Composição química e atividades biológicas de extratos e frações de Guadua chacoensis (Rojas) Londoño & P.M. Peterson / Chemical composition and biological activities of extracts and fractions of Guadua chacoensis (Rojas) Londoño & P.M. Peterson

O Brasil é o país que possui a maior diversidade de bambus em todo o continente americano, com mais de 200 espécies catalogadas. Devido à alta resistência e durabilidade, essas espécies são muito utilizadas na construção civil e confecção de móveis e utensílios. No entanto, faltam estudos que investiguem a composição química e as atividades biológicas. Neste projeto foram avaliados extratos etanólicos de folhas e colmos de Guadua chacoensis (Rojas) Londoño & P.M. Peterson e frações em hexano, clorofórmio, acetato de etila e n-butanol. Também se obteve o óleo volátil, mas com um rendimento extremamente baixo (0,00079%). As frações dos extratos apresentaram teores de compostos fenólicos variando entre 1,92 e 15,80 µg EAG/mg. Esses compostos mostraram-se mais abundantes nas amostras de colmos. Em relação ao teor de flavonoides, as folhas apresentaram maior quantidade, variando entre 0,39 e 1,18 µg EQ/mg contra 0,17 a 0,34 µg EQ/mg nos colmos. Investigou-se a atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos, frações e óleo volátil frente cinco microrganismos: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans e Aspergillus brasiliensis. As amostras demonstraram potencial inibitório moderado a bom contra S. aureus e C. albicans, porém fraca para as demais espécies. Testou-se a capacidade antioxidante frente o radical DPPH e os resultados indicaram atividade antioxidante significativa, especialmente as frações acetato e butanol de colmos. As folhas apresentaram EC50 variando entre 67,5 e 124,0 µg/mL e os colmos entre 40,2 e 124 µg/mL. A inibição da enzima tirosinase, que está associada à produção de melanina, também se mostrou boa a uma concentração de 1 mg/mL, com o extrato bruto de colmos apresentando 43% de inibição, seguido pelas frações acetato (36%) e n-butanol (38%) de folhas. As análises por CG-MS detectaram pelo menos 44 compostos diferentes no óleo volátil, com vários terpenos e sesquiterpenos, e com ß-ionona sendo o componente majoritário (8,75%). As amostras de colmos e folhas apontaram grande diversidade de compostos, cerca de 20 para cada fração, onde os ácidos graxos como ácido palmítico e linoleico e seus ésteres derivados foram os mais abundantes. A análise dos perfis cromatográficos por CCD e CLAE revelaram a presença de ácido p-cumárico nos colmos de G. chacoensis. Esse composto tem relevante atividade antioxidante e de inibição da tirosinase. Também foi possível identificar a quercetagetina-7-O-glicosídeo, uma flavona glicosilada, com propriedades anti-inflamatorias e antidiabéticas. Desta forma, constatou-se que G. chacoensis apresenta grande diversidade de metabólitos secundários com atividades biológicas relevantes, como atividade antioxidante e clareadora, abrindo caminho para investigações mais profundas de suas aplicações, especialmente no segmento de cosméticos e produtos naturais

Brazil is the country with the greatest diversity of bamboo in the entire American continent, with more than 200 species catalogued. Due to their high resistance and durability, they are widely used in home construction and manufacture of furniture and utensils. However, studies investigating chemical composition and biological activities are absent. In this project, ethanol extracts from leaves and stems of Guadua chacoensis (Rojas) Londoño & P.M. Peterson and fractions in hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol were evaluated. Volatile oil was also obtained, but with an extremely low yield (0.00079%). The fractions of the extracts presented contents of phenolic compounds varying between 1.92 and 15.80 µg GAE/mg. These compounds were more abundant in culm samples. In relation to the flavonoid content, leaves showed a greater amount, varying between 0.39 and 1.18 µg QE/mg against 0.17 to 0.34 µg QE/mg in culms. The antimicrobial activity of extracts, fractions and volatile oil were investigated against five microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis. The samples showed moderate to good inhibitory potential against S. aureus and C. albicans, but weak for the other species. The antioxidant capacity was tested against the DPPH radical and the results indicated significant antioxidant activity, especially acetate and butanol culm fractions. The leaves presented EC50 varying between 67.5 and 124.0 µg/mL and culms between 40.2 and 124 µg/mL. The inhibition of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is associated with the production of melanin, was also shown to be good at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, with the raw culm extract showing 43% inhibition, followed by acetate (36%) and n-butanol (38%) fractions of leaves. CG-MS analysis detected at least 44 different compounds in volatile oil, with several terpenes and sesquiterpenes, and with ß-ionone being the major component (8.75%). Culm and leaf samples showed great diversity of compounds, about 20 for each fraction, where fatty acids such as palmitic and linoleic acid and their derivative esters were the most abundant. The analysis of the chromatographic profiles by TLC and HPLC revealed the presence of p-coumaric acid in culms of G. chacoensis. This compound has relevant antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibiting activity. It was also possible to identify quercetagetine-7-O-glucoside, a glycosylated flavone, with anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. Thus, it was found that G. chacoensis presents a great diversity of secondary metabolites with relevant biological activities, such as antioxidant and whitening activity, opening ways for deeper investigations of its applications, especially in the segment of cosmetics and natural products

