Influence of two natural cross-linkers on microtensile bond strength durability ­ An in vitro study / Influência de dois reticuladores naturais na durabilidade da resistência de união à microtração ­ Um estudo in vitro

Objective: to investigate the effect of two natural cross-linkers on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and evaluate their influence on the durability of the resin dentin bonds. Material and Methods: the Moringa oleifera and Centella asiatica plant extracts were qualitatively tested with high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) for the presence of phenols. The phenolic content ranged from 27 to 30 gallic acid equivalents (GAE), µg/mg of dry weight. After etching, two concentrations (5% and 1%) of these two extracts were prepared and used as pretreatment liners on dentin. They were applied for a min. After restoration with resin composite, dentin resin beams were prepared. The study groups were 5% Moringa, 1% Moringa 5% Centella 1% Centella, and control (without cross-linker application). For each group, half of the samples underwent µTBS testing after 24 hours, while the remaining half were immersed in artificial saliva to assess the bond's longevity after 6 months of ageing. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Results: both 5% and 1% Moringa showed a significant difference (p<0.05) compared to the other groups at both intervals. However, after ageing, the specimens in the control and 1% Centella groups resulted in a significant decrease in µTBS. Conclusion: overall, both concentrations of Moringa (5% and 1%) were effective in stabilising the bond during both intervals.(AU)

Objetivo: investigar o efeito de dois reticuladores naturais na resistência de união (µTBS) à microtração e avaliar sua influência na durabilidade da adesão da resina à dentina. Material e Métodos: extratos das plantas Moringa oleifera e Centella asiatica foram qualitativamente testados através de cromatografia em camada fina de alta performance (HPTLC) para a presença de fenóis. O conteúdo fenólico alcançou entre 27 a 30 equivalentes de ácido gálico (GAE), µg/mg de peso seco. Após o condicionamento, duas concentrações (5% e 1%) dos extratos foram preparadas e utilizadas como forros de pré-tratamento em dentina. Eles foram aplicados por um minuto. Após a restauração com resina composta, palitos de dentina e resina foram preparados. Os grupos foram 5% Moringa, 1% Moringa, 5% Centella, 1% Centella e controle (sem aplicação de reticulador). Para cada grupo, metade das amostras foram submetidas ao teste µTBS após 24 horas, enquanto a outra metade foi imersa em saliva artificial para avaliar a longevidade adesiva após 6 meses de envelhecimento. Foi realizada análise estatística através de ANOVA 1-fator, seguido do teste post hoc de Tukey. Resultados: ambas as concentrações de 5% e 1% de Moringa demonstraram diferença significativa (p<0.05) comparadas aos outros grupos em ambos os intervalos. No entanto, após o envelhecimento, os espécimes dos geupos controle e 1% de Centella resultaram em uma redução significativa de µTBS. Conclusão: no geral, ambas as concentrações de Moringa (5% e 1%) foram efetivas em estabelecer a adesão em ambos os intervalos (AU)

Flavonoids from the roots and rhizomes of Sophoratonkinensis and their in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity / 中国天然药物

Acute respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had caused a global pandemic since 2019, and posed a serious threat to global health security. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has played an indispensable role in the battle against the epidemic. Many components originated from TCMs were found to inhibit the production of SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease (3CLpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro), which are two promising therapeutic targets to inhibit SARS-CoV-2. This study describes a systematic investigation of the roots and rhizomes of Sophora tonkinensis, which results in the characterization of 12 new flavonoids, including seven prenylated flavanones (1-7), one prenylated flavonol (8), two prenylated chalcones (9-10), one isoflavanone (11), and one isoflavan dimer (12), together with 43 known compounds (13-55). Their structures including the absolute configurations were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of MS, 1D and 2D NMR data, and time-dependent density functional theory electronic circular dichroism (TDDFT ECD) calculations. Compounds 12 and 51 exhibited inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro with IC50 values of 34.89 and 19.88 μmol·L-1, repectively while compounds 9, 43 and 47 exhibited inhibitory effects against PLpro with IC50 values of 32.67, 79.38, and 16.74 μmol·L-1, respectively.

