fruits, AC137 showed greater firmness (5.93 N), and AC160 had a higher and total phenolic content ratio (279.01 ± 11.11). Orange-colored accessions scored higher in evaluated parameters, except for AC160 for phenolic content. Thirty-two compounds were identified on positive ionization mode and 42 compounds on negative ionization mode using PSMS. Flavonoids, followed by the derivatives of benzoic acid, sugars, and phenylpropanoids, were the most prominent. Myricitrin, quercitrin, and catechin stand out as flavonoids that have been reported in previous studies with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, in addition to health and therapeutical benefits, demonstrating the potential of the rumberry fruit.

García, Yesenia Mendoza; Ramos, Ana Luiza Coeli Cruz; de Oliveira Júnior, Afonso Henrique; de Paula, Ana Cardoso Clemente Filha Ferreira; de Melo, Angelita Cristine; Andrino, Moacir Alves; Silva, Mauro Ramalho; Augusti, Rodinei; de Araújo, Raquel Linhares Bello; de Lemos, Eurico Eduardo Pinto; Melo, Júlio Onésio Ferreira

Melo, Júlio Onésio Ferreira (Federal University of São João del-Rei)

10.1111/jfpp.16162

Shelf‐life, nutritional and sensory quality of cereal and herb based low glycaemic index foods for managing diabetes

Journal of Food Processing and Preservation

In this study, barley or wheat and herb (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, and Emblica officinalis) based low‐GI foods were developed to manage diabetes. The nutritional, sensory quality, glycaemic value, α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition were examined in vitro for products stored at accelerated (38°C, 90% RH) and ambient (27°C, 65% RH) conditions for 3 and 6 months, respectively. Results showed minimal change in GI of barley (47–49) and wheat (49–52) based products during storage at both conditions. No significant loss in dietary fiber, total polyphenol, flavonoid content was noted. The products were microbiologically safe and acceptable for 5 months under ambient condition. The α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition value (IC50 mg/ml) for barley (5.5 ± 0.4, 6.3 ± 0.5) and wheat (10.3 ± 0.6, 7.6 ± 0.3) products after storage at ambient condition explains the inhibition of glycolytic enzymes. To conclude, the low‐GI products are shelf‐stable for 5 months without altering functional properties and hence desirable for diabetic subjects. In recent years, low‐GI foods with natural ingredients are essential in managing diabetes rather than synthetic analogs. In the present research, we developed cereal and herb based low‐GI functional foods that were stable, acceptable, and safe for consumption to overcome hyperglycemia since they inhibit glycolytic enzymes.

Das, Arpita; Panneerselvam, Arunkumar; Yannam, Sudheer Kumar; Baskaran, Vallikannan

Baskaran, Vallikannan (Central Food Technological Research Institute; )

10.1186/s12870-021-03330-w

Genetic diversity and population structure analysis in a large collection of Vicia amoena in China with newly developed SSR markers

BMC Plant Biology

Vicia amoena is a high-nutritional quality forage similar to alfalfa. However, studies on the genetic background of V. amoena are scarce. In the present study, the genetic variation of 24 V. amoena populations was assessed with newly developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 8799 SSRs were identified in the V. amoena genomic-enriched sequences, and the most abundant repeat number was four. A total of 569 sampled individuals were assayed to evaluate the genetic diversity of the V. amoena populations based on 21 polymorphic SSR primers. The polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.896 to 0.968, with an average of 0.931, which indicated that the markers were highly informative. Based on analysis of molecular variance, 88% of the variance occurred within populations, and the remaining 12% of the variance occurred among populations. The high degree of gene flow (Nm= 4.958) also showed slight differentiation among the V. amoena populations. The V. amoena populations were mainly clustered by steppe and mountain habitats based on principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and STRUCTURE analysis. This indicated that the elevation and special habitat of geographical origins may be important factors affecting the clustered pattern of V. amoena populations. Neighbour-joining (NJ) analysis did not separate the populations well by geographical origin, which indicated that the genetic structure of V. amoena was complex and needs further study. Overall, our results showed that the newly developed SSR markers could benefit the V. amoena research community by providing genetic background information to help establish a foundation for breeding improvement and germplasm resource conservation.

Wu, Feifei; Zhang, Shangxiong; Gao, Qiu; Liu, Fang; Wang, Jianli; Wang, Xianguo

Wang, Xianguo (China Agricultural University)

10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112439

A canthin-6-one derivative induces cell death by apoptosis/necroptosis-like with DNA damage in acute myeloid cells

