Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most prevalent of the biofilm-dependent diseases. With numerous side effects on the use of chlorhexidine, the search for new safe therapeutic alternatives for microorganisms involved with these diseases increases every day. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of extracts made from the bark of Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. against five oral microorganisms and analyze their phytochemical and thermal degradation profile. The liquid-liquid partition was performed with hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The identification and quantification of the chemical marker was done. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated based on the minimum inhibitory concentration. The cytotoxicity was analyzed based on the hemolysing potential of the samples. The thermal degradation profile was performed by two different methods. Gallic acid was identified as the main compound of the samples and showed the highest amount in the chloroform fraction. All samples were able to inhibit the growth of the microorganisms tested and showed no cytotoxicity. The ethanol extract absorbs less heat than the fractions. All samples exhibited exothermic peak consistent with degradation of gallic acid. Based on the results, the samples used are potential candidates for use in dental formulations for biofilm control.

Abstract Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most prevalent of the biofilm-dependent diseases. With numerous side effects on the use of chlorhexidine, the search for new safe therapeutic alternatives for microorganisms involved with these diseases increases every day. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of extracts made from the bark of Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. against five oral microorganisms and analyze their phytochemical and thermal degradation profile. The liquid-liquid partition was performed with hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The identification and quantification of the chemical marker was done. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated based on the minimum inhibitory concentration. The cytotoxicity was analyzed based on the hemolysing potential of the samples. The thermal degradation profile was performed by two different methods. Gallic acid was identified as the main compound of the samples and showed the highest amount in the chloroform fraction. All samples were able to inhibit the growth of the microorganisms tested and showed no cytotoxicity. The ethanol extract absorbs less heat than the fractions. All samples exhibited exothermic peak consistent with degradation of gallic acid. Based on the results, the samples used are potential candidates for use in dental formulations for biofilm control.

Sesquiterpene lactones are an important class of secondary metabolites frequently isolated from Vernonanthura genus that present a variety of biological properties, including antiproliferative activity. Due to the limitation of pharmacological studies on Vernonanthura nudiflora, the aim of this work was to investigate their antioxidant potential and antiproliferative activity against human tumor cells, as well as to isolate and identify the chemical constituents present in their aerial parts. The phytochemical investigation resulted in the isolation of the sesquiterpene lactones piptocarphins A, B, D, and a new hirsutinolide derivative, 8α-tigloyloxy-10α-hydroxy-hirsutinolide, besides triterpenes, glycosylated steroids, flavonoids, and one chlorogenic acid derivative. Also, other sesquiterpene lactones were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) from dichloromethane fraction. This fraction showed activity against the tumor cells tested, mainly against leukemia, glioma, ovarian and kidney, with growth inhibitory activity (GI50) less than 0.80 µg mL-1. Piptocarphins A and B, in mixture, showed strong activity against all human cancer cell lines tested, with GI50 values ≤ 0.15 µg mL-1. Piptocarphin D was selective for glioma and resistant ovarian cell lines. The new hirsutinolide derivative showed potent activity against breast (GI50= 0.96 µg mL-1) and resistant ovarian (GI50 = 3.60 µg mL-1) cell lines.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antifungal, antibiofilm and antiproliferative activities of the extract from the leaves of Guapira graciliflora Mart. The phytochemical characterization of the extract was performed using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the extract and its fractions was evaluated using the broth microdilution method against species of Candida. The inhibition of C. albicans biofilm was evaluated based on the number of colony-forming units (CFU) and metabolic activity (MTT). The antiproliferative activity of the extract and its fraction was evaluated in the presence of human tumor and non-tumor cells, and the cytotoxicity of the extract was determined on the RAW 264.7 macrophage line – both using the sulforhodamine B method. The phytochemical characterization indicated the presence of the flavonoids rutin and kaempferol. The extract and the methanol fraction exhibited moderate antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. glabrata, and strong activity against C. dubliniensis. In the biofilms at 24 and 48 hours, the concentration of 12500 µg/mL of the extract was the most effective at reducing the number of CFU s/mL (44.4% and 42.9%, respectively) and the metabolic activity of C. albicans cells (34.6% and 52%, respectively). The extract and its fractions had no antiproliferative effect on the tumor lines tested, with mean activity (log GI50) equal to or greater than 1.71 µg/mL. Macrophage cell viability remained higher than 80% for concentrations of the extract of up to 62.5 µg/mL. G. graciliflora has flavonoids in its chemical composition and demonstrates potential antifungal and antibiofilm activity, with no evidence of a significant change in the viability of human tumor and non-tumor cell lines.

