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)

Fitoquímicos: una nueva clase de prebióticos / Phytochemicals: a new class of prebiotics

RESUMEN La microbiota intestinal (MI) es considerada como un nuevo blanco para la prevención y manejo nutricional de las alteraciones inflamatorias y metabólicas asociadas a las enfermedades crónicas no-transmisibles. Los prebióticos son principalmente fibras solubles cuyo consumo favorece el crecimiento de poblaciones bacterianas beneficiosas de la MI e impacta favorablemente la salud del consumidor. Esta revisión presenta a los fitoquímicos dietarios, que incluyen a más de 8.000 compuestos, como una nueva clase de prebióticos debido a su capacidad de estimular poblaciones de Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia y de bacterias productoras de butirato en el colon, a expensa de bacterias potencialmente dañinas como C. histolyticum. Además, los fitoquímicos son transformados por la MI en múltiples metabolitos que ejercen actividades biológicas a veces más potentes que la molécula inicial de la cual provienen. Individuos con distintos metabotipos han sido descritos de acuerdo a su capacidad de responder al consumo de isoflavonas, lignanos o elagitaninos, dependiendo de la presencia en su MI de bacterias capaces de transformar dichos polifenoles en equol, enterolactona/enterodiol y urolitinas, respectivamente, los cuales exhiben actividades biológicas. Valerolactonas y ácidos aromáticos también son producidos por la MI a través del metabolismo de las proantocianidinas. El efecto prebiótico de los fitoquímicos contribuiría a explicar los efectos saludables del consumo de frutas y verduras ricos en fitoquímicos.

ABSTRACT Intestinal microbiota (IM) is considered as a new target for the prevention and nutritional management of inflammatory and metabolic alterations associated with non-transmissible chronic diseases. Prebiotics are mainly soluble fibers whose consumption favors the growth of beneficial bacterial populations of the IM and positively impacts health. This review discusses dietary phytochemicals, which include more than 8,000 compounds, as a new class of prebiotics due to its ability to stimulate populations of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia and butyrate producing bacteria in the colon at the expense of potentially harmful bacteria, such as C. histolyticum. In addition, phytochemicals are transformed by IM into a great array of metabolites exerting biological activities and are sometimes more potent than the initial molecule from which they are derived. Individuals with different metabotypes have been described according to their ability to respond to the consumption of isoflavones, lignans or ellagitannins, depending on the presence in their IM of bacteria capable of transforming these polyphenols into equol, enterolactone/enterodiol and urolithins, respectively, which exhibit biological activities. Valerolactones and aromatic acids are also produced by the IM through proanthocyanidin metabolism. The prebiotic effect of phytochemicals would help to explain the healthy effects associated with the consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in phytochemicals.

Polifenóis não-extraíveis provenientes do guaraná (Paullinia cupana): caracterização por MALDi-TOF/TOF e avaliação do potencial e cinética de inibição da alfa-glicosidase / Non-extractable polyphenols from guarana (Paullinia cupana) MALDi-TOF/TOF characterization and evaluation of potential and kinetics of alpha-glucosidase inhibition