Geranylated or prenylated flavonoids from Cajanus volubilis / 中国天然药物

Five new flavonoid derivatives, cajavolubones A-E (1-5), along with six known analogues (6-11) were isolated from Cajanus volubilis, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and quantum chemical calculations. Cajavolubones A and B (1 and 2) were identified as two geranylated chalcones. Cajavolubone C (3) was a prenylated flavone, while cajavolubones D and E (4 and 5) were two prenylated isoflavanones. Compounds 3, 8, 9 and 11 displayed cytotoxicity against HCT-116 cancer cell line.

Secondary metabolites as a survival strategy in plants of high mountain habitats / Metabolitos secundarios como estrategia de supervivencia en plantas de hábitat de alta montaña

This review work focuses on how the secondary chemistry could help in the survival of plants in high mountain habitats under extreme environmental conditions. The elevated levels of stress in high areas of the tropic and subtropic change dramatically not only by following the annual cycles of winter and summer but they also change in a single day. Some species, however, are able to successfully grow at heights more than 3000 m in the tropical mountains due, in part, to highly specialized physiological processes that affect their physical and chemical responses. In this study, it describes some strategies of how the secondary metabolites could help the plants to stand the high levels of stress in the high mountain ecosystems.

Este trabajo de revisión se centra en cómo la química secundaria podría ayudar en la supervivencia de plantas en hábitats de alta montaña en condiciones ambientales extremas. Los altos niveles de estrés en las zonas altas del trópico y subtrópico cambian dramáticamente no solo al seguir los ciclos anuales de invierno y verano, sino que también cambian en un solo día. Sin embargo, algunas especies pueden crecer con éxito a alturas superiores a 3000 m en las montañas tropicales debido, en parte, a procesos fisiológicos altamente especializados que afectan sus respuestas físicas y químicas. En esta revisión, se describen algunas estrategias de cómo los metabolitos secundarios podrían ayudan a las plantas a soportar los altos niveles de estrés en los ecosistemas de alta montaña.

Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Werneria and Xenophyllum species / Fitoquímica y actividades biológicas de especies de Werneria y Xenophyllum

Plants of the genera Werneria (Asteraceae) and Xenophyllum (genus extracted from Werneria) are used in traditional medicine of Latin America for the treatment of mountain sickness, hypertension and gastrointestinal disorders. Only a small number of species of these genera have been studied, leading to the isolation of compounds belonging to the classes of benzofurans, chromenes, acetophenones, coumarates, diterpenes and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Some of the plant extracts and/or compounds have shown antimicrobial, anti-HIV, hypotensive and photoprotective activities.

Las plantas de los géneros Werneria (Asteraceae) y Xenophyllum (género extraido de Werneria) son usadas en la medicina tradicional de América Latina para el tratamiento del mal de montaña, hipertensión y desórdenes gastrointestinales. Solo un pequeño número de especies de estos géneros ha sido investigado, lográndose aislar compuestos que pertenecen a las clases de benzofuranos, cromenos, acetofenonas, cumaratos, diterpenos y alcaloides pirrolizidínicos. Algunos de los extractos y/o compuestos de dichas plantas han mostrado actividades antimicrobianas, anti-HIV, hipotensoras y fotoprotectoras.

Evaluation in vitro of proliferative activity of epithelial cells by flavonoid 3-O-methylgalangine and terpenenic derivative Filifolinone / Evaluación in vitro de la actividad proliferative de células epiteliales del flavonoide 3-O-metilgalangina y el derivado terpénico Filifolinona

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and its main function is to protect it from the external environment. It is exposed to injuries that require a rapid healing process to recover its functionality. Microorganisms inhabit the skin, which makes up the normal microbial flora, but in situations of injury they can cause infections that slow down the regeneration process. Therefore, there is a great interest in the development of alternative methods to accelerate the regeneration process and prevent infections. In this work, the efficacy of flavonoid 3-O-methylgalangine and the terpenic derivative Filifolinone and its mixtures, isolated from plants of the genus Heliotropium, on the stimulation of cell proliferation was evaluated. The results showed that the mixtures stimulated proliferation and migration in MA104 cells mainly due to the presence of Filifolinone, that together with the known antibacterial activity of 3-O-methylgalangine, opens new alternatives for the use of natural compounds in healing processes.

