Article
Agricultural Engineering
Caroline Sprengel Lima, Matheus Henrique Pereira, Yousmel Aleman Gainza, Herve Hoste, Luis Octavio Regasini, Ana Carolina de Souza Chagas
Summary: Due to its high prevalence and pathogenicity, Haemonchus contortus is a major gastrointestinal nematode in tropical and subtropical regions, causing significant economic losses to sheep and goat breeders in Brazil. Resistance to anthelmintic drugs poses a challenge to parasite control. Pterogyne nitens, a native Brazilian tree with potential ethnopharmacological activity, showed promising anthelmintic properties in inhibiting egg hatch and larval development of H. contortus, suggesting it could be a valuable source of alternative compounds for parasite control.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caroline Sprengel Lima, Melina Mottin, Leticia Ribeiro de Assis, Nathalya Cristina de Moraes Roso Mesquita, Bruna Katiele de Paula Sousa, Lais Durco Coimbra, Karina Bispo-dos-Santos, Kimberley M. Zorn, Rafael V. C. Guido, Sean Ekins, Rafael Elias Marques, Jose Luiz Proenca-Modena, Glaucius Oliva, Carolina Horta Andrade, Luis Octavio Regasini
Summary: Through docking-based virtual screening, three flavonoids from Pterogyne nitens, quercetin, rutin, and pedalitin, were prioritized for experimental evaluation due to their potential to inhibit ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease. Machine learning models were used to predict the activity and toxicity of these compounds, and biophysical and enzymatic assays confirmed the in silico predictions. The results demonstrate the potential of pedalitin as a candidate for further optimization studies towards discovering antiviral drug candidates for treating ZIKV infections.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Allana Katiussya Silva Pereira, Dalton Longue Junior, Ana Marcia Macedo Ladeira Carvalho, Caio da Silva Mafra Neto
Summary: The study characterized the anatomical features of Pterogyne nitens wood, revealing its suitability for charcoal production.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Awat Wisetsai, Siwattra Choodej, Nattaya Ngamrojanavanich, Khanitha Pudhom
Summary: Five unknown fatty acid esters of flavonol glycosides and eight known compounds were isolated from the seeds of Nephelium lappaceum L. The structures were identified through spectroscopic analysis and the compounds' potency in suppressing nitric oxide production was evaluated.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Asmaa M. Khalil, Omar M. Sabry, Hesham I. El-Askary, Soheir M. El Zalabani, Nesrin M. Fayek
Summary: Polyphenolics are abundant in plants and have important functions in plant and human protection. Acylated polyphenolics, which are esterified with phenolic or organic acids, are found in numerous plant families, especially in Fabaceae. This review summarizes the distribution, isolation, chemodiversity, and bioactivity of acylated polyphenolics from selected fabaceous plants. The isolation of these compounds mainly involves column chromatography, while structure elucidation and detection utilize spectral data and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric analyses. Compared to regular polyphenolics, acylated compounds are more stable and exhibit greater bioactivity. This survey aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the medicinal properties of acylated polyphenolics and promote their incorporation into pharmaceuticals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Aline Coqueiro, Daniara Cristina Fernandes, Amanda Danuello, Luis Octavio Regasini, Elaine Monteiro Cardoso-Lopes, Maria Claudia Marx Young, Luce Maria Brandao Torres, Vicente Paulo Campos, Dulce Helena Siqueira Silva, Vanderlan da Silva Bolzani, Denilson Ferreira de Oliveira
Summary: Although new nematicides have emerged, there is still high demand for less toxic and more efficient products to control plant-parasitic nematodes. As a result, increased research on natural secondary metabolites from plants to develop new nematicides has been observed. In this study, extracts from eleven Brazilian plant species were screened, and the extract from Piterogyne nitens showed potent nematostatic activity. The alkaloid fraction obtained from the ethanol extract of P. nitens was more active, and three isoprenylated guanidine alkaloids isolated from this fraction showed similar activity, indicating their potential for the development of new products to control Meloidogyne incognita.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yan-Jun Sun, Hong-Yun Bai, Rui-Jie Han, Qi-Lu Zhao, Meng Li, Hui Chen, Ying-Ying Si, Gui-Min Xue, Zhen-zhu Zhao, Wei-Sheng Feng
Summary: Six new flavonols and five known analogues were isolated from Dysosma versipellis. Their structures were determined by various analytical techniques. The antioxidant activities of the compounds were evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Compound 12 displayed the highest DPPH scavenging activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jean Faustin Atangana, Lin Marcellin Messi, Mohamed Haddad, Josephine Ngo Mbing, Aime-Didier Boyogueno Begoude, Dieudonne Emmanuel Pegnyemb, Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Olivier Placide Note
Summary: In this study, phytochemical investigation of the roots of Acacia polyacantha resulted in the isolation and structural characterization of six undescribed triterpenoid saponins. This research highlights the first report of a 21-methoxycinnamoyl-machaerinic acid derivative from the plants of Acacia genus.