Introdução: Polifenóis não-extraíveis (NEPPs) são uma fração de polifenóis que não são extraídos da forma convencional por estarem associados à parede celular de produtos de origem vegetal. Um corpo crescente de estudos tem evidenciado seus potenciais efeitos benéficos, especialmente associados à saúde intestinal e interações com a microbiota. O guaraná (Paullinia cupana), fruto típico da biota amazônica, é conhecidamente rico em polifenóis da família dos flavanóis, mas ainda existe uma lacuna a respeito da fração de polifenóis não-extraíveis em sua composição. Objetivo: Caracterizar a fração de polifenóis não-extraíveis quanto a sua composição química, e avaliar sua potencial capacidade de inibição enzimática. Métodos: O guaraná em pó foi submetido a extração aquo-orgânica para obtenção da fração extraível, e o resíduo proveniente dessa extração foi submetido a hidrólise ácida e hidrólise básica para obtenção dos NEPPs. A capacidade redutora total (CRT) foi quantificada pelo método de Folin-Ciocalteu. A quantificação de taninos condensados foi realizada pelo método de Porter. A determinação do perfil de fenólicos foi realizada por HPLC-ECD e LC-MS para as frações extraíveis e hidrolisáveis, e MALDi-TOF/TOF para a fração condensada. Os testes enzimáticos foram realizados com base na cinética de estado estacionário. Os testes estatísticos foram realizados utilizando softwares Excel e SPSS. Resultados: O perfil de fenólicos para a fração extraível consiste na presença de Introdução: Polifenóis não-extraíveis (NEPPs) são uma fração de polifenóis que não são extraídos da forma convencional por estarem associados à parede celular de produtos de origem vegetal. Um corpo crescente de estudos tem evidenciado seus potenciais efeitos benéficos, especialmente associados à saúde intestinal e interações com a microbiota. O guaraná (Paullinia cupana), fruto típico da biota amazônica, é conhecidamente rico em polifenóis da família dos flavanóis, mas ainda existe uma lacuna a respeito da fração de polifenóis não-extraíveis em sua composição. Objetivo: Caracterizar a fração de polifenóis não-extraíveis quanto a sua composição química, e avaliar sua potencial capacidade de inibição enzimática. Métodos: O guaraná em pó foi submetido a extração aquo-orgânica para obtenção da fração extraível, e o resíduo proveniente dessa extração foi submetido a hidrólise ácida e hidrólise básica para obtenção dos NEPPs. A capacidade redutora total (CRT) foi quantificada pelo método de Folin-Ciocalteu. A quantificação de taninos condensados foi realizada pelo método de Porter. A determinação do perfil de fenólicos foi realizada por HPLC-ECD e LC-MS para as frações extraíveis e hidrolisáveis, e MALDi-TOF/TOF para a fração condensada. Os testes enzimáticos foram realizados com base na cinética de estado estacionário. Os testes estatísticos foram realizados utilizando softwares Excel e SPSS. Resultados: O perfil de fenólicos para a fração extraível consiste na presença de catequina e epicatequina como componentes majoritários, com 5,45 ± 0,15 e 5,95 ± 0,22 mg/g de guaraná em pó (base seca), respectivamente, além de proantocianidinas B1 e B2 e trímero de tipo A. Já o perfil fenólico da fração não-extraível contém uma mistura complexa de monômeros como catequina, leucoantocianidina, cianidina e delfinidina. A fração NEPP também contém dímeros, trímeros, tetrâmeros e pentâmeros de flavanóis, tanto de tipo A quanto de tipo B, com alta variabilidade de grau de hidroxilação. O ensaio enzimático com α-glicosidase resultou em valores de IC50 de 9,504 e 1,624 µg EAG/mL para a fração extraível e a não-extraível, respectivamente. O modo de inibição para ambas as frações foi classificado como misto, com valores de Ki e K'i de 0,403 e 1,735 µg/mL para a fração extraível e 0,287 e 0,847 µg/mL para a fração não-extraível. Conclusões: A fração de polifenóis não-extraíveis possui composição variada e complexa quando comparada a fração extraível, e possui potencial de inibição de α-glicosidase que deve ser explorado de maneira mais aprofundada, uma vez que tal potencial é de interesse para o controle de doenças crônicas como o diabetes tipo 2

