Achyrocline Satureioides Research Articles

A stability-indicating ultra-fast liquid chromatography method for the assay of the main flavonoids of Achyrocline satureioides (Marcela) in porcine skin layers and nanoemulsions.

Achyrocline satureioides (marcela or macela) is a plant widely used in folk medicine in South America. Recently, there has been increasing interest for the development of skin care products containing A. satureoides extracts, due to its well-documented antioxidant, antiherpetic, and wound healing properties. The present study aimed to develop and validate a yet unexplored stability-indicating and robust ultra-fast liquid chromatography (UFLC) method for the simultaneous quantification of the main flavonoids of A. satureioides in extracts, nanoemulsions, and porcine skin layers. The chromatographic separation of flavonoids quercetin, luteolin, and 3-O-methylquercetin was performed on a Luna C18 analytical column (100 mm × 2.0 mm i.d.; particle size 2.5 μm) using isocratic elution with methanol/phosphoric acid 1% (48:52 v/v) with a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min at 40°C. The method was found to be specific, linear (R > 0.998), precise, accurate, and robust for all flavonoids assayed in A. satureioides extract, nanoemulsions, and porcine ear skin. A low matrix effect was noted for all complex matrices. The stability-indicating UFLC method was evaluated by submitting isolated flavonoids, a mixture of standards, and A. satureioides extract to acidic, alkaline, oxidative, UV-A/UV-C light, and thermal stress conditions. No peaks were found co-eluting with the flavonoids of interest in all matrices. The robustness of the method was confirmed using Plackett-Burman experimental design. The short run time (8 min) and reliability of the method could be useful for the determination of A. satureioides flavonoids in topical product development since extracts of this medicinal plant have been used to treat various skin disorders.

Uso de plantas medicinais por idosos adscritos à atenção primária em Porto Alegre/RS e potenciais interações planta-medicamento

O objetivo deste estudo foi pesquisar a utilização de plantas medicinais por idosos diabéticos, hipertensos e polimedicados vinculados à Unidade de Saúde Costa e Silva, Porto Alegre/RS e descrever potenciais interações entre as plantas e os medicamentos utilizados, conforme literatura. Vinte e dois idosos foram entrevistados sobre as plantas medicinais utilizadas, forma e frequência de preparo, local de obtenção e conhecimento sobre possíveis efeitos adversos das plantas. Demonstrou-se que além dos medicamentos prescritos estes idosos têm como prática de cuidado o uso de chás medicinais, destacando-se a marcela (Achyrocline satureioides) e a camomila (Matricaria chamomilla). A prática é exercida através de conhecimentos aprendidos nas famílias e predomina a noção de que as plantas medicinais não oferecem riscos à saúde. Contudo, a maioria das espécies mencionadas possui descrição de potenciais interações com medicamentos (ex. gengibre e anticoagulantes) e/ou modificações fisiopatológicas que podem ser prejudiciais no contexto de polimedicação e doenças apresentadas pelos entrevistados (ex. alecrim e indução do metabolismo de fármacos; poejo e risco de hepatotoxicidade). Conclui-se necessária a avaliação e orientação sobre o uso de plantas medicinais pelos serviços de saúde na atenção aos idosos polimedicados, levando em consideração a maior vulnerabilidade desta população aos potenciais riscos aqui descritos.

Topical hydrogel containing Achyrocline satureioides oily extract (free and nanocapsule) has anti-inflammatory effects and thereby minimizes irritant contact dermatitis.

Inflammatory dermatoses are prevalent worldwide, with impacts on the quality of life of patients and their families. The aim of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of Achyrocline satureioides oily extracts and nanocapsules on the skin using a mouse model of irritant contact dermatitis induced by croton oil, and a skin inflammation model induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. The mice were treated with 15 mg/ear oily extract (HG-OLAS) or nanocapsules (HG-NCAS) of A. satureioides incorporated into Carbopol® 940 hydrogels. We found that HG-OLAS and HG-NCAS formulations reduced ear edema in croton oil-induced lesions with maximum inhibitions of 54±7% and 74±3%, respectively. HG-OLAS and HG-NCAS formulations decreased ear edema induced by UVB radiation (0.5 J/cm2), with maximum inhibitions of 68±6% and 76±2% compared to the UVB radiation group, respectively. HG-OLAS and HG-NCAS modulated myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity after croton oil induction. Furthermore, croton oil and UVB radiation for 6 and 24 h, respectively, stimulated polymorphonuclear cells infiltration. The topical treatments reduced inflammatory processes, as shown by histological analysis. Together, the data suggest that topical application of A. satureioides oily extracts and nanocapsules produced antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. They constitute a compelling alternative for treatment of skin injuries.