CARBOHYDRATE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rodrigo B. B. Feitoza, Helena R. P. Lima
Summary: The Papilionoideae subfamily is the largest and most diverse subfamily in the Fabaceae family, with flavonoids and alkaloids identified as chemosystematic markers for several tribes. Cluster analysis based on chemical similarities allowed separation of genera within each tribe, showing evolutionary transition in the genistoid Glade.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Assia Khalfallah, Zahia Kabouche, Ahmed Kabouche, Djemaa Berrehal, Naima Boutaghane, Laurence Voutquenne-Nazabadioko
Summary: A new acylated flavonol triglycoside was isolated from Astragalus armatus subsp. numidicus, along with ten known compounds. The extracts were tested for antioxidant activity and the ethyl acetate extract showed the highest activity.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiangrong Li, Ruonan Xu, Li Shi, Tianjun Ni
Summary: In this study, flavonol-MUTAB-AuNPs were designed by coating four structurally similar flavonols on the surface of AuNPs. The results showed that flavonol-MUTAB-AuNPs exhibited enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activities compared to flavonols and AuNPs. Additionally, the interaction between flavonol-MUTAB-AuNPs and representative proteins was investigated, revealing stable binding and structural changes in the proteins upon interaction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ludimilla Adorno Vasconcelos, Leticia Caribe Batista Reis, Euder Reis Dias, Geany Peruch Camilloto, Alexsandro Branco
Summary: This study successfully obtained a flavonoid-rich fraction from the pulp of Spondias purpurea L. and incorporated it into cellulose acetate films, resulting in biodegradable films with antioxidant properties. The films showed decreased water vapor permeability and elongation at break, along with increased antioxidant activity, tensile strength, and elastic modulus.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Samurailatpam Sanjukta, Srichandan Padhi, Puja Sarkar, Sudhir P. Singh, Dinabandhu Sahoo, Amit Kumar Rai
Summary: Kinema, a traditionally fermented soybean product popular in the Sikkim Himalayan region, demonstrated enhanced antioxidant effects through fermentation with different starters and further increased during gastrointestinal digestion. Peptides formed during fermentation may affect the functional properties of Kinema, with unique peptides potentially responsible for specific health benefits when prepared using specific starters. Interaction analysis showed a peptide produced in Kinema fermented with Bacillus licheniformis 1G to interact with catalytic residues in myeloperoxidase, suggesting potential benefits in reducing oxidative stress.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Umar Ijaz, Haseeb Anwar, Shabnoor Iqbal, Hammad Ismail, Asma Ashraf, Shama Mustafa, Abdul Samad
Summary: The study demonstrates that myricetin (MYR) can effectively alleviate the oxidative stress and testicular damages induced by nonylphenol (NP).
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yanyun Zhu, Jimin Lv, Ye Gu, Yake He, Jianchu Chen, Xingqian Ye, Zengqun Zhou
Summary: Mixed fermentation using yeast, lactic acid bacteria, and acetic acid bacteria was found to protect the color of Chinese bayberry pomace beverage and slow down the degradation of anthocyanins. Enzymes, however, could seriously damage the color and exacerbate anthocyanin degradation. Mixed fermentation also promoted the conversion of flavonoids into flavonol aglycones.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nerilson M. Lima, Gagan Preet, Sara R. Marqui, Thais de O. R. S. Falcoski, Geovana Navegante, Christiane P. Soares, Teresinha de Jesus A. S. Andrade, Felipe A. La Porta, Harinantenaina Liva R. Rakotondraie, Marcel Jaspars, Dulce H. S. Silva
Summary: This study evaluated the metabolic profiling and antigenotoxicity of Inga species with potential antitumor effects. It also used a proteomic approach to investigate the response of HepG2 cells to polyphenols isolated from I. laurina. The results showed cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines and identified potential bioactive compounds. The proteomic analysis revealed proteins related to ROS elimination, DNA repair, tumor protein expression, and apoptosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia e Silva Alves, Gagan Preet, Leandro Dias, Maria Oliveira, Rafael Silva, Isione Castro, Giovanna Silva, Joaquim Junior, Nerilson Lima, Dulce Helena Silva, Teresinha Andrade, Marcel Jaspars, Chistiane Feitosa
Summary: This study investigated the metabolic profile of Mansoa hirsuta and evaluated its antioxidant potential. The extracts of the leaves, branches, and roots contained various bioactive components, exhibited moderate antioxidant activity, and the leaf extract showed the highest antioxidant capacity.
