Green synthesis of novel YMnO3-doped TiO2 for enhanced visible-light- driven photocatalytic degradation of malachite green.

Recently, new methods of utilizing chemistry materials to overcome environmental issues worldwide, for instance, water purification have widely evolved since it is well-aligned with the sustainable development goals 6: clean water and sanitation. These issues have become a vital research topic for researchers in the last decade, particularly, the use of green photocatalyst due to the limitation of renewable resources. Herein, we report the modification of titanium dioxide with yttrium manganite (TiO2/YMnO3) by a novel high-speed stirring technique in n-hexane-water utilizing Annona muricata L. leaf extracts (AMLE). The YMnO3 incorporation in the presence of TiO2 was introduced to accelerate the photocatalytic performance for the degradation of malachite green in aqueous media. TiO2 modification with YMnO3 presented a drastic decline of bandgap energy from 3.34 to 2.38 eV and the highest rate constant (kapp) of 2.275 × 10-2 min-1. Surprisingly, TiO2/YMnO3 exhibited an extraordinary photodegradation efficiency of 95.34%, which was 1.9-fold higher than that of TiO2 under visible light illumination. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the formation of a TiO2/YMnO3 heterojunction, narrower optical band gap, excellent charge carrier separation. H+ and .O2- were the major scavenger species that play a significant role in the photodegradation of malachite green. Additionally, TiO2/YMnO3 shows outstanding stability over five cycles of photocatalytic reaction without significant loss of its effectiveness. This work presents a recent understanding of the green construction of a novel TiO2-based YMnO3 photocatalyst with excellent efficiency in the visible region for environmental technology application in water purification specifically in degrading organic dyes.

Influence of Foliar Application of Hydrogen Peroxide on Gas Exchange, Photochemical Efficiency, and Growth of Soursop under Salt Stress.

Hydrogen peroxide at low concentrations has been used as a salt stress attenuator because it induces a positive response in the antioxidant system of plants. This study aimed to assess the gas exchange, quantum yield, and development of soursop plants cv. Morada Nova grown with saline water irrigation and foliar hydrogen peroxide application. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions using a randomized block design in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme corresponding to four levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water, ECw (0.8, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 dS m-1), and four doses of hydrogen peroxide, H2O2 (0, 10, 20, and 30 µM), with three replicates. The use of irrigation water with electrical conductivity above 0.8 dS m-1 inhibited stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, transpiration, maximum fluorescence, crown height, and vegetative vigor index of the Morada Nova cultivar of soursop. Compared to untreated plants, the hydrogen peroxide concentration of 30 µM resulted in greater stomatal conductance. Water salinity of 0.8 dS m-1 with hydrogen peroxide concentrations of 16 and 13 µM resulted in the highest variable fluorescence and quantum efficiency of photosystem II, respectively, of soursop plants cv. Morada Nova at 210 days after transplantation.

Yeasts from fermented Brazilian fruits as biotechnological tools for increasing phenolics bioaccessibility and improving the volatile profile in derived pulps.

Caatinga Biome fruits have been scarcely explored as a source of biotechnological yeasts. This study isolated yeasts from naturally fermented Caatinga fruits and evaluated Hanseniaspora opuntiae125,Issatchenkia terricola 129, and Hanseniaspora opuntiae 148 on fermentation of soursop and umbu-cajá pulps. All strains were able to ferment the pulps (72 h), increasing (p < 0.05) acetic acid, phenolics concentration and bioaccessibility, and maintaining counts above 7 log CFU/mL after fermentation and/or in vitro digestion. H. opuntiae 125 showed the highest counts (8.43-8.76 log CFU/mL; p < 0.05) in pulps and, higher organic acids production, increased survival to digestion, and higher bioaccessibility of various phenolics (p < 0.05) in the umbu-cajá pulp.I. terricola129 andH. opuntiae 148 showed higher metabolic activity, concentration and bioaccessibility of specific phenolics in umbu-cajá and soursop pulps, respectively (p < 0.05). Volatiles varied (p < 0.05) with the yeast strain. Generally, the yeast biotechnological performance for pulp fermentation was better on its fruit source.

Pharmacological Activities of Soursop (Annona muricata Lin.).

