Polyalthic Acid from Copaifera lucens Demonstrates Anticariogenic and Antiparasitic Properties for Safe Use

Diterpenes: Nature's Hidden Gems of Immunomodulation

Natural products, especially specific metabolites found in many medicinal plants, exhibit extensive therapeutic potential due to their diverse biological characteristics. Among these compounds, diterpenes stand out for their active principles described in phytochemical studies. Diterpenes exhibit immunomodulatory effects by influencing the production of cytokines and other signaling molecules involved in the immune response. These actions contribute to achieving a more balanced immune profile. The ability to selectively and harmoniously modulate the immune response positions compounds derived from natural products is a promising research field in the development of immunomodulatory therapies. Due to the broad biological activities of diterpenes, the use of molecular docking emerges as a relevant tool for the quantitative screening of a large number of these substances. This review comprehensively examines the pharmacological potential of diterpenes in modulating the immune system. It highlights the existing experimental evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of these compounds as potential treatment for immune dysfunctions. Ultimately, this review aims to contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies in this field.

MjTX-II, a Lys49-PLA2 from Bothrops moojeni snake venom, restricts Toxoplasma gondii infection via ROS and VEGF regulation

Owing to the lack of efficient therapy and emerging resistance strains, toxoplasmosis affects about one-third of the world's population. Also, pregnancy-related infection can cause vertical transmission and result in fetal death. Despite the global efforts to combat Toxoplasma gondii infection, conventional therapies have been associated with serious side effects. Therefore, it is relevant to search for effective and less-toxic treatments of toxoplasmosis. In this scenario, snake venoms emerged as a promising source of therapeutic molecules due to their wide variety of biological effects. The present study investigated the anti-T. gondii effects of MjTX-II, a Lys49-PLA2 isolated from Bothrops moojeni, in trophoblast cells and villous explants from the third trimester of pregnancy. We found that non-cytotoxic doses of MjTX-II impaired parasite invasion and intracellular growth in BeWo cells. Also, MjTX-II-pre-treated T. gondii tachyzoites exhibited irregular rough surfaces, papules, and dimples, suggesting a possible action directly on the parasites. Moreover, MjTX-II was able to modulate the host environment by increasing ROS and cytokine levels involved in the control of infection. In addition, we observed that MjTX-II decreased VEGF levels and the addition of rVEGF increased T. gondii growth in BeWo cells. Through molecular docking simulations, we verified that MjTX-II is able to bind VEGFR2 and ICAM-1 receptors associated with parasite proliferation and dissemination. This work contributes to the discovery of therapeutic targets against T. gondii infection and for the development of effective and low-toxic antiparasitic molecules against congenital toxoplasmosis.

Bi- and tricyclic diterpenoids: landmarks from a decade (2013-2023) in search of leads against infectious diseases

Covering: 2013 to 2023In an era where antimicrobial resistance severely threatens our ability to treat infections, the discovery of new drugs that belong to different chemical classes and/or bear original modes of action is urgently needed. In this case, diterpenoids comprise a productive field with a proven track record in providing new anti-infectives to tackle bacterial infections and malaria. This review highlights the potential of both naturally occurring and semi-synthetic bi- and tricyclic diterpenoids to become leads in search of new drugs to treat infections caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoan parasites. The literature from the last decade (2013-2023) is covered, focusing on naturally occurring and semi-synthetic bicyclic (labdanes and labdane-type) and tricyclic (all classes) diterpenoids, detailing their relevant biological activities in the context of infection, which are explained through structure-activity relationships.

Synthesis and Physicochemical Stability of a Copaiba Balsam Oil (Copaifera sp.) Nanoemulsion and Prospecting of Toxicological Effects on the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Nanoemulsions are dispersions of oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) immiscible liquids. Thus, our main goal was to formulate a nanoemulsion with low surfactant concentrations and outstanding stability using Copaiba balsam oil (Copaifera sp.). The high-energy cavitation homogenization with low Tween 80 levels was employed. Then, electrophoretic and physical mobility properties were assessed, in addition to a one- and two-year physicochemical characterization studies assessment. Copaiba balsam oil and nanoemulsions obtained caryophyllene as a major constituent. The nanoemulsions stored at 4 ± 2 °C exhibited better physical stability. Two years after formulation, the nanoemulsion showed a reduction in the particle size. The size underwent changes in gastric, intestinal, and blood pH, and the PdI was not changed. In FTIR, characteristic bands of sesquiterpenes and overlapping bands were detected. When subjected to freezing and heating cycles, nanoemulsions did not show macroscopic changes in higher concentrations. Nanoemulsions subjected to centrifuge force by 1000 rpm do not show macroscopic instability and phase inversion or destabilization characteristics when diluted. Therefore, the nanoemulsion showed stability for long-term storage. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used to assess the potential toxicity of nanoemulsions. The nanoemulsion did not cause toxicity in the animal model, except in the highest concentration tested, which decreased the defecation cycle interval and body length. The toxicity and stability outcomes reinforce the nanoemulsions' potential for future studies to explore pharmacological mechanisms in superior experimental designs.

Amazonian useful plants described in the book "Le Pays des Amazones" (1885) of the Brazilian propagandist Baron de Santa-Anna Nery: a historical and ethnobotanical perspective

BACKGROUND

Frederico José de Santa-Anna Nery (1848-1901) was a Brazilian Baron who referred to himself as a "volunteer propagandist" for Brazil in Europe, serving as an immigration agent to publicize the living conditions in the Amazon region, advocating for its development and modernization at the end of the nineteenth century. Santa-Anna Nery's most famous book is "Le Pays des Amazones" (The Lands of the Amazons), first published in 1885, which the author dedicated a chapter to introduce and report on the Amazonian useful plant species and its relationship with humans. The aim of this work is to understand the historical context and ethnobotanical value of the plant species in the Brazilian Amazon at the end of the nineteenth century through an analysis of the book "Le Pays des Amazones" (1885) by Baron de Santa-Anna Nery, as well as to bring to light the historical importance of this very influential propagandist, who has been forgotten nowadays.

METHODS

The original book "Le Pays des Amazones" (1885), as well as the original 3rd edition and its translated version into Portuguese, was carefully analyzed and all information about plants was systematized, with botanical names being updated. Finally, using the scientific name of medicinal plants alone or in combination with their traditional use, a search was carried out in databases in order to indicate current pharmacological studies that provide evidence about the described traditional uses.

RESULTS

A total of 156 plant species were identified in the book, although 132 species had their scientific names updated. These species belong to 45 different families, with Fabaceae and Arecaceae the most represented, and 109 plants are Brazilian native. Considering only the 36 medicinal plants, the main medicinal indications reported were astringent, purgative/laxative, stimulant and tonic, vermifuge, febrifuge, sudorific, emetic, diuretic and antidysenteric. Regarding other useful plants (non-medicinal), 97 species were cited for food, constructions and buildings, spices and condiments, ornaments and objects, carpentry, textile fibers, gums, oils, balms and essences, pigments and tanning, hunting and fishing.

CONCLUSIONS

When the book "Le Pays des Amazones" is analyzed from a timeless perspective, with a particular focus on historical ethnobotany, it is possible to observe the economic, social, and political importance of many useful plants for the Amazon at the end of the nineteenth century and how the relationship between local people, indigenous communities, and immigrants was established with plant biodiversity.