Oxidative stress induction by crude extract of Xylaria sp. triggers lethality in the larvae of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

ABSTRACT Background: Aedes aegypti is currently controlled with synthetic larvicides; however, mosquitoes have become highly resistant to these larvicides and difficult to eradicate. Studies have shown that insecticides derived from fungal extracts have various mechanisms of action that reduce the risk of resistance in these mosquitoes. One possible mechanism is uncontrolled production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the larvae, which can cause changes at the cellular level. Thus, the crude extract of Xylaria sp. was evaluated to investigate the oxidative effect of this extract in A. aegypti larvae by quantifying the oxidative damage to proteins and lipids. Methods: The larvicidal potential of the crude extract of Xylaria sp. Was evaluated, and the extract was subsequently tested in human lung fibroblasts for cytotoxicity and ROS production. ROS level was quantified in the larvae that were killed following exposure to the extract in the larvicide test. Results: The crude extract of Xylaria sp. Caused cytotoxicity and induced ROS production in human lung fibroblasts and A. aegypti larvae, respectively. In the larvicide trial, the extract showed an LC50 of 264.456 ppm and an LC90 of 364.307 ppm, and was thus considered active. The extract showed greater oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, with LC90 values of 24.7 µmol MDA/L and 14.6278 ×10-3 nmol carbonyl/ mg protein, respectively. Conclusions: Crude extracts of Xylaria sp. induced oxidative stress that may have caused the mortality of A. aegypti larvae.

Phenolic compounds from Virola venosa (Myristicaceae) and evaluation of their antioxidant and enzyme inhibition potential / Compostos fenólicos de Virola venosa (Myristicaceae) e avaliação de seu potencial antioxidante e de inibição enzimática

Virola venosa, popularly known in Brazil as ucuuba-da-mata, occurs naturally in the Amazon region and has potential to provide useful natural compounds, as already known for other Virola species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition of bark and leaf extracts of V. venosa, and to test the antioxidant capacity and α-glucosidase inhibition potential of their compounds. Polar extracts showed to be more active in both assays, therefore a bioactivity-guided fractionation was performed to identify the compounds that were responsible for the recorded activities. Using a combination of LC-MS/MS analysis and isolation with NMR identification, eight phenolic compounds were identified. Assays with pure compounds of the active fraction revealed that ferulic acid was the main contributor compound to the observed bioactivity in the crude extracts. (AU)

Virola venosa, popularmente conhecida como ucuuba-da-mata, ocorre naturalmente na região amazônica e tem potencial para fornecer compostos naturais úteis, como já foi mostrado para outras espécies de Virola. Por isso, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a composição química dos extratos do tronco e das folhas de V. venosa e os possíveis potenciais antioxidantes e de inibição contra α-glucosidase de seus compostos. Os extratos polares mostraram-se mais ativos em ambos os testes, portanto, um fracionamento guiado por bioatividade foi realizado para designar os compostos responsáveis pelas atividades registradas. Através da combinação de análise CL-EM/EM e isolamento com identificação por RMN, foram identificados oito compostos fenólicos. Testes com os compostos puros principais das frações mais ativas indicaram o ácido ferúlico como o principal contribuinte das atividades biológicas observadas para os extratos brutos, e, consequentemente, o princípio ativo principal de V. venosa.(AU)