Soursop (Annona muricata Lin.) is a plant belonging to the Annonaceae family that has been widely used globally as a traditional medicine for many diseases. In this review, we discuss the traditional use, chemical content, and pharmacological activities of A.muricata. From 49 research articles that were obtained from 1981 to 2021, A.muricata's activities were shown to include anticancer (25%), antiulcer (17%), antidiabetic (14%), antiprotozoal (10%), antidiarrhea (8%), antibacterial (8%), antiviral (8%), antihypertensive (6%), and wound healing (4%). Several biological activities and the general mechanisms underlying the effects of A.muricata have been tested both in vitro and in vivo. A.muricata contains chemicals such as acetogenins (annomuricins and annonacin), alkaloids (coreximine and reticuline), flavonoids (quercetin), and vitamins, which are predicted to be responsible for the biological activity of A.muricata.

Synergistic Cotreatment Potential of Soursop (Annona muricata L.) Leaves Extract with Doxorubicin on 4T1 Cells with Antisenescence and Anti-reactive-oxygen-species Properties.

Annona muricata L. extract (AME) exhibits cytotoxic activities on various types of cancer cells. This study aims to unveil the anticancer activity of AME as a cotreatment agent with doxorubicin (dox) on 4T1 cells and AME's relation to senescence. AME was obtained by maceration using 96% ethanol. AME was then subjected to qualitative analysis using TLC compared to quercetin (hRf = 75). Spectrophotometry analysis of AME resulted in a total flavonoid content of 2.3% ± 0.05%. Cytotoxic evaluation using the MTT assay revealed that AME showed an IC50 value of 63 µg/mL, while its combination (25 µg/mL) with dox (10 nM) decreased the viability of 4T1 cells to 58 % (CI = 0.15). Flowcytometry using propidium iodide staining confirmed that AME (13 and 25 µg/mL) caused cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase as a single treatment and G2/M arrest in combination with dox. However, by using the dichloro dihydrofluorescein diacetate staining assay, it turned out that AME at concentrations of 13 and 25 µg/mL decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels both as a single treatment and in combination with dox. Senescence-associated ß - galactosidase assay showed that AME decreased dox-induced senescence. AME alone and in combination with dox (cotreatment) showed cytotoxic effect synergistically on 4T1 cells, but this was not caused by an increase in intracellular ROS levels as well as senescence induction. Therefore, AME showed its potential to be a cotreatment agent with antioxidant property on triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Antiproliferation Activity and Apoptotic Mechanism of Soursop (Annona muricata L.) Leaves Extract and Fractions on MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women globally, and the incidence rate has increased annually. Traditional medicine is frequently used as a cancer treatment, and soursop or Annona muricata L (A. muricata) is a traditional medicinal plant that has been widely used as an anticancer treatment and requires more thorough study. METHODS: In this research, we prepared ethanol extract and three solvents, ie, ethyl acetate, n-hexane and water fractions of A. muricata leaves and assessed their antiproliferation and cytotoxic activity on MCF7 breast cancer cells compared with that on CV1 normal kidney cells; observation of cell morphology by stained with mixture of propidium iodide and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole indicated that this treatment induced an ongoing process of apoptotic cell death in MCF7 cells. To clarify the cell death mechanism via apoptosis, we assessed the mRNA expression in the caspase cascade of caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP-1, and anti-apoptotic, Bcl-2 which mediated cytotoxic activity of extracts and ethyl acetate fractions of A. muricata leaves against MCF7 cells. RESULTS: The ethanol extract, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, and water fractions of A. muricata leaves had IC50 values of 5.3, 2.86, 3.08, and 48.31 µg/mL, respectively, in MCF7 cells but had no activity in CV1 cells. The high cytotoxic activity of A. muricata leaves was reflected by changes in the morphology of cancer cells that appeared after 6 h exposure to A. muricata leaf extract and ethyl acetate fraction; the membrane and nucleus of cells undergoing apoptosis were characterized by the rupture and loss of membranes and nuclei. The mechanism that mediates this cytotoxic activity in MCF7 cells was mediated through a decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and an increase in caspase-9 and caspase-3 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the leaves of the medicinal plant A. muricata contained compounds that on extraction exerted a highly effective activity as an anticancer treatment for breast cancer via induced apoptotic cell death.

