ABSTRACT
Abstract Biflorin (6,9-dimethyl-3-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl) benzo[de]chromene-7,8-dione) is a promising substance that has been increasingly studied in the past decades due to its diverse pharmacological properties (i.e. antitumor, antioxidant, antiinflamatory, antimicrobial activity etc.). Aiming the comprehension of its antitumoral activity we investigated the cell proliferation and cytotoxicity habilities of biflorin against mice splenocytes Balb/c. Biflorin was able to stimulate mice splenocytes Balb/c in 48 h of incubation at a concentration of 20.2 µM. Its immunostimulation promoted the production of cytokines such as: TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-17, inducing the immune profile toward a Th1 response. Moreover, an original method which led to an excellent yield with less processing time compared to the methods described in the literature was developed to obtain biflorin, from sawdust of Capraria biflora L., Scrophulariaceae. This method shows a great potential of increasing the production of this pharmacological active compound.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Condensed tannins have been used for many years in folk medicine to treat gastric problems. The mechanism of action that explains why tannins improve gastritis symptoms is based on their ability to chelate metals, antioxidant activity, and their complexation power with other molecules. Even though these uses are well-known, the requirements to become an herbal medicine are much more complex. Herein, we analyzed Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart., Fabaceae, extract using MALDI for tannin characterization and carried out a fluorescence-imaging study to prove the gastroprotective effects of tannins as coating agents. Through these methods we show that condensed tannins form a gastroprotective layer. Moreover, we revise and discuss other possible mechanisms of action for phenolic-rich plant extracts and their potential in the development of herbal medicines to treat ulcers and gastritis.