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1.
Plants (Basel) ; 9(8)2020 Aug 17.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32824448

RESUMO

Lemon bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus (Curtis) Skeels) is one of the most common ornamental plants, diffused worldwide, and characterized by the presence of flowers with an intense red/purple coloration. There is increasing interest in the use and application of anthocyanins for their unique structural/chemical features in both food and pharmaceutical applications. RP-HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis of an enriched fraction of acidified methanolic extract of C. citrinus flowers allow the possibility of identifying, for the first time, the presence of four anthocyanins: cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside (cyanin), peonidin-3,5-O-diglucoside (peonin), cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and cyanidin-coumaroylglucoside-pyruvic acid. Moreover, the evaluation of antioxidant and biological potential showed a remarkable activity of this fraction, able to actively scavenge DPPH, AAPH, and ABTS radicals, and to counteract the ß-carotene-bleaching. In addition, it protects human mononuclear cells from oxidative injuries and prevents angiogenesis (acting in the range of few µg/ml); furthermore, it does not show significant iron-chelating ability (up to 200 µg/mL). The easy way of cultivation, robustness, and adaptability to different environments make the flowers of this plant a useful source of anthocyanins, with remarkable health promoting properties.

2.
Antioxidants (Basel) ; 8(8)2019 Aug 19.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31430937

RESUMO

Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret (Feijoa) is an evergreen shrub, belonging to the Mirtaceae family. The aim of this study was to investigate the micromorphological features of the feijoa fruit peel and to evaluate the phytochemical profile, as well as the antioxidant, cytoprotective, and antimicrobial properties of its essential oil (EO), by several in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays. The micromorphological analysis showed several schizogenic secretory cavities, immediately below the epidermal layer. Forty compounds were identified and quantified by GC-FID and GC-MS analyses. Sesquiterpenes were the most abundant ones (76.89%), followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (3.26%), and oxygenated monoterpenes (0.34%). The main compounds were γ-Selinene (17.39%), α-Cariophyllene (16.74%), ß-Cariophyllene (10.37%), and Germacene D (5.32%). The EO showed a strong and dose-dependent antioxidant, and free-radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, it showed cytoprotective activity on the lymphocytes, that have been pre-treated with 100 µM tert-butyl-hydroperoxide (t-BOOH), as well as a decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), induced by t-BOOH on erythrocytes. A preliminary antimicrobial screening against GRAM+ and GRAM- bacteria, as well as on fungi highlighted that EO showed the best activity against S. aureus and C. albicans (MIC 2.7 mg/mL). In light of these results, feijoa fruit EO could find various applications, especially in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical fields.

3.
Curr Med Chem ; 26(27): 5094-5107, 2019.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28990503

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Isoflavones are naturally occurring flavonoids, commonly found in the food consumed for centuries in the East-Asian population, characterized by a structure able to exert nonsteroidal estrogen-like activity on human cells. They have attracted researcher interest all around the word, following the results obtained in epidemiological and clinical studies. The involvement of isoflavones and their metabolites in various biological processes suggests that they can influence several metabolic pathways and can influence the gene expression at epigenetic level, involving effects that probably are due to early life exposure. They show positive health effects on several diseases, especially in the prevention of coronary heart and neurological diseases, hormone-related cancers, osteoporosis, and postmenopausal symptoms. METHODS: We have performed a critical evaluation of available literature trough a structured search of bibliographic databases about isoflavones health promoting properties, risk assessment and mechanisms of action. In addition, we supplied useful information on their biochemical properties, sources and bioavailability. RESULTS: Although these molecules have been the subjects of numerous researches, their role for the wellness of the human organism remains controversial. Moreover, there are substantial inconsistencies between the results obtained by epidemiologic studies conducted on Eastern population, which found high health promoting properties, and Western clinical trials, which found much less positive effects. CONCLUSION: Further epidemiologic studies and well-designed prospective human studies are to determine the beneficial effects of isoflavones exposure, as well as establishing its safe therapeutic.