Anti-parasitic activity of Annona muricata L. leaf ethanolic extract and its fractions against Toxoplasma gondii in vitro and in vivo.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine are the two drugs used as part of the standard therapy for toxoplasmosis, however; they may cause adverse side effects and fail to prevent relapse in many patients, rendering infected individuals at risk of reactivation upon becoming immunocompromised. Extracts from various parts of Annona muricata have been widely used medicinally for the management, control and/or treatment of several human diseases, acting against parasites that cause diseases in humans. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was performed to investigate the action of the ethanolic extract of A. muricata (EtOHAm) and its fractions in the control of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii in vitro and in vivo, and the effect of EtOHAm on the inflammatory response and lipid profile alteration induced by in vivo T. gondii infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cytotoxicity of EtOHAm and its fractions ethyl acetate (EtOAcAm), n-butanol (BuOHAm), aqueous (H2OAm), hexane (HexAm) and dichloromethane (CH2Cl2Am) was evaluated in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts using the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cells were infected with T. gondii, treated with the extracts, and parasite proliferation was analyzed. For the in vivo experiments, C57BL/6 mice were orally infected with T. gondii and, treated with different concentrations of extract fractions that were effective in vitro (EtOHAm, EtOAcAm, HexAm and CH2Cl2Am). Tissue parasitism, histological alterations, systemic cytokine and lipid profile were investigated. RESULTS: EtOHAm, EtOAcAm, BuOHAm, H2OAm presented low cytotoxicity until doses of 200 µg/mL, while HexAm and CH2Cl2Am presented toxicity from doses of 100µg/mL. EtOHAm, HexAm and CH2Cl2Am decreased the parasitism in vitro, presenting a therapeutic index of 2.62, 2.44, and 2.96, respectively. In vivo, EtOHAm, HexAm and CH2Cl2Am improved the survival rate of infected animals, however, only EtOHAm was able to decrease the parasitism in the small intestine and lung. Additionally, EtOHAm decreased the systemic interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) systemically in infected mice, and was able to maintain the triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) lipid fractions at similar levels to uninfected animals. Although treatment with EtOHAm could not control the inflammation induced by oral infection in the tissues analyzed, it was able to preserve the number of goblet cells in the small intestine. CONCLUSIONS: Ethanolic A. muricata leaf extract could be considered as a good candidate for the development of a complementary/alternative therapy against toxoplasmosis, and also as an anti-inflammatory alternative for decreasing TNF and IFN-γ concentrations and lipid fractions in specific diseases.

Development, Characterization and Microbiological Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticles, Obtained by Green Synthesis, from the Extract of Annona muricata L

Abstract Green synthesis is an efficient method, frequently applied in nanobiotechnology, as it does not use toxic reagents or solvents. Biological organisms, including medicinal plants, have been used successfully for manufacturing of different types of metallic nanoparticles. The aim of this work was to synthesize, characterize and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained from the extract of the pulp, seed and leaves of Annona muricata L. The particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, as well as morphological aspects of AgNPs were evaluated. With the data obtained from the analyses, we concluded that the nanoparticles were successfully obtained by a simple and green method using the aqueous extract of the pulp, seeds and leaves of A. muricata. AgNPs obtained by A. muricata pulp extract without exposure to artificial light showed lowest average of hydrodynamic diameter and smallest size at field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). In addition, these nanoparticles showed the best polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential of - 29.6, which indicates good stability. AgNPs obtained from the extract of the pulp, seed and leaves showed antimicrobial activity, against strains of gram positive and gram negative bacteria, and antifungal activity, compared to the pure extract.

Selective cytotoxic and anti-metastatic activity in DU-145 prostate cancer cells induced by Annona muricata L. bark extract and phytochemical, annonacin.

