GC-MS Profile, Antioxidant Activity, and In Silico Study of the Essential Oil from Schinus molle L. Leaves in the Presence of Mosquito Juvenile Hormone-Binding Protein (mJHBP) from Aedes aegypti.

Schinus molle is a medicinal plant used as an anti-inflammatory and for rheumatic pain in the traditional medicine of Peru. On the other hand, Aedes aegypti is the main vector of several tropical diseases and the transmitter of yellow fever, chikungunya, malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. In this study, the aim was to investigate the antioxidant activity in vitro and the insecticidal activity in silico, in the presence of the mosquito juvenile hormone-binding protein (mJHBP) from Aedes aegypti, of the essential oil from S. molle leaves. The volatile phytochemicals were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the profile antioxidants were examined by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The evaluation in silico was carried out on mJHBP (PDB: 5V13) with an insecticidal approach. The results revealed that EO presented as the main volatile components to alpha-phellandrene (32.68%), D-limonene (12.59%), and beta-phellandrene (12.24%). The antioxidant activity showed values for DPPH = 11.42 ± 0.08 µmol ET/g, ABTS = 134.88 ± 4.37 µmol ET/g, and FRAP = 65.16 ± 1.46 µmol ET/g. Regarding the insecticidal approach in silico, alpha-muurolene and gamma-cadinene had the best biding energy on mJHBP (ΔG = -9.7 kcal/mol), followed by beta-cadinene (ΔG = -9.5 kcal/mol). Additionally, the volatile components did not reveal antioxidant activity, and its potential insecticidal effect would be acting on mJHBP from A. aegypti.

Biomolecules with Antioxidant Capacity from the Seeds and Sprouts of 20 Varieties of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (Quinoa).

Quinoa has acquired a great interest due to its high content of nutrients and biomolecules that have nutritional and medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to compare the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), and the antioxidant capacity of 20 varieties of seeds and sprouts of quinoa extract. Quinoa seeds were germinated for 72 h and dried in an oven at 45 °C. The extracts were obtained by dynamic extraction using methanol. Phytochemical analysis with liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), TPC, TF, and the antioxidant capacity was carried out and compared between both extracts. The TPC was determined with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, TF with AlCl3, and the antioxidant capacity was determined according to the DPPH and ABTS assays. Sprout extracts showed high values of TPC (31.28 ± 0.42 mg GAE/g; Pasankalla variety), TF (14.31 ± 0.50 mg EQ/g; black Coito variety), and antioxidant capacity (IC50 (DPPH): 12.69 ± 0.29 µg/mL and IC50 (ABTS): 3.51 ± 0.04 µg/mL; Pasankalla). The extracts of the Pasankalla variety revealed 93 and 90 phytochemical constituents in the seeds and sprouts, respectively, such as amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, fatty acids, and triterpene saponins, among others. Quinoa sprouts showed a high content of TPC and TF, and high antioxidant capacity compared with seed extracts, especially the Pasankalla variety.

Phytochemical Screening by LC-ESI-MS/MS and Effect of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Leaves and Stems of Jatropha macrantha Müll Arg. on Ketamine-Induced Erectile Dysfunction in Rats.

Jatropha macrantha Müll Arg. L is also known as "huanarpo macho" and used in the Peruvian traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac and erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical constituents in leaves and stems ethyl acetate fraction (LEAF and SEAF) of J. macrantha and to compare the antioxidant activity and the ameliorative effect on ketamine-induced erectile dysfunction in rats. The phytochemical constituents were determined by LC-ESI-MS/MS, the total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids (TPC and TF) by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride, respectively. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Experimental groups were divided as follows: I: negative control; II: positive control (ketamine at 50 mg/ kg/d); III: sildenafil 5 mg/kg; IV, V, VI: LEAF at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, and VII, VIII, IX: SEAF at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence mainly of coumarins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes. TPC of LEAF and SEAF were 359 ± 5.21 mg GAE/g and 306 ± 1.93 mg GAE/g, respectively; TF in LEAF and SEAF were 23.7 ± 0.80 mg EQ/g, and 101 ± 1.42 mg EQ/g, respectively. The DPPH, ABTS, FRAP in SEAF were 647 ± 3.27; 668 ± 2.30; and 575 ± 2.86 µmol TE/g, respectively, whilst LEAF showed 796 ± 3.15; 679 ± 0.85; and 806 ± 3.42 µmol TE/g, respectively. Regarding sexual behavior, LEAF showed a better effect in mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency, mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculatory latency, and post ejaculatory latency than SEAF. As conclusion, LEAF of J. macrantha at 50 mg/kg showed a better effect on sexual behavior in male rats with erectile dysfunction than SEAF but not higher than sildenafil.

