Pequi oil (Caryocar brasilense Cambess.) nanoemulsion alters cell proliferation and damages key organelles in triple-negative breast cancer cells in vitro.

Pequi oil is extracted from the fruit of a Brazilian native plant (Caryocar brasiliense Camb) that contains some molecules with anticancer potential. Due to its hydrophobic property, the administration of pequi oil associated with nanoemulsion systems represents a successful strategy to improve oil bioavailability. Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer among women and conventional therapies used are frequently associated with several side effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pequi oil-based nanoemulsion (PeNE) on triple-negative breast cancer cells (4T1), in vitro. PeNE presented a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect with lower IC50 than free pequi oil after 48 h of exposure (p < 0.001). At 180 µg/mL, PeNE demonstrated numerous cell alterations, when compared to free pequi oil, such as morphological alterations, reduction in cell proliferation and total cell number, damage to plasmatic membrane, induction of lysosomal membrane permeability and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane, alteration of intracellular ROS production and calcium level, and increase in phosphatidylserine exposure. Taken together, the results suggest an interesting induction of cell death mechanisms involving a combined action of factors that impair nucleus, mitochondria, lysosome, and ER function. In addition, more pronounced effects were observed in cells treated by PeNE at 180 µg/mL when compared to free pequi oil, thereby reinforcing the advantages of using nanometric platforms. These promising results highlight the use of PeNE as a potential complementary therapeutic approach to be employed along with conventional treatments against breast cancer in the future.

Bioanalytical method validation for the quantification of the chlorogenic acid in Capsicum baccatum through High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-DAD).

The fruit pulp extracts of the species Capsicum baccatum are associated with a number of phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to validate a bioanalytical method for the quantification of the chlorogenic acid present in the UENF 1613 de C. baccatum accession. The quantification was carried out through HPLC. The results obtained for the extract of C. baccatum indicated selectivity for chlorogenic acid. The values obtained for relative standard deviation, as well as for precision, in terms of repeatability and intermediate precision, did not exceed the maximum of 15% set in the criteria for the acceptance of bioanalytical methods. In terms of recovery, the accuracy rate for the phenolic compound of interest was from 77 to 93%. The validated method through external standardization was applied for the quantification of chlorogenic acid of the UENF accession.

Larvicidal activity of Ramalina usnea lichen against Aedes aegypti

ABSTRACT The larvicidal activity of the methanol extract, fractions and compounds 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-propyl-methyl benzoate and (+)-usnic acid identified from the lichen Ramalina usnea (L.) R. Howe, Ramalinaceae, was tested against the third instar larvae of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The methanol extract and three fractions showed activity, killing 100% and 96.6% of the larvae at a concentration of 150 µg/ml at 24 h. The isolated compounds, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-propyl-methyl benzoate and the (+)-usnic acid showed larvicidal activity, presenting LC50 values of 4.85 and 4.48 µg/ml, respectively. This is the first study of its kind reporting the larvicidal activity against the A. aegypti mosquito with compound (1).

Antimicrobial activity and chemical analysis of Microlicia hatschbachii Wurdack (Melastomataceae) extract.

Aerial parts of Microlicia hatschbachii were extracted with hexane, and the extract was evaluated for antimicrobial activity by a broth dilution method. After phytochemical procedures: GC-MS identified aliphatic alkanes, carboxylic acids and methyl esters of long-chain fatty acids; and two diterpenoids [labd-8(17)-en-15-oic acid and labd-8(17),13-dien-15-oic acid] were identified by (1)H and (13)C NMR. The antimicrobial activity of the hexane extract could be attributed to the presence of labdanes. This identification is the first reported occurrence of labdane diterpenes in the Melastomataceae family.

Lepidotrichilins A and B, new protolimonoids with cytotoxic activity from Trichilia lepidota (Meliaceae).

