Ação antifúngica de extratos de plantas isolados sobre espécies de Candida albicans e Candida não-albicans / Antifungal action of isolated plant extracts on Candida albicans and Candida non-albicans species

As espécies de Candida spp. apresentam-se como o principal patógeno fúngico humano, podendo causar infecções superficiais e invasivas. A emergência de novas espécies em infecções, apresentando alta resistência aos antifúngicos utilizados desafia pesquisadores a propor novas terapias no controle desta infecção, entre as quais podemos citar a fitoterapia realizando o uso de extratos de plantas para propor novos protocolos. Por isto, este trabalho objetiva avaliar a ação antifúngica dos extratos isolados de Quilaia (Quillaja saponaria) e Alcachofra (Cynara scolymus) sobre C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. tropicalis e C. dubliniensis em formas planctônica e biofilmes monotípicos. Inicialmente foram feitas análises da ação antifúngica dos extratos de Quilaia e Alcachofra por meio do teste de microdiluição em caldo (CLSI ­ Protocolo M27-S4), para determinar as Concentrações Inibitórias Mínimas (CIM) e as Concentrações Fungicidas Mínimas (CFM) de espécies. Os biofilmes foram formados por 48 h em poços de microplacas, os quais receberam tratamentos de concentrações dos extratos (100 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, 12,5 mg/mL e 6,25 mg/mL), assim como foram testados os grupos controles positivo e negativo, para determinação da viabilidade celular por meio do teste MTT. Os dados foram analisados estatísticamente pelos testes ANOVA e Tukey, com significância de 5%. Os resultados da CIM e CFM para as espécies C. albicans, C. krusei e C. glabrata foram de 12,5mg/mL para ambos os extratos, os valores para C tropicalis foi 12,5 mg/mL para o extrato de Quilaia e 25 mg/mL para Alcachofra, ambos os extratos apresentaram o mesmo valor de 6,25 mg/mL para a espécie C. dubliniensis. A ação antibiofilme do extrato de Quilaia apresentou redução fúngica do biofilme principalmente nas duas maiores concentrações (100 mg/mL e 50 mg/mL) do extrato para ambos os tempos (5 min e 24 h) quando comparados com o grupo controle negativo que não recebeu tratamento, apresentando diferenças estatísticas significativas (p<0.001). A ação antibiofilme do extrato de Alcachofra apresentou reduções dos biofilmes significativas nas cinco concentrações (100 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, 12,5 mg/mL e 6,25 mg/mL) em ambos os tempos, na maioria das espécies, apresentando diferenças significativas (p<0.001). Diante disso, concluímos que os extratos glicólicos de Q. saponaria e C. scolymus apresentam ação antifúngica em todas as espécies de Candida spp. analisadas, sendo um potencial antifúngico para C. albicans e as espécies C. não-albicans, mas na espécie de C. krusei as reduções de biofilme só ocorrem nas maiores concentrações. Os resultados da ação antibiofilme manteve um padrão de ação, quanto maior a concentração do extrato, maior a redução, isto para ambos os extratos e para a maioria das espécies analisadas (AU)

