ABSTRACT Aim: This work is aimed to the study the effect of aqueous extracts obtained from leaves of Ugni molinae and their respective products of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the viability of colon cancer cells. Methods: Ugni molinae leaves were used to prepare a 1%, aqueous extract and with this, an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was performed, obtaining, fraction products of digestion gastrointestinal (Dgi) and fraction residue. this fraction was identified through liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), and then these samples were evaluated in different viability tests, such as trypan blue exclusion, metabolic activity 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and cytotoxicity by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), on colorectal cancer cells (CaCo-2) and human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK) for a period of 24 and 48 hours. Results and discussion: The aqueous extracts of leaves of Ugni molinae and their digestion fractions caused inhibition of the viability of Caco-2 cells. In most cases, the effect was concentration-dependent and in particular, the only compound that generated inhibition of the viability in all trials corresponded to the Dgi fraction. Conclusion: The results are favorable, since it is finally is this product that would act in the gastrointestinal tract, interacting with the target cells. These results are important since in most cases, these compounds had effects on cancer cells Caco-2 and not on HEK cells at the same concentrations used in each trial.

Abstract Background: Gunnera tinctoria has been collected by Mapuche-Pewenche people for food and medicinal purposes. The high polyphenol content of methanolic extract from G. tinctoria leaves with chemical constituents such as ellagic acid and quercetin derivatives suggests its application to prevent endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to provide evidence of the protective effect of this extract on endothelial function by reducing oxidative stress induced by high D-glucose and H2O2, as well as by stimulating nitric oxide (NO) levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results: A methanolic extract with a high content of polyphenols (520 ± 30 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry extract) was obtained from G. tinctoria leaves. Its main constituent was ellagic acid. The results of Ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assays of the extract confirmed its antioxidant activity by inhibition pathway of radical species. The incubation of HUVECs with the extract decreased the apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis induced by high extracellular concentration of D-glucose or hydrogen peroxide. The extract increased endothelial NO levels and reduced vasoconstriction in human placental vessels. Conclusions: This study provides evidence about the antioxidant and endothelial protective properties of methanolic G. tinctoria leaf extract. The extract improves the availability of NO in HUVECs, inhibiting the production of ROS and vasoconstriction.

ABSTRACT To evaluate the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of the major polyphenol compounds of propolis and their cellular damage, both as single molecule or in combination. Honey bees propolis were fractionated by using CPC and preparative HPLC. Four major polyphenols (chrysin, pinocembrin, galangin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester) were identified by thin layer chromatography–mass spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy. These compounds inhibited both ATCC and clinical H. pylori strains, with caffeic acid phenethyl ester being the most active. The four compounds presented minimum inhibitory concentration in the range 256–1024 µg ml−1 and a fractional inhibitory concentration of 64–512 µg ml−1. In mixtures all compounds showed an indifference effect (FIC < 0.15) but chrysin + galangin which was synergistic (FIC = 2.0). Killing curves show a similar behavior as the antibiotic amoxycillin. On the other hand, analyses by transmission electron microscopy at sub inhibitory concentration show vesicle formation and cell lysis after exposition to both individual polyphenol compounds and in mixture. The major compounds of propolis show anti-H. pylori activity both as individual compounds and in mixture. When combined they present mainly indifference but exert a lytic activity upon H. pylori, suggesting a potential bactericidal activity of propolis.

ABSTRACT Avocado peels were used to extract proanthocyanidins (PACs) as starting material to prepare semi-synthetic derivatives of epicatechin by nucleophilic attack with pyrogallol and resorcinol. One-step isolation of both semi-synthetic derivatives was successfully performed through centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), and identified by TLC and LC-MS/MS. The effect upon adherence of Helicobacter pylori ATCC 43504 to AGS cells and the subsequent induction of pro-inflammatory IL-8 release was tested for these two semi-synthetic derivatives. Bacterial adherence and IL-8 synthesis was evaluated using AGS cells con-infected with FITC-labeled H. pylori. Concentration of 700 μg/mL of epicatechin-pyrogallol and epicatechin-resorcinol decreased H. pylori adherence to AGS cells to less than 20% and reduced IL-8 production to less than 10%. In conclusion, semi-synthetic adducts prepared from avocado PACs reduce significantly the adherence and IL-8 production in H. pylori-infected AGS cells.