La piel es el órgano más grande del cuerpo humano y su función principal es protegerla del entorno externo. Está expuesta a lesiones que requieren un proceso de curación rápido para recuperar su funcionalidad. Los microorganismos que habitan en la piel, constituyen la flora microbiana normal, pero en situaciones de lesión pueden causar infecciones que retardan el proceso de regeneración. Por lo tanto, existe un gran interés en el desarrollo de métodos alternativos para acelerar el proceso de regeneración y prevenir infecciones. En este trabajo, se evaluó la eficacia del flavonoide 3-O-metilgalangina y el derivado terpénico Filifolinona y sus mezclas, aisladas de plantas del género Heliotropium, en la estimulación de la proliferación celular. Los resultados mostraron que las mezclas estimularon la proliferación y la migración en las células MA104 debido principalmente a la presencia de Filifolinona, que junto con la actividad antibacteriana conocida de la 3-O-metilgalangina, abre nuevas alternativas para el uso de compuestos naturales en los procesos de curación.

Proteic and phenolics compounds contents in Bacupari callus cultured with glutamine and nitrogen sources / Conteúdo de proteínas e compostos fenólicos em calos de Bacupari cultivados com glutamina e fontes de nitrogênio

Abstract In this study was evaluated the influence of glutamine supplementation on the endogenous content of amino acids, proteins, total phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins in Bacupari callus. The explants were inoculated in MS medium, MS with half concentration of the nitrogen salts (MS½) and nitrogen-free MS, supplemented with glutamine (5, 10, 30 and 60mM) named as Gln5, Gln10, Gln30 and Gln60. Amino acids and proteins were analyzed after 20, 80 and 140 days and the secondary metabolites on the 140th day. There was no difference in the amino acids on the 20th day. On the 80th day the treatments MS and MS½ presented the lowest levels. On the 140th day MS and MS½ presented the lowest amino acid concentration and Gln10 the highest. Concerning proteins, there was difference only on the 140th day, being the highest concentrations observed in Gln5, and the lowest in MS½ treatment. Total phenolics content was higher in the treatment Gln60 and lowest in MS. Treatments Gln5, Gln10, Gln30 and MS½ were statistically equal. For flavonoids, the highest values occurred in the treatments Gln30, Gln60 and MS½ and the lowest in Gln5, Gln10 and MS. Similarly, for the proanthocyanidins the highest concentrations were observed in treatment Gln60 and the lowest in Gln5 and MS. In conclusion, the treatment with 60mM of glutamine favors the protein accumulation and production of secondary metabolites in Bacupari callus.

Resumo Nesse estudo foi avaliado o efeito da suplementação com glutamina no conteúdo endógeno de aminoácidos, proteínas, fenólicos totais, flavonoides e proantocianidinas em calos de Bacupari. Os explantes foram inoculados em meio MS, meio MS com metade da concentração de dos sais de nitrogênio (MS½) e meio MS sem nitrogênio suplementado com glutamina (5, 10, 30 e 60mM) denominados como Gln5, Gln10, Gln30 e Gln60. Os aminoácidos e as proteínas foram analisados após 20, 80 e 140 dias e os metabólitos secundários no 140° dia. Não houve diferença nos aminoácidos no 20° dia. No 80° dia os tratamentos MS e MS½ apresentaram os menores níveis. No 140° dia, MS e MS½ apresentaram as menores concentrações de aminoácidos e o Gln10 as maiores. A respeito das proteínas, houve diferença apenas no 140° dia, sendo as maiores concentrações observadas nos tratamentos Gln, e as menores no MS½. O conteúdo de fenólicos totais foi maior no tratamento Gln60 e menor no MS. Os tratamentos Gln5, Gln10, Gln30 e MS½ foram estatisticamente iguais. Para os flavonóides, os maiores valores ocorreram nos tratamentos Gln30, Gln60 e MS½ e os menores no Gln5, Gln10 e MS. Da mesma forma, para as proantocianidinas, as maiores concentrações foram observadas no tratamento Gln60 os menores no Gln5 e MS. Em conclusão, o tratamento com 60 mM de glutamina favorece o acúmulo de proteínas e a produção de metabólitos secundários em calos de Bacupari.