Evaluation of Residual Monomer Release After Polymerization of Colored Compomer Materials

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the amount of residual monomers released after polymerization by the compomers in different colors and viscosities over time. Material and Methods: The compomer samples of different colors and viscosities (flowable compomers; blue-pink and packable compomers; A2-blue-pink-gold) were prepared in molds with an inner diameter of 5 mm and a height of 2 mm. In polymerization of samples, a LED unit was used. The amount of monomers released from the samples kept in 75% ethanol/water solution was measured by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) instrument in the 10th minute, in the 1st hour, and in the 1st, 7th, and 14th days. For statistical analyses, the paired sample t-test, independent sample t-test, and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test were used. Results: The amount of residual monomers released from all materials increased over time. At the end of the 14th day, the most released monomer from all compomer samples was BisGMA. The total amounts of released monomers from the packable compomers were Gold>A2>blue>pink. The amount of residual monomers released from flowable compomers was higher in blue than in pink. Conclusion: The color and the viscosity are the factors affecting the residual monomer release in compomers.

Characterization and identification of ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate for cosmetic formulations application

The ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate (AMP) presents the same functional properties of ascorbic acid (AA). Besides antioxidant and depigmentant activity, the AMP presents silanol in its chemical structure. The aim of this work was to characterize and indentify the AMP alone and in cosmetic formulations. The following techniques were employed: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry, particle size distributions, in vitro antioxidant activity with 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Oxigen Radical Absorbance Capacity Assay and High Performace Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) (developed and validated method) for the active ingredient; Microscopy, HPLC and Normal Stability Assay (NSA) for the emulsions. Particle size distributions results showed that the average size of AMP was 1.0 µm and polydispersity index was 0.1. In DPPH assay AA and AMP were statistically the same. The value of ORAC obtained for AMP was 0.74 and for AA in the literature was 0.95. In the NSA the formulations were stable in conditions of 5.0 and 45.0 ± 2.0 ºC for 90 days. Adequate stability at ambient temperature out of reach of light was also observed. Thus, this works presented an acceptable method for quantification of AMP alone and in cosmetic formulations. AMP was an adequate choice for the incorporation in emulsions with antioxidant efficacy.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of phenolic compounds extracted from Populus nigra and Populus alba buds (Algeria)

The interest of this work is the discovery of new antimicrobial agents of plant origin to inhibit the formation of microbial biofilms. The present research was conducted to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds extracted from Populus nigra and Populus alba buds harvested in the area of Tizi-Ouzou (Algeria), and to evaluate their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to identify the phenolic compounds in the ethyl acetate fraction of P. nigra and the methanolic extracts of P. nigra and P. alba. The antimicrobial activity of the crude extracts and the fractions of these two species was tested against 11 microorganisms, using the disk diffusion method, while the antibiofilm effect of certain extracts was carried out in a 96-well microplate and on a biomaterial (catheter). HPLC analysis revealed the presence of 10 bioactive compounds. The main phenolic compounds identified in the three extracts were p-coumaric acid, ellagic acid, and Kaempferol. This study was able to demonstrate that the extracts of P. nigra and P. alba buds have interesting antimicrobial properties, with diameters ranging from 6.6 to 21.3 mm. In addition, extracts of P. nigra exhibited antibiofilm effects greater than 70%. Our results provide evidence for the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of bud extracts from both poplar species. Thus, these results will pave the way for further research on these two plants.

Evaluating the discriminatory power of a dissolution assay for rosuvastatin calcium capsules: Solid-state properties and dissolution media

We propose to evaluate the dissolution properties of rosuvastatin calcium (ROSC) capsules in different media to characterize the discriminatory power of the assay method. Dissolution assays were performed in media with different pH, and including the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Several immediate-release formulations were manufactured using the commercial raw material characterized as amorphous solid. The hydrophobic adjutant magnesium stearate was employed in some formulations due to its negative effect in the wettability and dissolution efficacy of solid dosages. These formulations showed the lower dissolution efficacy values in media without surfactant; however, when SDS was added to the medium, the dissolution efficacy increased, and the discriminatory power was lost. In spite of micellar solubilization does not increase the ROSC solubility, it modifies the discriminatory power of the assay method, increasing the wettability of the powder mixtures. The crystalline form M of ROSC was recrystallized in our laboratory, and it showed lower solubility in water than amorphous solid. However, its dissolution properties were not influenced by SDS. These results are important to develop dissolution assays for other hydrophilic drugs with increased water solubility, once that dissolution media with surfactants increase the wettability of the formulations, leading to an overrated dissolution rate.

Determination of Gemifloxacin in human plasma by high performance liquid chromatography using Ultra Violet detector and its application to a bioequivalence study

A liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the determination of gemifloxacin in human plasma using chloramphenicol as internal standard to achieve lower quantification limit. Acetonitrile was used to precipitated and extracted analyte and internal standard from plasma by Protein Precipitation. Analysis was performed isocratically on C18 column using 25% acetonitrile and 75% 0.02 M phosphate buffer as mobile phase. The method was demonstrated to be linear from 0.003 µg/mL to 5 µg/mL with the lower limit of quantitation of 0.003 µg/mL. The method was successfully applied for the bioequivalence study of gemifloxacin after a single oral administration of 320 mg gemifloxacin mesylate tablets to 12 healthy volunteers.