Review
Plant Sciences
Cristiano S. Funari, Daniel Rinaldo, Vanderlan S. Bolzani, Robert Verpoorte
Summary: This review article investigates the response of phytochemists to green chemistry insights since the launch of the Pollution Prevention Act in 1990. Highly cited phytochemistry papers from each year between 1990 and 2019 were sampled to assess the greenness of experimental procedures, particularly regarding the use of solvents. Progress in sustainability was observed in the extraction stage, but not in purification procedures, where hazardous solvents like chloroform and dichloromethane were still commonly used. Potential alternative approaches for more sustainable purification procedures are discussed, along with initiatives for a broader sustainable phytochemical research.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lais de Almeida Campos, Margani Taise Fin, Kelvin Sousa Santos, Marcos William de Lima Gualque, Ana Karla Lima Freire Cabral, Najeh Maissar Khalil, Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida, Rubiana Mara Mainardes, Maria Jose Soares Mendes-Giannini
Summary: Invasive fungal infections have become a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The current treatment options are limited due to low bioavailability and toxicity. Voriconazole is widely used to treat various fungal infections, but its non-linear pharmacokinetics and individual variations in metabolism can lead to supratherapeutic doses and increased toxicity. Recent research has explored the use of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems to improve the delivery of voriconazole. These systems have shown promising results in enhancing drug permeation and deposition in target tissues, allowing for controlled and sustained release in different administration routes. Overall, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems offer a more effective and safer alternative for treating fungal infections.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Caroline Marques Xavier Costa, Cristiane Aparecida-Silva, Luis Eduardo Reina Gamba, Thalita Neves de Melo, Gisele Barbosa, Manoel Oliveira de Moraes Junior, Victoria Regina Thomaz de Oliveira, Carolinne Souza de Amorim, Joao A. Moraes, Eliezer Jesus Barreiro, Lidia Moreira Lima
Summary: Targeted antitumour therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by focusing on specific targets such as phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K). Gedatolisib is a prototype PI3K inhibitor that has been modified to create a new series of analogues. Among them, compound 5f (LASSBio-2252) showed the most promise with good solubility, partition coefficient, cytotoxic activity, and metabolic stability. It was also shown to exert its effects through modulation of the PI3K pathway.
Article
Plant Sciences
Helena Mannochio-Russo, Wilhan D. G. Nunes, Rafael F. Almeida, Lorena C. Albernaz, Laila S. Espindola, Vanderlan S. Bolzani
Summary: This study investigated secondary metabolites with larvicidal activity from the Malpighiaceae taxon using metabolomic and bioactivity-based methods. The results revealed significant differences in the metabolic profiles of different plant organs and collection sites. By employing a bioguided approach, three larvicidal compounds were isolated. These findings support the use of metabolomic-guided approaches in combination with classical phytochemical techniques for the search of natural larvicidal compounds for vector control.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Naiane Naidek, Najeh Maissar Khalil, Carlos Alberto Policiano Almeida
Summary: In this study, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles stabilized by poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and containing magnetic CoFe2O4 and vanillin were prepared using a double emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The nanoparticles exhibited spherical morphology, negative charge, high thermal stability, superparamagnetic properties, and excellent encapsulation efficiency for vanillin (around 80%). These results suggest the potential use of these PLGA/PVA nanoparticles as drug delivery systems.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Celina de Jesus Guimaraes, Teiliane Rodrigues Carneiro, Marisa Jadna Silva Frederico, Guilherme G. C. de Carvalho, Matthew Little, Valder N. Freire, Victor L. B. Franca, Daniel Nascimento do Amaral, Jessica de Siqueira Guedes, Eliezer J. Barreiro, Lidia Moreira Lima, Francisco W. A. Barros-Nepomuceno, Claudia Pessoa
Summary: LASSBio-1920 was synthesized to overcome the poor solubility of its natural precursor, CA4. The compound exhibited cytotoxic potential against human colorectal cancer cells and non-small cell lung cancer cells. It induced apoptosis and had enzyme-substrate interactions similar to other tyrosine kinase inhibitors. LASSBio-1920 showed good absorption and high CNS permeability, and accumulated in various organs. The obtained pharmacokinetic parameters will guide further in vivo studies on its antitumor potential.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Camila Diedrich, Isabella C. Zittlau, Najeh M. Khalil, Adam F. G. Leontowich, Rilton A. de Freitas, Ildiko Badea, Rubiana M. Mainardes
Summary: In this study, chitosan-based nanoemulsion (NECh-LUT) was successfully developed with small particle size, good stability, and high encapsulation efficiency. In vitro release studies demonstrated the ability of NECh-LUT to achieve sustained release, indicating its potential as a novel therapeutic option for various disorders.