ABSTRACT Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Anacardiaceae, native to Brazil, is referred to as "pimento-rosa" and is used to treat inflammatory disease in folk medicine. Studies have reported important pharmacological properties, but these effects have still not been fully exploited. This study reports that the crude extract and isolated compounds of S. terebinthifolius (leaves) have in vitro antioxidant, antiproliferative, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. The samples were evaluated for antioxidant activity using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, β-carotene/linoleic acid and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulphonic acid reagents. The anti-inflammatory effects were assayed against a carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in mice to test doses of 10, 100 and 300 mg/kg at different time points in addition to myeloperoxidase activity analysis. The antiproliferative activity was evaluated using ten human tumour cell lines. Two derivatives of gallic acid and four flavonoids were isolated and exhibited considerable antioxidant activity. The extract and its compounds showed selectivity towards ovarian cancer cells, with growth inhibitory activity values ranging from 1.9 to 6.5 µg/ml. Sample extracts and methyl gallate significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced oedema in the mice paw oedema experimental model. The calculated topological polar surface area for methyl gallate (86.98 Å2) showed good intestinal absorption. The effects reported herein are be related to the presence of flavonoids and the galloyl phenolic derivative content.

Ethanolic crude extracts prepared from the arils and seeds, pericarp, peels and from the whole fruit of Punica granatum, known as pomegranate, had their antifungal activity tested against Candida spp. The ethanolic crude extracts were analyzed by Mass Spectrometry and yielded many compounds such as punicalagin and galladydilacton. The extracts from the pericarp and peel showed activity against Candida spp., with MICs of 125 µg/mL. The effect of pericarp and peel extracts upon the morphological and structure of C. albicans and C. krusei were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, with the visualization of an irregular membrane and hyphae, formation of vacuoles and thickening of the cell wall. The data obtained revealed potential antimicrobial activity against yeasts cells of the Candida genus, and the bioactive compounds could be responsible for changes in cell morphology and structure. The data obtained open new perspectives for future research in continuation to this study, where information such as determination of the site of action of the compounds could contribute to an alternative therapy against these organisms.

Arrabidaea chica (H&B) Verlot is a plant popularly known as Pariri and this species is a known source of anthocyanins, flavonoids and tannins. This report describes an approach involving enzymatic treatment prior to extraction procedures to enhance A chica crude extract anticancer activity. Anticancer activity in human cancer cell lines in vitro using a 48 h SRB cell viability assay was performed to determine growth inhibition and cytotoxic properties. The final extraction yield without enzyme treatment was higher (24.28%) compared to the enzyme-treated material (19.03%), with an enhanced aglycones anthocyanin ratio as determined by HPLC- DAD and LC-MS with direct infusion.