Box-Behnken Design for Extraction Optimization Followed by High Performance Countercurrent Chromatography: Production of a Flavonoid-enriched Fraction from Achyrocline Satureioides.

The biological properties of Achyrocline satureioides have been mostly ascribed to its major flavonoids quercetin (QCT), luteolin (LUT), and 3-O-methylquercetin (3OMQ). The present study aimed to optimize the extraction by dynamic maceration of the major phenolic compounds in order to obtain in a subsequent step a flavonoid-enriched fraction (FEF) using high performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC). A 3-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) was applied to maximize the extraction of the substances, using the plant : solvent ratio (X1 ), extraction time (X2 ), and ethanol concentration (X3 ) as factors. One-step HPCCC semipreparative separation with a solvent system composed of hexane : ethyl acetate : methanol : water (0.9 : 0.9 : 0.8 : 1.0, v/v) was employed to obtain the FEF. The second-order polynomial model was able to fit the experimental data adequately. The linear and quadratic terms of X3 were the most significant factors that affected all the responses. The positive linear term of X3 indicated a substantial increase in extraction yield, while the negative quadratic term showed a nonlinear tendency. Linear terms of X1 suggested a tendency to solvent saturation, except for QCT. The terms of X2 did not affect the responses substantially. The HPCCC method was found to be efficient and rapid for separating the FEF with 71% (w/w) flavonoid content. Overall, the developed extraction procedure coupled with HPCCC proved to be efficient for obtaining an enriched fraction with a very high content of flavonoids from A.satureioides.

Survey of ethnoespecies used by rural dwellers in the municipality of Lajeado do Bugre (RS)

This study was conducted aiming to realize a setting up of ethnoespecies used by the rural population in the municipality of Lajeado do Bugre (RS). The setting up was conducted in October 2016, in 14 properties in the rural area of the municipality. The collect of data was done through an interview with open and semistructured questions, which was performed with an adult resident. After the interview, the species were listed in alphabetical order of the botanical family, followed by the scientific name, indications of use, form of preparation, used plant part, popular names and other complementary information. As results, we observed that the age of the interviewees ranged from 20 to 83 years old, being 70% of them being male. Were cited twenty-five ethnoespecies distributed in 17 botanical families. The families with greater number of species cited were the Lamiaceae and Asteraceae families. There were no records of medicinal plants for mystical use The three species most cited were: macela [ Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC.], capim limao [ Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.] e poejo ( Mentha pulegium L.) . The most mentioned indications of use were for the treatment of anemia, kidney problem, infantile colic, headaches and for the slimming. Of the interviewees, 60% reported that the main vegetative part used is the leaves. Regarding the forms of preparation, the most cited were the preparation as infused tea. It was verified that the inhabitants of the rural area of Lajeado do Bugre (RS) use a large number of ethnospecies for medicinal purposes for relief and / or cure of symptoms, and knowledge about the use of medicinal plants has a strong influence on popular knowledge inherited and passed on from generation to generation.

Purification, structural elucidation, antioxidant capacity and neuroprotective potential of the main polyphenolic compounds contained in Achyrocline satureioides (Lam) D.C. (Compositae).

