Arrabidaea Chica Research Articles

Friedericia chica, a medicinal plant from the Amazon region, is repellent against Aedes aegypti: in vivo andmolecular dockingevidence.

Fridericia chica is widely distributed in Brazil, where it is commonly known as crajiru or pariri in several regions. Despite its popular use for treating inflammations and as an insect repellent, there has been limited assessment of its chemical and biological properties, including its bioinsecticide activities. In this study, we conducted phytochemical analyses and investigated the larvicidal and repellent effects of F. chica against the mosquito Aedes aegypti. The F. chica (HEFc) hydroalcoholic extract was partitioned using column chromatography, and subfractions were analyzed using chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses (ESI-IT-MSn and NMR). In addition, HEFc was evaluated for its larvicidal and repellent activities. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of 17 constituents, including 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic and p-coumaric acids, along with umbelliferone, acetovanilone, myricetin-3-O-glucuronide, and cis-isorhapontigenin, which are reported for the first time in this species. Although no larvicidal effect was observed at the doses tested, the HEFc exhibited promising repellent effects against A. aegypti, which aligns with its ethnopharmacological potential. In addition, molecular docking studies demonstrated that the compounds of HEFc interacted efficiently with insect odorant binding proteins (OBPs), providing repellent effects. Consistent with the chemical profile and in silico studies, preparations of F. chica have considerable repellent potential.

Gastroprotective role of a flavonoid-rich subfraction from Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann: a medicinal plant used in the Amazon region.

Fridericia chica is an Amazonian plant used to treat stomach disorders. However, the pharmacological activity of flavonoids in the extract has yet to be investigated. Therefore, we considered that a flavonoid-rich F. chica subfraction (FRS) has gastroprotective functions. For this, before the induction of gastric ulcers with ethanol or piroxicam, the rats received vehicle (water), omeprazole (30mg/kg), or FRS (30mg/kg), and the ulcer area was measured macro and microscopically, and the antisecretory action was investigated in pylorus-ligated rats. In addition, the roles of nitric oxide (NO) and nonprotein sulfhydryl compounds (NP-SH) in the gastroprotective effects of FRS were studied. FRS reduced ethanol- and piroxicam-induced ulcerations by 81% and 77%, respectively, as confirmed histologically. Antioxidant effects were observed for FRS through the maintenance of GSH and LPO levels, and the SOD and CAT activity similar to those found in the nonulcerated group. Moreover, FRS avoided the increase in MPO activity and TNF, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10 levels. Moreover, mucin staining increased in ulcerated rats receiving FRS, and the pharmacological mechanism gastroprotective seems to involve the NO and NP-SH in addition to antisecretory actions. The chemical study by mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of flavonoids in FRS, and molecular docking studies have shown that these compounds interact with cyclooxygenase-1 and NO synthase. Furthermore, there was no indication that FRS had cytotoxic effects. Our results support the popular use of F. chica, and we conclude that the gastroprotection effect promoted by FRS can be attributed to the combined effect of the flavonoids.

Identification of larvicidal activity of medicinal plants against <i>Aedes aegypti</i> (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aedes aegypti is the main transmitter of several arboviruses, such as dengue, the world's most widespread arbovirus. The main method of controlling arbovirus transmission is through vector control, using insecticides. But its continuous, cases of resistance occur. Thus, research is seeking new botanical insecticide alternatives, because have multiple active compounds can be applied on the vector, contributing to the control of arbovirus transmission. The aim of this study is to identify plants cultivated in the Western Amazon, which have larvicidal activity against A. aegypti. Ethanolic extracts from ten plants were obtained to verify the larvicidal biopotential against third instar larvae of A. aegypti. The promising ethanolic extracts was Fridericia chica, which was submitted to liquid-liquid partition for larvicidal activity evaluation and phytochemical analysis. Among the partitions analyzed, the aqueous partition of F. chica showed larvicidal biopotential against A. aegypti, being the first report in the literature of its larvicidal activity. In the phytochemical prospection of the aqueous partition of F. chica, we observed the presence of catechins, condensed tannins and the flavone group, flavonols and xanthones. These groups of metabolites have been reported in the literature as larvicidal agents.

Immunomodulatory and Anticancer Effects of Fridericia chica Extract-Loaded Nanocapsules in Myeloid Leukemia.

