Ferulic acid lowers body weight and visceral fat accumulation via modulation of enzymatic, hormonal and inflammatory changes in a mouse model of high-fat diet-induced obesity.

Previous studies have reported on the glucose and lipid-lowering effects of ferulic acid (FA) but its anti-obesity potential has not yet been firmly established. This study investigated the possible anti-obesitogenic effects of FA in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. To assess the antiobesity potential of FA, 32 male Swiss mice, weighing 20-25 g (n=6-8 per group) were fed a normal diet (ND) or HFD, treated orally or not with either FA (10 mg/kg) or sibutramine (10 mg/kg) for 15 weeks and at the end of this period, the body weights of animals, visceral fat accumulation, plasma levels of glucose and insulin hormone, amylase and lipase activities, the satiety hormones ghrelin and leptin, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCH-1) were analyzed. Results revealed that FA could effectively suppress the HFD-associated increase in visceral fat accumulation, adipocyte size and body weight gain, similar to sibutramine, the positive control. FA also significantly (P<0.05) decreased the HFD-induced elevations in serum lipid profiles, amylase and lipase activities, and the levels of blood glucose and insulin hormone. The markedly elevated leptin and decreased ghrelin levels seen in HFD-fed control mice were significantly (P<0.05) reversed by FA treatment, almost reaching the values seen in ND-fed mice. Furthermore, FA demonstrated significant (P<0.05) inhibition of serum levels of inflammatory mediators TNF-α, and MCH-1. These results suggest that FA could be beneficial in lowering the risk of HFD-induced obesity via modulation of enzymatic, hormonal and inflammatory responses.

O-naphthoquinone isolated from Capraria biflora L. induces selective cytotoxicity in tumor cell lines.

Biflorin is an o-naphthoquinone isolated from the roots of the plant Capraria biflora L. (Scrophulariaceae). In this study, the cytotoxic effects of biflorin were verified, and late apoptosis was detected in various cancer cell lines by in situ analysis. The cytotoxicity was further evaluated exclusively for 48 h of treatment in different tumor and non-tumor cell lines (Hep-2, HeLa, HT-29, A-375, and A-549, and HEK-293, respectively). The results indicated that biflorin induced selective cytotoxicity in tumor cells. HeLa cells were more susceptible to biflorin, followed by HT-29, A-549, A-375, and Hep-2 at all concentrations (range 5-50 µg/mL), and the highest half-maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 (56.01 ± 1.17 µg/mL) was observed in HEK-293 cells. Late apoptotic/necrotic events, observed by in situ immunostaining with Annexin V, varied with each cell line; an increase in late apoptotic events was observed corresponding to the increase in biflorin dosage. Hep-2 cells showed a greater percentage of late apoptotic events among the tumor cell lines when treated with higher concentrations of biflorin (69.63 ± 2.28%). The non-tumor HEK-293 line showed greater resistance to late apoptotic events, as well as a lower level of cytotoxicity (77.69 ± 6.68%) than the tested tumor lines. The data presented indicate that biflorin showed an important, possibly selective, cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines, thereby revealing a promising novel substance with potential anticancer activity for tumor therapy.

Oncocalyxone A inhibits human platelet aggregation by increasing cGMP and by binding to GP Ibalpha glycoprotein.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Oncocalyxone A (OncoA) has a concentration-dependent anti-platelet activity. The present study aimed to further understand the mechanisms related to this effect. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Human platelet aggregation was measured by means of a turbidimetric method. OncoA (32-256 microM) was tested against several platelet-aggregating agents, such as adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, arachidonic acid (AA), ristocetin and thrombin. KEY RESULTS: OncoA completely inhibited platelet aggregation with a calculated mean inhibitory concentration (IC50-microM) of 122 for ADP, 161 for collagen, 159 for AA, 169 for ristocetin and 85 for thrombin. The anti-aggregatory activity of OncoA was not inhibited by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). OncoA, at a concentration that caused no significant anti-aggregatory activity, potentiated sodium nitroprusside (SNP) anti-aggregatory activity (18.8+/-2.9%-SNP vs 85.0+/-8.2%-SNP+OncoA). The levels of nitric oxide (NO) or cAMP were not altered by OncoA while cGMP levels were increased more than 10-fold by OncoA in resting or ADP-activated platelets. Flow cytometry revealed that OncoA does not interact with receptors for fibrinogen, collagen or P-selectin. Nevertheless, OncoA decreased the binding of antibodies to GP Ibalpha, a glycoprotein that is related both to von Willebrand factor and to thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: OncoA showed anti-aggregatory activity in platelets that was associated with increased cGMP levels, not dependent on NO and with blocking GP Ibalpha glycoprotein. This new mechanism has the prospect of leading to new anti-thrombotic drugs.

