Anthocyanin-rich extract of Acai ( Euterpe precatoria Mart.) mediates neuroprotective activities in Caenorhabditis elegans

Effects on neuroprotection and α-synuclein expression of a Canna coccinea rhizome extract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly, currently with no cure. Its mechanisms are not well understood, however α-synuclein protein aggregation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of PD, leading to neurodegeneration. We demonstrated that in a PD model dietary in Caenorhabditis elegans treatment with an extract from the rhizome of Canna coccinea decreased the accumulation of α-synuclein. The extract showed low toxicity to neuro 2a cells and protected them from oxidative damage with H2O2 as a model for neurodegeneration. We studied the chemical profile of the extract using liquid chromatography couple to Mass Spectrometry. In order to characterize the herbal extract, we quantified rosmarinic acid as a marker compound and measured its antioxidant activity in vitro. Altogether, apart from its potential as a functional food, Canna coccinea may be an interesting source of secondary metabolites in the development of potential novel anti-neurodegenerative drugs.

Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols in Cellular Reversal of Patho-Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models: A Comprehensive Review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered one of the most common neurological conditions associated with memory and cognitive impairment and mainly affects people aged 65 or above. Even with tremendous progress in modern neuroscience, a permanent remedy or cure for this crippling disease is still unattainable. Polyphenols are a group of naturally occurring potent compounds that can modulate the neurodegenerative processes typical of AD. The present comprehensive study has been conducted to find out the preclinical and clinical potential of polyphenols and elucidate their possible mechanisms in managing AD. Additionally, we have reviewed different clinical studies investigating polyphenols as single compounds or cotherapies, including those currently recruiting, completed, terminated, withdrawn, or suspended in AD treatment. Natural polyphenols were systematically screened and identified through electronic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus based on in vitro cell line studies and preclinical data demonstrating their potential for neuroprotection. A total of 63 significant polyphenols were identified. A multimechanistic pathway for polyphenol's mode of action has been proposed in the study. Out of 63, four potent polyphenols have been identified as promising potential candidates, based on their reported clinical efficacy. Polyphenols hold tremendous scope for the development of a future drug molecule as a phytopharmaceutical that may be incorporated as an adjuvant to the therapeutic regime. However, more high-quality studies with novel delivery methods and combinatorial approaches are required to overcome obstacles such as bioavailability and blood-brain barrier crossing to underscore the therapeutic potential of these compounds in AD management.

An overview of the potential of select edible Amazonian fruits and their applications in dairy products

BACKGROUND

The Amazon forest produces a variety of fruits with strong biotechnological potential. However, their use in dairy products is restricted.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

This work aims to carry out a bibliographic survey on the technological applications of select edible Amazonian fruits and their residues in the elaboration and quality of dairy products. The Web of Science© (WOS), Science Direct®, PubMed®/MEDLINE, and Capes Periodicals databases were used.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

Adding Amazonian fruits to dairy products expands their nutritional and functional profile, presenting significant technological potential. Incorporating pulps from fruits such as "açaí" (Euterpe oleracea), "araçá-boi" (Eugenia stipitata), "bacuri" (Platonia insignis), "buriti" (Mauritia flexuosa), "camu-camu" (Myrciaria dubia), and "cupuaçu" (Theobroma grandiflorum) provides varied technological benefits, improving sensory aspects, positively influencing the growth and survival of relevant microorganisms, and increasing acceptance. In addition to the pulp, "camu-camu" residues (peel and seed) can be incorporated into dairy products as food additives or functional ingredients. This approach also diversifies the dairy market, promoting food security and sustainability for local and regional communities.