Candida spp. They are the main human fungal pathogen and can cause superficial and invasive infections. The emergence of new species in infections, presenting high resistance to the antifungals used, challenges researchers to propose new therapies to control this infection, among which we can mention phytotherapy using plant extracts to propose new protocols. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the antifungal action of extracts isolated from Quilaia (Quillaja saponaria) and Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) on C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. tropicalis and C. dubliniensis in planktonic forms and biofilms monotypic. Initially, analyzes of the antifungal action of Quilaia and Artichoke extracts were carried out using the broth microdilution test (CLSI ­ Protocol M27-S4), to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Fungicide Concentrations (MFCs) of species. Biofilms were formed for 48 h in microplate wells, which received extract concentration treatments (100 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL), as well as the positive and negative control groups were tested to determine cell viability using the MTT test. The data were statistically analyzed using the ANOVA and Tukey tests, with a significance of 5%. The MIC and CFM results for the species C. albicans, C. krusei and C. glabrata were 12.5 mg/mL for both extracts, the values for C tropicalis were 12.5 mg/mL for the Quilaia extract and 25 mg/mL for Artichoke, both extracts presented the same value of 6.25 mg/mL for the species C. dubliniensis. The antibiofilm action of the Quilaia extract showed a fungal reduction of the biofilm mainly at the two highest concentrations (100 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL) of the extract for both times (5 min and 24 h) when compared with the negative control group that did not receive treatment, showing significant statistical differences (p<0.001). The antibiofilm action of Artichoke extract showed significant reductions in biofilms at the five concentrations (100 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL) at both times, in most species, showing significant differences (p<0.001). Therefore, we conclude that glycolic extracts of Q. saponaria and C. scolymus have antifungal action on all species of Candida spp. analyzed, with antifungal potential for C. albicans and non-albicans C. species, but in the C. krusei species, biofilm reductions only occur at higher concentrations. The results of the antibiofilm action maintained a pattern of action, the higher the concentration of the extract, the greater the reduction, this for both extracts and for the majority of species analyzed(AU)

Herbal-drug interaction through the pregnane X receptor / Interacción de medicamentos y hierbas a través del receptor de pregnanos X

The interaction potential of Cynara scolymus L., Mikania glomerata Spreng.,Rhamnus purshiana DC and Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. Ex Roem. & Schult.) with conventional drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4 metabolic route was tested in HeLa cell lines, using the in vitro model of the hPXR. The herbal medicines C. scolymus (1.5 mg/mL dry extract) did not affect the receptor. On the other hand, M. glomerata (5.5 mg/mL dry extract), R. purshiana (1.5 mg/mL dry extract), and U. tomentosa (2.0 mg/mL dry extract) showed to be hPXR agonist, suggesting a potential interaction with the conventional drugs metabolized by the same isoforms of the CYP superfamily. The results from this study contribute to the use safer and more effective of these herbal medicines.

Se evaluó el potencial de interacción de Cynara scolymus L., Mikania glomerata Spreng., Rhamnus purshiana DC y Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. Ex Roem. & Schult.) con fármacos convencionales metabolizados por la ruta metabólica CYP3A4 en líneas celulares HeLa, utilizando el modelo in vitro del hPXR. Las hierbas medicinales C. scolymus (1,5 mg/mL de extracto seco) no afectaron al receptor. Por otro lado, M. glomerata (5.5 mg/mL de extracto seco), R. purshiana (1.5 mg/mL de extracto seco) y U. tomentosa (2.0 mg/mL de extracto seco) mostraron ser agonistas de hPXR, lo que sugiere una potencial interacción con los fármacos convencionales metabolizados por las mismas isoformas de la superfamilia CYP. Los resultados de este estudio contribuyen a un uso más seguro y eficaz de estos medicamentos a base de hierbas medicinales.

Alternativas de controle do diabetes / Alternatives for diabetes control / Alternativas para el control de la diabetes

O Diabetes desde a antiguidade tem sido uma das maiores causas de morte entre as populações do globo, e segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde continua assolando nos nossos dias. Apesar das descobertas de tratamentos mais eficazes, a doença vem avançando em progressões assustadoras atualmente, com projeções preocupantes para a saúde pública. Como estratégia de acompanhamento terapêutico, estatístico direcionado a portadores de diabetes, o Governo Federal lançou o programa HIPERDIA (Hipertensos e Diabéticos), que faz o acompanhamento da evolução da doença e das complicações dos pacientes. E neste sentido, também são utilizadas terapêuticas mais acessíveis como as plantas medicinais. O objetivo desta pesquisa consiste em realizar uma revisão bibliográfica abordando as opções de terapias de controle do diabetes oferecidas no Sistema Único de Saúde e pesquisar fitoterápicos com potencial hipoglicêmico aprovados pela Anvisa. Através de levantamento bibliográfico, foram identificadas oito espécies vegetais utilizadas pela medicina popular no controle do diabetes, sendo estas: Bauhinia Forficata, Syzygium Cumini, Annona Muricata, Cynara Scolymus, Momordica Charantia, Eugenia Uniflora e Baccharis Trimera. Essas plantas do programa, embora tenham comprovação de seu efeito hipoglicêmico e redutores dos sintomas diabéticos, pelas suas propriedades antioxidantes e antiinflamatórias, colabora para uma melhor qualidade de vida aos pacientes.