Nanocapsules provide selective delivery and increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. In this study, we examined the anticancer and immunomodulatory potential of Fridericia chica (crajiru) extract encapsulated in nanocapsules targeting myeloid leukemias. Nanocapsules containing crajiru (nanocapsules-CRJ) were prepared via interfacial polymer deposition and solvent displacement. Size and polydispersity were measured by dynamic light scattering. Biological assays were performed on leukemia cell lines HL60 and K562 and on non-cancerous Vero cells and human PBMC. The anticancer activity was evaluated using cytotoxicity and clonogenic assays, while the immunomodulatory activity was evaluated by measuring the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in PBMC supernatants treated with concentrations of nanocapsules-CRJ. Nanocapsules-CRJ exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against HL60 and K562 cells at concentrations ranging from 0.75 to 50 μg/mL, with the greatest reductions in cell viability observed at 50 μg/mL (p < 0.001 for HL60; p < 0.01 for K562), while not affecting non-cancerous Vero cells and human PBMCs. At concentrations of 25 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL, nanocapsules-CRJ reduced the formation of HL60 and K562 colonies by more than 90% (p < 0.0001). Additionally, at a concentration of 12 μg/mL, nanocapsules-CRJ induced the production of the cytokines IL-6 (p = 0.0002), IL-10 (p = 0.0005), IL-12 (p = 0.001), and TNF-α (p = 0.005), indicating their immunomodulatory potential. These findings suggest that nanocapsules-CRJ hold promise as a potential therapeutic agent with both cytotoxic and immunomodulatory properties.

Ethno-Knowledge of Medicinal Plants to Treat Uterine Problems in Amapá Communities, Amazon, Brazil: An Integrative Review

Purpose: Review ethnobotanical studies carried out in the state of Amapá on the uses of medicinal plants for treating infection and inflammation in the uterus and subsequently identify the pharmacological effects described in the literature of these plant species Theoretical framework: In Brazil, the use of medicinal plants helps in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, and it is commonly used by women from traditional communities to treat gynecological conditions. Method: Integrative literature review. In order to search for articles, sources of information found in the following databases were used: Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, LILACS and Medline. Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological studies carried out in Amapá from 2001 to 2021 and experimental studies (in vivo and in vitro) carried out in the period from 2018 to 2022 were included. Results and conclusion: 23 medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of uterine infection and inflammation in Amapá communities were identified, highlighting Fridericia chica and Stryphnodendron adstringens, which presented studies proving their antifungal efficacy against fungi of the genus Candida, mainly Candida albicans. The study helps to recover popular knowledge about medicinal plants used alternatively for the treatment of gynecological conditions Research implications: This study contributes to the identification of plant species traditionally used in gynecological pathologies and identifies the pharmacological effects of these vegetables in the literature, serving as a support for biotechnological development and the discovery of new drugs. Originality/value: This review sought to present to the scientific and pharmaceutical community what is currently being researched on bioactive compounds from medicinal herbs aimed at treating infection and inflammation that affect women's gynecological health.

Pharmacological potential of Fridericia Chica: traditional knowledge and chemical composition

The Fridericia chica is a shrub widely distributed throughout the Brazilian territory. In traditional knowledge, it is used for various pathologies. It is a plant of interest in phytotherapy as it is part of the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Brazilian Unified Health System – RENISUS. Among the scientific studies conducted, the potential antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, healing, gastroprotective, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiviral, antitumor, antiangiogenic, photoprotective, diuretic, and hepatoprotective properties have been demonstrated. Furthermore, the assays report the low toxicity of the extracts. Therefore, Fridericia chica is a plant with pharmacological potential for the development of new medications. This article contributes to the dissemination of the species' pharmacological potential and the imminent observation of traditional knowledge.

Isolation and Identification of Pigment-Producing Endophytic Fungi from the Amazonian Species Fridericia chica.

Pigments of fungal origin have aroused increasing interest in the food dye and cosmetic industries since the global demand for natural dyes has grown. Endophytic microorganisms are a source of bioactive compounds, and Amazonian plant species can harbor fungi with a wide range of biotechnological applications. Popularly known in Brazil as crajiru, Fridericia chica is a medicinal plant that produces a red pigment. In this study, a total of 121 fungi were isolated in potato dextrose agar from three plants. We identified nine pigment-producing endophytic fungi isolated from branches and leaves of F. chica. The isolates that showed pigment production in solid media were molecularly identified via multilocus analysis as Aspergillus welwitschiae, A. sydowii, Curvularia sp., Diaporthe cerradensis (two strains), Hypoxylon investiens, Neoscytalidium sp. (two strains) and Penicillium rubens. These isolates were subjected to submerged fermentation in two culture media to obtain metabolic extracts. The extracts obtained were analyzed in terms of their absorbance between 400 and 700 nm. The pigmented extract produced by H. investiens in medium containing yeast extract showed maximum absorbance in the red absorption range (UA700 = 0.550) and significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. This isolate can thus be considered a new source of extracellular pigment.

