Achyrocline satureioides (Lam) DC extracts acting as enzyme modulators: digestion, inflammation, and hemostasis / Extratos de Achyrocline satureioides (Lam) DC atuando como moduladores enzimáticos: digestão, inflamação e hemostasia

Achyrocline satureioides is popularly known for its richness in phenolic compounds and medicinal properties (anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hepatoprotective). The present study aimed at broadening the knowledge about the pharmacological potential exerted by the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. satureioides. These extracts were characterized by HPLC and tested for their modulatory action on phospholipases A2 and proteases of snake venoms. In addition, they were tested on the activities of digestive enzymes. Snake venoms were used as tools since they have enzymes with high functional and structural homology to human enzymes. The results demonstrate that the extracts of A. satureioides act as enzymatic inhibitors or potentiators, interfering in processes related to the hemostasis, such as coagulation and thrombus dissolution. In addition, the anti-genotoxic activity and inhibitions exerted on digestive enzymes suggests their potential use in the prevention and/or treatment of several pathologies. New studies could provide information on how the compounds present in the extracts and the different enzymes interact.

A Achyrocline satureioides é popularmente conhecida por sua riqueza em compostos fenólicos e por suas propriedades medicinais (anti-inflamatória, analgésica e hepatoprotetora). No presente estudo, com o objetivo de ampliar o conhecimento sobre o potencial farmacológico exercido por esses extratos, os extratos aquoso e etanólico de A. satureioides foram caracterizados por HPLC e testados quanto à sua ação modulatória sobre as fosfolipases A2 e proteases de peçonhas de serpentes. Além disso, também foram testados em atividades de enzimas digestivas. As peçonhas de serpentes foram usadas como ferramentas por apresentarem enzimas com alta homologia funcional e estrutural às humanas. Os resultados demonstram que os extratos de A. satureioides atuam como inibidores ou potencializadores enzimáticos, interferindo em processos relacionados à hemostasia, como coagulação e dissolução do trombo. Além do mais, destacam seu potencial antigenotóxico e as inibições exercidas sobre as enzimas digestivas direcionando seu potencial de uso na prevenção e/ou tratamento de diversas patologias. Novos estudos poderão fornecer informações sobre os mecanismos de interação entre os compostos presentes nos extratos e as diferentes enzimas.

Clotting and fibrinogenolysis inhibition by essential oils from species of the Asteraceae family

ABSTRACT Essential oils are pharmacologically active and unexplored compounds. The inhibitory properties of essential oils from Baccharis dracunculifolia, Conyza bonariensis, Tithonia diversifolia and Ambrosia polystachya were evaluated in the coagulation and fibrinogenolysis induced by snake venoms. The essential oil from Conyza bonariensis extended the clotting time of Lachesis muta from 52.2 to 115.2 seconds and that of Bothrops moojeni from 108.3 to 2340.0 seconds, when pre-incubated with the venoms. The longest clotting times for Bothrops atrox venom were observed after incubation with the essential oils from Conyza bonariensis and Tithonia diversifolia: the times increased from 100.8 to 264.0 and 227.7 seconds, respectively. The prior incubation of the essential oils with plasma and subsequent addition of Lachesis muta venom resulted in a pro-clotting effect. The oils from Ambrosia polystachya and Baccharis dracunculifolia caused 100% of inhibition on the fibrinogenolysis induced by Bothrops moojeni and Lachesis muta venoms (the oils were previously incubated with the venom). The results indicate that the essential oils show promise as adjuvants for the treatment of snakebites.