Protective effect of Chuquiraga spinosa Lessing associated with simvastatin on N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU)-induced prostate cancer in rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chuquiraga spinosa Lessing (ChS) has shown protective effect on  N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU)-induced prostate cancer in rats. Currently, statins are being studied for their pro-apoptotic and antimetastatic effects. The main objective of this research was to determine the protective effect associated with the oral administration of simvastatin and ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of ChS in the prevention of prostate cancer. METHODS: Fifty-six albino male rats were randomized into seven groups: I) negative control: physiological serum: 2 mL/kg; II) TCN: testosterone 100 mg/kg + cyproterone 50 mg/kg + NMU 50 mg/kg; III) TCN + S40 (simvastatin 40 mg/kg); IV) TCN + ChS250 (ChS 250 mg/kg); V) TCN + ChS50 (ChS 50 mg/kg) + S40; VI) TCN + ChS250 (ChS 250 mg/kg) + S40; and VII) TCN + ChS500 (ChS 500 mg/kg) + S40. The antioxidant activity was tested by using (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) (DPPH) assay. Hematology, toxicological biochemical parameters, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), histology and prostate size were evaluated as main indicators of protective effect. RESULTS: Triglyceride values were decreased in the groups receiving ChS, being significant (P=0.02) in IV and VII group compared to cancer-inducing group (TCN). In groups that received ChS, PSA levels (P=0.71) were significant compared with TCN group. The VII group had the lowest prostate volume by sonography. The TCN group showed multiple foci of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-PIN) with the presence of cells in mitosis; whilst, groups V and VI had few areas of HG-PIN. CONCLUSION: In experimental conditions, the ethanolic extract of C. spinosa in association with simvastatin showed a protective effect on prostate cancer through hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity.

Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Effect of Piper aduncum L. against Sodium Fluoride (NaF)-Induced Toxicity in Albino Mice.

Piper aduncum, commonly known as matico, is a plant that grows in the mountainous and coastal regions of Peru, and is studied for its antimicrobial properties and various ethnopharmacological uses. The main objective of this study was to determine the cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of the methanolic extract of Piper aduncum leaves in Mus musculus previously administered with sodium fluoride (NaF) using the Micronucleus test and the Comet assay. The extract was administrated orally in four different concentrations: 150, 300, 600, and 1200 mg/Kg for ten days. At the 11th day, a single dose of NaF was administrated via intraperitoneal at 20 mg/Kg. The genotoxicity study was performed with mice from the strain BALB/c, using the Micronucleus test on bone marrow and the Comet assay on peripheral blood according to OECD guidelines 474 and 489, respectively. The statistical analysis was performed by median analysis with ANOVA. Significant differences were found in Micronucleus frequency between the highest concentrations of Piper aduncum and NaF. The Comet assay showed significant reduction of NaF-induced damage on erythrocytes depending on the different concentrations of the extract which were evaluated in this study. It is concluded that the methanolic extract of P. aduncum leaves has cytoprotective and antioxidant activity against sodium fluoride.

Efecto del extracto etanólico de Chuquiraga spinosa (huamanpinta) sobre el síndrome metabólico e hipercolesterolemia inducida en ratas / Effect of ethanol extract of Chuquiraga spinosa (huamanpinta) on the metabolic syndrome and hypercholesterolemia induced in rats

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto del extracto etanólico de Chuquiraga spinosa (huamanpinta) sobre el síndrome metabólico (SM) e hipercolesterolemia inducidas en ratas con fructosa y colesterol. Materiales y Métodos: Se indujo el SM con la administración vía oral de fructosa al 60% P/V durante 90 días y la inducción de hipercolesterolemia fue mediante la administración oral de solución de colesterol a una dosis diaria de 120 mg/kg suspendida en goma de tragacanto al 2%. Se formaron 06 grupos de 15 animales cada grupo, dividido en grupo blanco negativo (solución salina fisiológica) y positivo (fructosa más colesterol), extracto etanólico a dosis de 50, 250 y 500 mg/kg y un grupo atorvastatina más enalapril a 20 mg/kg (se administró fructosa más colesterol a todos los grupos). Los tratamientos respectivos se iniciaron en el día 31 posinducción y se continuó con la inducción coadministrando los tratamientos hasta los 90 días. Se determinó el perfil lipídico, glicemia y niveles de presión arterial. En la determinación de la toxicidad crónica se realizó la evaluación a nivel hematológico y bioquímico de todos los grupos que fueron inducidos y recibieron tratamiento. Resultados: Se obtuvo una disminución de los niveles de colesterol total, triglicéridos, glucosa, presión arterial y del peso corporal, así como una elevación de los niveles de HDL-colesterol, que fueron estadísticamente significativos (p<0,05). En la determinación de la toxicidad crónica se observo que no hubo toxicidad y no se evidenció alteraciones anatomopatológicas. Conclusiones: El extracto etanólico de Chuquiraga spinosa presenta efecto positivo sobre los niveles de perfil lipídico, glucosa y presión arterial inducido en ratas, sin efectos tóxicos.