The Importance of Neglected and Underutilized Medicinal Plants from South America in Modern Pharmaceutical Sciences

Abstract: The world needs a paradigm change from the current views on many plants to secure future food and nutrition. Many neglected and underutilized plants, specially medicinal and aromatic plants, are nutrient dense, appropriate in diversifying diets, provide enough vitamins and micronutrients for people, high resistant to diseases and pests, and can be adapted in many regions and of course with tremendous pharmaceutical benefits. Many of the medicinal plant species which were common in traditional medicine are still neglected and underutilized, especially in developing and under-developing countries. Lack of attention to these plants means their potential medicinal properties are under exploited and underestimat- ed. The searches focused on publications from 1980 to July 2021 using PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. Review of the literature was carried out using the following keywords, "medicinal plants", "neglected plants", "underutilized plants", "aromatic plants", "traditional medicine science", and "South America". In this review article, the authors have focused on medicinal values of Schinusterebinthifolius, Uncaria tomentosa, Phyllanthusamarus, Astrocaryum aculeatum, Croton cajucara, Arrabidaea chica, Bauhinia forticata, Copaifera langsdorffii, Cordia verbenacea, Caesalpinia ferrea, Salix alba L., Casearia sylvestris, Carapa guianensis, Costus spicatus, and Eugenia uniflora L., in both modern and traditional science. Although many studies have evaluated the biological characteristics of these plants, little has been done to identify and characterize its chemical components, which is certainly a niche that requires to be further explored.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Arrabidaea chica (Bignoniaceae).

The endophytic fungal community of the Amazonian medicinal plant Arrabidaea chica (Bignoniaceae) was evaluated based on the hypothesis that microbial communities associated with plant species in the Amazon region may produce metabolites with interesting bioactive properties. Therefore, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the fungal extracts were investigated. A total of 107 endophytic fungi were grown in liquid medium and the metabolites were extracted with ethyl acetate. In the screening of fungal extracts for antimicrobial activity, the fungus identified as Botryosphaeria mamane CF2-13 was the most promising, with activity against E. coli, S. epidermidis, P. mirabilis, B. subtilis, S. marcescens, K. pneumoniae, S. enterica, A. brasiliensis, C. albicans, C. tropicalis and, especially, against S. aureus and C. parapsilosis (MIC = 0.312 mg/mL). Screening for antioxidant potential using the DPPH elimination assay showed that the Colletotrichum sp. CG1-7 endophyte extract exhibited potential activity with an EC50 of 11 µg/mL, which is equivalent to quercetin (8 µg/mL). The FRAP method confirmed the antioxidant potential of the fungal extracts. The presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the active extracts was confirmed using TLC. These results indicate that two of the fungi isolated from A. chica exhibit significant antimicrobial and antioxidant potential.

Evaluation of the gastroprotective and ulcer healing properties by Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L.G. Lohmann hydroethanolic extract of leaves.

Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L.G. Lohmann (Bignoniaceae), is a climber native to Brazil, found in all Brazilian biomes. It is mostly known in Brazil as "carajiru," and home medicines made from the leaves have been used to cure disorders including stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. The objective of the study was to investigate the F. chica hydroethanolic extract of leaves (HEFc) preventative and curative antiulcer gastrointestinal efficacy as well as the mechanisms of action using in vivo rodent models. F. chica was collected in the municipality of Juína, Mato Grosso, and its leaves were used to prepare the extract by maceration technique (70% hydroethanol in the 1:10 ratio, w/v) to obtain the HEFc. The chromatographic analysis of HEFc was carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photo Diode Array-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS)- LCQ Fleet™ system. To determine the potential antiulcer potential of HEFc (1, 5 and 20mg/kg, p.o.), the gastroprotective activity was assessed in various animal models of stomach ulcers caused by acidified ethanol, water constraint stress, indomethacin, (acute), and acid acetic (chronic). Additionally, the prokinetic properties of the HEFC were assessed in mice. The gastroprotective underlying mechanisms were evaluated by the histopathological analysis and determination of gastric secretion (volume, free and total acidity), gastric barrier mucus, activation of PGs, NO, K+ATP channels, α2-adrenoceptor, antioxidant activity (GSH, MPO and MDA), NO and mucosal cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10) levels. The chemical composition of HEFc was analyzed and apigenin, scutellarin, and carajurone were identified. HEFc (1, 5 and 20mg/kg) showed effect against acute ulcers induced by HCl/EtOH with a reduction in the ulcerated area of 64.41% (p<0.001), 54.23% (p<0.01), 38.71% (p<0.01), respectively. In the indomethacin experiment, there was no change in the doses tested, whereas in the water immersion restraint stress ulcer there was a reduction of lesions at doses of 1, 5, and 20mg/kg by 80.34% (p<0.001), 68.46% (p<0.01) and 52.04% (p<0.01). HEFc increased the mucus production at doses of 1 and 20mg/kg in 28.14% (p<0.05) and 38.36% (p<0.01), respectively. In the pyloric ligation-induced model of gastric ulceration, the HEFc decreased the total acidity in all doses by 54.23%, 65.08%, and 44.40% (p<0.05) and gastric secretory volume in 38.47% at dose of 1mg/kg (p<0,05) and increased the free acidity at the dose of 5mg/kg by 11.86% (p<0.05). The administration of EHFc (1mg/kg) showed a gastroprotective effect possibly by stimulating the release of prostaglandins and activating K+ATP channels and α2-adrenoreceptors. Also, the gastroprotective effect of HEFc involved an increase in CAT and GSH activities, and a reduction in MPO activity and MDA levels. In the chronic gastric ulcer model, the HEFc (1, 5 and 20mg/kg) decreased the ulcerated area significantly (p<0.001) at all doses by 71.37%, 91.00%, and 93.46%, respectively. In the histological analysis, HEFc promoted the healing of gastric lesions by stimulating the formation of granulation tissue and consequently epithelialization. On the other hand, regarding the effect of HEFc on gastric emptying and intestinal transit, it was observed that the extract did not alter gastric emptying, but there was an increase in intestinal transit at the dose of 1mg/kg (p<0.01). These outcomes confirmed the advantages of Fridericia chica leaves for the treatment of stomach ulcers, which are well-known. HEFc was discovered to have antiulcer characteristics through multitarget pathways, which might be related to an increase in stomach defense mechanisms and a decrease in defensive factor. HEFc can be regarded as a potential new antiulcer herbal remedy because of its antiulcer properties, which may be attributed to the mixture of flavonoids, apigenin, scutellarin and carajurone.

Validation of a New HPLC-DAD Method to Quantify 3-Deoxyanthocyanidins Based on Carajurin in Medicinal Plants and for Chemical Ecology Studies.

Anthocyanidins are found in nature mainly as pelargonidin, cyanidin, peonidin, delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin derivatives. These compounds are found free or as glycoside derivatives which are responsible for the color (red, blue, and violet) of some foods and are responsible for attracting seed dispersers. They are grouped into 3-hydroxyanthocyanidins, 3-deoxyanthocyanidins (3D-anth), and O-methylated anthocyanidins. A new method was developed and validated to quantify 3D-anth in plant-rich extracts. To test the new method, Arrabidaea chica Verlot was selected as it is widely used in folk medicine, and it is rich in 3D-anth. The new method was developed by HPLC-DAD and expressed 3D-anth as carajurin content. Carajurin was chosen as the reference standard due to its role as a biological marker for the antileishmanial activity for A. chica. The selected method used a silica-based phenyl column, a mobile phase composed of potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer, acetonitrile, and methanol, in a gradient elution mode and detection at 480 nm. The method reliability was confirmed by verifying selectivity, linearity, precision, recovery, and robustness. This method contributes to quality control and development of a possible active pharmaceutical ingredient from A. chica as well as it can be used to evaluate 3D-anth in plant extracts with chemical ecology interest.

Cytoprotective, Antiproliferative, and Anti-Oxidant Potential of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Fridericia chica Leaves on Human Cancer Cell Lines Exposed to α- and β-Zearalenol.