Produção da proteína recombinante humana TGF-ß1 (fator do crescimento transformante beta 1) em células de mamífero / Production of recombinant human protein TGF-ß1 (Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1) in mammalian cells

O fator de crescimento transformante beta tipo 1, TGF-ß1, é uma proteína extracelular homodimérica secretada por vários tipos celulares, que pode ter ação parácrina ou endócrina. Essa proteína está envolvida em processos celulares de diferenciação, proliferação, mobilidade e formação de matriz extracelular. Além disso, é parte importante dos processos de regeneração tecidual, atuando, de maneira decisiva, no reparo, atraindo macrófagos e fibroblastos para o local da injúria e estimulando a angiogênese. Assim, considerando o papel desse peptídeo no processo regenerativo, o uso de TGF-ß1 como proteína terapêutica na área de Bioengenharia Tecidual é bastante promissor. Apesar disso, a venda dessa proteína, para fins terapêuticos, é inexistente no mercado e a proteína recombinante vendida, que só pode ser utilizada em pesquisas científicas, não é produzida nacionalmente e chega a custar R$200.000,00/mg. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho é desenvolver uma metodologia de produção do fator recombinante TGF-ß1 em células de ovário de hamster chinês (CHO), visando à obtenção de níveis altos de rendimento, e, futuramente, a transferência da tecnologia de produção para a iniciativa privada, tornando possível seu uso na Medicina Regenerativa, sozinho ou em combinação com outros fatores de crescimento. O cDNA de TGF-ß1 foi amplificado a partir de um banco de cDNA humano e clonado no vetor proprietário pNU1 de expressão de mamífero. A construção pNU1/TGF-ß1 foi utilizada para transfectar estavelmente células CHO DG44 e uma estratégia de co-amplificação foi utilizada para selecionar células transfectantes com maior número de cópias da sequência correspondente a TGF-ß1. Estas culturas foram submetidas ao processo de amplificação gênica com concentrações crescentes de metotrexato. Ensaios de Western Blot e ELISA foram realizados utilizando-se o meio condicionado pelas populações selecionadas e por clones superprodutores. Entre os 41clones obtidos, cinco apresentaram maiores níveis de produção de TGF-ß1, entre 1.000 e 2.000 ng/mL. Estes clones foram selecionados para a realização de testes de atividade in vitro utilizando-se células A549, que permitem avaliar a transição epitélio-mesênquima. Um ensaio de cicatrização de feridas em peles do dorso de camundongos foi padronizado e utilizado para avaliar a atividade in vivo do clone que apresentou melhor resultado in vitro. A proteína TGF-ß1 foi parcialmente purificada por HPLC em uma coluna de afinidade. Portanto, a proteína TGF-ß1 humana recombinante foi produzida, apresentando atividade biológica in vitro e in vivo, sendo capaz de reparar eficientemente feridas cutâneas. Essa iniciativa pode oferecer aos pacientes uma alternativa para o tratamento de lesões teciduais, acelerando a cicatrização de feridas e o reparo de tecidos

The transforming growth factor beta 1, TGF-ß1, is a homodimeric extracellular protein secreted by several cell types, which may have paracrine or endocrine action. This protein is involved in cellular processes of differentiation, proliferation, mobility and formation of extracellular matrix. In addition, it is an important part of the tissue regeneration processes, acting decisively on repair, attracting macrophages and fibroblasts to the site of injury and stimulating angiogenesis. Therefore, considering the role of this peptide in the regenerative process and the use of TGF-ß1 as a therapeutic protein in the field of Tissue Bioengineering is very promising. Despite this, the sale of this protein for therapeutic purposes is nonexistent in the market and the recombinant protein available in the market, which can only be used in scientific research, is not produced nationally and the costs are in the order of R$ 200,000.00/mg. In this context, the objective of the present work is to develop a methodology for the production of the TGF-ß1 recombinant factor in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, aiming at obtaining high yields, and, in the future, transfering the production technology to the private initiative, allowing its use in Regenerative Medicine, alone or in combination with other growth factors. The TGF-ß1 cDNA was amplified from a human cDNA library and cloned into the proprietary pNU1 mammalian expression vector. The pNU1/TGF-ß1 construct was used to stably transfect CHO DG44 cells, and a co-amplification strategy was used to select transfectant cells with the largest number of gene copies. These cultures were subjected to the process of gene amplification with methotrexate. Western Blot and ELISA were used to assay the conditioned medium obtained from the selected cell populations and from overproducing cell clones. Among the 41 clones obtained, five presented higher levels of TGF-ß1 production, between 1,000 and 2,000 ng/mL. These clones were selected for in vitro activity testing using A549 cells to evaluate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Awound healing assay on mouse dorsal skin was standardized and used to evaluate the in vivo activity of the cell clone which displayed the highest result in vitro. The TGF-ß1 protein was partially purified by HPLC on an affinity column. Therefore, the recombinant human TGF-ß1 protein was produced and shown to display biological activity both in vitro and in vivo, being able to eficiently repair cutaneous wounds. This initiative may provide patients with an alternative treatment for tissue damage, accelerating wound healing and tissue repair