Since antiquity, Diabetes has been one of the biggest causes of death amon-g populations around the globe, and according to the World Health Organization, it continues to plague our days. Despite discoveries of more effective treatments, the disease is currently advancing in frightening progressions, with worrying projections for public health. As a therapeutic, statistical follow-up strategy aimed at people with diabetes, the Federal Government launched the HIPERDIA (Hypertensive and Diabetic) program, which monitors the evolution of the disease and the complications of patients. And in this sense, more accessible therapies such as medicinal plants are also used. The objective of this research is to carry out a literature review addressing the options for diabetes control therapies offered in the Unified Health System and to search for herbal medicines with hypoglycemic potential approved by Anvisa. Through a bibliographical survey, eight plant species used by folk medicine to control diabetes were identified, namely: Bauhinia Forficata, Syzygium Cumini, Annona Muricata, Cynara Scolymus, Momordica Charantia, Eugenia Uniflora and Bacharis Trimera. These plants in the program, although they have evidence of their hypoglycemic effect and reduce diabetic symptoms, due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contribute to a better quality of life for patients.

La diabetes ha sido desde la antigüedad una de las principales causas de muerte entre las poblaciones del planeta, y según la Organización Mundial de la Salud sigue haciendo estragos en nuestros días. A pesar de los descubrimientos de tratamientos más eficaces, la enfermedad avanza actualmente con una progresión aterradora, con proyecciones preocupantes para la salud pública. Como estrategia de seguimiento terapéutico, estadísticamente dirigida a las personas con diabetes, el Gobierno Federal puso en marcha el programa HIPERDIA (Hipertensión y Diabetes), que controla la evolución de la enfermedad y las complicaciones de los pacientes. En este sentido, también se utilizan terapias más accesibles, como las plantas medicinales. El objetivo de esta investigación es realizar una revisión bibliográfica que aborde las opciones de terapias para el control de la diabetes ofrecidas en el Sistema Único de Salud y buscar fitoterapias con potencial hipoglucemiante aprobadas por Anvisa. Mediante un estudio bibliográfico, se identificaron ocho especies vegetales utilizadas por la medicina popular en el control de la diabetes, a saber: Bauhinia Forficata, Syzygium Cumini, Annona Muricata, Cynara Scolymus, Momordica Charantia, Eugenia Uniflora y Baccharis Trimera. Estas plantas del programa, aunque han demostrado su efecto hipoglucemiante y reductor de los síntomas diabéticos, por sus propiedades antioxidantes y antiinflamatorias, colaboran a una mejor calidad de vida para los pacientes.

Artichoke for biochemistry, histology, and gene expression in obstructive jaundice.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) in experimental obstructive jaundice. METHODS: Rats were separated into three groups, namely, sham, control, and artichoke leaf extract. Ischemia was created for 60 min, and then liver tissue and blood samples were taken at the 90th minute of reperfusion. Artichoke leaf extract was given at a 300 mg/kg dose 2 h before the operation. Antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical parameters were examined from the tissue and serum. Histopathological findings of the liver were scored semiquantitatively. RESULTS: Antioxidant enzyme activities in the artichoke leaf extract group were statistically significantly higher than that in the other two groups. Biochemical parameters, which show hepatocellular damage, were found to be similar in both sham and artichoke leaf extract groups. Although the values in the sham group were higher than the artichoke group in terms of protein and gene expressions, no statistically significant difference was found between these two groups. Regarding the hepatocellular effects of obstructive jaundice, the artichoke leaf extract group showed lower scores than the control group in all histopathological scores. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that artichoke leaf extract had a hepatoprotective effect that was associated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke leaf extract.

Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Cynara cardunculus (Artichoke) Leaves on Neuroinflammatory and Neurochemical Parameters in a Diet-Induced Mice Obesity Model.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cynara cardunculus leaf ethanol extract on inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in the hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, cerebral cortex and liver of high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Food intake, body weight, visceral fat weight, and liver weight were also evaluated. Male Swiss mice were divided into control (low-fat purified diet) and obese (high-fat purified diet) groups. After 6 weeks, mice were divided into control + saline, control + C. cardunculus leaf ethanol extract, obese + saline, obese + C. cardunculus leaf ethanol extract. Cynara cardunculus leaf ethanol extract (1600 mg/kg/day) or saline was administered orally for 4 weeks. Brain structures (hypothalamus, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, striatum and cerebral cortex) and liver were removed. Treatment with C. cardunculus leaf ethanol extract did not affect body weight but did reduce visceral fat. Obesity can cause inflammation and oxidative stress and increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in brain structures. Treatment with ethanolic extract of C. cardunculus leaves partially reversed the changes in inflammatory damage parameters and oxidative damage parameters and attenuated changes in the antioxidant defense. The C. cardunculus leaf ethanol extract benefited from the brains of obese animals by partially reversing the changes caused by the consumption of a high-fat diet and the consequent obesity. These results corroborate those of studies indicating that the C. cardunculus leaf ethanol extract can contribute to the treatment of obesity.

Effects of artichoke leaf extract on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of action of artichoke leaf extract in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Rats were divided into three groups such as sham, control, and artichoke leaf extract groups. Antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical parameters were examined from the tissue and serum obtained from the subjects. Histopathological findings were scored semiquantitatively. RESULTS: Statistically, the antioxidant activity was highest in the artichoke leaf extract group, the difference in biochemical parameters and C-reactive protein was significant compared with the control group, and the histopathological positive effects were found to be significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: As a result, artichoke leaf extract had a hepatoprotective effect and that this effect was related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke.

Effects of artichoke leaf extract on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of action of artichoke leaf extract in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Rats were divided into three groups such as sham, control, and artichoke leaf extract groups. Antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical parameters were examined from the tissue and serum obtained from the subjects. Histopathological findings were scored semiquantitatively. RESULTS: Statistically, the antioxidant activity was highest in the artichoke leaf extract group, the difference in biochemical parameters and C-reactive protein was significant compared with the control group, and the histopathological positive effects were found to be significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: As a result, artichoke leaf extract had a hepatoprotective effect and that this effect was related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke.

Artichoke extracts with potential application in chemoprevention and inflammatory processes

Abstract The aim of this work is to study three cultivars of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus): Gauchito, Guri and Oro Verde in terms of their in vitro chemoprevention and anti-inflammatory properties. These cultivars show good productive performance. The phenolic composition of their fresh leaves and edible bracts was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS), showing mainly caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids. Caffeoylquinic acids were quantified and the highest content was found in Gauchito cultivar. In this cultivar, the content of dicaffeoylquinic acids in fresh bracts was six times higher than that in fresh leaves (10064.5 ± 378.3 mg/kg versus 1451.0 ± 209.3 mg/kg respectively). Luteolin flavonoids were detected in leaves. The extracts from fresh bracts and leaves were assessed in their in vitro bioactivity against human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). Inhibition of SH-SY5Y cells proliferation by Gauchito and Guri leaf extracts (8 µg/mL) was higher than 50 %. The leaf extracts of the same cultivars showed an inhibitory effect on human interferon IFN-I, decreasing its activity 50% at 40 µg/mL. Interestingly, the bract extracts did not show in vitro bioactivity at these concentrations, nor did the pure compounds chlorogenic acid, cynarin, apigenin and luteolin (at 2 µg/mL). These results suggest that Gauchito and Guri leaf extracts have potential for human neuroblastoma chemoprevention and treatment of inflammatory processes.