Assuntos
Nível de Saúde , Isoflavonas/administração & dosagem , Isoflavonas/farmacologia , Animais , Disponibilidade Biológica , Coração/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Isoflavonas/química , Isoflavonas/isolamento & purificação , Estrutura Molecular , Neoplasias/dietoterapia , Neoplasias/prevenção & controle , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso/dietoterapia , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso/prevenção & controle , Osteoporose/dietoterapia , Osteoporose/prevenção & controle
4.
Curr Med Chem ; 26(18): 3242-3252, 2019.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28183261

RESUMO

Lactate dehydrogenase (LHD) is a key enzyme of anaerobic metabolism in almost all living organisms and it is also a functional checkpoint for glucose restoration during gluconeogenesis and single-stranded DNA metabolism. This enzyme has a well preserved structure during evolution and among the species, with little, but sometimes very useful, changes in the amino acid sequence, which makes it an attractive target for the design and construction of functional molecules able to modulate its catalytic potential and expression. Research has focused mainly on the selection of modulator especially as far as LDH isozymes (especially LDH-5) and lactate dehydrogenases of Plasmodium falciparum (pfLDH) are concerned. This review summarizes the recent advances in the design and development of inhibitors, pointing out their specificity and therapeutic potentials.


Assuntos
Inibidores Enzimáticos , L-Lactato Desidrogenase/antagonistas & inibidores , Animais , Antimaláricos/química , Antimaláricos/farmacologia , Antimaláricos/uso terapêutico , Azóis/química , Azóis/farmacologia , Descoberta de Drogas , Inibidores Enzimáticos/química , Inibidores Enzimáticos/farmacologia , Inibidores Enzimáticos/toxicidade , Gossipol/química , Gossipol/farmacologia , Humanos , Indóis/química , Indóis/farmacologia , Isocumarinas/química , Isocumarinas/farmacologia , L-Lactato Desidrogenase/metabolismo , Compostos Orgânicos/química , Compostos Orgânicos/farmacologia , Plasmodium falciparum/efeitos dos fármacos , Quinolinas/química , Quinolinas/farmacologia
5.
Eur J Nutr ; 57(1): 319-325, 2018 Feb.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27785565

RESUMO

PURPOSE: The term bioaccessibility refers to the proportion of a nutrient released from a complex food matrix during digestion and, therefore, becoming potentially available for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In the present study, we assessed the starch and protein bioaccessibility from a range of wheat endosperm products differing in particle size. METHODS: Five porridge meals (size A, flour, mean particle size 0.11 mm, size B, small, mean particle size 0.38 mm, size C, semolina, mean particle size 1.01 mm, size D, medium, mean particle size 1.44 mm, size E, large, mean particle size 1.95 mm) with theoretically different postprandial glycaemic responses were subjected to oral processing in vitro, followed by simulated gastric and duodenal digestion. RESULTS: A significant increase (P < 0.001) in starch degradation was observed in size A (52%) compared with size E (25%). Both sizes C and D gave less, although not significantly, digestible starch (32 and 28%, respectively). The glucose release significantly decreased as the particle size of the meal increased (92.16% detected for size A vs 47.39% for size E). In agreement with starch degradation and glucose release, size A gave the most digestible protein. CONCLUSIONS: This data provide further evidence that, by decreasing the size of wheat endosperm, starch release and glycaemic response are enhanced. We also showed that protein bioaccessibility followed a similar trend as for starch digestion. Finally, these results support the hypothesis that different degrees of starch encapsulation elicit different blood glucose responses.


Assuntos
Digestão , Grão Comestível/química , Tamanho da Partícula , Proteínas de Plantas/metabolismo , Amido/metabolismo , Triticum , Amilases/metabolismo , Bile/metabolismo , Disponibilidade Biológica , Glicemia/metabolismo , Duodeno/metabolismo , Mucosa Gástrica/enzimologia , Glucose/metabolismo , Humanos , Lipase/metabolismo , Pâncreas/enzimologia , Pepsina A/metabolismo , Saliva/imunologia , Amido/farmacocinética
6.
Int J Mol Sci ; 18(6)2017 Jun 06.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28587291

RESUMO

Although the chemical composition and biological properties of some species of the genus Pistacia has been investigated, studies on hull essential oil of Pistacia vera L. variety Bronte (HEO) are currently lacking. In this work, we have carried out an in-depth phytochemical profile elucidation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and an evaluation of antioxidant scavenging properties of HEO, using several different in vitro methods, checking also its cytoprotective potential on lymphocytes treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, both American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and clinical isolates, was also investigated. GC-MS analysis highlighted the richness of this complex matrix, with the identification of 40 derivatives. The major components identified were 4-Carene (31.743%), α-Pinene (23.584%), d-Limonene (8.002%), and 3-Carene (7.731%). The HEO showed a strong iron chelating activity and was found to be markedly active against hydroxyl radical, while scarce effects were found against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Moreover, pre-treatment with HEO was observed to significantly increase the cell viability, decreasing the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. HEO was bactericidal against all the tested strains at the concentration of 7.11 mg/mL, with the exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027. The obtained results demonstrate the strong free-radical scavenging activity of HEO along with remarkable cytoprotective and antimicrobial properties.