Two novel protolimonoids, named lepidotrichilins A (1) and B (2), four known protolimonoids, 21,23-epoxy-7α-21α-dihydroxyapotirucalla-14,24-dien-3-one (3), 21,23-epoxy-7α-21ß-dihydroxyapotiru-calla-14,24-dien-3-one (4), dysorone D (5), deoxy-flindissone (6), and the two steroids ß-sitosterol (7) and stigmasterol (8) were identified in leaves of Trichilia lepidota subsp. schumanniana (Harms) T.D. Pennington. From wood the coumarin scopoletin (9) was isolated. The structures were established by NMR (1D (1)H and (13)C-NMR and 2D (1)H-(1)H COSY, HMQC and HMBC), mass spectroscopy and infrared (IR) spectral data. The hexane and methanol extracts of the leaves, the protolimonoids lepidotrichilins A (1) and B (2) (IC50 42.7 µg mL(-1)) and the protolimonoid deoxy-flindissone (6; IC50 9.3 µgmL(-1)) exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against the MOLT-4 and U937 leukemic cell lines.

New cycloartane-type triterpenes from Marcetia latifolia (Melastomataceae) and in silico studies on Candida parapsilosis protease.

We have previously reported the antimicrobial activity of the ethyl acetate extract of Marcetia latifolia, particularly against Candida parapsilosis. In this work we describe the isolation of two new cycloartane-type triterpenes, 28,29-bis-norcycloartan-3beta,4alpha-diol (1) and 28,29-bis-norcycloart-24-en-3beta,4alpha-diol (2) from the same extract. These compounds were mainly characterized by one- (1H, 13C and APT) and two-dimensional (1H-1H-COSY, 1H-1H-NOESY, HMQC and HMBC) NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and comparison with published structural data. In addition, the activity of triterpenes 1 and 2 on the Candida protease target was investigated by in silico methods using molecular docking.

Comparative larvicidal activity of essential oils from three medicinal plants against Aedes aegypti L.

This work aimed at comparing larvicidal activity of essential oils extracted from the dried leaves of Alpinia speciosa, Cymbopogon citratus, and Rosmarinus officinalis against Ae. aegypti larvae. The larvae were observed for 4 h and at 24 h according to a completely randomized design with three replications and the following concentrations [µl/ml]: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and controls were distilled water, and commercial standard citral, camphor, eucalyptol, α-pinene, and ß-myrcene. The essential oil of C. citratus had the lowest LC50 (0.28) and LC90 (0.56) values, followed by that of A. speciosa (0.94 and 1.2, resp.) and of R. officinalis (1.18 and 1.67, resp.), and only the commercial standards citral and α-pinene were larvicidal.

Isolamento, identificação e avaliação da atividade antileucêmica de alcaloides indólicos monoterpênicos de Tabernaemontana salzmannii (A. DC.), Apocynaceae / Isolation, identification and antileukemic activity of the monoterpene indole alkaloids from Tabernaemontana salzmannii (A. DC.), Apocynaceae

O presente trabalho descreve o isolamento e a identificação de nove alcaloides indólicos monoterpênicos das cascas das raízes e folhas de Tabernaemontana salzmannii (Apocynaceae). As estruturas dos alcaloides foram identificadas através de métodos espectroscópicos uni (RMN ¹H, 13C, APT) e bidimensionais (¹H-¹H-COSY, ¹H-¹H-NOESY, HMQC e HMBC) e espectrometria de massas (EM), além da comparação com dados de literatura. Um screening in vitro da atividade antileucêmica foi feito com os alcaloides majoritários isolados. Dentre os nove alcaloides isolados, a isovoacangina e voacangina mostraram-se capazes de induzir morte celular por apoptose em células leucêmicas humanas THP-1.

This work describes the isolation and structural determination of nine monoterpenic indole alkaloids from the roots bark and leaves of Tabernaemontana salzmannii. The alkaloids were identified by spectroscopic methods uni (NMR ¹H, 13C, APT) and two-dimensional (¹H-¹H-COSY, ¹H-¹H-NOESY, HMQC and HMBC) and mass spectra besides comparison with literature data. An in vitro screening was done with the isolated major alkaloids. Among the nine alkaloids isolated, isovoacangine and voacangine alkaloids were able to induce apoptosis cell death in human leukemic cells line THP-1.