Foliar phenolic compounds of ten wild species of Verbenacea as antioxidants and specific chemomarkers / Compostos fenólicos das folhas de dez especies selvagem de Verbenaceae como antioxidantes e quimiomarcadores específicos

Abstract The family Verbenaceae hosts important species used in traditional medicine of many countries. The taxonomic controversies concerning the specific delimitation of several of its species make it difficult to guarantee the botanical origin of herbal preparations based on species of this family. To contribute to the development of both specific chemomarkers and a quality control tool to authenticate the botanical origin of herbal preparations of Verbenacea species, we determined the foliar HPLC-DAD phenolic profiles and the antioxidant properties of 10 wild species of this family occurring in Mexico. The contents of phenols and flavonoids varied significantly among species. Priva mexicana showed the highest levels of total phenolics (53.4 mg g-1 dry tissue) and Verbena carolina had the highest levels of flavonoids (17.89 mg g-1 dry tissue). Relevant antioxidant properties revealed by antiradical and reducing power were found for the analyzed species. These properties varied significantly in a species-dependent manner. The phenolic compounds accumulated were flavones and phenolic acids. Flavones were the only type of flavonoids found. The results of a cluster analysis showed that the compounds were accumulated in species-specific profiles. The phenolic profiles are proposed as valuable chemomarkers that can become a useful tool for the quality control concerning the botanical origin of herbal medicinal preparations based on the species analyzed. In addition, phenolic profiles could contribute importantly to solve the taxonomic controversies concerning species delimitation in the family Verbenaceae.

Resumo A família Verbenaceae compreende importantes espécies utilizadas na medicina popular de muitos países. As dificuldades taxonômicas relativas à delimitação específica de muitas das suas espécies face difícil a verificar a origem botânico das preparações herbales baseadas nas espécies desta família. Para fazer uma contribuição ao desenvolvimento de indicadores taxonômicos e dum método de controle de qualidade para verificar a origem botânico de preparações herbales das espécies de Verbenaceae, os perfis fenólicos, obtidos pares HPLC-DAD, e as atividades antioxidantes das folhas de 10 espécies selvagens Mexicanas desta família foram determinados. Os conteúdos dos compostos fenólicos totais e dos flavonoides foram significativamente diferentes entre as espécies. Priva mexicana apresentou a maior quantidade de compostos fenólicos totais (53.4 mg g-1 amostra seca) e Verbena carolina apresentou a maior quantidade de flavonoides (17.89 mg g-1 amostra seca). Verifica-se importantes propriedades antioxidantes, como os resultados dos ensaios da capacidade antiradical e do poder redutor indicaram. As propriedades antioxidantes foram significativamente diferentes entre as espécies. Verificou-se que os compostos fenólicos conteúdos nas folhas das espécies analisadas foram só flavonas e ácidos fenólicos. Os resultados das análises de agrupamento provarãn que os perfiles fenólicos foram espécie-específicos. Estes perfis podem ser considerados como indicadores químicos da qualidade relativa à origem botânico de preparações medicinais baseadas nas espécies analisadas e podem fazer importantes contribuições para a delimitação específica na família Verbenaceae.

Special metabolites isolated from Urochloa humidicola (Poaceae)

ABSTRACT This study aims to identify special metabolites in polar extracts from Urochloa humidicola (synonym Brachiaria humidicola) that have allelopathic effects and induce secondary photosensitization in ruminants. The compounds were isolated and identified via chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The compounds 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzoic acid, trans-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, and p-hydroxy-benzoic acid; the flavonols isorhamnetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and methyl quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronate; and kaempferitrin, quercetin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, and tricin were identified in the extract from the leaves of Urochloa humidicola. Two furostanic saponins, namely, dioscin and 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-4)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-penogenin, as well as catechin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside were identified in the methanolic extract obtained from the roots of this plant. This species features a range of metabolites that may be toxic for animals if used in food and may interfere with the growth medium, thereby inhibiting the development of other species.

Determination of the total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant activity of Sabalan Honey

Background: Honey is recognized as having different biological properties including antioxidant effects. Phenolic acids and flavonoids are the main antioxidant in this apiary product

Objectives: In this study eight samples of Sabalan honey were screened to evaluate the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content

Methods: Antioxidant activity of honey samples was determined by DPPH [2,2-diphenyl-l-picryl hydrazyl] method and p-carotene bleaching assay, total phenolic and flavonoid by Folin-Ciocalteu and Aluminium chloride methods, in addition, in all samples, some physico-chemical parameters [pH, acidity, diastase activity, existence or nonexistence of HMF] were measured according to Iranian National Standardization N92. Data were analyzed using ANOVA [one-way]

Results: Total phenolic and flavonoid content of honeys ranged respectively from 15.71- 41.58 [mg GAE/l00g honey] and 3.80-13.20 [mg QE/100g honey]. Antioxidant activity was between 23.19%-94.25%, p-carotene bleaching inhibition 69.54%-85.69%, pH ranged from 3.63-3.83, Acidity 11.99-20.50 mEq/kg, diastase activity of all samples was negative except sample No. 1. All samples had positive HMF results

Conclusions: Regarding the above results, it could be concluded that the honey samples have significant antioxidant activity. All parameters of physicochemical test were according to the international specifications except diastase and HMF tests, which may be due to improper processing and storage condition, heating treatment, old honey,etc.

Assessment of the antiproliferative and antigenotoxic activity and phytochemical screening of aqueous extracts of Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. (ADOXACEAE)

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative and antigenotoxic activity of Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. aqueous extracts on the cell cycle of Allium cepa L. as well as determine the phenolic compounds in such extracts. S. australis inflorescences and leaves of two accessions were used for aqueous extract preparation at concentrations: 0.003 g/ml and 0.012 g/ml. A. cepa bulbs were rooted in distilled water and, subsequently, placed in treatments for 24 hours. Rootlets were collected and fixed in modified Carnoy's solution for 24 hours and kept. The squash technique was performed for slide preparation. Root tips were smashed and stained with 2% acetic orcein, and a total of 4000 cells per treatment were analyzed. The phenolic compounds were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and data was analyzed using the Scott-Knott test. The results show that S. australis aqueous extracts have antiproliferative potential. Besides, the extracts prepared from S. australis leaves of both accessions at a concentration of 0.012 g/ml have shown antigenotoxic activity. The phytochemical analysis allowed us to determine the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids, of which kaempferol and chrologenic acid were the most predominant compounds in the extracts from the inflorescences and leaves, respectively.

Flavonóides: constituição química, ações medicinais e potencial tóxico / Flavonoids: Chemical composition, medical actions and toxicity

Os flavonóides são um grupo de substâncias naturais com estrutura fenólica variável, e portanto, de considerável interesse científico e terapêutico. Assim, teve-se por objetivo realizar uma revisão bibliográfica, de forma extensa porém objetiva, sobre as principais ações terapêuticas e a toxicidade das principais classes de flavonóides. A partir desta revisão da literatura, verificou-se, em ensaios pré-clínicos, que estes compostos tem o potencial de modificar a biossíntese de eicosanoides (resposta anti-prostanoide e antiinflamatoria); de proteger o colesterol-LDL da oxidacão (inibindo formação de placa aterosclerotica); de prevenir a agregacão plaquetária tendo efeitos anti-trombóticos; de promover o efeito anti-hipertensivo e anti-isquêmico; de regenerar antioxidantes primários, como a vitamina C, no organismo; de ter efeito antipromocionais na carcinogênese de alguns tipos de câncer; de amenizar os sintomas da menopausa; de aumentar a lipólise; de desacelerar o processo degenerativo em bainhas de mielina; de aumentar a secreção de insulina; de aumentar a expressão de genes responsáveis pela produção de proteínas sinápticas; de estimular os linfócitos B a produzirem anticorpos e de possuir atividade leishmanicida. Quanto a toxicidade dos flavonóides, estudos demostram que em altas doses e em utilização crônica, estes compostos desencadeiam reações alérgicas em humanos; modificam as membranas de hepatócitos causando necrose e morte celular em ratos; causam mutagenicidade e clastogenicidade em medula óssea de camundongos; interferem de forma significativa no funcionamento da tireóide e inibe a ação de citocromos P450 causando alterações drásticas no funcionamento do fígado de roedores. Dessa forma, pode-se verificar que os flavonóides tem uma grande capacidade terapêutica quando bem utilizado, devendo-se sempre levar em consideração doses e tempo de exposição aos organismos aos quais são administrados. Essas considerações são importantes por servirão de base para o estabelecimento de doses seguras e eficazes de utilização dos flavonóides para a população.

Flavonoids are a group of natural substances with variable phenolic structure and therefore, considerable scientific interest and therapeutic. Thus, the objective was to conduct a literature review of but objective extensively on major therapeutic actions and on the toxicity of flavonoids class. In this literature review, it was found that, in preclinical studies, these compounds have the potential to modify the biosynthesis of eicosanoids; protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation; prevent platelet aggregation with antithrombotic effects; promote the antihypertensive and anti-ischemic effect; regenerate primary antioxidants like vitamin C in the body; not to promote some carcinogenic effects on certain types of cancer; alleviate menopausal symptoms; increase lipolysis; slow down degenerative process in myelin sheaths; increase insulin secretion; increase the expression of genes responsible for the production of synaptic proteins; stimulate lymphocytes B to produces antibodies and have leishmanicydal activity. About the toxicity of flavonoids, studies show that, at high doses and in chronic use, these compounds trigger allergic reactions in humans; modify the membranes of hepatocytes, causing necrosis and cell death, in rats; cause mutagenicity and clastogenicity in mouse bone marrow, interfere significantly on thyroid function and inhibit the action of cytochrome P450, causing drastic changes in the function of the liver in rodents. Thus, it can be seen that the flavonoids have a wide therapeutic capacity when properly used, taking into account doses and exposure times to whom they are administered. These considerations are important because they set the bases for the establishment of safe and effective doses of flavonoids on the population.

Sandfly (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) species diversity in an urban area of the municipality of Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico

Monitoring phlebotomine sandflies in urban areas is key for epidemiological studies in susceptible populations. This paper describes sandfly fauna that were present in an urban area of the municipality of Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico, and were captured with Shannon and CDC light traps. During February and March of 2014, 1,442 sandflies were captured, specifically Lutzomyia cruciata (Coquillet) (98.8%), Lutzomyia cayennensis cayennensis (Floch and Abonnenc) (0.8%), Lutzomyia chiapanensis (Dampf) (0.3%) and Lutzomyia atulapai (De León) (0.1%). Lu. cruciata was the most abundant and the most frequently trapped species. This is the first record of its remarkable ability to adapt to urban green areas. The three other species trapped represent new records of geographic distribution for the study region. These results indicate the need to establish measures for reducing both human contact with this vector and the risk of possible sites of infection.

Anti-fertility and other biological activities of zoapatle (Montanoa spp. )with biotechnological application / Anti-fertilidad y otras actividades biológicas del zoapatle (Montanoa spp. ) con aplicación biotecnológica

Species from the Montanoa genus have been used for hundreds of years in Mexican traditional medicine. The Náhuatl name given by Aztecs to this plant was “cihuapahtli”, meaning “woman’s medicine” (cihua, woman; pahtli, medicine), because M. tomentosa has been used to treat female health disorders since pre-Hispanic times due to its uterotonic properties. Later on, the Spanish pronunciation transformed the word into “zoapatle”, the name still used by herb sellers in México. Despite its use in folk medicine, intensive scientific research on this plant did not begin until the early 1970’s. The only two available reviews exclusively focused on the Montanoa species cover the period from 1529 to 1985. However, in the last two decades, important phytochemical, biochemical and biotechnological advances were achieved. This is a review of the history, botany, most relevant chemistry, biological activity and biotechnology of the secondary metabolites from the Montanoa genus so far.

Especies del género Montanoa han sido empleadas por siglos en la medicina tradicional Mexicana. El nombre asignado a esta planta por los Aztecas fue “cihuapahtli”, ó “medicina para la mujer” (cihua, mujer; pahtli, medicina). Específicamente, M. tomentosa es usada para tratar desordenes de la mujer desde tiempos prehispánicos por sus propiedades uterotónicas. La castellanización transformó esta palabra en “zoapatle”, este nombre sigue siendo usado por los curanderos en México. A pesar de su uso en la medicina folklórica, la investigación científica intensa en esta planta comenzó desde inicios de 1970. Las únicas dos revisiones disponibles y dedicadas exclusivamente a las especies de Montanoa cubren el periodo de 1529 a 1985. Sin embargo, en las últimas dos décadas, se han logrado importantes avances fitoquímicos, bioquímicos y biotecnológicos. Este trabajo presenta una revisión de la historia, botánica, química más relevante, actividades biológicas y biotecnología de los metabolitos secundarios del género Montanoa a la fecha.