What We Know about Euterpe Genus and Neuroprotection: A Scoping Review

The Euterpe genus (mainly Euterpe oleracea Martius, Euterpe precatoria Martius, and Euterpe edulis Martius) has recently gained commercial and scientific notoriety due to the high nutritional value of its fruits, which are rich in polyphenols (phenolic acids and anthocyanins) and have potent antioxidant activity. These characteristics have contributed to the increased number of neuropharmacological evaluations of the three species over the last 10 years, especially açaí of the species Euterpe oleracea Martius. The fruits of the three species exert neuroprotective effects through the modulation of inflammatory and oxidative pathways and other mechanisms, including the inhibition of the mTOR pathway and protection of the blood-brain barrier, all of them intimately involved in several neuropathologies. Thus, a better understanding of the neuropharmacological properties of these three species may open new paths for the development of therapeutic tools aimed at preventing and treating a variety of neurological conditions.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Seed Oil Exerts a Cytotoxic Role over Colorectal Cancer Cells: Insights of Annexin A2 Regulation and Molecular Modeling

Açaí, Euterpe oleracea Mart., is a native plant from the Amazonian and is rich in several phytochemicals with anti-tumor activities. The aim was to analyze the effects of açaí seed oil on colorectal adenocarcinoma (ADC) cells. In vitro analyses were performed on CACO-2, HCT-116, and HT-29 cell lines. The strains were treated with açaí seed oil for 24, 48, and 72 h, and cell viability, death, and morphology were analyzed. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the interaction between the major compounds in açaí seed oil and Annexin A2. The viability assay showed the cytotoxic effect of the oil in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Acai seed oil induced increased apoptosis in CACO-2 and HCT-116 cells and interfered with the cell cycle. Western blotting showed an increased expression of LC3-B, suggestive of autophagy, and Annexin A2, an apoptosis regulatory protein. Molecular docking confirmed the interaction of major fatty acids with Annexin A2, suggesting a role of açaí seed oil in modulating Annexin A2 expression in these cancer cell lines. Our results suggest the anti-tumor potential of açaí seed oil in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and contribute to the development of an active drug from a known natural product.

Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort as a medicinal and edible plant foods: Antioxidant, anti-aging and neuroprotective properties in Caenorhabditis elegans

Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (CX) is a medicinal and edible plant including a variety of active substances, which may be an available resource for the treatment of related diseases. To expand the medicinal uses of CX, this study aims to explore the antioxidant, anti-aging and neuroprotective effects of the Ligusticum chuanxiong leaves (CXL) and rhizome (CXR) extracts. We first characterize CX phytochemical spectrum by LC-MS as well as antioxidant capacity. Acute toxicity, anti-oxidative stress capacity, lifespan and healthspan was evaluated in C elegans N2. Neuroprotective effect was evaluated in vitro and in vivo (C elegans CL4176 and CL2355). In this study, we detected 74 and 78 compounds from CXR and CXL, respectively, including phthalides, alkaloids, organic acids, terpenes, polyphenols and others. Furthermore, we found that CXs not only protect against oxidative stress, but also prolong the lifespan, alleviate lipofuscin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and improve movement level, antioxidant enzyme activity in C elegans N₂. However, only CXR reduced the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ)-induced paralysis phenotype in CL4176s and alleviated chemosensory behavior dysfunction in CL2355s. In addition, CXR treatment reduced the production of Aβ and ROS, enhanced SOD activity in CL4176s. The possible mechanism of anti-aging of CXL and CXR is to promote the expression of related antioxidant pathway genes, increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and reduce the accumulation of ROS, which is dependent on DAF-16 and HSF-1 (only in CXR). CXR was able to activate antioxidase-related (sod-3 and sod-5) and heat shock protein genes (hsp-16.1 and hsp-70) expression, consequently ameliorating proteotoxicity related to Aβ aggregation. In summary, these findings demonstrate the antioxidant, anti-aging and neuroprotective (only in CXR) activities of the CX, which provide an important pharmacological basis for developing functional foods and drugs to relieve the symptoms of aging and AD. However, the material basis of neuroprotective activity and antiaging effects need to be elucidated, and the relationship between these activities should also be clarified in future studies.