Fridericia chica (Bignoniaceae) is a Colombian Caribbean plant with numerous health benefits, including properties such as wound healing, immune system stimulation, and antioxidant capacity, among others. Mycotoxins alpha-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and beta-zearalenol (β-ZEL) are phase I metabolites of zearalenone, a natural product involved in endocrine disruption and cell proliferation processes. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic potential of the hydroethanolic extract of F. chica leaves (HEFc) and determine their protective effects against proliferation induced by α-ZEL and β-ZEL on human hepatoma HepG2, lung cancer Calu-1, and primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes, neonatal (HEKn). The cytotoxicity of HEFc was measured in a range from 4 to 1000 µg/mL and from 0.4 to 100 μM for both α-ZEL and β-ZEL. Cell production of intracellular ROS was monitored using the H2-DCFDA probe. The cells exposed to HEFc presented IC50 of 128, 249, and 602 µg/mL for the HepG2, Calu-1, and HEKn cells, respectively. A greater selectivity was seen in HepG2 cells [selectivity index (SI) = 3.5] than in Calu-1 cells (SI = 2.4). Cells treated with mycotoxins remained viable during the first day, and cell proliferation increased at low tested concentrations (0.4-6.3 µM) in all three cell lines. However, after 48 h treatment, cells exposed to 50 and 100 µM of α-ZEL and β-ZEL displayed decreased viability. HEFc at 16 µg/mL was able to give some protection against cytotoxicity induced by high concentrations of β-ZEL in HepG2, reducing also cell proliferation elicited at low levels of α-ZEL and β-ZEL. ROS production was not observed in cells treated with this HEFc concentration; however, it prevented ROS formation induced by treatment with 50 µM α-ZEL or β-ZEL. In summary, HEFc isolated from plants grown in northern Colombia displayed promising results against cell proliferation and oxidative stress caused by mycotoxins.

Projeções futuras e modelagem ecológica para a distribuição de plantas alimentícias não convencionais

ABSTRACT The importance of non-conventional food plants has been evidenced due to their great potential for phenotypic plasticity, resilience and resistance to permanence in inhospitable places. This study aimed to evaluate the natural distribution of two of these species (Eryngium foetidum and Fridericia chica) in the present period (2009-2019) and the projection for two future climate scenarios (RCP 4.5 - “less pessimistic” and RCP 8.5 - “more pessimistic”) in two-time intervals (2020-2050 and 2051-2070), in the six Brazilian phytogeographic domains. Nineteen bioclimatic variables obtained from the WorldClim database and four algorithm models were tested: Climate Space Model, Envelope Score, Niche Mosaic and Environmental Distance. The Environmental Distance algorithm presented the best discrimination of the models adjusted for the two species. From the projections, it is possible to perceive that the species are severely affected in the phytogeographic domains of the Amazon, Pantanal and Pampa, becoming practically extinct in the RCP 8.5 scenario, for the period of 2051-2070.

Effect of Arrabidaea Chica Verlot on Posttraumatic Neuropathic Pain in Rats

The use of medicinal plants is a part of human evolution and plays an important role in the treatment of numerous diseases. Neuropathic pain is caused by an injury or disease of the somatosensory nervous system, which affects about 8% of the world population, and its management is considered a great challenge. In the search for new therapies, Arrabidaea chica (Humb. &amp; Bonpl) Verlot, (A. chica), popularly known as carajirú and pariri, whose anti-inflammatory properties are scientifically proven and without evidence of neuropathic pain, appears in this scenario. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fractions of the ethanolic extract of Arrabidaea chica in an experimental model of neuropathic pain induced by compression of the main trunk of the ciatic nerve in Wistar rats. After obtaining the extract by maceration with ethanol, fractionation was carried out to obtain fractions: hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol. In vivo studies were performed using the von Frey, Rotarod and Weight bearing tests. The animals were treated for 15 days with the fractions of Arrabidaea chica at the dose 1 mg/kg/day. Gabapentin (1 mg/kg v.o) was used as a positive control. The pharmacological study significantly attenuated the behavioral manifestations of neuropathic pain in the animals treated with the fractions of the ethanolic extract of Arrabidaea the dose 1 mg/Kg v.o, compared to the saline group (0.1 ml/kg), confirming the antinociceptive action and antioxidants of the plant. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the fractions of Arrabidaea chica present therapeutic potential for the treatment of neuropathic pain and/or adjuvant in the conventional treatment of the same.