Validación del método de determinación de flavonoides en tabletas de Passiflora incarnata L / Validation of flavonoid quantification method in Passiflora incarnata L. tablets

OBJETIVO: validar el método de cuantificación de flavonoides en las tabletas de Passiflora incarnata L., utilizando como patrón quercetina. MÉTODOS: se evaluó la especificidad, linealidad, exactitud, precisión y robustez según las recomendaciones de la USP 30 y el Centro para el Control Estatal de la Calidad de los Medicamentos (CECMED). RESULTADOS: en las condiciones practicadas en este trabajo el método es selectivo; resultó lineal en un rango de 60 a 140 por ciento de concentración de flavonoides. Mostró exactitud y precisión con coeficiente de variación global de 0,67 por ciento. No varió significativamente cuando se modificaron las condiciones de análisis. CONCLUSIONES: el método analítico, en las condiciones practicadas, es fiable y permite obtener resultados apropiados para el uso que se pretende(AU)

INTRODUCTION: to validate the flavonoid quantification method on Passiflora incarnata L. tablets by using quercetine as standard. METHODS: selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness were evaluated, using USP 30 and the regulations of the Center for the State Control of Drug Quality (CECMED). RESULTS: under the conditions of this study, the method is selective, linear in a range of 60 to 140 percent of flavonoid concentration. It showed accuracy and precision with global relative standard deviation of 0.67 percent. The results did not significantly vary when the analytical conditions changed. CONCLUSIONS: under the established conditions, this method is reliable and allows obtaining appropriate results for the intended use(AU).

Revisión química y homeopática de la Calendula officinalis / Chemistry and homeopathic Calendula officinalis Review

La caléndula es una planta originaria de Europa cuyas propiedades curativas seaprovechan desde épocas remotas, por lo que actualmente es cultivada en todoel mundo. Extractos y ungüentos elaborados con este vegetal han mostrado susvirtudes para cicatrizar heridas y atender afecciones de la piel, y este saber empíricoha sido comprobado a través de diversos estudios científicos, como los que serevisan a lo largo del presente artículo. En Homeopatía, su tintura se emplea como antiséptica, analgésica y cicatrizantede la piel y la mucosa bucal, mientras que sus dinamizaciones se prescriben aindividuos nerviosos, irritables, con marcada tendencia a los sobresaltos y muysensibles a los estímulos sensoriales. Además de esto, Caléndula officinalis tienela capacidad de ayudar en el tratamiento de problemas crónicos y agudos relacionadoscon lesiones externas o en diferentes sistemas, como las vías urinarias, lossistemas respiratorio y digestivo, y los órganos reproductivos femeninos.

Calendula is a plant native to Europe whose healing properties are used sinceancient times, so it is now cultivated worldwide. Extracts and ointments made fromthis plant have shown their strengths to heal wounds and treat skin conditions, andthis empirical knowledge has been proven through scientific studies, such as thosereviewed throughout this article. In Homeopathy, the tincture is used as antiseptic, analgesic and healingof the skin and oral mucosa, while their dynamizations are prescribed to irritable,with a marked tendency to shocks and very sensitive to sensory stimuli people.In addition, Calendula officinalis has the ability to help in the treatment of chronicand acute problems related to external injuries or different systems, like urinary,respiratory and digestive systems, and female reproductive organs.

Oil, protein, antioxidants and free radical scavenging activity of stone from wild olive trees [Olea europaea L.]