Assuntos
Antibacterianos/química , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Óleos Voláteis/química , Óleos Voláteis/farmacologia , Pistacia/química , Antibacterianos/isolamento & purificação , Antioxidantes/isolamento & purificação , Bactérias/efeitos dos fármacos , Infecções Bacterianas/tratamento farmacológico , Citoproteção/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Linfócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Óleos Voláteis/isolamento & purificação
7.
Biofactors ; 43(4): 495-506, 2017 Jul 08.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28497905

RESUMO

Citrus fruit and juices represent one of the main sources of compounds with a high potential for health promoting properties. Among these compounds, flavanones (such as hesperetin, naringenin, eriodictyol, isosakuranetin, and their respective glycosides), which occur in quantities ranging from ∼180 to 740 mg/L (depending on the Citrus species and cultivar) are responsible for many biological activities. These compounds support and enhance the body's defenses against oxidative stress and help the organism in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Moreover, among other properties, they also show anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities. This review analyzes the biochemistry, pharmacology, and biology of Citrus flavanones, emphasizing the occurrence in Citrus fruits and juices and their bioavailability, structure-function correlations and ability to modulate signal cascades both in vitro and in vivo. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(4):495-506, 2017.


Assuntos
Citrus/química , Flavanonas/farmacologia , Animais , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Flavanonas/química , Flavonoides/química , Flavonoides/farmacologia , Hesperidina/química , Hesperidina/farmacologia , Humanos , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos
8.
Biofactors ; 43(4): 549-557, 2017 Jul 08.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28401997

RESUMO

Phloretin and phlorizin are the two strong natural antioxidants whose biological and pharmacological applications are rapidly growing in different human pathological conditions. The neuroprotective activity of the two flavonoids has been analyzed on cell culture of neuroblastoma cells. The neuroprotective activity of the two flavonoids has been analyzed on cell culture of neuroblastoma cells and evaluated by testing cell vitality, mitochondrial transmembrane potential and ROS production, antioxidant enzymes detection, activation of caspase 3, DNA damage, protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide anion scavenging activity. Incubation of cells with rotenone caused cell death and significant increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species, activation of caspase 3, and variation in mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Although, rotenone exposure caused a significant increase of antioxidant enzymes, high levels of lipid peroxidation were also observed. Phloretin or phlorizin, at micromolar concentration, reduced rotenone-induced cell death by scavenging ability against superoxide anion radical, one of the main effectors of rotenone toxicity at level of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. Under our experimental conditions, a reduction of the intracellular ROS levels with consequent normalization of the aforementioned antioxidant enzymes occurred. Concomitantly, we observed the inhibition of caspase 3 activity and DNA damage. This study shows the promising neuroprotective ability of the two dihydrochalcones able to protect human differentiated neuroblastoma cells (commonly used as model of Parkinson's disease) from injury induced by rotenone, actively scavenging ROS, normalizing mitochondrial transmembrane potential and consequently avoiding energy depletion. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(4):549-557, 2017.


Assuntos
Fármacos Neuroprotetores/farmacologia , Floretina/farmacologia , Rotenona/toxicidade , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Dano ao DNA/efeitos dos fármacos , Flavonoides/metabolismo , Humanos , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Potencial da Membrana Mitocondrial/efeitos dos fármacos , Carbonilação Proteica/efeitos dos fármacos , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo
9.
Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj ; 1861(1 Pt B): 3531-3539, 2017 Jan.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26971858