Quebrachitol-induced gastroprotection against acute gastric lesions: role of prostaglandins, nitric oxide and K+ ATP channels.

The effect of Quebrachitol (2-O-methyl-L-inositol), a bioactive component from Magonia glabrata fruit extract was investigated against gastric damage induced by absolute ethanol (96%, 0.2 ml/animal) and indomethacin (30 mg/kg, p.o.), in mice. Quebrachitol at oral doses of 12.5, 25, and 50mg/kg markedly attenuated the gastric lesions induced by ethanol to the extent of 69%, 64%, and 53% and against indomethacin by 55%, 59%, and 26%, respectively. While pretreatment with TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine (5mg/kg, i.p.) failed to block effectively the gastroprotective effect of quebrachitol (25mg/kg) against ethanol damage, the non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10mg/kg, p.o.), almost abolished it. Furthermore, quebrachitol effect was significantly reduced in mice pretreated with L-NAME, or glibenclamide, the respective inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase and K(+)(ATP) channel activation. Thus we provide the first evidence that quebrachitol reduces the gastric damage induced by ethanol and indomethacin, at least in part, by mechanisms that involve endogenous prostaglandins, nitric oxide release, and or the activation of K(+)(ATP) channels.

Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Lippia sidoides, carvacrol and thymol against oral pathogens.

Dental caries and periodontal disease are associated with oral pathogens. Several plant derivatives have been evaluated with respect to their antimicrobial effects against such pathogenic microorganisms. Lippia sidoides Cham (Verbenaceae), popularly known as "Alecrim-pimenta" is a typical shrub commonly found in the Northeast of Brazil. Many plant species belonging to the genus Lippia yield very fragrant essential oils of potential economic value which are used by the industry for the commercial production of perfumes, creams, lotions, and deodorants. Since the leaves of L. sidoides are also extensively used in popular medicine for the treatment of skin wounds and cuts, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the composition and antimicrobial activity of L. sidoides essential oil. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Twelve compounds were characterized, having as major constituents thymol (56.7%) and carvacrol (16.7%). The antimicrobial activity of the oil and the major components was tested against cariogenic bacterial species of the genus Streptococcus as well as Candida albicans using the broth dilution and disk diffusion assays. The essential oil and its major components thymol and carvacrol exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against the organisms tested with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.625 to 10.0 mg/mL. The most sensitive microorganisms were C. albicans and Streptococcus mutans. The essential oil of L. sidoides and its major components exert promising antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens and suggest its likely usefulness to combat oral microbial growth.

Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Lippia sidoides, carvacrol and thymol against oral pathogens

Dental caries and periodontal disease are associated with oral pathogens. Several plant derivatives have been evaluated with respect to their antimicrobial effects against such pathogenic microorganisms. Lippia sidoides Cham (Verbenaceae), popularly known as "Alecrim-pimenta" is a typical shrub commonly found in the Northeast of Brazil. Many plant species belonging to the genus Lippia yield very fragrant essential oils of potential economic value which are used by the industry for the commercial production of perfumes, creams, lotions, and deodorants. Since the leaves of L. sidoides are also extensively used in popular medicine for the treatment of skin wounds and cuts, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the composition and antimicrobial activity of L. sidoides essential oil. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Twelve compounds were characterized, having as major constituents thymol (56.7 percent) and carvacrol (16.7 percent). The antimicrobial activity of the oil and the major components was tested against cariogenic bacterial species of the genus Streptococcus as well as Candida albicans using the broth dilution and disk diffusion assays. The essential oil and its major components thymol and carvacrol exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against the organisms tested with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.625 to 10.0 mg/mL. The most sensitive microorganisms were C. albicans and Streptococcus mutans. The essential oil of L. sidoides and its major components exert promising antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens and suggest its likely usefulness to combat oral microbial growth.