Abordagem PK-PD do propofol na revascularização do miocárdio para estudo da influência da circulação extracorpórea na ligação às proteínas plasmáticas e no efeito hipnótico / PK-PD Model to investigate the free propofol plasma levels versus the hypnotic drug effect in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting concerning the influence of CPB-hypothermia on drug plasma binding

Durante a cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio com circulação extracorpórea e hipotermia (CEC-H) ocorre alteração na efetividade do propofol e na sua farmacocinética realizada a partir das concentrações plasmáticas do propofol total no decurso do tempo. A ligação do propofol à proteína plasmática parece estar alterada em consequência de diversos fatores incluindo a hemodiluição e a heparinização que ocorre no início da circulação extracorpórea, uma vez que se reportou anteriormente que a concentração plasmática do propofol livre aumentou durante a realização da circulação extracorpórea normotérmica. Por outro lado, a infusão alvo controlada é recomendada para manter a concentração plasmática do propofol equivalente ao alvo de 2 µg/mL durante a intervenção cirúrgica com CEC-H. Se alterações significativas na hipnose do propofol ocorrem nesses pacientes, então o efeito aumentado desse agente hipnótico poderia estar relacionado à redução na extensão da ligação do fármaco as proteínas plasmáticas; entretanto, o assunto ainda permanece em discussão e necessita de investigações adicionais. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi investigar as concentrações plasmáticas de propofol livre em pacientes durante a revascularização do miocárdio com e sem o procedimento de CEC-H através da abordagem PK-PD. Dezenove pacientes foram alocados e estratificados para realização de cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio com circulação extracorpórea (CEC-H, n=10) ou sem circulação extracorpórea (NCEC, n=9). Os pacientes foram anestesiados com sufentanil e propofol alvo de 2 µg/mL. Realizou-se coleta seriada de sangue para estudo farmacocinético e o efeito foi monitorado através do índice bispectral (BIS) para medida da profundidade da hipnose no período desde a indução da anestesia até 12 horas após o término da infusão de propofol, em intervalos de tempo pré-determinados no protocolo de estudo. As concentrações plasmáticas foram determinadas através de método bioanalítico pela técnica de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. A farmacocinética foi investigada a partir da aplicação do modelo aberto de dois compartimentos, PK Solutions v. 2. A análise PK-PD foi realizada no Graph Pad Prisma v.5.0 após a escolha do modelo do efeito máximo (EMAX sigmóide, slope variável). Os dados foram analisados utilizando o Prisma v. 5.0, p<0,05, significância estatística. As concentrações plasmáticas de propofol total foram comparáveis nos dois grupos (CEC-H e NCEC); entretanto o grupo CEC-H evidenciou aumento na concentração do propofol livre de 2 a 5 vezes em função da redução na ligação do fármaco às proteínas plasmáticas. A farmacocinética do propofol livre mostrou diferença significativa entre os grupos no processo de distribuição pelo prolongamento da meia vida e aumento do volume aparente, e no processo de eliminação em função do aumento na depuração plasmática e redução na meia vida biológica no grupo CEC-H. A escolha do modelo EMAX sigmóide, slope variável foi adequada uma vez que se evidenciou alta correlação entre os valores do índice bispectral e as concentrações plasmáticas do propofol livre (r2>0.90, P<0.001) para os pacientes investigados

During coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) profound changes occur on propofol effect and on kinetic disposition related to total drug plasma measurements in these patients. It was reported that drug plasma binding could be altered as a consequence of hemodilution and heparinization before starts CPB since free propofol plasma levels was increased by twice under normothermic procedure. In addition, the target controlled infusion (TCI) is recommended to maintain propofol plasma concentration (2 µg/mL) during CABG CPB-H intervention. However, whether significant changes that occur in propofol hypnosis in these patients could be related to the reduction on the extension of drug plasma binding remain unclear and under discussion until now. Then, the objective of this study was to investigate propofol free plasma levels in patients undergoing CABG with and without CPB by a pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) approach. Nineteen patients were scheduled for on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG-CPB, n=10) or off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG, n=9) were anesthetized with sufentanil and propofol TCI (2 µg/mL). Blood samples were collected for drug plasma measurements and BIS were applied to access the depth of hypnosis from the induction of anesthesia up to 12 hours after the end of propofol infusion, at predetermined intervals. Plasma drug concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, followed by a propofol pharmacokinetic analysis based on two compartment open model, PK Solutions v.2; PK-PD analysis was performed by applying EMAX model, sigmoid shape-variable slope and data were analyzed using Prisma v. 5.0, considering p<0.05 as significant difference between groups. The total propofol plasma concentrations were comparable in both groups during CABG; however it was shown in CPB-group significant increases in propofol free plasma concentration by twice to fivefold occur as a consequence of drug plasma protein binding reduced in these patients. Pharmacokinetics of free propofol in CPB-H group compared to OPCAB group based on two compartment open model was significantly different by the prolongation of distribution half-life, increases on plasma clearance, and biological half-life shortened. In addition, the kinetic disposition of propofol changes in a different manner considering free drug levels in the CPB-H group against OPCAB group as follows: prolongation of distribution half-life and increases on volume of distribution, remaining unchanged biological half-life in spite of plasma clearance increased. BIS values showed a strong correlation with free drug levels (r2>0.90, P<0.001) in CPB-H group and also in OPCAB group by the chosen EMAX model sigmoid shape-variable slope analyzed by GraphPad Prisma v.5.0