BACKGROUND: Annona muricata L. was identified as a popular medicinal plant in treatment regimens among cancer patients in Jamaica by a previously conducted structured questionnaire. Ethnomedically used plant parts, were examined in this study against human prostate cancer cells for the first time and mechanisms of action elucidated for the most potent of them, along with the active phytochemical, annonacin. METHODS: Nine extracts of varying polarity from the leaves and bark of A. muricata were assessed initially for cytotoxicity using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay on PC-3 prostate cancer cells and the ethyl acetate bark (EAB) extract was identified as the most potent. EAB extract was then standardized for annonacin content using High-performance Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and shown to be effective against a second prostate cancer cell line (DU-145) also. The mode of cell death in DU-145 cells were assessed via several apoptotic assays including induction of increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspases and annexin V externalization combined with morphological observations using confocal microscopy. In addition, the potential to prevent metastasis was examined via inhibition of cell migration, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenesis using the chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM). RESULTS: Annonacin and EAB extract displayed selective and potent cytotoxicity against the DU-145 prostate carcinoma cells with IC50 values of 0.1 ± 0.07 µM and 55.501 ± 0.55 µg/mL respectively, without impacting RWPE-1 normal prostate cells, in stark contrast to chemotherapeutic docetaxel which lacked such selectivity. Docetaxel's impact on the cancerous DU-145 was improved by 50% when used in combination with EAB extract. Insignificant levels of intracellular ROS content, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane, Caspase 3/7 activation, annexin V content, along with stained morphological evaluations, pointed to a non-apoptotic mode of cell death. The extract at 50 µg/mL deterred cell migration in the wound-healing assay, while inhibition of angiogenesis was displayed in the CAM and VEGF inhibition assays for both EAB (100 µg /mL) and annonacin (0.5 µM). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the standardized EAB extract and annonacin appear to induce selective and potent cell death via a necrotic pathway in DU-145 cells, while also preventing cell migration and angiogenesis, which warrant further examinations for mechanistic insights and validity in-vivo.

Risk assessment regarding the use of Annona muricata in food supplements.

The current risk assessment was performed in the context of the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA) supported by EFSA and was intended to evaluate possible health risks associated with the consumption of Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) and derived food supplements. A. muricata grows as a tree and is native to the Caribbean and Central America. Preparations made from different plant parts of A. muricata (i.e. fruit, leaves, bark, roots) have been used as herbal medicine and are also marketed worldwide as over-the-counter food supplements that have been purported to support general health or to treat a wide range of health conditions, particularly cancer and parasitic infections. However, open questions remain regarding the safety of A. muricata-based food supplements, since Annonaceae have been reported to contain potentially neurotoxic compounds, i.e. acetogenins. The assessment conducted within the present fellowship programme shows that substantial uncertainties exist regarding the safe use of A. muricata-based supplements. The available data provide indications of neurotoxic potential of certain A. muricata preparations. The paucity of adequate studies, particularly related to long-term use of A. muricata supplements, currently does not allow the establishment of a safe intake level. Within this technical report a workflow of the project is presented.

Optimization of pectinase-assisted extraction of Annona muricata L. juice and the effect of liquefaction on its pectin structure.

BACKGROUND: Soursop (Annona muricata L.) is an underutilized tropical and subtropical fruit with high nutritional and therapeutic benefits. This fruit is faced with enormous post-harvest losses due to its high perishability. This work was aimed to optimize the pectinase-assisted extraction conditions of soursop juice using Doehlert design and to study the effect of pectinase on its pectin structure. RESULTS: The predicted models were validated for all the responses studied and the regression coefficients ranged from 0.905 to 0.987 (P ≤ 0.05). An incubation time of 172 min, enzyme concentration of 0.04% (w/w) and incubation temperature at 42.9 °C were found to be the optimal conditions for soursop juice extraction, which resulted in 75.20%, 3.74, 7.35 °Brix, 87.06%T, and 0.44% MAE for soursop juice yield (%), pH, total soluble solids (TSS) (°Brix), clarity (%T) and titratable acidity (% malic acid equivalent, MAE), respectively. Morphologically, untreated soursop pulp presented a non-uniform spherical surface; enzyme hydrolyzed soursop exhibited ruptured and wrinkled surface; meanwhile for the different pectin obtained, untreated soursop pectin depicted porous surface and enzyme hydrolyzed soursop pectin showed whirling rough surface. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) confirmed the presence of similar chemical group stretching and vibrations in commercial pectin and soursop pectin. CONCLUSION: Under the optimum conditions, the numerical predictions were similar to the experimental data obtained, thus confirming the validity of the models. Application of enzyme treatment caused the breakdown of pectin structure as illustrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR analyses.