Neuroprotective activities of acai berries (Euterpe sp.): A review

Dietary interventions rich in fruits and vegetables in aging people can reverse or mitigate age-related cognitive declines, delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), and provide long-term health dividends. The novel food, popularly known as "Acai", is a berry belonging to the Euterpe genus of tropical palms trees and natively found in South America. Euterpe oleracea has been given much attention among scientists due to its high antioxidant capacity compared to other fruits and berries. Additionally, acai pulp composition analysis found that it contains various biologically active phytochemicals. In this review, we focused on current evidence relating to acai berry neuroprotection mechanisms and its efficacy in preventing or reversing neurodegeneration and age-related cognitive decline. A number of studies have illustrated the potential neuroprotective properties of acai berries. They have shown that their chemical extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and maintain proteins, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial function. Moreover, acai berry extract offers other neuromodulatory mechanisms, including anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and anti-aging properties. This neuromodulation gives valuable insights into the acai pulp and its considerable pharmacological potential on critical brain areas involved in memory and cognition. The isolated chemical matrix of acai berries could be a new substitute in research for NDD medicine development. However, due to the limited number of investigations, there is a need for further efforts to establish studies that enable progressing to clinical trials to consequently prove and ratify the therapeutic potential of this berry for several incurable NDDs.

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin, and oxidation products of cyanidin protect neuronal function through alleviating inflammation and oxidative damage

Neurotoxicity seriously affects the normal function of the nervous system. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is the most abundant anthocyanin widely distributed in plants. Using β-amyloid (Aβ) transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans and cell models, the neuroprotective effect of C3G was examined. The results showed that C3G remarkably suppressed Aβ aggregation, enhanced antioxidant capacity, improved the sensitive capacity towards chemical compounds, and boosted the memory ability of C. elegans. There was no significant difference between preventive and long-term treatment groups at the same dosage of C3G. Given the rapid metabolism and oxidation of C3G in vivo, the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of C3G, the metabolite cyanidin (Cy), oxidation products of Cy (OP), as well as protocatechuic acid (PCA) at the corresponding level in OP were compared by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia cell model. The results indicated that C3G, Cy, and OP could prevent BV2 cells against LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative damage. There was no significant difference on antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities among C3G, Cy, and OP at the same level. Notably, PCA at the corresponding concentration in OP exhibited limited antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. The results suggested that C3G could exert neuroprotective function through the metabolite Cy and its oxidation products by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative damage, and PCA was not the primary bioactive species in OP. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study confirmed the neuroprotection of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. C3G, its metabolite cyanidin (Cy), and oxidation products of Cy (OP) alleviated both neuroinflammation and oxidative damage. It highlighted that C3G-rich foods could exert neuroprotective potential through their oxidation products, the constitution, and existence of OP in vivo need further study.

Current Understanding of Modes of Action of Multicomponent Bioactive Phytochemicals: Potential for Nutraceuticals and Antimicrobials

Plants produce a diversity of plant secondary metabolites (PSMs), which function as defense chemicals against herbivores and microorganisms but also as signal compounds. An individual plant produces and accumulates mixtures of PSMs with different structural features using different biosynthetic pathways. Almost all PSMs exert one or several biological activities that can be useful for nutrition and health. This review discusses the modes of action of PSMs alone and in combinations. In a mixture, most individual PSMs can modulate different molecular targets; they are thus multitarget drugs. In an extract with many multitarget chemicals, additive and synergistic effects occur. Experiments with the model system Caenorhabditis elegans show that polyphenols and carotenoids can function as powerful antioxidative and longevity-promoting PSMs. PSMs of food plants and spices often exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which can be beneficial for health and the prevention of diseases. Some extracts from food plants and spices with bioactive PSMs have potential for nutraceuticals and antimicrobials.