Scavenging Capacity of Extracts of Arrabidaea chica Leaves from the Amazonia against ROS and RNS of Physiological and Food Relevance.

Arrabidaea chica, a medicinal plant found in the Amazon rainforest, is a promising source of bioactive compounds which can be used to inhibit oxidative damage in both food and biological systems. In this study, the in vitro scavenging capacity of characterized extracts of A. chica leaves, obtained with green solvents of different polarities [water, ethanol, and ethanol/water (1:1, v/v)] through ultrasound-assisted extraction, was investigated against reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species, namely superoxide anion radicals (O2•−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), and peroxynitrite anion (ONOO−). The extract obtained with ethanol–water presented about three times more phenolic compound contents (11.8 mg/g) than ethanol and water extracts (3.8 and 3.6 mg/g, respectively), with scutellarein being the major compound (6.76 mg/g). All extracts showed high scavenging efficiency against the tested ROS and RNS, in a concentration-dependent manner with low IC50 values, and the ethanol–water extract was the most effective one. In addition, all the extracts were five times more efficient against ROO• than Trolox. Therefore, the extracts from A. chica leaves exhibited high promising antioxidant potential to be used against oxidative damage in food and physiological systems.

High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Identification and Characterization of Flavonoids from Fridericia chica Leaves Extract with Anti-Arbovirus Activity.

Plant extracts are complex mixtures that are difficult to characterize, and mass spectrometry is one of the main techniques currently used in dereplication processes. Fridericia chica is a species with medicinal uses in Latin American countries, used in the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases. Extracts of this plant species are characterized by the presence of anthocyanidins. In this study, using high-resolution mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography, it was possible to determine the molecular formula of thirty-nine flavonoids. Fragmentation analysis, ultraviolet spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance data allowed the partial characterization of the structures of these compounds. The spectral dataset allowed the identification of a series of flavones in addition to the desoxyanthocyanidins common in extracts of the species. The occurrence of some of the proposed structures is uncommon in extracts of species of the Bignoniaceae family, and they are reported for the first time in the extract of this species. Quantitative analyses of total flavonoids confirmed the high content of these constituents in the species, with 4.09 ± 0.34 mg/g of dry plant material. The extract under study showed low in vitro cytotoxicity with CC50 ≥ 296.7 ± 1.4 µg/mL for Vero, LLC-MK2 and MRC-5 cell lines. In antiviral activity assays, inhibition of the cytopathic effects of Dengue, Zika and Mayaro viruses was observed, with EC50 values ranging between 30.1 and 40.9 µg/mL. The best result was observed against the Mayaro virus, with an EC50 of 30.1 µg/mL.

Anti-Mayaro virus activity of a hydroethanolic extract from Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMayaro fever is a neglected tropical disease. The region of the most significant circulation of the Mayaro virus (MAYV) is the Amazon rainforest, situated in remote areas that are difficult to access and where medicine is scarce. Thus, the regional population uses plants as an alternative for the treatment of various diseases. Fridericia chica is an endemic plant of tropical regions used in traditional medicine to treat fever, malaise, inflammation, and infectious diseases such as hepatitis B. However, its antiviral activity is poorly understood. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the anti-MAYV activity of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of Fridericia chica (HEFc) in mammalian cells and its possible mechanism of action. Materials and methodsThe antiviral activity of HEFc was studied using Vero cell lines against MAYV. The cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of the extract were evaluated by the 3-(4, 5- dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The overall antiviral activity was confirmed by the plaque forming units (PFU) method. Then, the effects of HEFc on MAYV multiplication kinetics, virus adsorption, penetration, and post-penetration, and its virucidal activity were determined in Vero cells using standard experimental procedures. ResultsHEFc exerted a effect against viral infection in Vero cells at a non-cytotoxic concentration, and no virion was detected in the supernatant in a dose-dependent and selective manner. HEFc inhibited MAYV in the early and late stages of the viral multiplication cycle. The extract showed significant virucidal activity at low concentrations and did not affect adsorption or viral internalization stages. In addition, HEFc reduced virions at all post-infection times investigated. ConclusionsHEFc has good antiviral activity against MAYV, acting directly on the viral particles. This plant extract possesses an excellent and promising potential for developing effective herbal antiviral drugs.