Quebrachitol (2-O-methyl-L-inositol) attenuates 6-hydroxydopamine-induced cytotoxicity in rat fetal mesencephalic cell cultures.

Naturally occurring plant substances have the potential to prevent oxidative damage in various pathophysiological conditions including neurodegenerative disorders. Recent findings indicate that impaired energy metabolism plays a prominent role in neurodegeneration. The present study investigated whether quebrachitol (2-O-methyl-L-inositol) (QCT), a sugar like natural compound that was suggested to have both antioxidant and membrane stabilization activity prevents the cytotoxic effect of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, 200 microM) on cultured rat fetal mesencephalic cells. While QCT (0.1-100 microg/ml) produced no effect per se on cell viability as measured in the 3[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2il]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test, it offered concentration-related protection against cell death induced by 6-OHDA. In addition, QCT demonstrated an antioxidant activity against 6-OHDA-induced oxidative stress as evidenced by reduced formation of nitrite-nitrate and thiobarbituric acid-related substances. Fluorescence microscopy using acridine orange/ethidium bromide double staining further affirmed the absence of 6-OHDA (200 microM)-induced morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis/necrosis in cultures pretreated with QCT (100 microg/ml). Also, results of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity indicated that 6-OHDA induces cell death in mesencephalic cultures affecting both TH+ positive and TH- negative (TH+ and TH-, respectively) and QCT pretreatment protects them from cell death, in a non-specific manner. Our data indicate that QCT has a cytoprotective role due, at least in part, to an antioxidant and free radical scavenging mechanism. Furthermore, the study suggests that inositol compounds might serve as leads in developing drugs for the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders.

A possible mechanism for anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of alpha- and beta-amyrin from Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) March.

In the present study, we examined the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of the mixture of alpha- and beta-amyrin (AMY), pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from the stem bark resin of Protium heptaphyllum. These effects of AMY were demonstrated by the open-field, elevated-plus-maze, rota rod, forced swimming, and pentobarbital-induced sleeping time tests, in mice. In the open-field test, AMY at the doses of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg, after intraperitoneal or oral administrations, significantly decreased the number of crossings, grooming, and rearing. All these effects were reversed by the pre-treatment with flumazenil (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.), similarly to those observed with diazepam used as a positive standard. In the elevated-plus-maze test, AMY increased the time of permanence and the number of entrances in the open arms. On the contrary, the time of permanence and the number of entrances in the closed arms were decreased. All these effects were also completely reversed by flumazenil, an antagonist of benzodiazepine receptors. In the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time test, AMY at the same doses significantly increased the animals sleeping time duration. In the rota rod test, AMY did not alter motor coordination and, thus, was devoid of effects, as related to controls. Since AMY, at the doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg, showed a sedative effect in the open field test, lower doses (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) were used in the forced swimming test, producing a decrease in the immobility time, similarly to that of imipramine, the positive control. The effect of AMI was greater when it was administered 15 min after imipramine (10 mg/kg). However, the antidepressant AMY effects were not altered by the previous administration of paroxetine, a selective blocker of serotonin uptake. In addition, AMY effects in the forced swimming test were totally blocked by reserpine pretreatment, a drug known to induce depletion of biogenic amines. In conclusion, the present work evidenced sedative and anxiolytic effects of AMY that might involve an action on benzodiazepine-type receptors, and also an antidepressant effect where noradrenergic mechanisms will probably play a role.