O ácido docoso-hexaenoico é um ácido graxo poli-insaturado essencial que desempenha importantes ações metabólicas. Entretanto, por possuir duplas ligações conjugadas torna-se suscetível à decomposição. Uma das formas de minimizar esta possível decomposição é o emprego da técnica de atomização para microencapsulação. Porém, esta técnica envolve uma série de parâmetros de processo, que podem vir a alterar a qualidade do produto final. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi microencapsular óleo de peixe enriquecido no éster etílico do ácido docoso-hexaenoico (DHAEE-85%), variando condições operacionais e avaliar o rendimento pela análise por cromatografia gasosa, após extração das microcápsulas. Para tanto, foi utilizado o processo de microencapsulação por atomização e o agente encapsulante foi a goma arábica. A avaliação cromatográfica de vários experimentos delineados pelo software Statistica, mostrou que os pontos ótimos para obtenção das microcápsulas de DHAEE foram: temperatura de entrada 188 °C, porcentagem de recheio 30%, vazão de nitrogênio 55 mm N2 e vazão da bomba de 12,5 mL/minuto. Estas condições de processo foram testadas experimentalmente, resultando no teor de 66% m/m de DHAEE no óleo extraído, valor correspondente a 19,8% m/m de DHAEE encapsulado, valor considerado satisfatório uma vez que 30% das microcápsulas correspondiam teoricamente ao material de parede.

Docosahexaenoic acid is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid with important metabolic activities. Its conjugated double bonds make it susceptible to decomposition. Its stability may be improved through fatty acid entrapment with a spray-drying technique; however, the many parameters involved in this technique must be considered to avoid affecting the final product quality. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the entrapment conditions and yields of fish oil enriched with docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester. Microcapsules were obtained from Acacia gum using a spray-drying technique. The experimental samples were analyzed by chromatography and delineated by Statistica software, which found the following optimum entrapment conditions: an inlet temperature of 188 °C; 30% core material; an N2 flow rate of 55 mm; and a pump flow rate of 12.5 mL/minute. These conditions provided a 66% yield of docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester in the oil, corresponding to 19.8% of entrapped docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester (w/w). This result was considered significant since 30% corresponded to wall material.

Gaylussacia brasiliensis (Spreng.) Meissn., Ericaceae, is used in folk medicine for treatment of several inflammatory processes and as healing agent. The scope of this work was to evaluate the in vitro antiproliferative activity of crude dichloromethane extract (CHD) and to identify the compound(s) responsible for this activity. CHD was evaluated and showed a concentration dependent inhibition on all cells lines. Therefore CHD was submitted to several classical columns chromatography providing the most active fraction (FC), inhibiting all cells line at 25 µg/mL. FC was further fractionated affording isolated compound 2β, 3β-dihydroxy-urs-12-ene-28-oic acid , identified on basis of 2D-NMR experiments and showed concentration-dependent activity and selectivity for kidney and breast cell lines.

A atividade de extratos vegetais sobre parasitas pode indicar grupos de substâncias de uso potencial no controle de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a ação in vitro de extratos de Artemisia annua sobre esta espécie. A concentração das lactonas sesquiterpênicas artemisinina e deoxiartemisinina presentes nos extratos vegetais, foi quantificada via cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Quatro extratos produzidos a partir do extrato bruto concentrado (EBC) foram avaliados sobre larvas pela metodologia do papel impregnado, com leitura após 24 horas de incubação. As fêmeas ingurgitadas foram imersas por cinco minutos no EBC e nos seus quatro extratos derivados, e incubadas para posterior análise dos parâmetros biológicos. Os extratos não tiveram eficácia sobre as larvas nas concentrações avaliadas (de 3,1 a 50 mg.mL-1). O EBC apresentou melhor eficácia sobre as fêmeas ingurgitadas (CE 50 de 130,6 mg.mL-1 e CE 90 de 302,9 mg.mL-1) que os extratos derivados. Esses resultados tendem a confirmar que a ação da artemisinina sobre as fêmeas ingurgitadas de R. (B.) microplus estaria condicionada à sua ingestão através do sangue. Nesse caso, os métodos in vitro seriam inadequados para a efetiva avaliação da ação de A. annua R.(B.) microplus.

