Abstract
Background Monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) comprise a class of secondary metabolites of dual biosynthetic origin, characterized by the presence of an indole and a terpene portion. MIAs are widely studied because of their bioactive properties and pharmacological potential. In this study, major MIAs from native species of Psychotria of southern Brazil were used: P. brachyceras, P. umbellata and P. leiocarpa share the same habitat and accumulate the alkaloids brachycerine, psychollatine and N,b-D-glucopyranosyl vincosamide, respectively. The three MIAs are related and have structural similarities. Previous work identified antioxidant properties of these alkaloids and induction of their accumulation by oxidative stress, suggesting that they play roles as antioxidant compounds, something regarded as unusual for this metabolite class [1]. MIAs may have a role on control of oxidative burst generated by stress, aiming at reducing the reactive oxygen species’ harmful effects and promoting the maintenance of plant fitness. Herein, the antioxidant potential of the three alkaloids against superoxide anions and singlet oxygen is comparatively evaluated, and putative structure-activity relations are considered.
Highlights
Monoterpene índole alkaloids (MIAs) comprise a class of secondary metabolites of dual biosynthetic origin, characterized by the presence of an indole and a terpene portion
Quenching activity against superoxide anions was measured by Nitro Blue Tetrazolium (NBT) reduction by spectrophotometry at 560nm [2]
Antioxidant capacity is presented in percentage of reduced NBT, in IC50 of antioxidant activity and by rubrene color decay
Summary
Monoterpene índole alkaloids (MIAs) comprise a class of secondary metabolites of dual biosynthetic origin, characterized by the presence of an indole and a terpene portion. MIAs are widely studied because of their bioactive properties and pharmacological potential. Major MIAs from native species of Psychotria of southern Brazil were used: P. brachyceras, P. umbellata and P. leiocarpa share the same habitat and accumulate the alkaloids brachycerine, psychollatine and N,b-D-glucopyranosyl vincosamide, respectively. The three MIAs are related and have structural similarities. Previous work identified antioxidant properties of these alkaloids and induction of their accumulation by oxidative stress, suggesting that they play roles as antioxidant compounds, something regarded as unusual for this metabolite class [1]. MIAs may have a role on control of oxidative burst generated by stress, aiming at reducing the reactive oxygen species’ harmful effects and promoting the maintenance of plant fitness. The antioxidant potential of the three alkaloids against superoxide anions and singlet oxygen is comparatively evaluated, and putative structure-activity relations are considered
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