Recent Studies on Berry Bioactives and Their Health-Promoting Roles

Along with the increased knowledge about the positive health effects of food bioactives, the eating habits of many individuals have changed to obtain higher nutritional benefits from foods. Fruits are among the most preferred food materials in this regard. In particular, berry fruits are important sources in the diet in terms of their high nutritional content including vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds. Berry fruits have remedial effects on several diseases and these health-promoting impacts are associated with their phenolic compounds which may vary depending on the type and variety of the fruit coupled with other factors including climate, agricultural conditions, etc. Most of the berries have outstanding beneficial roles in many body systems of humans such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. Furthermore, they are effective on some metabolic disorders and several types of cancer. In this review, the health-promoting effects of bioactive compounds in berry fruits are presented and the most recent in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies are discussed from a food science and nutrition point of view.

Dietary Euterpe oleracea Mart. attenuates seizures and damage to lipids in the brain of Colossoma macropomum

The Amazonian açai fruit (Euterpe oleracea) has shown promising anticonvulsant properties, comparable to those of diazepam (BDZ) in in vivo models submitted to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). PTZ is a classic convulsant agent used in studies for the purpose of screening anticonvulsants and investigating the mechanisms of epilepsy. Herein, we aimed to determine, for the first time, the effect of dietary administration of lyophilized E. oleracea (LEO) on PTZ-induced seizures, using juvenile Colossoma macropomum fish (9.1 ± 1.5 g) as a model. A control diet (0.00% LEO) and two levels of LEO inclusion were established: 5.00% and 10.0% LEO (w/w). Fish were divided into five groups (n = 5): control (0.9% physiological solution; i.p.), PTZ (PTZ 150 mg kg^-1; i.p.), PTZ LEO 5.00%, PTZ LEO 10.0%, and BDZ-PTZ (BDZ: diazepam 10 mg kg^-1; i.p.). In addition to the electroencephalography (EEG), the lipid peroxidation (TBARS) was quantified in the brain, along with the characterization of behavioral responses. Fish receiving PTZ showed intense action potential bursts (APB), which overlapped with a hyperactive behavior. In PTZ LEO 5.00% and 10.0% groups, convulsive behavior was significantly reduced compared to the PTZ group. Fish fed 5.00% or 10.0% LEO and exposed to PTZ showed less excitability and lower mean amplitude in tracings. The inclusion of 10.0% LEO in the diet prevented the increase in mean amplitude of the EEG waves by 80%, without significant differences to the quantified mean amplitude of the BDZ-PTZ group. TBARS concentration was reduced by 60% in the brain of fish fed 10.0% LEO-enriched diets relative to the PTZ-administered group. The results of this study demonstrated the anticonvulsant and protective roles of LEO to the brain, and the dietary inclusion of LEO seems to be promising for the formulation of functional diets. Results of this study may boost the interest on the anti-seizurogenic properties of Euterpe oleracea, including the development of new approaches for the prevention of seizures in humans and animals with low epileptic threshold.

Neuroprotective effects of oolong tea extracts against glutamate-induced toxicity in cultured neuronal cells and β-amyloid-induced toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Oolong tea, a traditional Chinese tea, is especially popular in south China and has a variety of health benefits. However, studies about its neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties are still limited. This study explored the neuroprotective and neurite outgrowth-promoting properties of oolong tea in cultured neuronal cells (Neuro-2a and HT22) and Caenorhabditis elegans models. Ultra performance liquid chromatography was applied to identify the main natural bioactive compounds in oolong tea. Using Neuro-2a and HT22 cells, we found that oolong tea extracts had a protective effect against glutamate-induced cell death. The extracts reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation and induced gene expression of cellular antioxidant enzymes such as GPx, GSTs and SODs. These extracts also increased the average neurite length, and GAP-43 and Ten-4 mRNA expression in Neuro-2a cells. Moreover, they had protective effects against Aβ-induced paralysis, chemotaxis deficiency and α-synuclein aggregation in C. elegans. This is the first study showing the neuroregenerative and neuroprotective potential of the oolong tea extracts against glutamate/Aβ/α-synuclein-induced toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Our study may support oolong tea extracts as potential candidates for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Dietary anthocyanin-rich extract of açai protects from diet-induced obesity, liver steatosis, and insulin resistance with modulation of gut microbiota in mice

OBJECTIVE

Açai is a rich source of anthocyanins and has been used as a dietary supplement and as an active pharmaceutical ingredient. Growing evidence indicates that host-microbial interactions played a vital role in the host metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the anthocyanin-rich extract of açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) fruit (AEA) regarding its antiobesity activity and gut microbiota-modulating effect.