Preparation of mupirocin-loaded polymeric nanocapsules using essential oil of rosemary

Abstract The purpose of this study was to prepare and characterize mupirocin-loaded polymeric nanocapsules using two different oils and to develop and validate an analytical method for quantitative determination by high performance liquid chromatography. The mean size of the nanoparticles was 233.05 nm and 275.03 nm for nanocapsules with a rosemary oil like oily core and caprylic/capric triglyceride, respectively, and a good polydispersity index below 0.25 for both formulations. The nanocapsules showed good stability when stored at 40 ºC and room temperature for 30 days. The quantitative method was performed with a mobile phase consisting of ammonium ammonium acetate (0.05 M adjusted to pH 5.0 with acetic acid) and acetonitrile 60:40 (v/v); the flow rate was 0.8 mL/min, UV detection at 230 nm. The analytical method was linear in the range of 5.0-15.0 µg/mL, specific for both oils, accurate, precise (intermediate precision RSD = 1.68% and repeatability RSD = 0.81%) and robust under the evaluated conditions. Therefore, this method can be performed for quantification of mupirocin in polymeric nanocapsules containing both oils.

Application of HPLC-DAD for the quantification of Lycorine in Galanthus elwesii Hook

ABSTRACT In the present study, a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been used for the quantitative determination of lycorine in the aerial parts and bulbs of G. elwesii Hook. A simple method for the extraction of lycorine in low mass plant samples was employed utilizing pre-packed columns with diatomaceous earth (Extrelut(r)). The chromatographic separation was performed using an isocratic system with a mobile phase of trifluoroacetic acid-water-acetonitrile (0.01:92.5:7.5, v/v/v) applied at a flow rate 1 mL min-1 using diode array detector. The content of lycorine in the bulbs and aerial parts of G. elwesii collected from Demirci (Manisa) was found as 0.130 and 0.162 %, respectively. Additionally, in the bulbs of the specimens collected from Sogucak (Balikesir), lycorine was quantified as 0.055 %, whereas in the aerial parts, it was determined as 0.006 %. The method was validated partially with respect to system specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ). Validation procedures displayed that the method was specific, accurate and precise.

Preliminary in vitro assessment of the potential toxicity and antioxidant activity of Ceiba speciosa (A. St.-Hill) Ravenna (Paineira)

ABSTRACT The bark tea of Ceiba speciosa, a tropical tree of the Malvaceae family, is used in the Northwestern Region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, to reduce blood cholesterol levels. However, there are no scientific data on the efficacy and safety of this plant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and toxic potential of bark extracts of C. speciosa. We performed a preliminary phytochemical analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and evaluated the oxidative damage to proteins and lipids, the radical scavenging effect, and genotoxicity of the lyophilized aqueous extract (LAECs) and the precipitate obtained from the raw ethanol extract (Cs1). The phytochemical profile demonstrated the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The LAECs and Cs1 prevented damage to lipids and proteins at concentrations of 50 and 10 µg/mL. They also showed a scavenging effect on 2,2-diphenyl-1-pricril-hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, no genotoxic effect was observed at concentrations of 10, 5 and 2 µg/mL in the Comet assay. The present study is the first evaluation regarding the characterization of C. speciosa and its safety, and the results demonstrate its antioxidant potential and suggest that its therapeutic use may be relatively safe.

Development and validation of an analytical method using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to determine ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate in topical repellent formulations

ABSTRACT Diseases caused by insects are frequent in poor countries, leading to epidemic scenarios in urban areas; e.g., Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. For this reason, the development of a safe and efficient topical formulation is essential. Ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (EB) is a mosquito repellent developed by Merck, which is used in products for adults, children and especially babies, due to its low allergenic potential. The aim of this work was to validate an analytical methodology to quantify EB in a new poloxamer-based formulation by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The quantification methodology was performed at 40 ºC using a Kromasil reverse-phase column (C18), with the dimensions of 250 x 4.6 mm. The mobile phase was acetonitrile:water (1:1) at a 1.0 mL/min flow-rate. The detector wavelength was set at 218 nm to detect EB. The methodology was considered validated since the results indicated linearity (R2>0.99), specificity, selectivity, precision and accuracy (active recovery between 98% and 102%). It also presented limits of detection and quantification of 0.255 µg/mL and 0.849 µg/mL, respectively. The present study demonstrated the EB vehiculated in poloxamer gel is promising as a new insect repellent formulation, since it could be quantified and quality control evaluated.