The activity of plant extracts on parasites may indicate groups of substances that are potentially useful for controlling Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro action of Artemisia annua extracts on this tick. The concentrations of the sesquiterpene lactones artemisinin and deoxyartemisinin present in plant extracts were quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography. Four extracts produced from the concentrated crude extract (CCE) were evaluated on larvae using the impregnated paper method, with readings after 24 hours of incubation. The engorged females were immersed in the CCE and in its four derived extracts for five minutes, with incubation for subsequent analysis of biological parameters. The extracts were not effective on the larvae at the concentrations tested (3.1 to 50 mg.mL-1). The CCE showed greater efficacy on engorged females (EC50 of 130.6 mg.mL-1 and EC90 of 302.9 mg.mL-1) than did the derived extracts. These results tend to confirm that the action of artemisinin on engorged females of R.(B.) microplus is conditional to their blood intake. In this case, in vitro methods would be inadequate for effective evaluation of the action of A. annua on R. (B.) microplus.

Com o propósito de aumentar a atividade anticâncer demonstrada anteriormente pelas 1-fenilssubstituído-3-(2-tioxo-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-il) β-carbolinas 1a-c, neste trabalho foram realizadas a síntese e a avaliação in vitro da atividade antitumoral de novas bases de Mannich 2-7(a-c), derivadas da introdução de diferentes grupos alquilamino(metil) na unidade 1,3,4-oxadiazol de 1a-c. Os derivados 1a-c e 2-7(a-c) foram também avaliados quanto às atividades antibacteriana e antifúngica. Adicionalmente, um estudo in silico das propriedades de ADME dos novos compostos sintetizados 2-7(a-c) foi realizado pela avaliação de seus parâmetros de Lipinski e de dados de área de superfície topológica polar (TPSA) e de porcentagem de absorção (% ABS).

With the purpose of activity enhancement of 1-substituted phenyl-3-(2-thioxo-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl) β-carbolines 1a-c, reported as potential antitumor agents in our previous study, herein we report the synthesis and antitumor activity evaluation of several novel Mannich bases 2-7(a-c), by the introduction of different alkylamino(methyl) groups in the 1,3,4-oxadiazole unity of 1a-c. The antimicrobial activities of 1a-c and of 2-7(a-c) were also evaluated. Additionally, an in silico study of the ADME properties of novel synthesized β-carboline derivatives 2-7(a-c) was performed by evaluation of their Lipinski's parameters and topological polar surface area (TPSA) and percentage of absorption (% ABS) data.

The aim of this work was to develop and validate an analytical methodology for determination of artemisinin used as antimalaric. The method was based on high performace liquid chromatography, using a CN column with mobile phase composed of methanol : H2O 50:50 (V/V). The results showed that the method presented linearity from 50 to 1500 µg/mL. It was considered selective, accurate, precise according to the specific resolution from ANVISA, the Brazilian regulatory agency.

O fracionamento biomonitorado do extrato diclorometânico das sementes de Pterodon pubescens Benth forneceu o 6α-acetóxi-7β-hidróxi-vouacapano 1 (inédito), além de quatro diterpenos furânicos (2, 3, 4 e 5). A atividade antiproliferativa dos compostos foi avaliada in vitro contra as linhagens de células tumorais humanas UACC-62 (melanoma), MCF-7 (mama), NCI-H460 (pulmão), OVCAR-03 (ovário), PC-3 (próstata), HT-29 (colon), 786-0 (rim), K562 (leucemia) e NCI-ADR/RES (ovário com fenótipo de resistência a múltiplos fármacos). Os resultados foram expressos em três concentrações efetivas GI50 (concentração para que ocorra 50% de inibição de crescimento), TGI (concentração que resulta em inibição total de crescimento) e LC50 (concentração que resulta em 50% de morte celular). A citotoxicidade in vitro foi avaliada também frente a uma linhagem de célula murina normal (3T3). Este é o primeiro relato de atividade anticâncer para os compostos 1, 4 e 5, que apresentaram grande seletividade, dependente da concentração, para PC-3. O composto 1 foi 26 vezes mais potente para inibir 50% do crescimento (GI50) de PC-3, 15 vezes mais citostático (TGI) e 6 vezes menos tóxico (LC50) quando comparado com Doxorrubicina (controle).