Efficacy of an herbal compound in decreasing steatosis and transaminase activities in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Hepatoprotective effects of many herbal agents have been reported in animal studies and clinical trials. In this study, five hepatoprotective plants with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects were chosen to prepare a polyherbal compound for managing NAFLD. Sixty patients with NAFLD were randomly divided into treatment and control groups (2:1 ratio). Both group were advised to take healthy diet and exercise. The treatment group also received herbal capsules containing 400 mg of the mixture of Anethum graveolens, Citrus aurantium, Cynara scolymus, Portulaca oleracea, and Silybum marianum (2 capsules, thrice daily, for two months). The liver ultrasound and biochemical markers including the serum lipids, liver enzymes, and glucose were evaluated before starting the study and at the end of the treatment. Thirty patients in the treatment group and sixteen patients in the control group completed the study. The herbal compound significantly decreased the serum level of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total cholesterol. Treatment with the herbal compound significantly improved the grade of the fatty liver, but no significant change was found in the control group. In conclusion, the formulated herbal compound appeared to be effective in biochemical improvement and decreasing the grade of the fatty liver in the patients with NAFLD.

(-)-α-Bisabolol Production in Engineered Escherichia coli Expressing a Novel (-)-α-Bisabolol Synthase from the Globe Artichoke Cynara cardunculus var. Scolymus.

(-)-α-Bisabolol is a functional ingredient in various health and cosmetic products and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. (-)-α-Bisabolol is chemically synthesized and produced by steam distillation of essential oils extracted from Brazilian Candeia (Eremanthus erythropappus). To sustainably produce pure (-)-α-bisabolol, we previously engineered Escherichia coli to produce 9.1 g/L (-)-α-bisabolol via heterologous mevalonate pathways and (-)-α-bisabolol synthase (BOS) from German chamomile, Matricaria recutita (MrBOS). BOS has only been reported in MrBOS and Brazilian Candeia (EeBOS). The limited availability of BOS has made it difficult to achieve high titer and yield and large-scale (-)-α-bisabolol production. We identified a novel BOS in globe artichoke (CcBOS) and examined its functionality in vitro and in vivo. CcBOS showed higher catalytic efficiency and (-)-α-bisabolol production rates than those from MrBOS or EeBOS. In fed-batch fermentation, CcBOS generated the highest reported (-)-α-bisabolol titer to date (23.4 g/L). These results may facilitate economically viable industrial (-)-α-bisabolol production.

Valorization of Artichoke Industrial By-Products Using Green Extraction Technologies: Formulation of Hydrogels in Combination with Paulownia Extracts.

The integral valorization of artichoke bracts generated during industrial canning of artichoke was assessed. The extraction of bioactive compounds was addressed with pressurized hot water under subcritical conditions. The performance of this stage on the extraction of phenolics with antioxidant properties and the saccharidic fraction using conventional and microwave heating was compared. The microwave assisted process was more efficient than the conventional one regarding extraction yields of total solubles, and glucose and fructose oligomers and phenolics, because lower operational temperatures and shorter times were needed. Degradation of fructose oligomers was observed at temperatures higher than 160 °C, whereas the maximal phenolic content occurred at 220 °C. Both the extracts and the residual solids, obtained at conditions leading to maximum phenolics yields, were evaluated for the production of starch-based hydrogels, supplemented with Paulownia leaves' aqueous extracts.

Multielement Determination in Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines Containing Cynara scolymus L., Harpagophytum procumbens D.C., and Maytenus ilifolia (Mart.) ex Reiss from Brazil Using ICP OES.