Annona muricata L.-Derived Polysaccharides as a Potential Adjuvant to a Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccine in a Thymoma-Bearing Model.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are powerful antigen-presenting cells that are often used to evaluate adjuvants, particularly for adjuvant selection for various vaccines. Here, polysaccharides (named ALP) isolated from leaves of Annona muricata L., which are used in traditional medicine such as for bacterial infections and inflammatory diseases, were evaluated as an adjuvant candidate that can induce anti-tumor activity. We first confirmed the phenotypic (surface molecules, cytokines, antigen uptake, and antigen-presenting ability) and functional alterations (T cell proliferation/activation) of DCs in vitro. We also confirmed the adjuvant effect by evaluating anti-tumor activity and immunity using an ALP-treated DC-immunized mouse model. ALP functionally induced DC maturation by up-regulating the secretion of Th1-polarizing pro-inflammatory cytokines, the expression of surface molecules, and antigen-presenting ability. ALP triggered DC maturation, which is dependent on the activation of the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. ALP-activated DCs showed an ample capacity to differentiate naive T cells to Th1 and activated CD8+ T cells effectively. The systemic administration of DCs that pulse ALP and ovalbumin peptides strongly increased cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity (by 9.5% compared to that in the control vaccine groups), the generation of CD107a-producing multifunctional T cells, and Th1-mediated humoral immunity, and caused a significant reduction (increased protection by 29% over that in control vaccine groups) in tumor growth. ALP, which triggers the Th1 and CTL response, provides a basis for a new adjuvant for various vaccines.

Actividad cicatrizante de seis extractos hidroalcohólicos de plantas en heridas incisas de Rattus norvegicus albinus / Healing activity of six hydroalcoholic extracts of plants in incised wounds of Rattus norvegicus albinus

Introducción: En la medicina militar, los agentes cicatrizantes naturales frente a heridas por incisión son relevantes en el tratamiento de los militares. Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad cicatrizante de los extractos hidroalcohólicos de Peperomia congona Sodiro (congona), Annona muricata L. (guanábana), Urtica urens L. (ortiga),Ormosia coccinea (Aubl) Jacks (huayruro), Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill. (tuna) y Musa acuminata Colla (plátano bellaco) en heridas incisas de Rattus norvegicus albinus (rata albina). Métodos: Estudio analítico experimental de tipo prospectivo y longitudinal. Se realizó el análisis fitoquímico preliminar de los 6 extractos. Se emplearon 80 ratas albinas machos, aleatorizadas y distribuidas en 8 grupos (n = 10). Se realizó una aplicación dermal durante 10 días consecutivos posteriores a la generación de heridas incisas que se realizaron en el dorso. Grupo I (cloruro de sodio al 0,9 por ciento). Grupo II (gel cicatrizante comercial). Del Grupo III al VIII fueron tratados con extracto hidroalcohólico de congona, guanábana, ortiga, huairuro, tuna y plátano bellaco respectivamente. La evolución de la cicatrización fue seguida en los días 1, 5 y 11 y medida en milímetros. Resultados: Se detectó la presencia de alcaloides, compuestos fenólicos y flavonoides en los 6 extractos; además de cumarinas en congona, taninos en guanábana, ortiga, tuna y huayruro, y quinonas en guanábana y plátano bellaco. Se comprobó la actividad cicatrizante en los extractos de guanábana (69,77 por ciento), tuna (66,27 por ciento), plátano bellaco (64,38 por ciento), ortiga (56,73 por ciento), congona (55,74 por ciento) y huayruro (54,50 por ciento), comparados con un gel comercial (72,21 por ciento). Conclusiones: El extracto hidroalcohólico de las hojas de Annona muricata L. (guanábana) presentó la mayor actividad cicatrizante en heridas incisas de ratas albinas machos(AU)