METHODS

Thirty-six male SPF C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups and fed a low-fat diet, high-fat diet, or a high-fat diet supplemented with AEA for 14 wk. The antiobesity effect of AEA was evaluated, and the microbial changes were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the correlations between gut microbiota and obesity-related indicators.

RESULTS

The results showed that AEA treatment alleviated HFD-induced obesity, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance. Moreover, AEA supplement changed the structure of the gut microbiota, and significantly enriched Akkermansia muciniphila, which was negatively correlated with the physical biomarkers (e.g., serum glucose, insulin, and triacylglycerols) and the genes involved in lipid metabolism.

CONCLUSION

AEA alleviated high-fat diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. The microbial changes may be one of the potential mechanisms for AEA in improving obesity and obesity-related disorders.

Brazilian fruits of Arecaceae family: An overview of some representatives with promising food, therapeutic and industrial applications

The Arecaceae family is widely distributed and comprises about 2600 species, in which 48 of them are native to Brazil and occurs in transition biomes between the Amazon, Cerrado and Caatinga. In addition to being used as a source of food and subsistence, they are also rich in lipophilic bioactive compounds, mainly carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols and vitamin A. Moreover, they have considerable content of phenolic compounds, fibers and minerals. Therefore, the objective of this review is to present the physical-chemical and nutritional aspects, the main bioactive compounds, the biological properties and the innovative potential of four Brazilian palm-tree fruits of the Arecaceae family. Due to the presence of bioactive compounds, these fruits have the potential to promote health and can be used to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and others. Furthermore, these raw materials and their by-products can be used in the development of new food, chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. To ensure better use of these crops, promote their commercial value, benefit family farming and contribute to the country's sustainable development, it is necessary to implement new cultivation, post-harvest and processing techniques. Investing in research to publicize their potential is equally important, mainly of the ones still little explored, such as the buritirana.

N-butanol extract of Hedyotis diffusa protects transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans from Aβ-induced toxicity

Hedyotis diffusa Willd (Rubiaceae) is a widely used and resourceful traditional Chinese medicine that exerts protection against aging and age-related diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of the protective effects remain largely unclear. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease, of which β-amyloid (Aβ)-induced toxicity has been suggested as a main cause. Herein, we use the transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans CL4176, CL2006, and CL2355 strains, which express human Aβ_1-42 peptide, to investigate the effects and the possible mechanisms of n-butanol extract of H.diffusa (HDB)-mediated protection against Aβ toxicity in vivo. During the experiments, a method of quality control for HDB was established by HPLC. Additionally, we examined the effects of HBD on gene expression changes with qRT-PCR, aggregation of Aβ plagues with thioflavin-S staining, and protein detection with GFP labeling. HDB improved lifespan, locomotion, and stress resistance. Further study showed that HDB decreased paralysis, the accumulation of ROS, and AChE activity. Moreover, HDB suppressed neuronal Aβ-expression-induced defects in chemotaxis behavior and increased SOD activity. HDB also downregulated the Aβ mRNA level and decreased the number of Aβ deposits. Furthermore, HDB increased the expression levels of sod-3, daf-16, hsf-1, and hsp-16.2 gene and upregulated hsp-16.2::GFP and gst-4::GFP expression. Taken together, these results suggest that HDB may protect against Aβ-induced toxicity in C. elegans via the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway.