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

Natural products have long been considered a relevant source of new antitumor agents. Despite advances in the treatment of younger patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the prognosis of elderly patients remains poor, with a high frequency of relapse. The cytotoxicity of canthin-6-one alkaloids has been extensively studied in different cell types, including leukemic strains. Among the canthin-6-one analogs tested, 10-methoxycanthin-6-one (Mtx-C) showed the highest cytotoxicity in the malignant AML cells Kasumi-1 and KG-1. Thus, we evaluated the cytotoxicity and cell death mechanisms related to Mtx-C using the EC50 (80 µM for Kasumi-1 and 36 µM for KG-1) treatment for 24 h. Our results identify reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial depolarization, annexin V-FITC/7-AAD double staining, caspase cleave and upregulation of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis proteins (Bax, Bim, Bik, Puma and phosphorylation of p53) for both cell lineages. However, downregulation of Bcl-2 and the simultaneous execution of the apoptotic and necroptotic programs associated with the phosphorylation of the proteins receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 and mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase occurred only in Kasumi-1 cells. About the lasted events, Kasumi-1 cell death was inhibited by pharmacological agents such as Zvad-FMK and necrostatin-1. The underlying molecular mechanisms of Mtx-C still include participation in the DNA damage and stress-signaling pathways involving p38 and c-Jun N-terminal mitogen-activated protein kinases and interaction with DNA. Thus, Mtx-C represents a promising tool for the development of new antileukemic molecules.

Torquato, Heron F V; Junior, Manoel Trindade Rodrigues; Lima, Cauê Santos; Júnior, Roberto Theodoro de Araujo; Talhati, Fernanda; Dias, Dhebora Albuquerque; Justo, Giselle Zenker; Ferreira, Alice Teixeira; Pilli, Ronaldo Aloise; Paredes-Gamero, Edgar J

Paredes-Gamero, Edgar J (Federal University of São Paulo; Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul)

10.1016/j.fitote.2021.105088

Natural products isolation studies of the paleoendemic plant species Nothofagus gunnii and Nothofagus cunninghamii

The first natural product isolation studies of Nothofagus gunnii (Hook.f.) Oerst and Nothofagus cunninghamii (Hook.f.) Oerst have been undertaken. A previously unreported stilbene derivative, pinosylvin monoacetate, was isolated from the leaves of N. gunnii, in addition to 14 known compounds; including the flavonoids galangin, pinobanksin, catechin and quercetin; sesquiterpenoids such as, ilicol and (+)-β-costol acetate; 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methoxychalcone and pinosylvin. Four known flavonoid natural products, catechin, quercetin, ayanin, and avicularin were isolated from the leaves of N. cunninghamii. This study reveals that N. gunnii is a rich source of flavonoid, chalcone and stilbene compounds, while primarily hydroxyflavonoid compounds are found in N. cunninghamii. The isolated phytochemicals are consistent with the evolutionary relationships suggested to exist among Nothofagus species.

Gyeltshen, Thinley; Jordan, Gregory J; Smith, Jason A; Bissember, Alex C

Smith, Jason A (University of Tasmania); Bissember, Alex C (University of Tasmania)

10.3390/ijms222212380

Regulation of Key Antiplatelet Pathways by Bioactive Compounds with Minimal Bleeding Risk

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Cardiovascular disease is strongly influenced by platelet activation. Platelet activation and thrombus formation at atherosclerotic plaque rupture sites is a dynamic process regulated by different signaling networks. Therefore, there are now focused efforts to search for novel bioactive compounds which target receptors and pathways in the platelet activation process while preserving normal hemostatic function. The antiplatelet activity of numerous fruits and vegetables and their multiple mechanisms of action have recently been highlighted. In this review, we review the antiplatelet actions of bioactive compounds via key pathways (protein disulfide isomerase, mitogen-activated protein kinases, mitochondrial function, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, Akt, and shear stress-induced platelet aggregation) with no effects on bleeding time. Therefore, targeting these pathways might lead to the development of effective antiplatelet strategies that do not increase the risk of bleeding.

Fuentes, Eduardo; Wehinger, Sergio; Trostchansky, Andrés

Fuentes, Eduardo (University of Talca); Wehinger, Sergio (University of Talca); Trostchansky, Andrés (University of the Republic)

10.3390/ijerph182212002

Assessment of Trace Elements Supply in Canned Tuna Fish Commercialized for Human Consumption in Brazil

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

This study evaluates the elemental content in 4 types of canned tuna fish groups, each with 4 brands that are commercialized for human consumption in Brazil. The results are based on trace elements in canned tuna fish quantified by ICP OES and a comparison to limit levels set by the FAO/WHO. We also checked the carcinogenic risk (CR), non-carcinogenic risk (Hazard Index (HI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ)), and pollution index (PI) for the studied canned tuna samples. As and Se concentrations in all groups are above the intake values set by FAO/WHO considering specific groups. The carcinogenic risk values for arsenic (As) in groups are considerably unacceptable (≥10-4). Hazard quotients (HQ) were >1 for As in all groups, while no sample was below 1 for HI. The pollution index (PI) results show that the main canned tuna fish contaminant is aluminum, then selenium and arsenic, respectively. Only half of the samples did not present elemental contaminant levels. All studied brands of canned tuna presented elemental concentrations that could pose a health risk to human consumption, that could be from CR, HQ, HI, or PI. The contaminant levels are alarming and should raise a red flag for the intake of these products, especially a long-term one. These results urge the authorities to supervise and enforce better practices for this type of food, protecting their population from health hazards.

de Lima, Nayara Vieira; Arakaki, Daniela Granja; de Pádua Melo, Elaine Silva; Machate, David Johane; do Nascimento, Valter Aragão

do Nascimento, Valter Aragão (Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul; Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul)