Flour from Prosopis alba cotyledons: A natural source of nutrient and bioactive phytochemicals.

The Prosopis alba seed is a waste material in the process to produce pod flour. To suggest a potential use of these seeds it is necessary to determine the nutritional, phytochemical and functional quality of cotyledon flour from Prosopis alba. This flour showed high level of proteins (62%), low content of total carbohydrate and fat. Free polyphenol (1150±20mg GAE/100g flour) and carotenoids (10.55±0.05mg ß-CE/100g flour) compounds were the dominant compounds. The main identified constituents in the polyphenolic extracts were C- glycosyl flavones, including schaftoside, isoschaftoside, vicenin II, vitexin and isovitexin. The extract enriched in polyphenolic compounds exhibited ABTS(+) reducing capacity and scavenging activity of H2O2; and was able to inhibit phospholipase, lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, three pro-inflammatory enzymes. According to our results, the P. alba cotyledon flour could be considered as a new alternative in the formulation of functional foods or food supplements.

Antibacterial and leishmanicidal activity of Bolivian propolis.

UNLABELLED: The antimicrobial activity of Bolivian propolis was assessed for the first time on a panel of bacteria and two endemic parasitic protozoa. Ten samples of Bolivian propolis and their main constituents were tested using the micro-broth dilution method against 11 bacterial pathogenic strains as well as against promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and L. braziliensis using the XTT-based colorimetric method. The methanolic extracts showed antibacterial effect ranging from inactive (MICs > 1000 µg ml(-1) ) to low (MICs 250-1000 µg ml(-1) ), moderate (62·5-125 µg ml(-1) ) and high antibacterial activity (MIC 31·2 µg ml(-1) ), according to the collection place and chemical composition. The most active samples towards Leishmania species were from Cochabamba and Tarija, with IC50 values of 12·1 and 7·8, 8·0 and 10·9 µg ml(-1) against L. amazonensis and Leishmania brasiliensis respectively. The results show that the best antibacterial and antiprotozoal effect was observed for some phenolic-rich propolis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Propolis is used in Bolivia as an antimicrobial agent. Bolivian propolis from the main production areas was assessed for antibacterial and leishmanicidal effect and the results were compared with the propolis chemical composition. The active antibacterial propolis samples were phenolic-rich while those containing mainly triterpenes were devoid of activity or weakly active. A similar picture was obtained for the effect on Leishmania, with better effect for the phenolic-rich samples. As propolis is used for the same purposes regardless of the production area and composition, our findings indicate the need for the standardization of this natural product as antimicrobial.

Polyphenols rich fraction from Geoffroea decorticans fruits flour affects key enzymes involved in metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress and inflammatory process.

Geoffroea decorticans (chañar), is widely distributed throughout Northwestern Argentina. Its fruit is consumed as flour, arrope or hydroalcoholic beverage. The chañar fruits flour was obtained and 39 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified by HPLC-MS/MS(n). The compounds comprised caffeic acid glycosides, simple phenolics (protocatechuic acid and vanillic acid), a glycoside of vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid and its phenethyl ester as well as free and glycosylated flavonoids. The polyphenols enriched extract with and without gastroduodenal digestion inhibited enzymes associated with metabolic syndrome, including α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase and hydroxyl methyl glutaryl CoA reductase. The polyphenolic extract exhibited antioxidant activity by different mechanisms and inhibited the pro-inflammatory enzymes (ciclooxygenase, lipoxygenase and phospholipase A2). The polyphenolic extract did not showed mutagenic effect by Ames test against Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains. These findings add evidence that chañar fruit flour may be considered a functional food with preventive properties against diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators and metabolic syndrome.

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus (D.C) Stapf) polyphenols protect human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs) from oxidative damage induced by high glucose, hydrogen peroxide and oxidised low-density lipoprotein.

The aromatic herb Cymbopogon citratus Stapf is widely used in tropical and subtropical countries in cooking, as a herbal tea, and in traditional medicine for hypertension and diabetes. Some of its properties have been associated with the in vitro antioxidant effect of polyphenols isolated from their aerial parts. However, little is known about C. citratus effects on endothelial cells oxidative injury. Using chromatographic procedures, a polyphenol-rich fraction was obtained from C. citratus (CCF) and their antioxidant properties were assessed by cooper-induced LDL oxidation assay. The main constituents of the active CCF, identified by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS), were chlorogenic acid, isoorientin and swertiajaponin. CCF 10 and 100 µg/ml diminishes reactive oxidative species (ROS) production in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs), challenged with high D-glucose (60% inhibition), hydrogen peroxide (80% inhibition) or oxidised low-density lipoprotein (55% inhibition). CCF 10 or 100 µg/ml did not change nitric oxide (NO) production. However, CCF was able to inhibit vasoconstriction induced by the thromboxane A2 receptor agonist U46619, which suggest a NO-independent vasodilatador effect on blood vessels. Our results suggest that lemon grass antioxidant properties might prevent endothelial dysfunction associated to an oxidative imbalance promoted by different oxidative stimuli.

Direct identification of phenolic constituents in Boldo Folium (Peumus boldus Mol.) infusions by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

A very simple and direct method was developed for the qualitative analysis of polyphenols in boldo (Peumus boldus Mol., Monimiaceae) leaves infusions by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS(n)). The phenolic constituents identified in infusions of the crude drug Boldo Folium were mainly proanthocyanidins and flavonol glycosides. In the infusions, 41 compounds were detected in male and 43 compounds in female leaf samples, respectively. Nine quercetin glycosides, eight kaempferol derivatives, nine isorhamnetin glycosides, three phenolic acids, one caffeoylquinic acid glycoside and twenty one proanthocyanidins were identified by HPLC-DAD and ESI-MS for the first time in the crude drug. Isorhamnetin glucosyl-di-rhamnoside was the most abundant flavonol glycoside in the male boldo sample, whereas isorhamnetin di-glucosyl-di-rhamnoside was the main phenolic compound in female boldo leaves infusion. The results suggest that the medicinal properties reported for this popular infusion should be attributed not only to the presence of catechin and boldine but also to several phenolic compounds with known antioxidant activity. The HPLC fingerprint obtained can be useful in the authentication of the crude drug Boldo Folium as well as for qualitative analysis and differentiation of plant populations in the tree distribution range.

Free-radical scavengers and antioxidants from Peumus boldus Mol. ("Boldo").

The dry leaves of Peumus boldus (Monimiaceae) are used in infusion or decoction as a digestive and to improve hepatic complains. Preliminary assays showed free-radical scavenging activity in hot water extracts of boldo leaves, measured by the decoloration of a methanolic solution of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH). Assay-guided isolation led to the active compounds. Catechin proved to be the main free-radical scavenger of the extracts. Lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes was inhibited by boldo extracts and fractions at 500 microg/ml with higher effect for the ethyl acetate soluble and alkaloid fractions. The IC50 for catechin and boldine in the lipid peroxidation test were 75.6 and 12.5 microg/ml, respectively. On the basis of dry starting material the catechin content in the crude drug was 2.25% while the total alkaloid calculated as boldine was 0.06%. The activity of boldine was six times higher than catechin in the lipid peroxidation assay. However, the mean catechin:total alkaloid content ratio was 37:1. The relative concentration of alkaloids and phenolics in boldo leaves and their activity suggest that free-radical scavenging effect is mainly due to catechin and flavonoids and that antioxidant effect is mainly related with the catechin content The high catechin content of boldo leaves and its bioactivity suggest that quality control of Boldo folium has to combine the analysis of catechin as well as their characteristic aporphine alkaloids.

Immunomodulatory activity of Chilean Cyttaria species in mice with L5178Y lymphoma.

The immunomodulatory effect of hydrosoluble extracts of four Chilean Cyttaria species (Discomycetes, Fungi) was assessed in mice with L5178Y lymphoma. Oral administration of 100 mg extract per day for 7 days enhanced the percentual phagocytosis and phagocytosis index in animals receiving Cyttaria berteroi, Cyttaria darwinii, Cyttaria espinosae and Cyttaria harioti extracts. Differences in the digestion index were observed in mice treated with C. darwinii and C. berteroi. In the delayed-type hypersensitivity model, only C. harioti was able to modify the immune response. The results suggest that intake of Cyttaria can improve the immune system of consumers.

Cryptofolione derivatives from Cryptocarya alba fruits.

Cryptofolione (1) and the new cryptofolione derivative 6-(4,6-dimethoxy-8-phenyl-octa-1,7-dienyl)-4-hydroxy-tetrahydro-pyran-2-one (2) were isolated from the fruits of Cryptocarya alba. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Cryptofolione showed activity towards Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes, reducing their number by 77% at 250 microg mL(-1). Cryptofolione showed moderate cytotoxicity in both macrophages and T. cruzi amastigotes. It also displayed a mild inhibitory effect on the promastigote form of Leishmania spp. As both cytotoxic and trypanocidal effects are similar, the compound presented little selectivity in our assay models.

Free radical scavenging activity of Lafoensia pacari.

The methanolic extract of the stem bark of Lafoensia pacari (Lythraceae) showed free radical scavenging activity in the diphenyl picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH) decoloration assay and inhibited the enzyme xanthine oxidase 'in vitro'. Bioassay-guided isolation led to ellagic acid (EA) as the main active compound of Brazilian and Paraguayan collections of the plant.

Biologically active alkaloids and a free radical scavenger from Prosopis species.

The biological activity of extracts from the aerial parts of five Argentinian Prosopis species and the exudate of P. flexuosa were assessed for DNA binding, beta-glucosidase inhibition and free radical scavenging effect using the DPPH decoloration assay. DNA binding effect was found mainly in the basic fraction. The alkaloids tryptamine as well as piperidine and phenethylamine derivatives were isolated from the basic extracts. At 0.50 mg/ml, DNA binding activities ranged from 28% for tryptamine to 0-27% for the phenethylamine and 47-54% for the piperidine derivatives. Tryptamine and 2-beta-methyl-3-beta-hydroxy-6-beta-piperidinedodecanol showed a moderate inhibition (27-32%) of the enzyme beta-glucosidase at 100 microg/ml. The exudate of P. flexuosa displayed a strong free radical scavenger effect in the DPPH decoloration assay. The main active constituent was identified as catechin.

Activity of solidagenone and their semisynthetic derivatives on the glucocorticoid-mediated signal transduction.

The labdane diterpene solidagenone and four semisynthetic derivatives were assessed for effects on the glucocorticoid-mediated signal transduction. Solidagenone and the derivatives proved to be active with IC50 values between 1 and 25 micrograms/mL. All compounds were cytotoxic towards L 1210, BHK and COS 7 cells with IC50 from 10-100 micrograms/mL.

Free radical scavengers from Mutisia friesiana (Asteraceae) and Sanicula graveolens (Apiaceae).

The water-soluble extract of Sanicula graveolens (Apiaceae) and Mutisia friesiana (Asteraceae) showed radical scavenging activity in the DPPH decoloration assay. Bioassay-guided isolation led to caffeic acid derivatives and flavonoids as the main active compounds of both species. After hydrolysis, caffeic acid and quercetin proved to be the bioactive principles of both plants.

DNA binding alkaloids from Prosopis alba.

The known beta-phenethylamine ( 1) and the new alkaloid 2-beta-methyl-3-beta-hydroxy-6-beta-piperidinedodecanol ( 2) were isolated from the aerial parts of PROSOPIS ALBA. Both compounds showed DNA binding effects of 27 and 50%, respectively, at 0.50 mg/ml.

Rutin and Scopoletin Content and Micropropagation of Fabiana imbricata.

An HPLC method for the simultaneous quantitative determination of rutin and scopoletin in the aerial parts of FABIANA IMBRICATA is presented. The results showed high variability in the scopoletin (240-2,400 mg%) and rutin (195-1,950 mg%) content in the populations surveyed. A micropropagation method for F. IMBRICATA plants was established by culturing shoot tips on Murashige-Skoog (MS) medium containing 1.0 mg/l benzylaminopurine (BAP), 0.01 mg/l naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 0.1 mg/l gibberellic acid (GA3). Auxin addition to the rooting medium, especially 0.5 mg/l indolebutyric acid (IBA) or 0.5 mg/l IBA and 0.1 mg/l NAA, enhances root formation. The micropropagation method presented allowed the obtention of regenerated plantlets in six weeks from shoot tips.

Prevalence of Chagas' disease in Ayoreo communities of the Paraguayan Chaco.

The prevalence of Chagas' disease in Ayoreo amerindians living in their traditional habitat of the Paraguayan Chaco was assessed by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence techniques. The Ayoreo is the last hunther-gatherer tribe of the Paraguayan Chaco and was "pacified" between 1965 and 1975. They still maintain a seminomadic way of life. Chagas' disease prevalence in the Ayoreo communities probably represents their natural prevalence in Chaco Amerindians before settlement. Triatoma sordida was identified as the insect vector in the settlements of Gesudi and Chovoreca, while the highly domiciliary Triatoma infestans was found in Campo Loro. The prevalence of Chagas' disease in Gesudi and Chovoreca, based on our serological surveys was 12-13%. Other authors reported a 72.9% of Chagas' disease prevalence in amerindians settled in the Chaco since 1930-1940.

Magic and medicinal plants of the Ayoreos of the Chaco Boreal (Paraguay).

The Ayoreo is a hunter-gatherer tribe of Amerindians which occupy the central-northern part of the Paraguayan Chaco. The whole Ayoreo culture cannot be disassociated from religious beliefs. Disease is considered of supernatural origin and as the result of breaking or disobeying the tabu which regulates existence. A description of the shamanic practices is given to understand better the position of health practices in the Ayoreo culture, particularly the use of medicinal and hallucinogenic plants. Fragments of the Asojna ritual and the methods for becoming shaman; the initiation of the last living shaman, as well as references to the magic powers of the shaman are presented. Diagnosis and treatment included invocations to plant and animal spirits and the use of a few medicinal plants. The plants used as medicine or invoked for healing are presented for the first time. Of particular interest is the identification of two Euphorbiaceae as ritual plants by the Ayoreo.

Two new 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone transformation products fromNocardia DSM 43298.

Two new products: 9,10-seco-1,3,5(10)-pregnatrien-3,17 a-dihydroxy-9,20-dione and 9,10-seco-1,3,5(10)-pregnatrien-3,17a,20-triol-9-one, have been isolated as 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone transformation products fromNocardia DSM 43298. The structures were established by spectroscopic methods.

Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of Chilean Myrtaceae.

Twenty-one Myrtaceae collections belonging to 10 species, 5 of which are used in Chilean folk medicine, were assayed for inhibitory activity towards the enzyme xanthine oxidase. Most leaf and stem extracts were devoid of activity or showed a weak inhibitory effect. Chilean ethnobotanical data on the species are linked to the astringent properties of Myrtaceae and their use for treating wounds and diarrhea. The results show the advantage of using proper plant selection criteria when searching for new drugs to treat human gout.

Paraguayan medicinal compositae.

A survey of the Compositae used in traditional medicine and as economic plants by Paraguayan country people was undertaken to identify the components of crude drugs traded by herbalists. Forty-five medicinal and economic species have been identified through field work in the rural areas and enquiries in the markets, as well as by examination of the literature in the Spanish language. Some crude drugs are shown to be mixtures of several closely-related species. The role of indigenous plant remedies within the local health care system is also discussed.

Preliminary pharmacological studies on Eugenia uniflora leaves: xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity.

Eugenia uniflora is widely used in Paraguayan folk medicine. A hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves showed some central nervous system activity in hippocratic screening when given intraperitoneally, but little to no acute or subacute toxicity in doses up to 4200 mg/kg orally in BALB c mice. The LD50 of the extract was 220 mg/kg i.p. in mice. A decoction or infusion of the leaves is recommended for treating gout by native herbalists. The known flavonoids quercitrin, quercetin, myricitrin and myricetin were found to be responsible for the xanthine oxidase inhibitory action of the plant extract.