The role of anthocyanins as antidiabetic agents: from molecular mechanisms to in vivo and human studies

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose concentration. Nowadays, type 2 diabetes or insulin resistant diabetes is the most common diabetes, mainly due to unhealthy lifestyle. Healthy habits like appropriate nutritional approaches or the consumption of certain natural products or food supplements have been suggested as non-pharmacological strategies for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Some of the main bioactive compounds from plant foods are polyphenols, important mainly for their antioxidant capacity in oxidative stress conditions and ageing. Anthocyanins are polyphenols of the flavonoid group, which act as pigments in plants, especially in fruits such as berries. A search of in vitro, in vivo and human studies in relation with antidiabetic properties of anthocyanins has been performed in different electronic databases. Results of this review demonstrate that these compounds have the ability to inhibit different enzymes as well as to influence gene expression and metabolic pathways of glucose, such as AMPK, being able to modulate diabetes and other associated disorders, as hyperlipidaemia, overweight, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, human interventional studies have shown that high doses of anthocyanins have potential in the prevention or treatment of type 2 diabetes; nevertheless, anthocyanins used in these studies should be standardized and quantified in order to make general conclusions about its use and to claim benefits for the human population.

Bark Extract of the Amazonian Tree Endopleura uchi (Humiriaceae) Extends Lifespan and Enhances Stress Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

Endopleura uchi (Huber) Cuatrec (Humiriaceae), known as uxi or uxi-amarelo in Brazil, is an endemic tree of the Amazon forest. In traditional medicine, its stem bark is used to treat a variety of health disorders, including cancer, diabetes, arthritis, uterine inflammation, and gynecological infections. According to HPLC analysis, the main constituent of the bark extract is the polyphenol bergenin. In the current study, we demonstrate by in vitro and in vivo experiments the antioxidant potential of a water extract from the stem bark of E. uchi. When tested in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, the extract enhanced stress resistance via the DAF-16/FOXO pathway. Additionally, the extract promoted an increase in the lifespan of the worms independent from caloric restriction. It also attenuated the age-related muscle function decline and formation of polyQ40 plaques, as a model for Huntington's disease. Thus, these data support anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties of E. uchi, which has not yet been described. More studies are needed to assess the real benefits of E. uchi bark for human health and its toxicological profile.

Bioactive compounds and health benefits of some palm species traditionally used in Africa and the Americas - A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to previous ethno-medicinal reviews, Cocos nucifera, Elaeis guineensis and Phoenix dactylifera are among the main palms which are often used on the American and African continents to treat infections, infestations and disorders in the digestive, respiratory, genito-urinary, dermal, endocrine, cardiovascular, muscular-skeletal, mental and neural systems, as well as neoplasms, dental issues and metabolic and nutritional disorders. In addition, one or more species of the wild genera Acrocomia, Areca, Astrocaryum, Attalea, Bactris, Borassus, Calamus, Chamaedorea, Chamaerops, Euterpe, Hyphaene, Mauritia, Oenocarpus and Syagrus have a high number of records of these ethno-medicinal uses. The most used parts of the palm tree are the fruits, followed by roots, seeds, leaves and flower sap.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review discusses the phytochemical composition and the pharmacological properties of these important ethno-medicinal palms, aiming to provide a contribution to future research prospects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Significant information was compiled from an electronic search in widely used international scientific databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, SciFinder, Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley on line Library, Scielo, ACS Publications), and additional information was obtained from dissertations, theses, books and other relevant websites.

RESULTS

Palms, in general, are rich in oils, terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Fruits of many species are notable for their high content of healthy oils and fat-soluble bioactive compounds, mainly terpenoids, such as pigment carotenoids (and provitamin A), phytosterols, triterpene pentacyclics and tocols (and vitamin E), while other species stood out for their phenolic compounds derived from benzoic and cinnamic acids, along with flavan-3-ol, flavone, flavonol, and stilbene compounds or anthocyanin pigments. In addition to fruits, other parts of the plant such as seeds, leaves, palm heart, flowers and roots are also sources of many bioactive compounds. These compounds are linked to the ethno-medicinal use of many palms that improve human health against infections, infestations and disorders of human systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Palms have provided bioactive samples that validate their effectiveness in traditional medicine. However, the intensive study of all palm species related to ethno-medicinal use is needed, along with selection of the most appropriate palm accessions, ripe stage of the fruit and /or part of the plant. Furthermore, the complete profiles of all phytochemicals, their effects on animal models and human subjects, and toxicological and clinical trials are suggested, which, added to the incorporation of improved technological processes, should represent a significant advance for the implementation of new opportunities with wide benefits for human health.