Guava: phytochemical composition of a potential source of antioxidants for cosmetic and/or dermatological applications

ABSTRACT Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a native fruit of the American tropics with commercial applications for its taste, flavor and aroma. Numerous pharmacological uses have been described for it, such as the antiseptic effect of its leaves, the use of the fresh fruit and tea from its leaves for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, diabetes mellitus, and others. However, considering its rich composition, the guava also is a potential source of antioxidants to be used in the development of new formulations for cosmetic and/or dermatological applications, the main focus of this research. Herein, we describe the study of the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant activity of a guava extract prepared with non-toxic solvents aiming its use at biological applications. High performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were employed to identify the major components, while thermoanalytical measurements and hot stage microscopy were used to assess the chemical stability of guava fruit extract. The antioxidant activity was also evaluated assessing the SOD-like activity and ABTS free radical scavenger. The results show that the extract is a rich source of phenolic compounds, such as quercetin, kaempferol, schottenol, among many others. All of the components found in guava extract exhibit biological effects according to the literature data, mainly antioxidant properties.

A comparative study of two separate analytical techniques for the simultaneous determination of diclofenac sodium and diacerein from combined dosage form

ABSTRACT Diclofenac sodium (DS) and diacerein (DC) have emerged as a potential combination therapy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Therefore a validated analytical method is essential for the simultaneous estimation of both from combined dosage form. A ratio derivative spectrophotometric and a chromatographic technique have been developed for the simultaneous determination of DS and DC. The quantification was done at 263.00 nm for DC and 304.50 nm for DS in the first method, whereas 257 nm for DC and at 274 nm for DS for LC-DAD analysis in chromatographic method using acetate buffer and methanol as the mobile phase at a flow-rate 0.50 mL/min. Both of these methods are found to be linear in the concentration range under study with r2 value 0.999 and 0.996 for DS and DC respectively in ratio derivative spectroscopy and 0.998 and 0.999 for DS and DC respectively in LC-DAD study. Both of these methods are found to be accurate and precise, though greater robustness and precision is observed with chromatographic analysis over the ratio derivative spectroscopy. Statistically there was no significant difference between proposed ratio derivative spectrophotometric and LC-DAD methods.

Vitamin K: content in food consumed in São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT Recent research on Vitamin K has shown its importance in maintaining vascular and bone health. Brazilian food composition tables do not show phylloquinone content in national foods. These data are needed to obtain more reliable results in nutritional status assessment studies of individuals in relation to this vitamin as studies have shown a geographical influence in food phylloquinone content. This study aims to determine phylloquinone (Vitamin K1) levels in its most important source: dark green leaved vegetables. Several varieties of vegetables were purchased directly from CEAGESP (General Warehouse Company of São Paulo) at different times. Phylloquinone was extracted using organic solvents and quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography - HPLC. Results show the concentrations of phylloquinone in commonly consumed foodstuffs. In general, results showed variations with data from literature on the amount of Vitamin K in the plants analysed.

[Quality and quantity determination of brassino-steroid hormones by HPLC and related assay in some supplement capsules]

Background: Brassino-steroids as hormonal plants are of the most important components that have shown the biological effects. These compounds may be act as inducer of growth in the plant and their concentrations is increased under some stress conditions. Such clinical studies show that these hormones have also anabolic activities similar to the human anabolic hormones hence, may be administrated as supplements in athletes. Their increasing consumption as supplement suggests introducing a precise and accurate analytical method for determination of brassinosteroids in pharmaceutical dosage forms and also in some biological fluids

Objective: In the current study an HPLC method for detect and determination of brassino-steroids in capsules was developed and optimized in aspects of analytical conditions

Methods: In order to analysis of the sample a reversed phase HPLC system including a C18 column, and a mobile phase including water: Acetonitrile in an acidic media were used. Detection was carried out at 210 nm by an UV detector

Results: In this study, we attempted to optimize some analytical aspects e.g: solvent, stationary phase and other assay parameters to obtain best condition to assay. Also the validation parameters such as LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision and linearity of the method were also studied and were satisfactory

Conclusion: Obtained data indicated that HPLC is a suitable analytical method for assay of brassino-steroids in pharmaceutical dosage forms

Analysis of spironolactone polymorphs in active pharmaceutical ingredients and their effect on tablet dissolution profiles

ABSTRACT Spironolactone (SPR) is a steroidal drug administered as a potassium-sparing diuretic for high blood pressure treatment. The drug shows incomplete gastrointestinal absorption due to its poor aqueous solubility. The physicochemical properties of SPR in crystal forms I and II suggest that differences in their aqueous solubility may lead to a lack of bioequivalence between solid-state formulations. In this study, SPR polymorphs in five batches of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from three manufacturers were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and solubility measurements. SPR tablets (50 mg) were manufactured in our laboratory using API in pure form II, and API in form II contaminated with form I, which was found in a commercial batch. Physicochemical quality evaluations of the manufactured tablets, along with five SPR tablets marketed in Brazil, were performed, and results indicated differences in their dissolution profiles. In the manufactured tablets, differences were associated with the increased solubility of API in form II contaminated with form I compared to API in pure form II. In the marketed SPR tablets, the formulation composition demonstrated an important role in the dissolution rate of the drug, leading to lack of pharmaceutical equivalence among the drug products.

Validação dos sistemas computadorizados empregados na determinação dos enantiômeros do nadolol e dos homólogos da ivermectina e da abamectina / Validation of the computer systems used in the determination of nadolol enantiomers and homologous of ivermectin and abamectin

O nadolol é um agente bloqueador de receptores ß-adrenérgicos empregado principalmente, na "angina pectoris", hipertensão, certas arritmias cardíacas e no tratamento do glaucoma (SING, 2006). A ivermectina e a abamectina são fármacos que apresentam ação antiparasitária (SHOOP, 1995). Na presente pesquisa, a cromatografia em fase líquida de alta eficiência foi uma das técnicas estudadas para a quantificação dos enantiômeros do nadolol e dos homólogos presentes na abamectina e ivermectina. A versatilidade desta técnica reside no grande número de fases estacionárias existentes, as quais possibilitam análises, separações e determinações quantitativas de uma ampla gama de compostos com alta eficiência (Aquino Neto e Nunes, 2003). Para identificação dos enantiômeros do nadolol foi utilizado o dicroísmo circular que permite a determinação da configuração absoluta de enantiômeros (LIMA, 1997). Para os enantiômeros do nadolol e dos homólogos presentes na abamectina e na ivermectina também foram realizados testes para desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de quantificação por meio de uma técnica relativamente recente chamada de eletroforese capilar (EC), a qual tem alcançado desde sua introdução um rápido desenvolvimento e ampla aplicação na análise de fármacos em medicamentos (SANTORO, 2000). Para a comprovação da qualidade e segurança dos sistemas computadorizados dos equipamentos de cromatografia em fase líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) e de eletroforese capilar (EC) foram efetuadas, neste trabalho, as respectivas validações. Após esta validação, pode-se confirmar o correto funcionamento de um software, e suas interações com o hardware, onde devem ser levados em consideração, dentre outros, os aspectos relacionados à infra-estrutura, segurança e manutenção de dados (AGÊNCIA NACIONAL DE VIGILÂNIA SANITÁRIA, 2010). As metodologias analíticas desenvolvidas a para quantificação do nadolol, abamectina e ivermectina por cromatografia em fase líquida de alta eficiência foram validadas. A validação analítica deve garantir, por meio de estudos experimentais, que o método atenda às exigências das aplicações analíticas, assegurando a confiabilidade dos resultados. Para tanto, o método deve apresentar especificidade, linearidade, intervalo, precisão, sensibilidade, limite de quantificação e detecção, exatidão, adequados à análise (AGÊNCIA NACIONAL DE VIGILÂNCIA SANITÁRIA, 2003). Portanto, o objetivo proposto nesta pesquisa é primeiramente a validação dos sistemas computadorizados dos equipamentos de cromatografia em fase líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) e de eletroforese capilar (EC). Para isto, serão desenvolvidos e validados os métodos analíticos de separação, identificação e quantificação dos enantiômeros do nadolol e dos homólogos presentes na abamectina e na ivermectina, em medicamentos, empregando as técnicas analíticas selecionadas

Nadolol is a blocking agent with activity in the ß -adrenergic receptors. It is mainly used in angina, hypertension, certain heart arrhythmias and in the treatment of glaucoma (SING, 2006). Ivermectin and abamectin are drugs with antiparasitic activity (SHOOP, 1995). In the present research, high performance liquid chromatography is one of the techniques used in the quantification of the enantiomers of nadolol and homologues present in abamectin and ivermectin. The versatility of this technique and the large number of existing stationary phases, enables the separation and quantitative determination of a wide range of compounds with high efficiency (Aquino Neto e Nunes, 2003). For identification of the nadolol enantiomers, circular dichroism was used which allows the determination of the absolute configuration of the enantiomers (LIMA, 1997). Nadolol enantiomers and the homologues present in abamectin and ivermectin will be also quantified by capillary zone electrophoresis (CE), a separation technique relatively recent, which has achieved, since its introduction, a wide application in the analysis of drugs in pharmaceutical preparations (SANTORO, 2000). In order to assure the quality of the analytical results, the computer systems of the liquid chromatograph and capillary electrophoresis equipments, must be validated prior to the analytical methods validation. Computer systems validation is used to verify and confirm the proper operation of softwares, and their interactions with the hardwares, besides the infrastructure, safety and storage of data (AGÊNCIA NACIONAL DE VIGILÂNIA SANITÁRIA, 2010). The analytical methodologies developed for quantification of nadolol, abamectin, ivermectin by using high efficiency liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis were validated. The analytical methods validation should ensure, through experimental studies, that the method meets the requirements for analytical applications, ensuring the reliability of the results. Parameters like, specificity, linearity, range, accuracy, sensitivity, limits of detection and quantification and accuracy, must be determined (AGÊNCIA NACIONAL DE VIGILÂNCIA SANITÁRIA, 2003). The objective of this study is to validate the computer systems of the high performance liquid chromatograph and capillary electrophoresis equipments and then to develop and validate analytical methods for separation, identification and quantification of nadolol enantiomers and the homologues of abamectin and ivermectin

Gallic acid as the major antioxidant in pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb. ) fruit peel / Ácido gálico como principal antioxidante da casca do fruto do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb. )