Isolamento, identificação e avaliação da atividade antileucêmica de alcaloides indólicos monoterpênicos de Tabernaemontana salzmannii A. DC., Apocynaceae / Isolation, identification and antileukemic activity of the monoterpene indole alkaloids from Tabernaemontana salzmannii A. DC., Apocynaceae

O presente trabalho descreve o isolamento e a identificação de nove alcaloides indólicos monoterpênicos das cascas das raízes e folhas de Tabernaemontana salzmannii (Apocynaceae). As estruturas dos alcaloides foram identificadas através de métodos espectroscópicos uni (RMN ¹H, 13C, APT) e bidimensionais (¹H-¹H-COSY, ¹H-¹H-NOESY, HMQC e HMBC) e espectrometria de massas (EM), além da comparação com dados de literatura. Um screening in vitro da atividade antileucêmica foi feito com os alcaloides majoritários isolados. Dentre os nove alcaloides isolados, a isovoacangina e voacangina mostraram-se capazes de induzir morte celular por apoptose em células leucêmicas humanas THP-1.

This work describes the isolation and structural determination of nine monoterpenic indole alkaloids from the root barks and leaves of Tabernaemontana salzmannii. The alkaloids were identified by spectroscopic methods uni (NMR ¹H, 13C, APT) and two-dimensional (¹H-¹H-COSY, ¹H-¹H-NOESY, HMQC and HMBC) and mass spectra besides comparison with literature data. An in vitro screening was done with the isolated major alkaloids. Among the nine alkaloids isolated, isovoacangine and voacangine alkaloids were able to induce apoptosis cell death in human leukemic cells line THP-1.

Fragmentation of plumeran indole alkaloids from Aspidosperma spruceanum by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

The fragmentation of six plumeran indole alkaloids (PIAs) previously isolated from Aspidosperma spruceanum has been investigated by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) in the positive ion mode. The fragmentation pathways have been established on the basis of MS/MS experiments using fragment ions generated in-source and deuterium-labeled alkaloids as precursor ions and on the basis of accurate mass measurements. Our results demonstrated that the fragmentation routes observed for the protonated PIAs are essentially derived from a pericyclic reaction and from the opening of rings D and E, followed by 1,4-hydrogen rearrangements. Product ions resulting from radical eliminations were also observed, contrary to the 'even-electron rule'. Our data reveals that some product ions from protonated PIAs provide crucial information for the characterization of the acyl substituent at N-1, the methoxyl and hydroxyl groups at the aromatic moiety, and give evidence of an ether bridge between C-18 and C-21. The data reported here were used for the dereplication of these compounds in a stem bark methanolic extract of Aspidosperma spruceanum.

Chemical constituents and lethality of Paullinia weinmanniaefolia (Sapindaceae) against Artemia salina Leach / Constituintes químicos e letalidade de Paullinia weinmanniaefolia (Sapindaceae) contra Artemia salina Leach

The extracts obtained from leaves and steam of Paullinia weinmmaniaefolia were tested against Artemia salina larvae and showed significant lethality. The extracts in dichloromethane of the leaves, in methanol and methanol-water (8:2) of the steam showed activity with LC50 values of 366.87, 375.38 and 620.30 ppm, respectively. Seven triterpenes, two steroids and one cyclitol were characterized by spectrometric methods with majoritary constituents of these extracts.

Os extratos obtidos de folhas e caule de Paullinia weinmmaniaefolia foram testados contra larvas de Artemia salina e mostraram significante letalidade. Os extratos das folhas em diclorometano e do caule em metanol e metanol-água (8:2) apresentaram atividade com valores de CL50 366,87; 375,38 e 620,30 ppm, respectivamente. Sete triterpenos, dois esteróides e um ciclitol foram identificados através de técnicas espectrométricas como principais constituintes destes extratos.

Two fast screening methods (GC-MS and TLC-ChEI assay) for rapid evaluation of potential anticholinesterasic indole alkaloids in complex mixtures.

The pharmacotherapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) includes the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI). Recent investigations for novel AD therapeutic agents from plants suggested that Tabernaemontana genus is a promising source of novel anticholinesterasic indole alkaloids. In this work two fast screening techniques were combined in order to easily identify novel cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the less polar alkaloidic fractions obtained from the acid-base extraction of the stalk of T. laeta revealed thirteen monoindole alkaloids, four of them confirmed by co-injection with previously isolated alkaloids. The others were tentatively identified by mass fragmentation analysis. By gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and using isatin as internal standard, affinisine and voachalotine were determined as major compounds. These fractions and fourteen previously isolated alkaloids, obtained from root bark of T. laeta and T. hystrix were investigated for acetyl (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activities by the modified Ellman's method in thin layer chromatography(TLC-ChEI). Results showed selective inhibition of the alkaloids heyneanine and Nb-methylvoachalotine for BuChE, and 19-epi-isovoacristine for AChE, whereas olivacine, affinisine, ibogamine, affinine, conodurine and hystrixnine inhibited both enzymes. In addition to confirming that monoterpenoid indole alkaloids can be novel therapeutic agents for AD, this is the first report of the ChEI activity of olivacine, a pyridocarbazole alkaloid.