Achyrocline satureioides (Lam) D.C (Compositae) is a native medicinal plant of South America traditionally utilized for its anti-inflammatory, sedative and anti-atherosclerotic properties among others. Neuroprotective effects have been reported in vivo and could be associated to its elevated content of flavonoid aglycones. In the present study we performed the isolation and structure elucidation of the major individual flavonoids of A. satureioides along with the in vitro characterization of their individual antioxidant and neuroprotective properties in order to see their putative relevance for treating neurodegeneration. Exact mass, HPLC-MS/MS and 1H NMR identified dicaffeoyl quinic acid isomers, quercetin, luteolin, isoquercitrin, and 3-O-methylquercetin as the mayor polyphenols. Flavonoids intrinsic redox properties were evaluated in the presence of the endogenous antioxidants GSH and Ascorbate. Density Functional Theory (DFT) molecular modeling and electron density studies showed a theoretical basis for their different redox properties. Finally, in vitro neuroprotective effect of each isolated flavonoid was evaluated against hydrogen peroxide-induced toxicity in a primary neuronal culture paradigm. Our results showed that quercetin was more efficacious than luteolin and isoquercitrin, while 3-O-methylquercetin was unable to afford neuroprotection significantly. This was in accordance with the susceptibility of each flavonoid to be oxidized and to react with GSH. Overall our results shed light on chemical and molecular mechanisms underlying bioactive actions of A. satureioides main flavonoids that could contribute to its neuroprotective effects and support the positive association between the consumption of A. satureioides as a natural dietary source of polyphenols, and beneficial health effect.

Effects of exposure to ethanolic extract from Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) D.C. flowers on reproductive and developmental parameters in Wistar rats

ABSTRACTAchyrocline satureioides (LAM) D.C. is a species plant used in folk medicine with several medicinal properties; however, few studies have focused on its potential adverse effects. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of ethanolic extract of A. satureioides flowers administered during pre-mating, mating, pregnancy and postpartum period on reproductive and developmental parameters in rats. Male and female rats received by gavage 0, 250, 500 or 750 mg/kg of extract. The animals were treated from pre-mating until 13 days post-partum. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of important flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, caffeic acid, rutin, and ferulic acid). In females, biochemical, hematological or gestational parameters were not markedly altered by the extract. However, an increase in calcium and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels was found in treated-dams. Although TSH and T4 levels were not significantly altered in pups, there was a rise in body weight of pups whose mothers were treated with the extract. All males treated were able to successfully copulate with treated-females. However, rats exposed to 500 and 750 mg/kg of extract exhibited a significant decrease in daily testicular sperm production and delay in sperm transit time in the epididymis. The ethanolic extract of A. satureioides flowers produced adverse effects in the male reproductive system as evidenced by diminished sperm production and transport. In addition, the extract elevated TSH levels of exposed mothers which may consequently affect the development of pups but this requires further evaluation.

Extraction process of the Achyrocline satureioides (Lam) DC. essential oil by steam distillation: modeling, aromatic potential and fractionation

ABSTRACTThe essential oil of Achyrocline satureioides was obtained by steam distillation in four operating conditions (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 bar) and the aromatic profile of these essential oils was evaluated by gas chromatography/olfactometry (CG/O). It was observed that the relation between the aromatic intensities and the compounds concentration is not directly proportional, except for the α-pinene, which presented a high concentration and aromatic intensity. The essential oil compounds were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and a principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the pressure effect on the essential oil composition. Through the PCA, similarity of composition was observed between pressures of 2.0 and 2.5 bar. Furthermore, a mathematical modeling of extraction process and an essential oil theoretical fractionation process study by batch distillation of the major compounds were performed. In order to enhance its aromatic activity, the simulation methodology applied to fractionate the A. satureioides essential oil presented a high-purity (99.10%) α-pinene fraction.

Ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants and their possible drug interactions in two cities of the South of Brazil

Medicinal plants have been used by the population for several years for treatment and prevention of diseases. Folk knowledge of plants can serve as information on efficacy and toxicity of these vegetables. Many people think that because they are natural, plants are free of side effects and interactions with the medicines that they used. The present study had as objective to conduct an ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants in the Brazilian cities of Manoel Viana, RS, and Sao Francisco de Assis, RS, and to evaluate their possible drug interactions. The present work was carried out through interviews, where individuals were questioned about the use of plants and of medicines. Of the 205 participants interviewed, most were women (79%), approximately 98% used medicinal plants, and approximately 82% reported the presence of chronic diseases in their communities and the use of pharmaceuticals to treat them. The medicinal plants cited most often were Achyrocline satureioides , Peumus boldus Molina, Chamomilla recutita , Cymbopogon citratus (DC), and Melissa officinalis L , while the most frequent chronic diseases mentioned were arterial hypertension, depression, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. The drugs cited most often were hydrochlorothiazide, losartan, simvastatin, and metformin, and the results of the study revealed numerous plant–drug interactions. Results of the study indicate a profile of the use of medicinal plants and synthetic drugs used by the population of Manoel Viana, RS, and Sao Francisco de Assis, RS, Brazil.