The wild olive trees or oleaster [var. sylvestris] and the cultivated olive trees [var. europaea] constitute the two botanical varieties of Olea europaea L. from Mediterranean. In this study, a partial chemical profile was conducted including the total lipids, the fatty acid profiles, soluble proteins, polyphenols, flavanoids contents and antioxidants activities of stone from six oleaster trees. The comparison was made by two olive cultivars cultivated in the same region. The oleaster and cultivar stones were richer in oil content having an average of 8.99 and 7.38% dry weight basis [DW], respectively. Qualitatively, all studied oils have the same fatty acids profile with the oleic acid C18:1n-9 as the major fatty acid. The oleaster stone oils were richer in monounsaturated fatty acids having an average of 64.87%. They, also, richer in protein content with an average of 198.86 mg/g DW.The globulin is the major fraction, followed by the albumin, the prolamin and the glutemin fractions. The oleaster stone extracts contain polyphenols, flavonoids with an average of 151.14 and 11.91 mg gallic acid equivalent/100g of DW, respectively. The studied extracts showed antioxidant activity using the free radical scavenging activity determined by DPPH and ABTS. The unexploited oleaster stone seems to be a source of oil with good fatty acids balance, in protein and antioxidants metabolites and would be useful for the formulation of supplements and/or pharmaceutical ingredients

Virtual screening analysis and in-vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of some commercially available flavonoids

Allopurinol, the xanthine oxidase inhibitor, is the only drug available for the treatment of gout. We examined the xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of some commercially available flavonoids such asepigallocatechin, acacatechin, myricetin, naringenin, daidzein and glycitein by virtual screening and in-vitro studies. The interacting residues within the complex model and their contact types were identified. The virtual screening analysis were carried out using AutoDock 4.2 and in-vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity was carried out using xanthine as the substrate. In addition, enzyme kinetics was performed using LineweaverBurkplot analysis. Allopurinol, a known xanthine oxidase inhibitor was used as the standard. The docking energy of glycitein was found to be -8.49 kcal/mol which was less than that of the standard [-4.47 kcal/mol]. All the selected flavonoids were found to exhibit lower binding energy [-8.08 to -6.03 kcal/mol] than allopurinol. The docking results confirm that flavonoids showed greater inhibition of xanthine oxidase due to their active binding sites and lesser binding energies compared to allopurinol. This may be attributed to the presence of benzopyran ring in the flavonoids. In the xanthine oxidase assay, IC[50] value of glycitein was found to be 12 +/- 0.86 micro g/mL, whereas that of allopurinol was 24 +/- 0.28 micro g/mL. All the remaining compounds exhibited IC[50] values ranging between 22 +/- 0.64 to 62 +/- 1.18 micro g/mL. In the enzyme kinetic studies, flavonoids showed competitive type of enzyme inhibition. It can be concluded that flavonoids could be a promising remedy for the treatment of gout and related inflammatory disorders. Further in-vivo studies are required to develop potential compounds with lesser side effects

Antioxidant activity in heterogeneous and homogeneous system of the resinous exudates from Heliotropium stenophylum and H. sinuatum and of 3-O-methylgalangin their main component / Actividad antioxidante en sistema heterogéneo y homogéneo de los exudados resinosos de Heliotropium stenophyllum y H. sinuatum y de 3-O-methylgalangina su componente mayoritario

The antioxidant activity of resinous extracts obtained from H. stenophylum and H. sinuatum species, was evaluated through ORAC index (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) in water phase and in presence of Triton X-100 micelles, using as test molecules to pyrogallol red (PGR) and evaluating their reduction by the action of peroxyl radicals obtained from thermolysis of AAPH. The results show that these extracts protect to PGR of the action of the radicals. This protection is reduced drastically in the presence of Triton X-100 micelles. The same effect was observed with the main flavonoid of these extracts (3-O-methylgalangin). These results show the importance of the media of reaction of pure compounds and/or extracts at the time of to take into account their use as antioxidants.

La actividad antioxidante de exudados resinosos obtenidos desde las especies H. stenophylum y H. sinuatum, fue evaluada a través del ensayo ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) en fase acuosa y en presencia de micelas de Triton X-100, usando como molécula prueba a pirogalol rojo (PGR) y evaluando su reducción frente a la acción de radicales peróxidos obtenidos desde la termólisis de AAPH. Los resultados muestran que estos extractos protegen al PGR de la acción de los radicales. Esta protección es reducida drásticamente en presencia de micelas de Tritón X-100. El mismo efecto fue observado con el flavonoide mayoritario de estos extractos (3-O-metilgalangina). Estos resultados muestran la importancia de considerar el medio de reacción de compuestos puros y/o extractos al momento de tomar en cuenta su uso como antioxidantes.