Introduction: Non-extractable polyphenols (NEPPs) are a portion of polyphenols that cannot be extracted in the conventional way due to being associated with the cell wall of products of plant origin. A growing number of studies have been showing its potential beneficial effects, especially in relation to gut health and microbiota interactions. The guarana (Paullinia cupana), a fruit native of the Amazon rainforest, is known to be rich in polyphenols from the flavanol family, but there is still a gap about non-extractable polyphenols in its composition. Objective: Characterize the non-extractable polyphenol portion in relation to its chemical composition and evaluate its enzymatic inhibition capacity. Methods: The extractable fraction was obtained by aqueous-organic extraction, and the residue from this extraction was treated with acid and alkaline hydrolysis to obtain the NEPPs. The total reducing capacity (TRC) was quantified by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The quantification of condensed tannins was performed with the Porter method. The phenolic profile was determined by HPLC-ECD and LC-MS for the extractable and hydrolysable fractions, and MALDi-TOF/TOF for the condensed fraction. The enzymatic assay was carried out using steady-state kinetics. The statistical tests were performed using Excel and SPSS. Results: The phenolic profile of the extractable fraction consists of catechin and epicatechin as major components with 5,45 ± 0,15 and 5,95 ± 0,22 mg/g guarana powder (dry weight), respectively, besides B1 and B2 proanthocyanidins and type A trimer. The phenolic profile of the non-extractable fraction contains a complex mixture of monomers like catechin, leucoanthocyanidin, cyanidin, and delphinidin. The NEPP fraction also contains type A and type B dimers, trimers, tetramers, and pentamers of flavanols, with high variability of the degree of hydroxylation. The α-glucosidase enzymatic assay had IC50 values of 9,504 and 1,624 µg GAE/mL for the extractable and non-extractable fraction, respectively. The mode of inhibition was classified as mixed for both fractions, with Ki and K'i values of 0,403 and 1,735 µg/mL for the extractable fraction and 0,287 and 0,847 µg/mL for the non-extractable fraction. Conclusions: The non-extractable polyphenols fraction has a varied and complex composition when compared to the extractable fraction, and it has a α-glucosidase inhibition potential that must be explored in a more detailed fashion since said potential is of interest for the control of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes

Efecto del extracto purificado rico en antocianinas del fruto del maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) en un modelo experimental de hígado graso no alcohólico / Effect of a purified anthocyanin-rich extract of maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) on experimental model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of hepatic lesions, ranging from benign intrahepatic lipid accumulation (steatosis) to progressive non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, in absence of other known secondary causes. Both insulin resistance and oxidative stress have been involved in NAFLD development and progression and, therefore, insulin-sensitizers and/or antioxidants have been targets of different therapeutic agents. Some natural compounds such as Aristotelia chilensis have a high content of polyphenols, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: To assess the effect of a purified anthocyanin-rich extract of maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) on experimental model of NAFLD. Methods: C57BL6 mice were separated in four experimental groups (n = 4-10) and fed a control diet (chow) or a high fat diet (HFD) with or without a purified anthocyanin-rich extract of Aristotelia chilensis (ACnE) (400 mg/kg/day diluted in drinking water). The hepatic effects of HFD were assessed measuring serum levels of glucose and aminotransferases, hepatic histology and triglycerides. Results: HFD diet induced an increase in hepatic triglycerides and histological NAFLD. Administration of ACnE did not affect serum aminotransferases, hepatic triglycerides, liver weight or histological NAFLD. Conclusion: Administration of an ACnE showed no effects on NAFLD in the HFD experimental model.

Introducción: El hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA) constituye un espectro de lesiones hepáticas, desde la acumulación lipídica intrahepática benigna (esteatosis) hasta la esteatohepatitis no-alcohólica progresiva, en ausencia de causas secundarias conocidas. En el desarrollo y la progresión del HGNA se ha involucrado la resistencia a insulina y el estrés oxidativo y, por lo tanto, insulino-sensibilizantes y antioxidantes han sido blancos de diferentes agentes terapéuticos. Algunos compuestos naturales como la Aristotelia chilensis (maqui) tienen un alto contenido de polifenoles, los que presentan propiedades antiinflamatorias y antioxidantes. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de un extracto purificado rico en antocianinas (EACn) del fruto del maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) sobre la esteatosis, en un modelo experimental de HGNA. Métodos: Los ratones fueron distribuidos en 4 grupos (n = 4-10). Dos alimentados con una dieta estándar (grupo control) y dos con una dieta alta en grasa- high fat diet (grupo HFD). Un grupo control y uno HFD recibieron además 400 mg/kg/día de EACn (grupo EACn). Se determinaron los niveles séricos de aminotransferasas y glucosa; se evaluó la histología hepática y el contenido hepático de triglicéridos. Resultados: HFD indujo aumento de triglicéridos hepáticos e HGNA histológico. La administración de EACn no modificó las transaminasas séricas, los triglicéridos hepáticos, el peso del hígado ni el HGNA histológico. Conclusiones: La administración de un EACn no mostró efectos en el modelo experimental de HGNA inducido por una dieta alta en grasa.

