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Ronsisvalle S, Panico A, Santonocito D, Siciliano EA, Sipala F, Montenegro L, Puglia C. Evaluation of Crocin Content and In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Glycation Activity of Different Saffron Extracts. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3606. [PMID: 37896069 PMCID: PMC10610346 DOI: 10.3390/plants12203606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Crocin, a glycoside carotenoid that exhibits several health benefits, is mainly obtained from saffron (Crocus sativus L.), whose quality and content of phytochemicals can be strongly affected by environmental conditions. Therefore, in this work, the crocin content and in vitro antioxidant activity of saffron extracts obtained from three different varieties (Greek, Sicilian, and Iranian saffron) were assessed. Crocin content in saffron extracts was quantified via ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activity of saffron extracts was evaluated using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging test. The Maillard reaction was used to assess anti-glycation activity. Although the Sicilian and Iranian saffron extracts contained higher amounts of crocin (128 ± 6 ng/mL and 126 ± 4 ng/mL, respectively) compared to the Greek extracts (111 ± 2 ng/mL), ORAC values (50.9 ± 0.5) and % NO inhibition (35.2 ± 0.2) were higher for the Greek variety, which displayed a total phenolic content about two-fold greater than that of the other two extracts. Sicilian and Greek saffron had similar anti-glycation activities, while Iranian saffron was less effective. These results suggest that the antioxidant activity of saffron extracts could be ascribed to their naturally occurring complex mixture of phytochemicals, deserving further investigation as supplements to prevent pathological conditions induced by radical species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Ronsisvalle
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria n°6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (A.P.); (D.S.); (E.A.S.); (F.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Annamaria Panico
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria n°6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (A.P.); (D.S.); (E.A.S.); (F.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Debora Santonocito
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria n°6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (A.P.); (D.S.); (E.A.S.); (F.S.); (C.P.)
- NANOMED-Research Center on Nanomedicine and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Edy Angela Siciliano
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria n°6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (A.P.); (D.S.); (E.A.S.); (F.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Federica Sipala
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria n°6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (A.P.); (D.S.); (E.A.S.); (F.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Lucia Montenegro
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria n°6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (A.P.); (D.S.); (E.A.S.); (F.S.); (C.P.)
- NANOMED-Research Center on Nanomedicine and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmelo Puglia
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria n°6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (S.R.); (A.P.); (D.S.); (E.A.S.); (F.S.); (C.P.)
- NANOMED-Research Center on Nanomedicine and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Petrillo F, Sinoca M, Fea AM, Galdiero M, Maione A, Galdiero E, Guida M, Reibaldi M. Candida Biofilm Eye Infection: Main Aspects and Advance in Novel Agents as Potential Source of Treatment. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1277. [PMID: 37627697 PMCID: PMC10451181 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12081277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi represent a very important cause of microbial eye infections, especially in tropical and developing countries, as they could cause sight-threating disease, such as keratitis and ocular candidiasis, resulting in irreversible vision loss. Candida species are among the most frequent microorganisms associated with fungal infection. Although Candida albicans is still the most frequently detected organism among Candida subspecies, an important increase in non-albicans species has been reported. Mycotic infections often represent an important diagnostic-clinical problem due to the difficulties in performing the diagnosis and a therapeutic problem due to the limited availability of commercial drugs and the difficult penetration of antifungals into ocular tissues. The ability to form biofilms is another feature that makes Candida a dangerous pathogen. In this review, a summary of the state-of-the-art panorama about candida ocular pathology, diagnosis, and treatment has been conducted. Moreover, we also focused on new prospective natural compounds, including nanoparticles, micelles, and nanocarriers, as promising drug delivery systems to better cure ocular fungal and biofilm-related infections. The effect of the drug combination has also been examined from the perspective of increasing efficacy and improving the course of infections caused by Candida which are difficult to fight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Eye Clinic, Turin University, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.P.); (A.M.F.); (M.R.)
| | - Marica Sinoca
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (A.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Antonio Maria Fea
- Department of Medical Sciences, Eye Clinic, Turin University, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.P.); (A.M.F.); (M.R.)
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy;
| | - Angela Maione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (A.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (A.M.); (M.G.)
- NBFC—National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (A.M.); (M.G.)
- NBFC—National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
- Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Eye Clinic, Turin University, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.P.); (A.M.F.); (M.R.)