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Interactions of ligands with proteins imply changes in the properties of the macromolecules that may deeply modify their biological activities and conformations and allow them to acquire new and, sometimes, unexpected abilities. The flavonoid phloretin has several pharmacological properties that are starting to be elucidated, one of which is the well-known inhibition of glucose transport. METHODS: The interactions of phloretin to human serum albumin have been investigated by fluorescence, UV-visible, FTIR spectroscopy, native electrophoresis, protein ligand docking studies, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Spectroscopic investigations suggest that the flavonoid binds to human serum albumin inducing a decrease in α-helix structures as shown by deconvolution of FTIR Amide I' band. Fluorescence and displacement studies highlight modifications of environment around Trp214 with the primary binding site located in the Sudlow's site I. In the hydrophobic cavity of subdomain IIA, molecular modeling studies suggest that phloretin is in non-planar conformation and hydrogen-bonded with Ser202 and Ser454. These changes make HSA able to withstand protein degradation due to HCLO and fibrillation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our work aims to open new perspectives as far as the binding of flavonoids to HSA are concern and shows as the properties of both compounds can be remarkable modified after the complex formation, resulting, for instance, in a protein structure much more resistant to oxidation and fibrillation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Science for Life" Guest Editor: Dr. Austen Angell, Dr. Salvatore Magazù and Dr. Federica Migliardo.


Assuntos
Flavonoides/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo , Agregados Proteicos , Albumina Sérica/química , Albumina Sérica/metabolismo , Sítios de Ligação , Humanos , Microscopia de Fluorescência , Modelos Moleculares , Floretina/química , Ligação Proteica , Conformação Proteica , Proteólise , Espectrometria de Fluorescência , Espectrofotometria Ultravioleta , Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier , Termodinâmica
10.
J Inorg Biochem ; 167: 116-123, 2017 02.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27974279

RESUMO

A Bodipy (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) derivative has been conceived and synthesized starting from l-aspartic acid, as a selective turn-off sensor of Cu2+ ions. Its acid-base properties were determined to study the formation of metal/sensor complex species by titration of solutions each containing a different metal ion, such as Cu2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Pb2+ and Hg2+ and different metal/sensor ratios. The speciation models allowed us to simulate the distribution of the metal/sensor complex species at the normal concentrations of the corresponding metals present in biological fluids. The distribution diagrams, obtained by varying the concentration of sensor 1, clearly indicate that sensor 1 responds selectively to Cu2+ at micromolar concentrations, even in the presence of other more abundant metal cations Ca2+. Finally, we analyzed the cellular uptake of sensor 1 on human erythrocytes and its ability to chelate Cu2+ in the cellular environment. Results indicate that it crosses the plasmatic membrane and colors the cells of a bright fluorescent red. Exposing the fluorescent cells to Cu2+ results in a complete cellular photobleaching of the red fluorescence, indicating that sensor 1 is able to detect metal changes in the cytosolic environment.


Assuntos
Compostos de Boro , Cálcio , Complexos de Coordenação , Cobre , Membrana Eritrocítica , Fluorescência , Compostos de Boro/química , Compostos de Boro/farmacologia , Cálcio/química , Cálcio/metabolismo , Complexos de Coordenação/síntese química , Complexos de Coordenação/química , Complexos de Coordenação/metabolismo , Cobre/química , Cobre/farmacologia , Membrana Eritrocítica/genética , Membrana Eritrocítica/metabolismo , Humanos
11.
Br J Pharmacol ; 174(11): 1244-1262, 2017 06.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27646690

RESUMO

Tannins are a heterogeneous group of high MW, water-soluble, polyphenolic compounds, naturally present in cereals, leguminous seeds and, predominantly, in many fruits and vegetables, where they provide protection against a wide range of biotic and abiotic stressors. Tannins exert several pharmacological effects, including antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity as well as antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-nutritional and cardio-protective properties. They also seem to exert beneficial effects on metabolic disorders and prevent the onset of several oxidative stress-related diseases. Although the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic data for these phytochemicals are still sparse, gut absorption of these compounds seems to be inversely correlated with the degree of polymerization. Further studies are mandatory to better clarify how these molecules and their metabolites are able to cross the intestinal barrier in order to exert their biological properties. This review summarizes the current literature on tannins, focusing on the main, recently proposed mechanisms of action that underlie their pharmacological and disease-prevention properties, as well as their bioavailability, safety and toxicology. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc.


Assuntos
Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Taninos Hidrolisáveis/farmacologia , Proantocianidinas/farmacologia , Animais , Antioxidantes/isolamento & purificação , Antioxidantes/farmacocinética , Disponibilidade Biológica , Suplementos Nutricionais , Humanos , Taninos Hidrolisáveis/isolamento & purificação , Taninos Hidrolisáveis/farmacocinética , Compostos Fitoquímicos/farmacocinética , Compostos Fitoquímicos/farmacologia , Proantocianidinas/isolamento & purificação , Proantocianidinas/farmacocinética
12.
CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets ; 15(8): 964-975, 2016.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27528470

RESUMO

Neurodegenerative diseases are the leading cause of disability in the elderly. Growing evidence suggests that oxidative stress, which is associated with aging, is the basis of most neurodegenerative disorders; and polyphenols, acting as antioxidant agents, reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Quercetin is a flavonoid occurring in many plant foods commonly consumed as part of a regular diet. It shows a number of biological properties connected to its antioxidant activity. This review assesses the molecular structure of quercetin, its food sources and bioavailability. Moreover, the main results obtained from in vitro studies, observing the mechanisms of action through which quercetin exerts its antioxidant activity, are reported. However, most of these effects have only been observed in vitro and clinical studies are lacking.


Assuntos
Doenças Neurodegenerativas/tratamento farmacológico , Fármacos Neuroprotetores , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Quercetina , Animais , Humanos , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/química , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/farmacologia , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/uso terapêutico , Quercetina/química , Quercetina/farmacologia , Quercetina/uso terapêutico
13.
Biochim Biophys Acta ; 1858(11): 2769-2777, 2016 11.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27521487

RESUMO

In spite of the growing variety of biological applications of dendrimer-based nanocarriers, a major problem of their potential applications in bio-medicine is related to the disruption of lipid bilayers and the cytotoxicity caused by the aggregation processes involved onto cellular membranes. With the aim to study model dendrimer-biomembrane interaction, the self-assembly processes of a mixture of charged polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lipids were investigated by means of Zeta potential analysis, Raman and x-ray scattering. Zwitterionic DPPC liposomes showed substantially different behaviors during their interaction with negatively charged (generation G=2.5) sodium carboxylate terminated (COO- Na+) dendrimers or positively charged (generation G=3.0) amino terminated (-NH2) dendrimers. More specifically the obtained results evidence the sensitive interactions between dendrimer terminals and lipid molecules at the surface of the liposome, with an enhancement of the liposome surface zeta potential, as well as in the hydrophobic region of the bilayers, where dendrimer penetration produce a perturbation of the hydrophobic alkyl chains of the bilayers. Analysis of the SAXS structure factor with a suitable model for the inter-dendrimers electrostatic potential allows an estimation of an effective charge of 15 ǀeǀ for G=2.5 and 7.6 ǀeǀ for G=3.0 PAMAM dendrimers. Only a fraction (about 1/7) of this charge contributes to the linear increase of liposome zeta-potential with increasing PAMAM/DPPC molar fraction. The findings of our investigation may be applied to rationalize the effect of the nanoparticles electrostatic interaction in solution environments for the design of new drug carriers combining dendrimeric and liposomal technology.


Assuntos
1,2-Dipalmitoilfosfatidilcolina/química , Dendrímeros/química , Portadores de Fármacos , Bicamadas Lipídicas/química , Lipossomos/química , Ácidos Carboxílicos/química , Análise Espectral Raman , Eletricidade Estática , Termodinâmica
14.
Phytother Res ; 30(8): 1265-86, 2016 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27221033

RESUMO

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring molecules belonging to the flavonoid class characterized by the presence of chromophores. Apart from their well-known antioxidant activity, they show a wide variety of health-promoting properties for human health, ranging from cytoprotective, antimicrobial and antitumour activities to neuroprotective, anti-obesity and lipidomic potential, properties for which anthocyanins have been prescribed as medicines in several countries for thousands of years. Despite this, these phytochemicals have received less attention than other flavonoids, and there is still a gap in the literature, particularly regarding pharmacological and toxicological aspects. Moreover, epidemiological evidence suggests a direct correlation between anthocyanin intake and a lower incidence of chronic and degenerative diseases. In light of this, the aim of this review is to cover the current literature on anthocyanins, their biological in vitro and in vivo effects and their potential therapeutic applications, as well as their bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, all of which are essential to gain a better understanding of their biological effectiveness and potential toxicity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Assuntos
Antocianinas/química , Antocianinas/farmacologia , Humanos
15.
Food Chem ; 196: 493-502, 2016 Apr 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26593519