Introduction: In military medicine, natural healing agents against incision wounds are relevant in the treatment of the military. Objective: To evaluate the healing activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Peperomia congona Sodiro (congona), Annona muricata L. (guanabana), Urtica urens L. (ortiga), Ormosia coccinea (Aubl) Jacks (huairuro), Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill. (tuna) and Musa acuminata Colla (platano bellaco) in incised wounds of Rattus norvegicus albinus (albino rat). Methods: Experimental analytical study of prospective and longitudinal type. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the 6 extracts was carried out. We used 80 male albino rats, randomized and distributed in 8 groups (n = 10). A dermal application was made during 10 consecutive days after the generation of incised wounds that were made on the back. Group I (0.9 percent sodium chloride). Group II (commercial healing gel). From Group III to VIII they were treated with hydroalcoholic extract of congona, guanábana, ortiga, huairuro, tuna and platano bellaco respectively. The evolution of healing was followed on days 1, 5 and 11 and measured in millimeters. Results: The presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids was detected in the 6 extracts; in addition to coumarins in congona, tannins in guanábana, nettle, tuna and huayruro, quinonas in guanábana and plantain bellaco. The healing activity was verified in the extracts of guanabana (69.77 percent), tuna (66.27 percent), platano bellaco (64.38 percent), ortiga (56.73 percent), congona (55.74 percent) and huayruro (54.50 percent), compared with a commercial gel (72.21 percent). Conclusions: The hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of Annona muricata L. (guanábana) showed the highest healing activity in incised wounds of male albino rats(AU)

The complete chloroplast genome of Annona muricata L.: a tropical fruit with important medicinal properties.

Annona muricata L. (A. muricata) is an important tropical fruit and medicinal plant. It is one of the easily found plants used traditionally in treating cancer. In many tropical countries, especially in Southeast Asia, A. muricata is popular for its edible fruit and medicinal merits. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of A. muricata was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. The chloroplast genome of A. muricata was found to be a double strand ring structure with the size of 196,038 bp that consists of four regions: a large single-copy region of 75,339 bp, a small single-copy region of 3105 bp, and two inverted repeat regions of 58,797 bp. The GC content of the whole chloroplast genome was 39.92%. It was found that 111 protein-coding genes, one Pseudogene, 38 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes were annotated in the chloroplast genome, and the total number of genes was 158. DNA sequences of the chloroplast genomes of 19 species which belonged to three families of Magnoliales order were analyzed and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. The result indicated that A. muricata, Annona cherimola, Uvaria macrophylla, Greenwayodendron suaveolens, and Chieniodendron hainanense had a close phylogenetic relationship. The findings also provided abundant basic data for the genomics study of A. muricata.

Graviola Fruit Bar Added Acerola By-Product Extract Protects Against Inflammation and Nociception in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Studies involving foods associated with pain reversal and anti-inflammatory effects using zebrafish are rarely reported in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of graviola (Annona muricata L.) fruit bar (GFB) and GFB added with acerola (Malpighia glabra L) seed extract (ASE) on acute nociception and abdominal inflammation in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Acute nociception was induced by formalin, capsaicin, cinnamaldehyde, acidic saline, glutamate (cutaneous models), and hypertonic saline (corneal model), and inflammation was induced by carrageenan. Both GFB and ASE exhibited antinociceptive effect modulated by the nitrergic system, guanylate cyclase, and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 and acid-sensing ion channels. The antinociceptive effect of GFB also appears to be modulated by the opioid system and glutamatergic receptors (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor). Only ASE presented corneal antinociceptive effect. Both samples showed anti-inflammatory effect, being more significant the effect of GFB. The addition of acerola by-product extract in GFB results in a product with greater biological potential.

Purification and biochemical characterization of polyphenol oxidase from soursop (Annona muricata L.) and its inactivation by microwave and ultrasound treatments.