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Effects of Mangiferin on LPS-Induced Inflammation and SARS-CoV-2 Viral Adsorption in Human Lung Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122845. [PMID: 36559338 PMCID: PMC9788116 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing interest in natural bioactive molecules, as an approach to many pathological contexts, is widely justified by the necessity to overcome the disadvantageous benefit-risk ratio related to traditional therapies. Among them, mangiferin (MGF) shows promising beneficial properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of MGF on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung NCI-H292 cells, focusing on its role against COVID-19 adsorption. In order to obtain this information, cells treated with LPS, with or without MGF, were analyzed performing wound healing, gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, GSH quantification, and JC-1 staining. Moreover, the inhibition of viral adsorption was evaluated microbiologically and the results were further confirmed by molecular docking analysis. In this regard, MGF downregulates the expression of several inflammatory factors, enhances GSH levels, promotes the wound healing rate, and restores the mitochondrial dysfunction caused by LPS. In addition, MGF significantly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 adsorption as shown by the gene expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS-2, and furtherly confirmed by microbiological and molecular modeling evaluation. Although more investigations are still needed, all data obtained constitute a solid background, demonstrating the cytoprotective role of MGF in inflammatory mechanisms including COVID-19 infection.
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Genovese C, Garozzo A, D’Angeli F, Malfa GA, Bellia F, Tomasello B, Nicolosi D, Malaguarnera R, Ronsisvalle S, Guadagni F, Acquaviva R. Orobanche crenata Forssk. Extract Affects Human Breast Cancer Cell MCF-7 Survival and Viral Replication. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101696. [PMID: 35626733 PMCID: PMC9139723 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death worldwide. The severity of BC strictly depends on the molecular subtype. The less aggressive hormone-positive subtype is treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET), which causes both physical and psychological side effects. This condition strongly impacts the adherence and persistence of AET among oncologic patients. Moreover, viral infections also constitute a serious problem for public health. Despite their efficacy, antiviral agents present several therapeutic limits. Accordingly, in the present work, we investigated the antitumor and antiviral activities of Orobanche crenata Forssk. (O. crenata), a parasitic plant, endemic to the Mediterranean basin, traditionally known for its beneficial properties for human health. METHODS The MTT assay was carried out to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of O. crenata leaf extract (OCLE) on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and the primary HFF-1 cell line. The lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) assay was performed on MCF-7 cells to analyze necrotic cell death. The antioxidant effect of OCLE was evaluated by intracellular determination of the reactive oxygen species and thiol groups, by DPPH and ABTS assays. The antiviral activity of OCLE was determined against Poliovirus 1, Echovirus 9, Human respiratory syncytial virus, Adenovirus type 2 and type 5, Coxsackievirus B1 (CoxB1) and B3 (CoxB3), Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), and β-Coronavirus by the plaque reduction assay. RESULTS The extract, after 24 h of incubation, did not affect MDA-MB-231 and HFF-1 cell viability. However, at the same time point, it showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on MCF-7 cells, with an increase in LDH release. OCLE exhibited free radical scavenging activity and significantly increased non-protein thiol levels in MCF-7 cells. OCLE effectively inhibited HSV-1, HSV-2, CoxB1, and CoxB3 replication. CONCLUSIONS The overall results showed an interesting inhibitory effect of OCLE on both MCF-7 cell survival and viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Genovese
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, “Kore” University of Enna, Contrada Santa Panasia, 94100 Enna, Italy; (C.G.); (R.M.)
- Nacture S.r.l., Spin-Off University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (D.N.); (S.R.); (R.A.)
| | - Adriana Garozzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Microbiology Section, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Floriana D’Angeli
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-478-1253
| | - Giuseppe Antonio Malfa
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.A.M.); (B.T.)
- Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products (CERNUT), University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Bellia
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council (CNR), 95126 Catania, Italy;
| | - Barbara Tomasello
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.A.M.); (B.T.)
- Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products (CERNUT), University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Daria Nicolosi
- Nacture S.r.l., Spin-Off University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (D.N.); (S.R.); (R.A.)
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Microbiology Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Roberta Malaguarnera
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, “Kore” University of Enna, Contrada Santa Panasia, 94100 Enna, Italy; (C.G.); (R.M.)
| | - Simone Ronsisvalle
- Nacture S.r.l., Spin-Off University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (D.N.); (S.R.); (R.A.)
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Fiorella Guadagni
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy;
- BioBIM (InterInstitutional Multidisciplinary Biobank), IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosaria Acquaviva
- Nacture S.r.l., Spin-Off University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (D.N.); (S.R.); (R.A.)
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.A.M.); (B.T.)
- Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products (CERNUT), University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
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