ABSTRACTIn this study, ethanol-water extracts of pequi fruit peel were fractionated in order to identify and quantify the major antioxidant present in it. The fractions were subjected to liquid-liquid phase extraction and silica-gel column chromatography, and antioxidant activity was monitored using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging assay. The purity of the fractions was evaluated using thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The substance with antioxidant property was identified through the analysis in a liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy fragmentation and was quantified using HPLC. After the Silica-gel fractionation, it was identified a fraction with high antioxidant activity and purity, which contained gallic acid as the main compound. The gallic acid was found at the amount of 26.54 ± 1.13 mg/g of the dry mass of the pequi fruit peel. Because the quantifications were performed using crude ethanol-water extract, it was suspected that gallic acid was present in a free form. Thus, pequi fruit peel may serve as an attractive alternative of feedstock for natural antioxidant production. Moreover, the results obtained in this study emphasize the value of the pequi plant, and suggests improved opportunities for families that use this fruit`s products.

RESUMOExtratos hidroetanólicos da casca do fruto do pequi foram fracionados a fim de identificar e quantificar o principal antioxidante presente. Frações do extrato foram submetidas ao particionamento líquido-líquido e fracionamento em coluna de sílica gel. As atividades antioxidantes das frações foram monitoradas usando ensaio de redução do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazila e a pureza das frações foi avaliada em cromatografia de camada delgada e cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE). A substância com propriedades antioxidantes foi identificada através da análise em sistema de cromatografia líquida associada à espectrometria de massas e foi quantificada em HPLC. Após o fracionamento identificou-se uma fração com alta atividade antioxidante e pureza, contendo ácido gálico como o composto principal. Ácido gálico foi encontrado em concentrações de 26,54 ± 1,13 mg/g de massa seca. Devido às quantificações terem sido realizadas no extrato hidroetanólico bruto, acredita-se que o ácido gálico esteja presente na forma livre. Assim, a casca do fruto pequi pode servir como interessante alternativa de matéria prima para a produção desse antioxidante natural. Além disso, esse resultado enfatiza o valor da planta do pequi e sugere oportunidades para as famílias que utilizam produtos de pequi.

Análise fitoquímica, potencial antioxidante e toxicidade do extrato bruto etanólico e das frações da espécie Senecio westermaniiDusén frente à Artemia salina / Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant potential and toxicity of crude ethanol extract and fractions of the species Senecio westermanii Dusén against Artemia salina

RESUMO A espécie Senecio westermanii Dusén pertencente à família Asteraceae é planta endêmica e nativa do Brasil encontrada na região da Floresta Atlântica, nos estados do Paraná e São Paulo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição fitoquímica do extrato bruto etanólico e frações das partes aéreas (folha e caule) de S. westermanii utilizando-se a análise fitoquímica qualitativa e cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detector de arranjo de diodos (CLAE-DAD), avaliar in vitro a toxicidade preliminar utilizando Artemia salina e o potencial antioxidante. O estudo fitoquímico qualitativo revelou a presença de alcaloides, flavonoides, iridoides, esteroides/triterpenos, heterosídeos saponínicos e aminogrupos. Através da análise realizada por CLAE-DAD obteve-se o fingerprint característico de cada amostra. No ensaio frente à A. salina houve ausência de toxicidade das amostras, o resultado da DL50 para todas as amostras foi superior a 1000 μg/mL. Todas as amostras apresentaram atividade antioxidante pela redução do complexo fosfomolibdênio, com destaque para a fração clorofórmio que apresentou atividade antioxidante de 92,51% em relação ao padrão rutina. Com relação ao ensaio de redução do radical DPPH•, a fração acetato de etila apresentou IC50 de 26,98 μg/mL. Pelo ensaio do ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) a fração hexano apresentou o melhor índice antioxidante em relação ao padrão rutina. Os resultados obtidos demonstram evidências de que a espécie é fonte potencial de antioxidantes naturais, estimulando assim novos estudos que viabilizam sua utilização no tratamento de patologias associadas aos radicais livres. Além disso, a espécie não apresentou atividade tóxica preliminar, assegurando sua aplicabilidade.

ABSTRACT The species Senecio westermanii Dusén, which belongs to the Asteraceae family, is an endemic and native plant from Brazil. It is found mainly in the Atlantic Forest region, in Paraná and São Paulo states. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition using a qualitative phytochemical analysis and high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD), to evaluate preliminary toxicity in vitro using Artemia salina and antioxidant potential. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, iridoids, steroids, triterpenes, saponinic glycosides and aminogroups. The analysis by HPLC-DAD provided the characteristic fingerprint of each sample. In the A. salina assay, the results of LD50 over 1000 μg/mL for all samples did not indicate toxicity of the evaluated extracts. All samples demonstrated antioxidant activity by reducing phosphomolybdenum complex. The highest activity was detected in the chloroform fraction, which presented activity of 92.51% compared to the standard rutin. Regarding the trial to reduce the radical DPPH•, the ethyl acetate fraction showed an IC50 of 26.98 µg/mL. In the thiobarbituric acid assay (TBARS), the hexane fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity compared to the standard rutin. These findings indicate that the Senecio westermanii is a potential source of natural antioxidants, stimulating new studies that enable their use in the treatment of disorders associated with free radicals. In addition, the species did not present toxicity in its evaluation, ensuring its applicability.