The soursop (Annona muricata L.) is a climacteric fruit that may undergo enzymatic browning during ripening, mainly by the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Soursop PPO was purified 160-fold by hydrophobic interaction and ion-exchange chromatography. The native structure has a molecular weight of 112 kDa corresponding to a dimeric structure. The protein has an optimum pH and temperature of 6.5 and 25°C, respectively; and activation energy of 40.97 kJ·mol-1 . The lowest Km value was observed for caffeic acid (0.47 mM); the best substrate was 4-methyl-catechol (1,067 U·mM-1  min-1 ). Inactivation assays showed that PPO was completely inactivated by tropolone, Na2 S2 O5 and ascorbic acid, and thermally at 55°C for <5 min, microwave exposure reduced activity to 57% at 70 W in 30 s and ultrasound treatment diminished activity to 43% at 120 W in 220 s. This study allows a better understanding of soursop PPO behavior and provides inactivation information. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The conservation of fresh fruits is complicated due to the enzymatic reactions that are present in fruits, such as enzymatic browning. The enzymes responsible for these reactions can be inactivated by, different chemical compounds as well as by the use of emerging technologies, such as microwaves and sonication, which seek to satisfy the consumer needs to obtain fresh products with good nutritional characteristics and adequate safety.

Avaliação sensorial e intenção de compra de doce em massa de graviola / Sensory evaluation and intention to purchase of candy in graviola mass

Objetivou-se desenvolver e avaliar sensorialmente doces em massa de graviola com substituição parcial da sacarose por xarope de glicose. As formulações de doces foram elaboradas variando a concentração de xarope de glicose em substituição a sacarose. A análise sensorial foi aprovada pelo comitê de ética em pesquisa da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Os doces apresentaram cor, aroma e sabor característicos do fruto. Percebeu-se que a aceitação sensorial apresentou semelhança significativas entre as formulações e boa impressão global, ficando com média que remete a “gostei moderadamente”. Todas as formulações alcançaram valores satisfatórios para a avaliação sensorial, sendo a formulação com substituição parcial de 19,70% a que apresentou maior aceitação.

Formation of soursop seedlings irrigated using waters with different salinity levels and nitrogen fertilization / Formação de mudas de gravioleira irrigadas com águas de distintas salinidades e adubação nitrogenada

Using saline waters in agriculture has become common in many regions worldwide, but some techniques have been developed to enable the use of these waters in order not to harm the crop. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the growth of soursop seedlings, cv. 'Morada Nova', under interaction between salt stress and nitrogen (N) fertilization. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in randomized block design, in 5 x 4 factorial scheme, with 4 replicates, formed by the combination of five levels of irrigation water electrical conductivity - ECw (0.3; 1.1; 1.9; 2.4 and 3.5 dS m-¹) and four N doses (70, 100, 130 and 160%). The dose relative to 100% corresponded to 100 mg of N dm-³ of soil. The interaction between N doses and water salinity levels did not affect the seedling production stage of soursop, cv. 'Morada Nova'. The growth of 'Morada Nova' soursop seedlings subjected to different water salinity levels was less affected in the initial stage (45 days after treatment application). Water with ECw of 2.0 dS m-¹ can be used to produce soursop seedlings, because it leads to an acceptable mean growth reduction of 10%. N doses higher than 70 mg dm-³ do not either attenuate salt stress or promote higher growth of soursop seedlings, cv. 'Morada Nova'.

O uso de águas salinas na agricultura tornou-se um fato corriqueiro em diversas regiões do mundo. Contudo algumas técnicas têm sido desenvolvidas para viabilizar o uso dessas águas de modo a não prejudicar a cultura. Neste sentido, objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento de mudas de gravioleira cv. Morada Nova sob interação entre a salinidade da água de irrigação e adubação nitrogenada. Desenvolvida em casa de vegetação em delineamento de blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 5 x 4, com quatro repetições, constituído pela combinação de cinco condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação CEa (0.3; 1.1; 1.9; 2.4 e 3.5 dS m-¹) e quatro doses (70, 100, 130 e 160% de nitrogênio). Sendo a dose referente a 100%, correspondente a 100 mg de N por dm-³ de solo. A interação entre os fatores doses de nitrogênio e níveis de salinidade da água não afetaram a fase de produção de mudas de gravioleira cv. Morada Nova. O crescimento das mudas de gravioleira cv. Morada Nova, submetidas a diferentes níveis de salinidade da água foi menos comprometido pela salinidade na fase inicial (45 Dias após aplicação dos tratamentos). Na produção de mudas de gravioleira pode-se usar água de CEa de até 2.0 dS m-¹ pois proporciona redução média aceitável de 10% no crescimento. Doses de nitrogênio superior a 70 mg de N dm-³ de solo não atenuam o estresse salino nem promovem maior crescimento de mudas de gravioleira cv. Morada Nova.