Promising phytochemical responses of Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. under various farming conditions

Pharmaceutical industries have a demand for great amounts of Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC., however, most of the raw material commonly is extracted directly from the natural environment without any agronomic management. Faced with this situation, the present study aimed to investigate the total flavonoids and total phenolic compounds, as well as the polyphenolic profile of the branches and inflorescences of a Brazilian local variety of A. satureioides (CPQBA 2), considering different organic fertilizer levels, plant spacing and harvest times. Significant total phenolic compounds were detected in the branches at 240 DAT – days after transplanting (3138.46 mg/100 g) and in the inflorescences of plants cultivated with 30 t ha−1 of organic fertilizer, at 457 DAT (3025.94 mg/100 g). The branches have produced suitable flavonoids content at 320 DAT (236.92 mg/100 g), and the plants cultivated with 30 t ha−1 of organic fertilizer showed major levels of these compounds in the inflorescences at 457 DAT (594.97 mg/100 g). The primary compounds detected in the branches and inflorescences were caffeic acid (105.63 mg/100 g) and 3-O-methylquercetin (323.45 mg/100 g), respectively. Both chemical compounds showed significant changes depending on the farming conditions. These findings showed that, in addition to the inflorescences, the branches of A. satureioides var. CPQBA 2 could also be used as a source of phytochemical compounds by the pharmaceutical industries, avoiding the waste of raw material and providing a new option to growers.

Semi-preparative isolation and purification of phenolic compounds from Achyrocline satureioides (Lam) D.C. by high-performance counter-current chromatography.

Phenolic compounds present in Achyrocline satureioides are known to have therapeutic benefits like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumour properties. The main polyphenols present in the plant are quercetin (QCT), luteolin (LUT), 3-O-methylquercetin (3OMQ), and achyrobichalcone (ACB). However, the effective isolation and purification of these compounds from A. satureioides inflorescences are not an easy task. To develop an efficient high-performance counter-current chromatography (HPCCC) method for quick separation and purification of naturally occurring phenolic compounds from the extract of A. satureioides. A two-step HPCCC semi-preparative isolation method was developed using a solvent system composed of n-hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (0.8:1.0:0.8:1.0) and dichloromethane/methanol/water (3.5:3.5:2.5). The HPCCC method was used to obtain two fractions. The first fraction (F1 ) contained high levels of ACB, among other constituents, while the second fraction (F2 ) contained mostly QCT, LUT, and 3OMQ. Besides the high ACB content, F1 contained three other flavonoid-aglycones (kaempferol, 97.3%; isokaempferide, 92.4%; and 3,3'-di-O-methylquercetin, 95.2%) identified by an ultra-performance liquid chromatography system coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight with high-definition mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/HDMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. Purity levels of ACB, 3OMQ, QCT, and LUT were 98.0, 97.0, 97.5, and 90.2%, respectively. This is the first time that high purity ACB and six other flavonoids were obtained from A. satureioides inflorescences by HPCCC. These excellent results reveal the potential and versatility of HPCCC as a technique to produce different types of products from this plant species on a semi-preparative scale: enriched fractions, new metabolites, or high purity compounds.

In vivo and in vitro propagation of “macela”: a medicinal-aromatic native plant with ornamental potential

Achyrocline satureioides is a shrub native from South America. In popular medicine it is used in infusions such as digestive, carminative, antispasmodic, eupeptic and emmenagogue. However, its main use is as an ingredient in the liquor industry. Commercial exploitation is carried out through the collection of natural populations in an unsustainable way. The micropropagation of A. satureioides will allow its massive propagation and it will settle a base for its domestication. For this, a clone denominated as M1-5 was first propagated by cuttings. Subsequently, nodal segments obtained from young stems were disinfected by a standard method and cultured on MS medium. These shoots were used as a source of explants for subsequent assays. For its in vitro establishment MS medium and WPM were tested. Once the culture was established, the responses of the explants to increasing concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0.0; 0.5; 2.5 and 5.0 μM) with and without 0.05 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) on WPM as basal medium were studied during 35 days. The proliferation of buds, the presence of callus and the number and length of the roots were evaluated. All of the “macela” cuttings in vivo propagated rooted and developed satisfactorily under the conditions tested. The application of 5.0 μM BAP alone generated the best multiplication rate, so it was selected as the multiplication medium. De novo shoots rooted spontaneously and finally, transferred to the greenhouse. Here in it was possible to establish a micropropagation protocol not only for the production of plantlets of selected clones but also for the application of biotechnological tools in the development of A. satureioides germplasm.