RESUMO

Every year tons of pistachio hulls are separated and eliminated, as waste products, from pistachio seeds. In this study the hulls of ripe pistachios were extracted with two organic solvents (ethanol and methanol) and characterized for phenolic composition, antioxidant power and cytoprotective activity. RP-HPLC-DAD-FLU separation enabled us to identify 20 derivatives, including and by far the most abundant gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, naringin, eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-7-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside and catechin. Methanol extraction gave the highest yields for all classes of compounds and presented a higher scavenging activity in all the antioxidant assays performed. The same was found for cytoprotective activity on lymphocytes, lipid peroxidation and protein degradation. These findings highlight the strong antioxidant and cytoprotective activity of the extract components, and illustrate how a waste product can be used as a source of nutraceuticals to employ in manufacturing industry.


Assuntos
Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Citoproteção , Suplementos Nutricionais , Pistacia , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Humanos , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Fenóis/análise , Pistacia/química
16.
Food Chem ; 196: 619-27, 2016 Apr 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26593535

RESUMO

Sanguinello and Tarocco are the blood orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) cultivars most diffused worldwide. Reversed phase liquid chromatography coupled with MS-MS analysis showed that these two varieties have a similar chromatographic pattern, characterised by the presence of C- and O-glycosyl flavonoids. Of the two, Sanguinello was found to be far richer in flavonoids than Tarocco. In the juices, twelve individual components were identified for the first time, namely, four C-glycosyl flavones (lucenin-2, vicenin-2, stellarin-2, lucenin-2 4'-methyl ether and scoparin), three flavonol derivatives (quercetin-3-O-(2-rhamnosyl)-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-hexoside, quercetin 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-glycoside), an O-triglycosyl flavanone (narirutin 4'-O-glucoside) and a flavone O-glycosides (chrysoeriol 7-O-neoesperidoside). Moreover, the influence of the identified C- and O-glycosyl flavonoids on the antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase activity of these juices has been evaluated.


Assuntos
Antioxidantes/química , Bebidas/análise , Inibidores da Colinesterase/química , Citrus sinensis/química , Flavonoides/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Acetilcolinesterase/análise , Antioxidantes/isolamento & purificação , Inibidores da Colinesterase/isolamento & purificação , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Flavonoides/isolamento & purificação , Frutas/química , Humanos , Extratos Vegetais/isolamento & purificação , Espectrometria de Massas em Tandem
17.
Microorganisms ; 3(3): 500-17, 2015 Sep 09.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27682102

RESUMO

Microbial communities inhabiting the deep-sea salt-saturated anoxic lakes of the Eastern Mediterranean operate under harsh physical-chemical conditions that are incompatible with the lifestyle of common marine microorganisms. Here, we investigated a stable three-component microbial consortium obtained from the brine of the recently discovered deep-sea salt-saturated Lake Thetis. The trophic network of this consortium, established at salinities up to 240, relies on fermentative decomposition of common osmoprotectant glycine betaine (GB). Similarly to known extreme halophilic anaerobic GB-degrading enrichments, the initial step of GB degradation starts with its reductive cleavage to trimethylamine and acetate, carried out by the fermenting member of the Thetis enrichment, Halobacteroides lacunaris TB21. In contrast to acetate, which cannot be easily oxidized in salt-saturated anoxic environments, trimethylamine represents an advantageous C1-substrate for methylotrophic methanogenic member of the Thetis enrichment, Methanohalophilus sp. TA21. This second member of the consortium likely produces hydrogen via methylotrophic modification of reductive acetyl-CoA pathway because the initial anaerobic GB cleavage reaction requires the consumption of reducing equivalents. Ecophysiological role of the third member of the Thetis consortium, Halanaerobium sp. TB24, which lacks the capability of either GB or trimethylamine degradation, remains yet to be elucidated. As it is true for cultivated members of family Halanaerobiaceae, the isolate TB24 can obtain energy primarily by fermenting simple sugars and producing hydrogen as one of the end products. Hence, by consuming of TB21 and TA21 metabolites, Halanaerobium sp. TB24 can be an additional provider of reducing equivalents required for reductive degradation of GB. Description of the Thetis GB-degrading consortium indicated that anaerobic degradation of osmoregulatory molecules may play important role in the overall turnover of organic carbon in anoxic hypersaline biotopes.