Estudo químico-biológico dos óleos essenciais de Hyptis martiusii, Lippia sidoides e Syzigium aromaticum frente às larvas do Aedes aegypti / Chemical-biological study of the essential oils of Hyptis martiusii, Lippia sidóides and Syzigium aromaticum against larvae of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus

O interesse pelos bioensaios frente à larvas de Aedes aegypti e Culex quinquefasciatus deve-se ao fato de que estas espécies estão distribuídas por todo o território nacional, sendo portanto uma atividade realizada por inúmeros pesquisadores do Brasil. Os óleos essenciais de Syzigium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry, Lippia sidoides Cham.,e Hyptis martiusii Benth.,foram testados no combate ao transmissor da dengue e da filariose. As larvas de terceiro estádio foram expostas em triplicatas a diferentes concentrações (1000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25 e 10 ppm). As análises foram observadas após dez minutos do início do tratamento, e mostraram resultados bastante significativos, com potencialidade de mortalidade de até 100 por cento das larvas testadas, indicando acentuados efeitos tóxicos de alguns constituintes voláteis presentes nos óleos. Para os óleos de S. aromaticum, L. sidoides e H. martiusii foram constatadas, frente à Aedes aegypti, valores respectivos de CL50 de 21,4; 19,5 e 18,5 ppm e frente ao Culex quinquefasciatus, 14,5; 16,6 e 27,5 ppm, respectivamente.

The interest for a biological assay against larvae of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus is due to the fact that these species are distributed by the whole national territory, being therefore an activity carried out by countless researchers of Brazil. The essential oils of Syzigium aromaticum, Hyptis martiusii and Lippia sidoides were tested in the combat of the transmitter of the dengue and of the filariosis, using larvae of third stadium were exposed in triplicate to different concentrations (1000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25 and 10 ppm). The larvicidal activity was observed after ten minutes of the beginning of the treatment, in the end showed very significant results, with mortality potentials of up to 100 percent of the tested larvae, indicating accentuated toxical effects in some representatives of the volatile compounds present in the oils. For the oils of S. aromaticum, L. sidoides and H. martiusii DL50 of 1,0; 1,0 and 8,0 ppm, respectively, were observed.

Antibacterial activity of the essential oil from Lippia aff. gracillis.

The essential oil of fresh leaves of Lippia aff. gracillis was analyzed by GC/MS and evaluated for its antibacterial effects. The results showed a moderate antibacterial activity and confirm the traditional uses of L. aff. gracillis.

Toxicity to sea urchin egg development of the quinone fraction obtained from Auxemma oncocalyx.

Auxemma oncocalyx Taub. belongs to the Boraginaceae family and is native to the Brazilian northeast where it is known as "pau-branco". We investigated the ability of the water soluble fraction isolated from the heartwood of A. oncocalyx to inhibit sea urchin egg development. This fraction contains about 80% oncocalyxone A (quinone fraction), a compound known to possess strong cytotoxic and antitumor activities. In fact, the quinone fraction inhibited cleavage in a dose-dependent manner [IC50 of 18.4 (12.4-27.2) microg/ml, N = 6], and destroyed the embryos in the blastula stage [IC50 of 16.2 (13.7-19.2) microg/ml, N = 6]. We suggest that this activity is due to the presence of oncocalyxone A. In fact, these quinones present in A. oncocalyx extract have strong toxicity related to their antimitotic activity.

Toxicity to sea urchin egg development of the quinone fraction obtained from Auxemma oncocalyx

Auxemma oncocalyx Taub. belongs to the Boraginaceae family and is native to the Brazilian northeast where it is known as "pau-branco". We investigated the ability of the water soluble fraction isolated from the heartwood of A. oncocalyx to inhibit sea urchin egg development. This fraction contains about 80 percent oncocalyxone A (quinone fraction), a compound known to possess strong cytotoxic and antitumor activities. In fact, the quinone fraction inhibited cleavage in a dose-dependent manner [IC50 of 18.4 (12.4-27.2) æg/ml, N = 6], and destroyed the embryos in the blastula stage [IC50 of 16.2 (13.7-19.2) æg/ml, N = 6]. We suggest that this activity is due to the presence of oncocalyxone A. In fact, these quinones present in A. oncocalyx extract have strong toxicity related to their antimitotic activity