Physical-chemical characterization of powder soursop obtained by foam-mat drying / Caracterização físico-química de pó de graviola obtido por secagem em leito de espuma

The development and improvement of fruit processing technologies in powder form is a alternative to add value to the product and increase the income of the producers, being required the knowledge of physicalchemical properties of the product. The aim of this study was to determine the physical-chemical properties of soursop powder obtained by foam-mat drying. To the foam formation, albumin was added to the pulp at concentration of 7.43% in mass and subjected in mixer for 15 min; then, it was spread onto trays forming a thin layer about 5.0 mm thick, and the drying conditions were: 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 °C, 5.6 m s-1 and 60%. Moisture content, water activity, titratable total acidity and hydrogenic potential of soursop powder indicate good stability of the product obtained by foam-mat drying, without the need of addition of preservatives for its conservation. Reducing sugars increased with increasing drying temperature due to the concentration of the compounds caused by moisture content reduction. In addition, the color was the physical-chemical property that presented greater sensitivity to drying, mainly by darkening index. Temperatures lower than 60 °C indicate higher preservation of initial characteristics for soursop powder. Besides that, bulk density, true density, porosity and repose angle increased subtly with drying temperature.

O desenvolvimento e aperfeiçoamento de tecnologias de processamentos de frutos na forma de pó é uma alternativa para agregar valor ao produto e aumentar a renda dos produtores, sendo necessário para isso o conhecimento das propriedades físico-químicas do produto. Assim objetivou-se determinar as propriedades físicoquímicas do pó de graviola obtido pelo método de secagem em leito de espuma. Para a formação da espuma foi adicionada, à polpa, albumina, na concentração de 7,43% em massa e submetida à agitação em batedeira doméstica, durante 15 min; em seguida, esta foi espalhada sobre bandejas formando uma camada fina de cerca de 5,0 mm de espessura cujas condições de secagem foram: de 40, 50, 60, 70 e 80 °C, 5,6 m s-1 e 60%. O teor de água, atividade de água, acidez total titulável e o potencial hidrogeniônico do pó de graviola indicam boa estabilidade do produto obtido pelo método de secagem em leito de espuma, não necessitando portanto, da adição de conservantes para sua conservação. Os açúcares aumentaram com o incremento da temperatura de secagem devido a concentração dos compostos provocada pela redução do teor de água. Adicionalmente, a cor foi a propriedade físico-química que apresentou maior sensibilidade à secagem, principalmente pelo índice de escurecimento. Temperaturas menores que 60 °C indicam maior preservação das características iniciais para o pó de graviola. Além disso, a massa específica aparente e unitária, a porosidade e o ângulo de repouso aumentaram sutilmente com a temperatura de secagem.

[Self medication with Annona muricata L. (corossol) as an anti-cancer agent in Reunion]. / Automédication par Annona muricata L. (corossol) à visée anticancéreuse à la Réunion.

INTRODUCTION: Annona muricata L. also called soursop, graviola, guanabana and sapoty (French creole) is a fruit tree growing in tropical countries. The fruits, seeds, leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine. Potential anticancer effects encourage patients to consume this product as self medication. The object of the study was to determine the prevalence of use of graviola as an anticancer agent by patients treated for a lung cancer. METHODS: Our survey took place in two thoracic oncology day cares units of the university hospital of Reunion. All the patients treated by chemotherapy and immunotherapy for lung cancer were asked the same questions in a face to face interview over a 6-month period. RESULTS: One hundred questionnaires were collected. Sixty seven patients consumed graviola. In 53.7%, graviola was consumed as an anticancer agent and 25 patients took it regularly. Most often graviola was ingested as an infusion of boiled leaves (69.5%). The supply was exclusively local. CONCLUSIONS: A quarter of patients treated by chemotherapy for a lung cancer in Reunion consume graviola regularly as self medication. The consequences of this intake, drug interactions and side effects are unknown and would be interesting to identify.