Worldwide, medicinal plants and herbal medicines are widely consumed. The aim of this study was to determine macro- (Ca, K, Mg, Na, and P) and microelements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, V, and Zn) in medicinal plants and herbal medicines: "globe artichoke" - Cynara scolymus L., "devil's claw" - Harpagophytum procumbens D.C., and "espinheira santa" - Maytenus ilifolia (Mart) ex Reiss. Concentrations of 24 (essential and toxic potentially) elements in samples from Brazil were determined using a sequential optical emission spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) after acid digestion, assisted by microwave radiation. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to carry out an exploratory analysis of samples. The elements were quantified (in µg/g): Al (20.24-1261.64), Ba (18.90-63.18), Ca (2877.6-19,957.40), Cr (0.28-1.38), Cu (4.16-21.99), Fe (8.54-627.49), K (1786.12-32,297.19), Mg (505.82-6174.52), Mn (0.40-205.64), Na (1717.23-18,596.45), Ni (< LoQ-0.99), P (35.12-2899.91), Se (1.52-3.71), Sn (1.53-12.43), Sr (52.33-84.31), V (< LoQ-0.24), and Zn (2.60-30.56). As, Cd, Co, Mo, Pb, and Sb, in all the investigated samples, were found to be below the limit of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ) values of ICP OES. These medicinal plants and herbal medicines can be sources of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn. All samples showed considerable levels of Al. PCA and HCA showed that the samples separated into two large groups.

Artichoke cv. Francés flower extract as a rennet substitute: effect on textural, microstructural, microbiological, antioxidant properties, and sensory acceptance of miniature cheeses.

BACKGROUND: The most common milk-clotting enzymes in the cheese industry are recombinant chymosins. Food naturalness is a factor underpinning consumers' food choice. For consumers who avoid food with ingredients from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the use of vegetable-based rennet substitute in the cheese formulation may be a suitable solution. Artichokes that deviate from optimal products, when allowed to bloom due to flower protease composition, are excellent as raw material for vegetable rennet preparation. As enzymatic milk clotting exerts a significant impact on the characteristics of the final product, this product should be studied carefully. RESULTS: Mature flowers from unharvested artichokes (Cynara scolymus cv. Francés) that did not meet aesthetic standards for commercialization were collected and used to prepare a flower extract. This extract, as a coagulant preparation, enabled the manufacture of cheeses with distinctive characteristics compared with cheeses prepared with chymosin. Rennet substitution did not affect the actual yield but led to significant changes in dry matter yield, humidity, water activity, protein content, and color, and conferred antioxidant activity to the cheeses. The rennet substitution promoted significant modifications in springiness, and in the microstructure of the cheese, with a more porous protein matrix and an increment in the size of the fat globules. Both formulations showed a similar microbiota evolution pattern with excellent microbiological quality and good sensory acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: The rennet substitute studied here produced a cheese adapted to specific market segments that demand more natural and healthier products made with a commitment to the environment but well accepted by a general cheese consumer. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ensilability, in vitro and in vivo values of the agro-industrial by-products of artichoke and broccoli.

By-products of raw artichoke (RA) (Cynara scolymus L.) and boiled broccoli (BB) (Brassica oleracea, var. italica) were ensiled in plastic bags for 24 days. Then, chemical composition, nutritive characteristics, in vitro rumen degradability, in vivo digestibility and phytosanitary residue contents of the silages were evaluated. The fermentative parameters studied indicated that plastic bags were a suitable method to silage RA and BB by-products. Both silages had a high in vitro rumen DM disappearance at 72 h, although it was higher in the BB silage (96.8 vs. 82.1%). In vivo digestibility of DM was similar and high in both silages (78.5 and 80.0% in RA and BB), but crude protein and NDF digestibilities were higher in the BB silage (83.0 and 88.3% vs. 55.1 and 78.8%). No residues of analysed phytosanitary were found. In conclusion, silages of wastes from the processing of artichoke and broccoli were free from the analysed several phytosanitary residues, their nutritive value made them adequate for feeding ruminant animals and are an environmentally friendly way of disposal of such residues.