Endophytic Fungus Isolated From Achyrocline satureioides Exhibits Selective Antiglioma Activity-The Role of Sch-642305.

Glioblastoma is the most devastating primary brain tumor. Current treatment is palliative, making necessary the development of new therapeutic strategies to offer alternatives to patients. Therefore, endophytes represent an interesting source of natural metabolites with anticancer potential. These microorganisms reside in tissues of living plants and act to improve their growth. Evidence revealed that several medicinal plants are colonized by endophytic fungi producer of antitumor metabolites. Achyrocline satureioides is a Brazilian medicinal plant characterized by its properties against gastrointestinal disturbances, anticancer and antioxidant effects. However, there are no reports describing the endophytic composition of A. satureioides. The present study proposes the isolation of endophytic fungus from A. satureioides, extract preparation, phytochemical characterization and evaluation of its antiglioma potential. Our data showed that crude extracts of endophyte decreased glioma viability with IC50 values of 1.60–1.63 μg/mL to eDCM (dichloromethane extract) and 37.30–55.12 μg/mL to eEtAc (ethyl acetate extract), respectively. Crude extracts induced cell death by apoptosis with modulation of redox status. In order to bioprospect anticancer metabolites, endophytic fungus extracts were subjected to guided fractionation and purification yielded five fractions of each extract. Six of ten fractions showed selective antiproliferative activity against glioma cells, with IC50 values ranged from 0.95 to 131.3 μg/mL. F3DCM (from eDCM) and F3EtAc (from eEtAc) fractions promoted C6 glioma toxicity with IC50 of 1.0 and 27.05 μg/mL, respectively. F3EtAc fraction induced late apoptosis and arrest in G2/M stage, while F3DCM promoted apoptosis with arrest in Sub-G1 phase. Moreover, F3DCM increased antioxidant defense and decreased ROS production. Additionally, F3DCM showed no cytotoxic activity against astrocytes, revealing selective effect. Based on promising potential of F3DCM, we identified the production of Sch-642305, a lactone, which showed antiproliferative properties with IC50 values of 1.1 and 7.6 μg/mL to C6 and U138MG gliomas, respectively. Sch-642305 promoted arrest on cell cycle in G2/M inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, this lactone decreased glioma cell migration and modulated redox status, increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and enhancing sulfhydryl content, consequently suppressing reactive species of oxygen generation. Taken together, these results indicate that metabolites produced by endophytic fungus isolated from A. satureioides have therapeutic potential as antiglioma agent.

Anticancer activity of flavonoids isolated from Achyrocline satureioides in gliomas cell lines

Achyrocline satureioides, popularly known as “marcela”, is a medicinal plant found in South America. This plant is rich in flavonoids, which have been reported to exert numerous biological activities. The aim of this study was to purify, identify and evaluate the mechanisms underlining anticancer activity of A. satureioides flavonoids in glioma cell lines (U87, U251 and C6) as well as their comparative toxicity in normal brain cells (primary astrocytes, neurons and organotypic hippocampal cultures). The main flavonoids present in A. satureioides are luteolin, quercetin, 3-O-methyl-quercetin and achyrobichalcone, the later a very unique metabolite present in this plant. Isolated flavonoids as well as A. satureioides extracts reduced proliferation and clonogenic survival, and induced apoptosis of glioma cell lines. In addition, A. satureioides flavonoids potentiated the cytotoxic effect and apoptosis induction by the glioma chemotherapeutic temozolomide (TMZ). Importantly, A. satureioides flavonoids were less cytotoxic to astrocytes, neuron:astrocytes co-cultures and hippocampal cultures if compared to gliomas. Investigation of 10 cancer-related pathways showed a reduced activation of MYC and the Map kinases ERK and JNK by A. satureioides flavonoid-enriched extract, an effect not observed when individual flavonoids were evaluated. Altogether, the herein presented results show that A. satureioides extract possesses a combination of flavonoids, some unique for this plant, which have synergistic anticancer activity and potential for further studies in vivo.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from Macela (Achyrolcine satureioides) extracts