Objective: To determine the effect of ethanolic extract of Chuquiraga spinosa (huamanpinta) on the metabolic syndrome and hypercholesterolemia in rats induced with fructose and cholesterol. Material and methods: SM was induced in rats with oral administration of 60% fructose for 90 days and the induction of hypercholesterolemia was by oral administration of cholesterol solution at a daily dose of 120 mg/kg suspended in gum tragacanth 2 %. Six groups of 15 animals were formed in each group, divided into negative white group (physiological saline solution) and positive (fructose plus cholesterol), ethanolic extract at doses of 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg and one atorvastatin plus enalapril group at 20 mg/Kg. The respective treatments were initiated on day 31 postinduction and continued induction along with treatments up to 90 days. The lipid profile, glycemia and blood pressure levels were determined. In the determination of chronic toxicity, hematological and biochemical evaluation of all the groups that were induced and treated were performed. Results: There was a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, blood pressure and body weight, as well as a rise in HDL-cholesterol levels, which were statistically significant (p <0.05). In the determination of chronic toxicity, it was observed that there was no toxicity and no anatomopathological alterations were evidenced. Conclusions: The ethanolic extract of Chuquiraga spinosa has a positive effect on the metabolic syndrome and induced hypercholesterolemia in rats, without toxic effects.

Anticonvulsant effect of ethanolic extract of Cyperus articulatus L. leaves on pentylenetetrazol induced seizure in mice.

Cyperus articulatus (CA) rhizomes have demonstrated different properties on nervous system. However, the leaves still have not studied to treat epilepsy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of CA ethanolic extract on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced seizures in mice as well as measuring its antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro. Mice were divided into five groups: (1) control (PTZ 80 mg/kg; i.p.), (2) PTZ-Diazepam (1 mg/kg; i.p.), (3-5) PTZ-CA 50, PTZ-CA 150 and PTZ-CA 300 (50, 150 and 300 mg/kg of CA extract, 30 min prior to each PTZ injection). The PTZ-CA 150 group showed lower seizure scores (P < 0.01), latency (P < 0.01), frequency (P < 0.01) and duration (P < 0.01) than control group. The antioxidant activity of CA extract scavenged DPPH radical showed IC 50 = 16.9 ± 0.1 µg/mL and TEAC = 2.28 ± 0.08, mmol trolox/g of extract, the content of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly high (P < 0.01) at dose of 150 mg/kg (82 ± 1.2 ng/g tissue; 1.0 ± 2.2 mol/g tissue, respectively). The present research demonstrated that CA extract possesses a potential effect to prevent PTZ induced seizures, antioxidant activity in addition to increase GABA levels.

Protective effect of Chuquiraga spinosa extract on N-methyl-nitrosourea (NMU) induced prostate cancer in rats.

BACKGROUND: The main objective was to evaluate the possible protective effect of Chuquiraga spinosa extract on N-methyl nitrosourea (NMU)-induced prostate cancer in rats and DU-145 cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prostate carcinogenesis was induced in 30 male Holtzman rats by providing cyproterone acetate, testosterone, and NMU. The tumors were monitored and hematological and biochemical parameters and frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes were recorded. The cell line was assessed by a cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS: Oral administration of C. spinosa extract significantly lowered superoxide dismutase malondialdehyde, NO, C-reactive protein, and prostate-specific antigen levels (all P < 0.01 compared with Inductor Group). There was a significant decrease in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (P < 0.05). C. spinosa presented a selectivity index of 17.24 in the cytotoxicity assay. CONCLUSIONS: Considering its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antigenotoxic effects, and important variations on biochemical and hematological parameters, including prostate-specific antigen of C. spinosa extract, we conclude that it has a protective effect on NMU-induced prostate cancer in rats and cytotoxicity in the DU-145 cell line.