Characterization of the effects involved in ultrasound-assisted extraction of trace elements from artichoke leaves and soybean seeds.

Ultrasonication is known to induce cavitation and can thus accelerate extraction, dissolution, digestion, and other processes, while the intense mixing caused by the propagation of ultrasound waves enhances analyte transfer to the extraction medium. Consequently, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) is viewed as a simple procedure well suited for the extraction and subsequent determination of trace elements in food. Herein, we use different techniques to characterize several processes involved in probe- and bath-based UAE, apply them to the determination of trace metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in globe artichoke leaves and soybean seeds, and closely monitor the extraction rates of selected analytes. The developed UAE-based method is found to comply with the criteria of Green Chemistry and is concluded to be a reliable, simple, and cheap alternative to standard food analysis techniques.

A utilização de fitoterápicos no tratamento da obesidade / Phytoterapic medicines for obesity treatment

A obesidade é considerada um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública no mundo. É um fator que predispõe outras enfermidades e está relacionada ao aumento da taxa de morbidade e mortalidade. Para o tratamento da obesidade são empregados vários métodos, dentre eles o uso da fitoterapia. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as evidências científicas sobre a utilização do Phaseolus vulgaris, Cynara scolymus e Camelia sinensis no tratamento da obesidade. Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa da literatura, desenvolvida por meio de levantamento bibliográfico de artigos científicos que relacionavam os fitoterápicos com a obesidade, e publicados nos últimos 10 anos. Foi possível observar que estes fitoterápicos podem ser alternativas para tratamento da obesidade. O Phaseolus vulgaris parece proporcionar importante redução de peso devido à redução da absorção dos carboidratos. A Cynara scolymus possui frutooligossacarideos e a inulina, que alteram o trânsito intestinal e ocasionam uma rápida eliminação do bolo fecal, e, consequentemente, reduz a absorção dos lipídeos que, em excesso, contribuem para a obesidade. A Camelia sinensis aumenta a termogênese e a oxidação lipídica, o que promove gasto energético e o emagrecimento. O tratamento da obesidade pode abranger diferentes alternativas terapêuticas, ressaltando sempre a importância da utilização de fitoterápicos indicados apenas por profissionais habilitados, a fim de se alcançar resultados desejáveis e evitar efeitos adversos

Obesity is considered one of the biggest public health problems in the world. It is a factor that predisposes other diseases and it is related to the increase of the rate of morbidity and mortality. Several methods are employed to treat obesity, among them the use of herbal medicine. The present study aimed to evaluate the scientific evidence on the use of Phaseolus vulgaris, Cynara scolymus and Camelia sinensis in the treatment of obesity. This is a narrative review of the literature, developed through a bibliographical survey of scientific articles that related phytotherapeutics to obesity, and published in the last 10 years. It was possible to observe that these phytotherapics may be alternatives for the treatment of obesity. Phaseolus vulgaris appears to provide significant weight reduction due to reduced absorption of carbohydrates. Cynara scolymus has fructooligosaccharides and inulin, which alter intestinal transit and cause a rapid elimination of faecal cake, and consequently reduces the absorption of lipids that in excess contribute to obesity. Camelia sinensis increases thermogenesis and lipid oxidation, which promotes energy expenditure and weight loss. The treatment of obesity can cover different therapeutic alternatives, always emphasizing the importance of the use of phytotherapics indicated only by qualified professionals, in order to achieve desirable results and avoid adverse effects

The effect of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) on maternal reproductive outcomes and fetal development in rats.