18.
Br J Nutr ; 112(9): 1521-9, 2014 Nov 14.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25351860

RESUMO

A number of studies have demonstrated that consuming almonds increases satiety but does not result in weight gain, despite their high energy and lipid content. To understand the mechanism of almond digestion, in the present study, we investigated the bioaccessibility of lipids from masticated almonds during in vitro simulated human digestion, and determined the associated changes in cell-wall composition and cellular microstructure. The influence of processing on lipid release was assessed by using natural raw almonds (NA) and roasted almonds (RA). Masticated samples from four healthy adults (two females, two males) were exposed to a dynamic gastric model of digestion followed by simulated duodenal digestion. Between 7·8 and 11·1 % of the total lipid was released as a result of mastication, with no significant differences between the NA and RA samples. Significant digestion occurred during the in vitro gastric phase (16·4 and 15·9 %) and the in vitro duodenal phase (32·2 and 32·7 %) for the NA and RA samples, respectively. Roasting produced a smaller average particle size distribution post-mastication; however, this was not significant in terms of lipid release. Light microscopy showed major changes that occurred in the distribution of lipid in all cells after the roasting process. Further changes were observed in the surface cells of almond fragments and in fractured cells after exposure to the duodenal environment. Almond cell walls prevented lipid release from intact cells, providing a mechanism for incomplete nutrient absorption in the gut. The composition of almond cell walls was not affected by processing or simulated digestion.


Assuntos
Digestão , Manipulação de Alimentos , Lipídeos/farmacocinética , Mastigação , Nozes/química , Prunus/química , Adulto , Disponibilidade Biológica , Parede Celular/química , Duodeno/metabolismo , Feminino , Mucosa Gástrica/metabolismo , Temperatura Alta , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Lipídeos/análise , Masculino , Modelos Biológicos , Nozes/ultraestrutura , Tamanho da Partícula
19.
Food Chem ; 160: 292-7, 2014 Oct 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24799241

RESUMO

Phloretin and its glycosylated derivatives (phlorizin and phloretin 3',5'-di-C-glucoside) are dihydrochalcones that have many interesting biological properties. The results obtained showed that the dihydrochalcones are able to inhibit growth of Gram positive bacteria, in particular Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932 and methicillin-resistant S. aureus clinical strains. Moreover, phloretin is active also against the Gram negative bacteria Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 13311. The determination of the enzymatic activity of key metabolic enzymes allowed us to shed some light on the biochemical mechanism of aglycon cell growth inhibition, showing as it remarkably influences the energetic metabolism of S. aureus. In addition, structure/activity determinations highlighted that the presence of a glycosyl moiety bound to the chalcone structure dramatically decreases the antimicrobial activity of phloretin.


Assuntos
Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Malus/química , Floretina/farmacologia , Florizina/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Rutaceae/química , Antibacterianos/análise , Bactérias Gram-Negativas/efeitos dos fármacos , Bactérias Gram-Positivas/efeitos dos fármacos , Floretina/análise , Florizina/análise , Extratos Vegetais/análise
20.
Food Chem ; 149: 244-52, 2014 Apr 15.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24295703

RESUMO

RP-LC-DAD-ESI-MS-MS separation/identification protocol has been employed for the identification and characterisation of nine C- and O-glycosyl flavonoids in Moro (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) juice grown in Southern Italy. For the first time we reported the presence of five C-glycosyl flavones (lucenin-2, vicenin-2, stellarin-2, lucenin-2 4'-methyl ether and scoparin), a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl glycosyl flavonol (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl glycosyl quercetin) and a flavone O-glycosides (chrysoeriol 7-O-neoesperidoside). Moreover, the influence of the identified C- and O-glycosyl flavonoids on the total antioxidant activity of crude juice has been evaluated on the basis of its ability to scavenge DPPH•, OH• and ABTS•+ radicals and to reduce iron.


Assuntos
Antioxidantes/química , Bebidas/análise , Citrus sinensis/química , Flavonas/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Frutas/química , Estrutura Molecular
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