Polyphenol-enriched extract incorporated into a total-etch adhesive system: Effect on water sorption and solubility, extract compound release and dentin enzymatic activity over time

This study evaluated water sorption, solubility and compound release of 2.5% Arrabidaea chica polyphenolic extract ( Ac ) incorporated into the primer of a total-etch adhesive system; and dentin metalloproteinases inhibition when using Ac as dentin pretreatment in aqueous solution or incorporated either into acid or adhesive system primer. Adhesive system discs (Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose/3 M Oral Care/SB) with and without Ac were prepared (n = 10) for water sorption, solubility and compound release. Concentration of extract released in water was evaluated at 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, 36 days immersion. Dentin-resin interfaces were prepared for zymography analysis (control (SB); dentin pretreatment with water; dentin pretreatment with 2.5% Ac aqueous solution; Ac incorporated into phosphoric acid; Ac incorporated into SB primer) and assessed for in situ zymography tests after 24-h and 6-month storage. Primer incorporated with Ac showed lower water sorption (p = 0.0102) and solubility (p = 0.0065) than non-incorporated. Ac release was observed at third and seventh days (p = 0.0031). There was no significant difference between treatments (p = 0.4298) either immediately or after 6 months regarding relative fluorescence unit means among groups, and these means decreased after 6 months (p < 0.0001). Ac incorporated into SB primer decreased water sorption and solubility properties, and was released in water the adhesive system over time. Higher gelatinolytic activity was observed in deep dentin layer at immediate versus 6-month timepoints. • Arrabidaea Chica decreased sorption and solubility properties of an adhesive system. • Arrabidaea Chica was released from the adhesive system into the water over time. • Arrabidaea Chica did not influence gelatinolytic activity in hybrid or dentin layer.

Antifungal effect of hydroethanolic extract of Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann leaves and its therapeutic use in a vulvovaginal candidosis model

Vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) is one of the most frequent causes of gynecological consultations. Therefore, the development of new antifungal therapies against VVC is relevant. In this context, the leaves of Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann are considered a therapeutic alternative since they are traditionally used in VVC therapy. However, no scientific evidence has supported this use against fungal vaginal infections. Then, we aimed to characterize the antifungal effect of a hydroethanolic extract of F. chica leaves (HEFc) and evaluate the therapeutic potential of this extract in a VVC model. HEFc inhibited the growth of C. albicans (256–1,204 µg/mL) and C. krusei (512 µg/mL) in vitro. HEFc inhibited yeast-to-hypha transition in C. albicans and has a low ability to induce resistance in this species. Intravaginal use of the HEFc at 50 mg/mL causes mycological cure in animals with VVC after 6 days of treatment, similar to the effect observed for the commercial antifungal nystatin. These results support the traditional use of F. chica leaves as a topical therapeutic option to treat VVC.

Toxicity of Brazilian Medicinal Plant Extracts on Macrobrachium Amazonicum

Medicinal plants from Amazon have been commercialized for decades, but few scientific studies prove their effectiveness and safety in use in aquaculture activities. The objective of the present study was to use the Amazon river prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum to predict the toxicity of the natural extracts of nine medicinal plants viz pariri Arrabidaea chica, muirapuama Ptychopetalum olacoides, anauerá Licania macrophylla, barbatimão Ouratea hexasperma, faveira Vatairea guianensis, sacaca Croton cajucara, jacareúba Calophyllum brasilliense, pau d’arco Tabebuia sp. and verônica Dalbergia subcymosa, in concentrations of 1, 10, 100, 500 and 1000 µg/mL. The media was prepared in 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) diluted with water. Ten post-larvae (0.5 ± 0.1 g) were added to each triplicate and, after 24 h, the mortalities were evaluated, with the results of median lethal concentration expressed as LC50-24h using the Probit statistical method. To obtain the concentrations of a common bioactive compound of plant extracts, the concentrations of flavonoids were analyzed using a methodology based on the formation of chromophores. The results of acute toxicity indicate variability in the toxic effects of medicinal plants, taking into account the concentration of total flavonoids, with the least toxic Tabebuia sp. (LC50 = 758.31 µg/mL) and the most toxic C. cajucara and V. guianensis (LC50 = 72.16 and 75.23 µg/mL), respectively. The extracts demonstrated lethality against M. amazonicum, which predicts toxicity and warns of its use them as herbal medicines. More studies must be carried out to determine other bioactive compounds in the plant extracts used since there is an unparalleled availability of chemical diversity.