Achyrocline satureioides or Macela, a native plant from South America, has been studied due to its potential antioxidant activity. This study sought to optimize the conditions for extraction of the bioactive compounds from Macela. The solvents 50% (v/v) acetone and 70% (v/v) ethanol were selected from preliminary assays, for a comparison study. The application of ultrasound for the extractions increased the amount of total phenolic compounds by 6.1-fold and the antioxidant activity by 3.4-fold compared with conventional extraction. Principal component analysis revealed that both solvents did not present statistical differences in the extractions, although the liquid chromatography analysis showed that relative to ethanol, the acetone extracts had a higher amount of quercetin, the major flavonoid present in Macela plants. Therefore, the best ultrasound-assisted extraction condition for both solvents studied was a temperature of 25 °C and a 1:40 solute:solvent ratio (w/v), independent of the extraction time (10, 50 or 90 min).

EFFECT OF TOPSOIL STOCKPILING ON THE VIABILITY OF SEED BANK IN FIELD PHYTOPHYSIOGNOMIES CAMPOS DE ALTITUDE

ABSTRACT The viability of propagules during topsoil stockpiling is a limiting factor in ecological restoration projects and little is known about the species distributed in the campos de altitude. This work was carried out to investigate the viability of propagules present in the topsoil under campos de altitude vegetation, stockpiled for up to 12 months after the stripping of areas to be mined. In the south of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between November 2011 and November 2012, four collections of the seed bank were carried out, considering three depths (0 to 10, 90 to 100, and 190 to 200 cm) of the plot of stockpiled topsoil. Using the multivariate analysis, it was verified that the depth factor does not statistically affect the abundance of emerged individuals, while the factor time of stockpiling negatively affects the viability of the seeds. Some species were affected by the stockpiling conditions, only emerging in some collections, while others (Achyrocline satureioides, Ageratum fastigiatum, Baccharis dracunculifolia, Borreria capitata, Echinolaena inflexa and Melinis minutiflora) had individuals emerged in all collection periods. This study points out the need for the return of the topsoil until the fourth month of stocking, under the risk of monodominance, with a prevalence of species more adapted to predominant conditions of campos de altitude.

Supplementation with Achyrocline satureioides Inflorescence Extracts to Pregnant and Breastfeeding Rats Induces Tissue-Specific Changes in Enzymatic Activity and Lower Neonatal Survival.

Achyrocline satureioides (AS, family Asteraceae) is a plant widely used in traditional medicine for stomach, digestive, and gastrointestinal disorders during pregnancy. Studies regarding the indiscriminate use of plant infusions during pregnancy are limited. Recent reports have shown that chronic flavonoid supplementation induces toxicity in vivo and raises the mortality rates of healthy subjects. Therefore, we investigated whether supplementation of pregnant and lactating Wistar rats with two AS inflorescence extracts, consisting of an aqueous (AQ) extract similar to a tea (47 mg·kg−1·day) and a hydroethanolic (HA) extract (35 mg·kg−1·day−1) with a higher flavonoid content, could induce redox-related side effects. Total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP), thiobarbituric reactive species (TBARS), and total reduced thiol (SH) content were evaluated. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were additionally quantified. Our data suggest that both AQ and HA of AS inflorescence extracts may induce symptoms of toxicity in concentrations of (47 mg·kg−1·day) and (35 mg·kg−1·day−1), respectively, in mothers regarding the delivery index and further decrease of neonatal survival. Of note, significant tissue-specific changes in maternal (liver, kidney, heart, and hippocampus) and pups (liver and kidney) biochemical oxidative parameters were observed. Our findings provide evidence that may support the need to control supplementation with the AQ of AS inflorescence extracts during gestation due to potential toxicity in vivo, which might be related, at least in part, to changes in tissue-specific redox homeostasis and enzymatic activity.