Evaluation of antioxidant and neuroprotective activities of Cassia fistula (L.) using the Caenorhabditis elegans model

Background

Cassia fistula (L.) (Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant from tropical Asia. It is known for its marked antioxidant activity, which is attributed to its high phenolic content. The present study aims at testing both the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of a hydroalcoholic extract from the aerial parts of Cassia fistula using the Caenorhabditis elegans model, which is widely used in this context.

Methods

Chemical profiling of secondary metabolites that seem to be responsible for both antioxidant and neuroprotective capacities was carried out by HPLC/PDA/ESI-MSⁿ. Antioxidant activity was tested in vitro by CUPRAC and DPPH assays. In vivo antioxidant and neuroprotective activities were investigated using the C. elegans model.

Results

The Cassia extract improved the survival rate of the nematodes and protected them against oxidative stress. In addition, a decrease in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed. The important role of DAF-16/FOXO pathway was confirmed through an increased nuclear localization of the DAF-16 transcription factor, increased expression of SOD-3 stress response gene and decreased expression of HSP-16.2. Furthermore, the putative involvement of SKN-1/NRF2 pathway was demonstrated by a decrease in GST-4 levels. A neuroprotective activity of the Cassia extract was shown by a decline in polyglutamine (polyQ40) aggregate formation and a delay in paralysis caused by amyloid beta (Aβ_1-42) accumulation.

Discussion

The Cassia extract exhibits substantial antioxidant and neuroprotective activities in vivo, which might provide a rich and novel source of natural antioxidants and neuroprotective compounds to be further studied for the use in various food and cosmetic industrial fields.

Organoruthenium(II) Complexes Ameliorates Oxidative Stress and Impedes the Age Associated Deterioration in Caenorhabditis elegans through JNK-1/DAF-16 Signalling

New ruthenium(II) complexes were synthesised and characterized by various spectro analytical techniques. The structure of the complexes 3 and 4 has been confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The complexes were subjected to study their anti-oxidant profile and were exhibited significantly greater in vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity than vitamin C. We found that complexes 1–4 confered tolerance to oxidative stress and extend the mean lifespan of mev-1 mutant worms and wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans. Further, mechanistic study and reporter gene expression analysis revealed that Ru(ƞ⁶-p-cymene) complexes maintained the intracellular redox status and offers stress resistance through activating JNK-1/DAF-16 signaling axis and possibly by other antioxidant response pathway. Notably, complex 3 and 4 ameliorates the polyQ (a Huntington’s disease associated protein) mediated proteotoxicity and related behavioural deficits in Huntington’s disease models of C. elegans. From these observations, we hope that new Ru(ƞ⁶-p-cymene) complexes could be further considered as a potential drug to retard aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

A proanthocyanidin-rich extract from Cassia abbreviata exhibits antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cassia abbreviata is a small to medium sized branched umbrella-shaped deciduous tree. It is widely spread in the tropics, especially in Africa, having a long history in traditional medicine for the treatment of numerous conditions such as headaches, diarrhea, constipation, some skin diseases, malaria, syphilis, pneumonia, stomach troubles, uterine pains, and against gonorrhea.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We investigated the phytochemical constituents of a root extract from Cassia abbreviata using HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS. We also determined the antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. The hepatoprotective activities in case of D-galactosamine (D-GaIN)-induced hepatotoxicity were studied in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS analysis allowed the identification of the secondary metabolites of the methanol extract. DPPH and FRAP assays were used to determine the antioxidant activities in vitro. Using the C. elegans model, survival rates under juglone induced oxidative stress, intracellular ROS content, quantification of Phsp-16.2: GFP expression and subcellular DAF-16: GFP localization were investigated to determine the antioxidant activities in vivo. The in vivo hepatoprotective potential of the root extract was evaluated for D-galactosamine (D-GaIN)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The activity of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), in addition to liver peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione content (GSH), as well as albumin and total bilirubin concentration, were determined. A histopathological study was also performed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