Identificación de ácidos polifenólicos en el extracto metanólico de las hojas de terminalia catappa Linn / Identification of polyphenolic acids in the methanolic extract from Terminalia catappa Linn leaves

INTRODUCCIÓN: diferentes extractos de Terminalia Catappa Linn. (Combretaceae) han demostrado de forma internacional, propiedades farmacológicas beneficiosas para la salud humana. Estas propiedades han sido atribuidas en lo fundamental a los polifenoles y glicósidos, encontrados en hojas, corteza y frutos. En Cuba esta especie es catalogada como una planta invasora y existen pocas investigaciones sobre su composición química y estudios farmacológicos. OBJETIVOS: identificar y cuantificar los ácidos polifenólicos presentes en el extracto metanólico de las hojas de T. catappa utilizándose la cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. MÉTODOS: las hojas amarillo-rojizas fueron secadas, molidas, desgrasadas con hexano y y con posterioridad extraídas con metanol en un baño ultrasónico. El extracto se filtró y el disolvente se eliminó al vacío. El extracto seco se hidrolizó con ácido clorhídrico y se extrajo con acetato de etilo. Se determinó el rendimiento de extracción, las características organolépticas y los polifenoles totales mediante el método de Follin-Ciocalteu. La composición química del extracto hidrolizado se llevó a cabo por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas, previa formación de los derivados trimetilsilil. RESULTADOS: se obtuvo un líquido de color pardo rojizo oscuro de olor característico. El contenido total de polifenoles fue 184,6 (mg Pirogalol/100 g Extracto). Se detectaron 37 compuestos por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas en el extracto metanólico hidrolizado. Este extracto está compuesto de manera general por ácidos polifenólicos como el ácido gálico; ácido vanílico; ácido 3,4-dihidroxibenzoico; ácido 2,5-dihidroxi-benzoico y ácido 4- hidroxibenzoico. También se detectaron otros compuestos con elevados contenidos como ácido elágico y ácido levulínico. CONCLUSIONES: el extracto metanólico de hojas de T. catappa que crece en Cuba mostró un elevado contenido de ácidos polifenólicos, donde los ácidos gálico y elágico fueron los mayoritarios. La presencia de estos compuestos pudiera justificar las propiedades medicinales atribuidas a esta especie, a la vez que servirían de base para continuar con futuras pruebas farmacológicas que avalen sus usos con fines farmacéuticos.

INTRODUCTION: Different extracts of Terminalia Catappa Linn. (Combretaceae) internationally have shown pharmacological properties beneficial to human health. These properties have been largely attributed to polyphenols and their glycosides found in the leaves, bark and fruits. In Cuba this species is listed as an invasive plant and there is limited research on its chemical composition and pharmacological studies. OBJECTIVES: To identify and quantify the polyphenolic acids that could be present in the methanol extract of Terminalia catappa leaves using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. METHODS: The yellow-red leaves were dried, ground, defatted with hexane and then extracted with methanol in an ultrasonic bath. The extract was filtered and the solvent removed under vacuum. The dry extract was hydrolyzed with hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extraction yield, the organoleptic characteristics and the total polyphenols by Follin-Ciocalteu method were determined. The chemical composition of the hydrolyzed extract was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after formation of trimethylsilyl derivatives. RESULTS: A dark reddish brown liquid with a characteristic odor was obtained. The total polyphenol content was 184.6 (mg Pyrogallol/100g extract). By mean of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry a total of 37 compounds were detected in the hydrolyzed methanol extract. This extract consists mainly of polyphenolic acids such as gallic acid; vanillic acid; 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid; 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 4- hydroxybenzoic acid. Other compounds with high content as ellagic acid and levulinic acid were also detected. CONCLUSIONS: The methanolic extract obtained from the leaves of Terminalia catappa growing in Cuba showed a high content of polyphenolic acids where gallic acid and ellagic predominated. The presence of these compounds could justify the medicinal properties attributed to this species, while providing the basis for further future pharmacological evidence to support its use for pharmaceutical purposes.