“Cerrado” restoration by direct seeding: field establishment and initial growth of 75 trees, shrubs and grass species

The coexistence of grasses, herbs, shrubs and trees characterizes savannas; therefore, to restore such ecosystems one should consider re-introducing all these growth forms. Currently, little is known about field establishment of most “Cerrado” (Brazilian savanna) species that could be used for restoration purposes. Most knowledge on restoration is focused on planting seedlings of tree species from forest physiognomies. Alternatively, direct seeding can be an appropriate method to re-introduce plants of different life forms to restore savannas. We evaluated the initial establishment success under field conditions of 75 “Cerrado” native species (50 trees, 13 shrubs, and 12 grasses) in direct seeding experiments in four sites in Central Brazil for 2.5 years. For that, we tagged and measured tree and larger shrub species and estimated ground cover by small shrub and grass species. Sixty-two species became established (42 trees, 11 shrubs and 9 grasses) under field conditions. Thirty-eight of the 48 tagged species had relatively high emergence rates (>10%) and 41 had high seedling survival (>60%) in the first year. Among grasses and small shrub species, Andropogon fastigiatus Sw., Aristida riparia Trin., Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston, Lepidaploa aurea (Mart. ex DC.) H.Rob., Stylosanthes capitata Vogel, S. macrocephala M.B.Ferreira & Sousa Costa, Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. and Trachypogon spicatus (L.f.) Kuntze had the greatest initial establishment success (up to 30% soil cover). The data on harvesting period, processing mode and field establishment for these 75 species can be readily used in restoration efforts in the “Cerrado”.

Achyrocline satureioides essential oil loaded in nanocapsules ameliorate the antioxidant/oxidant status in heart of rats infected with Trypanosoma evansi.

Oxidative stress has been considered as a pathological mechanism that contributes to initiation and progression of cardiac injury during the Trypanosoma evansi infection. In this sense, the natural compounds with antioxidant and free radical scavenger abilities, such the Achyrocline satureioides essential oil loaded in nanocapsules (AS-NC), may be considered important approach to minimize the cardiac damage. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether AS-NC treatment is able to prevents or reduce the cardiac oxidative damage in infected rats with T.evansi. Heart samples from rats infected by T.evansi showed increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric reactive-acid substances (TBARS) and glutathione reduced (GSH) levels, while catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities decreased compared with uninfected and untreated animals. Also, the seric biomarkers of cardiac function increased in the infected animals compared with uninfected animals. AS-NC treatment reduced ROS and TBARS levels, ameliorate cardiac CAT and SOD activities of infected rats, and reduced seric biomarkers of cardiac function. AS-NC treatment protected the heart from oxidative stress caused by T.evansi, which might be due to its antioxidant properties. AS-NC might be considered a promising therapeutic agent against oxidative stress, when associated with nanotechnology.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of Achyrocline satureioides prevents contrast-induced nephropathy in mice

Achyrocline satureioides or Macela, has been largely used in traditional folk medicine in Brazil as an anti-inflammatory agent and to treat various digestive disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the preventive action of the extracts of A. satureioides obtained by maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction, quercetin and N-acetylcysteine against contrast-induced nephropathy in mice. The antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages were evaluated. Also, chemical analyses of phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and quercetin by LC–MS/MS present in various extracts of A. satureioides were performed. Thirty six mice were divided into six groups: control group (C), Contrast-Induced Nephropathy group (CIN), Group N-acetylcysteine 200mg/kg (NAC); Group quercetin 10mg/kg (Q), Group Macela 10mg/kg (M10), and Group Macela 50mg/kg (M50). The serum levels of urea and creatinine, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and renal ultrastructure were evaluated by electron microscopy scanning. Ultrasound-assisted extraction improved the quality of extract (with 100% ethanol), since did not show toxicity to fibroblasts, and showed potent antioxidant activity and a high content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and quercetin, in addition to being able to reduce the production of NO in dose-dependent effect in macrophages. Results showed that animals treated with Macela extracts maintained normal levels of urea, creatinine, and AOPP, while preserving ultrastructure of the renal cells. The obtained results were more promising than NAC and Q groups in protecting against renal failure caused by CIN, showing that the plant can be a promising drug for preventing this disease.