Two fast screening methods (GC-MS and TLC-ChEI assay) for rapid evaluation of potential anticholinesterasic indole alkaloids in complex mixtures

The pharmacotherapyfor Alzheimer's disease (AD) includes the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI). Recent investigations for novel AD therapeutic agents from plants suggested that Tabernaemontana genus is a promising source of novel anticholinesterasic indole alkaloids. In this work two fast screening techniques were combined in order to easily identify novel cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the less polar alkaloidic fractions obtained from the acid-base extraction of the stalk of T. laeta revealed thirteen monoindole alkaloids, four of them confirmed by co-injection with previously isolated alkaloids. The others were tentatively identified by mass fragmentation analysis. By gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and using isatin as internal standard, affinisine and voachalotine were determined as major compounds. These fractions and fourteen previously isolated alkaloids, obtained from root bark of T. laeta and T. hystrix were investigated for acetyl (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activities by the modified Ellman's method in thin layer chromatography(TLC-ChEI). Results showed selective inhibition of the alkaloids heyneanine and Nb-methylvoachalotine for BuChE, and 19-epi-isovoacristine for AChE, whereas olivacine, affinisine, ibogamine, affinine, conodurine and hystrixnineinhibited both enzymes. In addition to confirming that monoterpenoid indole alkaloids can be novel therapeutic agents for AD, this is the first report of the ChEI activity of olivacine, a pyridocarbazole alkaloid.

Dentre os tratamentos da doença de Alzheimer (DA) está o uso de inibidores da enzima acetilcolinesterase. Pesquisas recentes visando a descoberta de novos agentes terapêuticos naturais para esta doença sugerem que o gênero Tabernaemontana é uma fonte promissora de alcalóides indólicos anticolinesterásicos. Neste trabalho, duas técnicas de análise em mistura foram associadas de modo a identificar facilmente novos inibidores colinesterásicos. A cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas (CG-EM) das frações alcaloídicas apolares, obtidas da extração ácido-base do caule de T. laeta, revelou a presença de treze alcalóides monoindólicos, quatro deles confirmados por co-injeção com padrões previamente isolados. Os outros alcalóides foram tentativamente identificados pelo padrão de fragmentação de massas. Por cromatografia em fase gasosa com detecção por ionização de chama (CG-DIC) e utilizando isatina como padrão interno, affinisina e voachalotina foram identificadas como substâncias majoritárias. As frações alcaloídicas obtidas e os quatorze alcalóides previamente isolados das raízes de T. laeta e T. hystrix foram analisados quanto à atividade inibitória das enzimas acetil (AChE) e butirilcolinesterase (BuChE) pelo método de Ellman em cromatografia em camada delgada (CCD-ChEI). Os resultados revelaram uma inibição seletiva dos alcalóides heyneanina e Nb-metilvoachalotina para BuChE e de 19-epi-isovoacristina para AChE, enquanto que olivacina, affinisina, ibogamina, affinina, conodurina e hystrixnina inibiram ambas as enzimas. Além de confirmar que alcalóides indólicos monoterpênicos são agentes terapêuticos promissores para o tratamento da DA, este é o primeiro relato da atividade anticolinesterásica de olivacina, um alcalóide piridocarbazólico.

Chemical constituents from the Paraguayan medicinal plant, Eupatorium macrocephalum Less.

This is the first phytochemical study of Eupatorium macrocephalum describing the isolation and identification of six triterpenes, one diterpene glycoside ester, six steroids, one flavonoid known as cirsilol, and six cinnamic acids derivatives. The structures of these known compounds were determined by spectral data analysis and comparison with literature values.

Two new diprenylated coumarins from Flindersia brayleyana.

Flindersia brayleyana F. Muell. contains the diprenylated coumarins 1 and 2, in addition to the known coumarins braylin (3) and brayleyanin (4). The structures of the new natural products were elucidated by extensive NMR analysis and mass spectra.