Introduction: Pediculosis capitis is a public health problem with a high prevalence. The emergence of parasite resistance to conventional pediculicide is of great concern worldwide. Objective: To develop alternatives pediculicide, effective and safe, based on the essential oil of Eucaliptus globulus. Method: Through bioassays active concentrations ranges of the essential oil were established, and proceeded to develop a standardized, stable, pharmaceutical form, evaluating its effects on our population. Results: The results showed 100% effectiveness; short time of death, ovicidal action, activity on the adhesion of the egg, and low toxicity. Discussion: In addition to great effect, the inability of the parasite to become resistant to the chemical composition of the essential oil makes this formulation an alternative to the problem of head lice solution.

Introducción: La pediculosis capitis es un problema de salud pública con una alta prevalencia. La aparición de resistencia del parásito a los pediculicidas convencionales es de gran preocupación a nivel mundial. Objetivo: Desarrollar alternativas pediculicidas, efectivas y seguras, en base al aceite esencial de Eucaliptus globulus. Método: A través de bioensayos se establecieron rangos de concentraciones activas del aceite esencial, y se procedió al desarrollo de una forma farmacéutica, estandarizada, estable, evaluando sus efectos en nuestra población. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron 100% de efectividad; corto tiempo de muerte, acción ovicida, actividad sobre la adherencia del huevo, y baja toxicidad. Discusión: Además de la gran efectividad, la imposibilidad del parásito de adquirir resistencia a la composición química del aceite esencial hace de esta formulación una solución alternativa al problema de la pediculosis.

Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) is an edible berry native to Southern Chile. The anthocyanin profiles and concentrations of this fruit have been widely studied. The high concentration of anthocyanins confers a deep colour to the skin and pulp of maqui berries, and the biological activity of this fruit has been attributed to these compounds. However, other compounds such as flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in this fruit have not been studied to date. The objective was to determine the hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonol profiles in maqui berries in order expand the knowledge base for this fruit. Two extraction methodologies (solid phase extraction using a mixed mode cation exchange cartridge and selective precipitation), followed by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS were applied to the extraction and identification of the main hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols in the berries. Quantification was accomplished by using the first extraction procedure. Low levels of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were detected in maqui berries, where 5-galloylquinic acid was the only quantifiable derivative. However, diverse and high levels of flavonols were detected in the fruit, the most relevant of which are myricetin-galactoside, quercetin-rutinoside, and quercetin-3-galactoside. Nineteen other flavonols were identified, with total concentrations between 1.05 and 1.18 μmol/g fresh weight. The diversity of flavonols makes the profiles and concentrations of these compounds significant, whereas hydroxycinnamic acids in maqui are not significan! The comparatively high levels of flavonols combined with the high concentration of anthocyanins contribute to the consideration of this native fruit from Chileas a "superfruit".

In the present work we carried out a comparative study of total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity of aqueous leaf extracts of Ugni molinae Turcz., Myrtaceae (infusion and Soxhlet extracted) prepared from continent and Juan Fernández Island samples. The results revealed that total phenol content (TPC), tannins (TTC) and flavonoids (TFC) for U. molinae extracts (infusion and Soxhlet extracts) from island leaves were 38.5, 56.7 and 37.5% higher than those obtained with leaves from the continent, respectively. Also, HPLC profiles showed important differences between U. molinae populations. In vitro antioxidant capacity (scavenging of DPPH radical) for 1% infusion and aqueous extract (Soxhlet method) of U. molinae from island samples, was 15% greater than from continent samples. Further, in vivo impact of U. molinae intake (1% infusion) was studied in plasma samples obtained from healthy volunteers. Participants that consumed tea prepared with leaves from island population showed higher TBARS reduction and plasma antioxidant capacity (TEAC-CUPRAC) than those who consumed tea prepared with leaves from continental population. The conditions of the territory in which U. molinae populations growth could explain the differences in their composition and activity. According to results, island U. molinae populations could be an important source of study for the development of an antioxidant supplement, and thereby contribute to the use of this species that has becoming an ecological problem in the island.

An apparatus which allows the direct measurement of the antioxidant capacity of volatiles compounds emitted from some herbs and culinary spices is described. The device comprises: a sample chamber, a mixing chamber, a pump and, a detection system. Volatiles from Clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry) were purged and captured into a DPPH-containing solution and changes in the absorbance were recorded on-line. Linear response was observed when temperature was set between 30-53 ºC; nitrogen flow was 15 mL min-1 during 60 min; DPPH concentration was 20 µmol L-1 and a sample size (powdered Clove) ranged between 200-1000 mg.