Cynara scolymus (C.scolymus) is a plant employed worldwide as an herbal medicine. However, there is a paucity of data related to the evaluation of its toxicity in commercial preparations; thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible teratogenic effect of the dry extract of C.scolymus leaves in Wistar rats. Females were treated, from gestation day (GD) 6 until GD19, with 0.0, 1.0, 2.0 or 4.0 g/kg body weight of C.scolymus extract. At GD20, a cesarean section was performed for evaluation of maternal and fetal parameters. C.scolymus did not induce changes in food consumption, preimplantation or postimplantation losses, placental weight or biochemical profile. An increase in water consumption was observed in pregnant females treated with the higher doses of C.scolymus. Experimental groups showed lower body weight gain during pregnancy and lower gravid uterus weight. Maternal body weight minus the gravid uterus weight did not result in significant differences. Reductions in fetal weight and length were observed in experimental groups. The number of live pups per litter was lower in the highest dose group. No fetal skeletal or visceral malformations were detected. The results showed that the consumption of artichoke during pregnancy clearly has a negative impact on fetuses.

Immunomodulatory effect of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) in rats.

Cynara scolymus is a plant used both as food as well as medicinal plant worldwide. Cynarin is one of the main active principles of the plant, and it is also present in species such as Echinacea purpurae, which is known to have immunomodulatory activity. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the immune effects of C. scolymus in rats. Rats were treated with 1.0-, 2.0-, or 4.0-g/kg body weight of C. scolymus extract for 28 days. Haemogram, serum biochemistry, lymphoid organs weight, and their cell phenotypes were evaluated. Macrophages and neutrophils oxidative burst, specific humoral immune response, and the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) were studied. No changes in the haemogram, biochemical profile, antibody titers, lymphoid organs, and in their cellularities were observed. An increase in the basal activity of reactive oxygen species from male's macrophage was observed. There was a suppression of the DTH response in both gender when treated with the highest dose of C. scolymus. This study is the first in the literature that revealed an immunosuppressive effect of C. scolymus. We also verified that the doses of artichoke extract here employed did not cause general toxicity.

Natural Extracts Abolished Lipid Accumulation in Cells Harbouring non-favourable PNPLA3 genotype.

Background & aims. G-allele of PNPLA3 (rs738409) favours triglycerides accumulation and steatosis. In this study, we examined the effect of quercetin and natural extracts from mushroom and artichoke on reducing lipid accumulation in hepatic cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Huh7.5 cells were exposed to oleic acid (OA) and treated with quercetin and extracts to observe the lipid accumulation, the intracellular-TG concentration and the LD size. Sterol regulatory element binding proteins-1 (SREBP-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARα-γ) and cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) gene expression levels were analysed. RESULTS: Quercetin decreased the intracellular lipids, LD size and the levels of intracellular-TG through the down-regulation of SREBP-1c, PPARγ and ACAT1 increasing PPARα. The natural-extracts suppressed OA-induced lipid accumulation and the intracellular-TG. They down-regulate the hepatic lipogenesis through SREBP-1c, besides the activation of lipolysis through the increasing of PPARα expression. CONCLUSIONS: Quercetin and the aqueous extracts decrease intracellular lipid accumulation by down-regulation of lipogenesis and up-regulation of lipolysis.

Determination of pesticide residues in globe artichoke leaves and fruits by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS using the same QuEChERS procedure.

Aiming to select the most suitable sample preparation for the multiresidue analysis of pesticides in globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L.), a modified QuEChERS, a matrix solid phase dispersion and a dispersive ethyl acetate extraction were compared. Trueness and precision were determined at 0.2mgkg-1 for the three methods. The modified QuEChERS showed the best performance. The scope of the method was enlarged to 35 GC and 63 LC amenable pesticides, its overall performance was evaluated and validated to artichoke leaves and fruits according to DG-SANTE Guidelines. Different matrix effects were observed for most of the pesticides which were higher for leaves than fruits. Difenoconazole and flutriafol suffered signal suppression in leaves extracts but showed positive matrix effects in fruits. All pesticides were analyzed at or below their Maximum Residue Levels fixed for globe artichoke by the European Union. The method was successfully applied for the analysis of commercial samples.