Activity guided fractionation of Pterodon pubescens Benth. methylene chloride-soluble fraction afforded novel 6α-acetoxi 7β-hydroxy-vouacapan 1 and four known diterpene furans 2, 3, 4, 5. The compounds were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activities against human normal cells and tumour cell lines UACC-62 (melanoma), MCF-7 (breast), NCI-H460 (lung, non-small cells), OVCAR-03 (ovarian), PC-3 (prostate), HT-29 (colon), 786-0 (renal), K562 (leukemia) and NCI-ADR/RES (ovarian expressing phenotype multiple drugs resistance). Results were expressed by three concentration dependent parameters GI50 (concentration that produces 50% growth inhibition), TGI (concentration that produces total growth inhibition or cytostatic effect) and LC50 (concentration that produces -50% growth, a cytotoxicity parameter). Also, in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated against 3T3 cell line (mouse embryonic fibroblasts). Antiproliferative properties of compounds 1, 4 and 5 are herein reported for the first time. These compounds showed selectivity in a concentration-dependent way against human PC-3. Compound 1 demonstrated selectivity 26 fold more potent than the positive control, doxorubicin, for PC-3 (prostrate) cell line based on GI50 values, causing cytostatic effect (TGI value) at a concentration fifteen times less than positive control. Moreover comparison of 50% lethal concentration (LC50 value) with positive control (doxorubicin) suggested that compound 1 was less toxic.

As cascas de Virola sebifera (Myristicaceae) são utilizadas por populações indígenas amazônicas em preparações alucinógenas, nas quais foram encontrados alcalóides como a dimetiltriptamina e seus derivados. Considerando a enorme importância dos alcalóides isolados de plantas na terapêutica do câncer e a presença desses compostos em espécies de Virola, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo o estudo da atividade antiproliferativa em cultura de células tumorais humanas de extratos e da fração orgânica, obtidos das folhas de Virola sebifera. O extrato bruto diclorometânico (EBD) foi considerado o mais ativo, com seletividade principalmente para a linhagem de pulmão (NCI-460) - IC50: 4,46 µg/mL e para a fração orgânica (FO) obtida por extração ácido-base - IC50; 6,91 µg/mL. A atividade observada possivelmente pode ser atribuída a alcalóides ou compostos nitrogenados que foram evidenciados pelo corante Dragendorff. Assim, a purificação da FO será necessária a fim de comprovar a presença de compostos nitrogenados, através de isolamento e determinação estrutural, bem como a participação desses compostos na atividade antiproliferativa observada.

Barks of Virola sebifera (Myristicaceae) used by Amazonian Indian communities in hallucinogenic snuff preparations have yielded dimethyltryptamine and derivatives. Considering the importance of the alkaloids isolated from plants for the development of chemotherapy, and the presence of these compounds in several Virola species, the scope of this work was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of the extracts and the organic fraction from Virola sebifera leaves. The crude dichloromethane extract was the most active with selectivity for lung line (NCI-460) - IC50: 4.46 µg/mL, as well as the organic fraction (OF) - IC50: 6.91 µg/mL. The observed activity could probably be attributed to alkaloids or nitrogen compounds that were evidenced by the Dragendorff reagent. However, the future purification of OF will be necessary to prove the presence of alkaloids and their role in the antiproliferative activity in human cells as well as isolating and identifying these compounds.

This paper describes the chemical constituents isolated from aerial parts of the plant Galianthe brasiliensis. From a methanol extract, the iridoid glycosides asperuloside, deacetylasperuloside, mixture of Z- and E-6-O-p-coumaroylscandoside methyl ester, the triterpene ursolic acid and the steroids stigmasterol, campesterol, beta-sitosterol and 3-O-beta-glycopiranosyl sitosterol were isolated. The structures of the natural products were identified on the basis of spectral data, including 2D NMR experiments. The antiproliferative properties of the crude methanolic extract were investigated against a series of nine human cancer cell lines.