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of geopropolis produced by Melipona fasciculata (Meliponinae) in flooded fields and cerrado areas of Maranhão State, northeastern Brazil / Composição química e atividade antioxidante da geoprópolis de Melipona fasciculata (Meliponinae) produzida em áreas de campos alagados e de cerrado no Estado do Maranhão, Nordeste do Brasil

Geopropolis, a mixture of plant resin, wax, soil and salivary secretion, is produced by the stingless bee Melipona fasciculata. This aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of geopropolis collected from beehives in two phytogeographical regions, flooded fields and cerrado, in the municipalities of Palmeirândia and Fernando Falcão, Maranhão State, northeastern Brazil. The geopropolis compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Additionally, total phenolic content was determined with the FolinCiocalteu reagent and antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The four geopropolis samples varied in terms of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity and the highest values were observed for geopropolis from Fernando Falcão. Triterpenes such as cycloartane, ursane and oleanane and phenolic acids (protocatechuic acid and gallic acid) were identified in the geopropolis from Palmeirândia, while the phenolic acids, gallic and ellagic acid were the main compounds in geopropolis from Fernando Falcão. The antioxidant property of geopropolis is due to its high total phenolic content and predominance of gallic acid and ellagic acid. The results showed that the plant resources in two phytogeographical regions of Maranhão used by bees for the production of geopropolis contribute to the chemical composition and bioactivity of this product.

Geoprópolis, uma mistura de resinas vegetais, cera, terra e secreção salivar, produzida pela abelha sem ferrão Melipona fasciculata. Este estudo investigou a composição química e a atividade antioxidante da geoprópolis coletada em colmeias em duas regiões fitogeográficas de campos alagados e de cerrado, nos municípios de Palmeirândia e Fernando Falcão, no Estado do Maranhão, Nordeste do Brasil. Os compostos da geoprópolis foram identificados por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas (CG/EM). Foram determinados os teores de fenólicos totais pelo reagente de FolinCiocalteu, e atividade antioxidante utilizando o ensaio in vitro com 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) e capacidade redutora do ferro (FRAP). As quatro amostras de geoprópolis apresentaram variações no teor de fenólicos totais e atividade antioxidante, as geoprópolis de Fernando Falcão, apresentaram maiores teores. Nas geoprópolis do município de Palmeirândia foram identificados, triterpenos do tipo cicloartano, ursano e oleanano e ácidos fenólicos (ácido protocatecuico e ácido gálico), enquanto que na geoprópolis de Fernando Falcão, ácidos fenólicos, ácido gálico e elágico foram os principais constituintes. A propriedade antioxidante da geoprópolis pode ser atribuída aos altos teores de fenólicos totais e de ácido gálico e elágico. Os resultados demonstram que as fontes vegetais das duas regiões fitogeográficas do Maranhão, Brasil, utilizadas pelas abelhas para a produção da geoprópolis contribuem para a composição química e bioatividade deste produto.