C. abbreviata root extract is rich in polyphenolics, particularly proanthocyanidins. HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS analysis resulted in the identification of 57 compounds on the bases of their mass spectra. (epi)-Catechin, (epi)-afzelechin, (epi)-guibourtinidol, and (ent)-cassiaflavan monomers as well as their dimers, trimers, and their diastereomers are the main components of the extract. The total phenolic content amounted for 474mg/g root extract expressed as gallic acid equivalent using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The extract exhibited powerful antioxidant activity with EC₅₀ of 6.3μg/mL in DPPH and 19.15mM FeSO₄ equivalent/mg sample in FRAP assay. In C. elegans model, the extract (200μg/mL) was able to increase the survival rate by 44.56% and reduced the ROS level to 61.73%, compared to control group. Pretreatment of rats with 100mg extract/kg (b. wt.) reduced MDA by 47.36% and elevated GSH by 59.1%. The extract caused a significant reduction of ALT, AST and GGT activities by 11%, 35.7% and 65%, respectively. The findings of this study suggest that the proanthocyanidin-rich extract from C. abbreviata may be an interesting candidate for hepatoprotective activity in case of hepatocellular injury.

Superfruits: Phytochemicals, antioxidant efficacies, and health effects - A comprehensive review

The term "superfruit" has gained increasing usage and attention recently with the marketing strategy to promote the extraordinary health benefits of some exotic fruits, which may not have worldwide popularity. This has led to many studies with the identification and quantification of various groups of phytochemicals. This contribution discusses phytochemical compositions, antioxidant efficacies, and potential health benefits of the main superfruits such as açai, acerola, camu-camu, goji berry, jaboticaba, jambolão, maqui, noni, and pitanga. Novel product formulations, safety aspects, and future perspectives of these superfruits have also been covered. Research findings from the existing literature published within the last 10 years have been compiled and summarized. These superfruits having numerous phytochemicals (phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, iridoids, coumarins, hydrolysable tannins, carotenoids, and anthocyanins) together with their corresponding antioxidant activities, have increasingly been utilized. Hence, these superfruits can be considered as a valuable source of functional foods due to the phytochemical compositions and their corresponding antioxidant activities. The phytochemicals from superfruits are bioaccessible and bioavailable in humans with promising health benefits. More well-designed human explorative studies are needed to validate the health benefits of these superfruits.

Extraction, identification and assessment of antioxidative compounds of bran extracts of traditional rice cultivars: An analytical approach

The antioxidative compounds were extracted by ultrasonic treatment of bran extracts of seven pigmented (completely) and non pigmented (sparsely) colored rice cultivars followed by assessment of their in vitro antioxidative capacity by LC-MS and oxidation/reduction assay based methods. A total of 40-compounds, 7-phenolic, 9-flavonoids, 9-hydroxycinammic acid derivatives, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives and other glucosides specifically, pro-anthocyanidin trimer and procyanidin-B₁ (dimer) were indentified in completely colored rice cultivars. Higher DPPH radical scavenging activity of pigmented cultivars was due to higher percentage of phenolics like thymol, quinicquinic-caffeicacid ester and polar dicaffeoylquinic acid; whereas higher lipid peroxidation inhibition was attributed to the presence of polar substances such as p-hydroxybenzoicacid, procyanidin B₁ and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside. The phosphomolybdenum reduction capacity was attributed to luteolin-7-O-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, caffeicacid, myrecitin and phloreticacid. Whereas, grater reducing power of pigmented bran was attributed to presence of multiple-OH groups containing phenols, flavonoid and hydracinammicacid depicting potential health and nutritional effects of these rice cultivars.