Neutralising antibodies for Mayaro virus in Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal hosts diverse wildlife species and therefore is a hotspot for arbovirus studies in South America. A serosurvey for Mayaro virus (MAYV), eastern (EEEV), western (WEEV) and Venezuelan (VEEV) equine encephalitis viruses was conducted with 237 sheep, 87 free-ranging caimans and 748 equids, including 37 collected from a ranch where a neurologic disorder outbreak had been recently reported. Sera were tested for specific viral antibodies using plaque-reduction neutralisation test. From a total of 748 equids, of which 264 were immunised with vaccine composed of EEEV and WEEV and 484 had no history of immunisation, 10 (1.3%) were seropositive for MAYV and two (0.3%) for VEEV using criteria of a ≥ 4-fold antibody titre difference. Among the 484 equids without history of immunisation, 48 (9.9%) were seropositive for EEEV and four (0.8%) for WEEV using the same criteria. Among the sheep, five were sero- positive for equine encephalitis alphaviruses, with one (0.4%) for EEEV, one (0.4%) for WEEV and three (1.3%) for VEEV. Regarding free-ranging caimans, one (1.1%) and three (3.4%), respectively, had low titres for neutralising antibodies to VEEV and undetermined alphaviruses. The neurological disorder outbreak could not be linked to the alphaviruses tested. Our findings represent strong evidence that MAYV and all equine encephalitis alphaviruses circulated in the Pantanal.

In vitro antioxidant properties, free radicals scavenging activities of extracts and polyphenol composition of a non-timber forest product used as spice: Monodora myristica

BACKGROUND: Excessive production of free radicals causes direct damage to biological molecules such as DNA, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates leading to tumor development and progression. Natural antioxidant molecules from phytochemicals of plant origin may directly inhibit either their production or limit their propagation or destroy them to protect the system. In the present study, Monodora myristica a non-timber forest product consumed in Cameroon as spice was screened for its free radical scavenging properties, antioxidant and enzymes protective activities. Its phenolic compound profile was also realized by HPLC. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that M. myristica has scavenging properties against DPPH',OH',NO', and ABTS'radicals which vary in a dose depending manner. It also showed an antioxidant potential that was comparable with that of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) and vitamin C used as standard. The aqueous ethanol extract of M. myristica barks (AEH); showed a significantly higher content in polyphenolic compounds (21.44 ± 0.24 mg caffeic acid/g dried extract) and flavonoid (5.69 ± 0.07 quercetin equivalent mg/g of dried weight) as compared to the other studied extracts. The HPLC analysis of the barks and leaves revealed the presence of several polyphenols. The acids (3,4-OH-benzoic, caffeic, gallic, O- and P- coumaric, syringic, vanillic), alcohols (tyrosol and OH-tyrosol), theobromine, quercetin, rutin, catechine and apigenin were the identified and quantified polyphenols. All the tested extracts demonstrated a high protective potential on the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and peroxidase activities. CONCLUSION: Finally, the different extracts from M. myristica and specifically the aqueous ethanol extract reveal several properties such as higher free radical scavenging properties, significant antioxidant capacities and protective potential effects on liver enzymes.

Protective effect of secondary plant metabolites from Ipomoea aquatica Forsk. against carbofuran induced damages.

Plausible interactions between food contaminants and natural constituents in vivo and protective effect of polyphenols present in I. aquatica against carbofuran toxicity in Charles Foster rats were evaluated. Determinations based on antioxidant enzyme activities showed significant alterations in glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in tissues (liver and brain) and plasma of pesticide treated group while polyphenolic extracts from I. aquatica (IAE) attenuated their activities when given alongwith carbofuran. IAE decreased enhanced lipid peroxidation levels in plasma and erythrocyte membrane and cholesterol levels in brain and plasma. IAE also minimized histopathological degenerative changes produced by carbofuran. While single cell gel electrophoresis showed that secondary metabolites in leafy vegetables produced a combinatorial effect with pesticide at cellular level, DNA fragmentation level in bone marrow cells showed a decline in the IAE treated rats. Food safety adversely affected by various chemical contaminants can be retained by plant polyphenols and secondary plant constituents that can be found together in bolus. Therefore, the present study gives an insight into the protective role of naturally found polyphenols against pesticide toxicity.

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