Article
Parasitology
Aline Coqueiro, Daniara Cristina Fernandes, Amanda Danuello, Luis Octavio Regasini, Elaine Monteiro Cardoso-Lopes, Maria Claudia Marx Young, Luce Maria Brandao Torres, Vicente Paulo Campos, Dulce Helena Siqueira Silva, Vanderlan da Silva Bolzani, Denilson Ferreira de Oliveira
Summary: Although new nematicides have emerged, there is still high demand for less toxic and more efficient products to control plant-parasitic nematodes. As a result, increased research on natural secondary metabolites from plants to develop new nematicides has been observed. In this study, extracts from eleven Brazilian plant species were screened, and the extract from Piterogyne nitens showed potent nematostatic activity. The alkaloid fraction obtained from the ethanol extract of P. nitens was more active, and three isoprenylated guanidine alkaloids isolated from this fraction showed similar activity, indicating their potential for the development of new products to control Meloidogyne incognita.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Rafael Vieira, Kally Alves de Sousa, Givaldo Souza da Silva, Dulce Helena Siqueira Silva, Ian Castro-Gamboa
Summary: CHEIC is a web platform that uses convolutional neural networks to identify volatile molecules from microorganisms with potential against respiratory and bronchopulmonary diseases. The platform allows users to find volatile molecules with biological activity through molecular docking. It presents a Deep Learning model with 93% accuracy in classifying volatile compounds and candidate molecules for respiratory disease drugs. The model identified 39 drug-like molecules out of 548 tested. Combining molecular docking results with molecular dynamics analysis, four volatile compounds were found with the potential to modulate proteins associated with respiratory tract diseases. CHEIC is a free and promising tool for finding therapeutic agents for respiratory diseases and providing insights for researchers interested in omics sciences.
EXPERT SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haroon Ur Rashid, Vanderlan S. Bolzani, Khalid Khan, Luiz Antonio Dutra, Nasir Ahmad, Abdul Wadood
Summary: In this study, a stable three-dimensional structure of alpha-glucosidase was designed through in silico analysis, which may aid in the development of effective antifungal drugs.
JOURNAL OF THE BRAZILIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Natalia Felix Alves, Dayane Castro Ribeiro, Helena Mannochio-Russo, Suzana Aparecida Silva Queiroz, Guilherme Juliao Zocolo, Vanderlan da Silva Bolzani, Marilia Valli
Summary: Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are compounds formed during hyperglycemic conditions and aging, and are associated with skin aging, loss of elasticity, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's. Herbal supplements have been shown to have beneficial effects on glycemic control and oxidative stress, reducing the formation of AGEs. This study investigated natural compounds from Talisia esculenta with antiglycation activity, and identified rutin and quercitrin as compounds with significant antiglycation activity. These findings suggest the potential use of these natural compounds as AGEs inhibitors in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
REVISTA VIRTUAL DE QUIMICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elcio Daniel S. Barros, Evaldo S. Moncao Filho, Mariluce G. Fonseca, Patricia S. Alves, Antonia Laires S. Santos, Chistiane M. Feitosa, Dulce Helena S. Silva, Pedro Mikael S. Costa, Claudia Pessoa, Carmem D. L. Campos, Cristina A. Monteiro, Mariana Helena Chaves, Gerardo M. Vieira Junior
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the metabolomic profile and biological potential of the secretion from the paratoid glands of Rhinella granulosa. The secretion contained biologically active compounds with high toxicity and varied chemical composition. The results showed cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines, unsatisfactory antimicrobial potential, and inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This study provided important information about the paratoid secretion and contributed to understanding the metabolomic and biological potential of R. granulosa.
JOURNAL OF THE BRAZILIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Dulce Helena Siqueira Silva, Helena Mannochio-Russo, Joao Henrique Ghilardi Lago, Paula Carolina Pires Bueno, Rebeca Previate Medina, Vanderlan da Silva Bolzani, Wagner Vilegas, Wilhan Donizete Goncalves Nunes
Summary: With the support of FAPESP, Brazil has made significant progress in the research on natural products. The establishment of the Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products and the launch of the BIOTA-FAPESP program have contributed to the sustainable exploitation of biodiversity. Through chemical analysis, genetic assessment, and pharmacological research, a deeper understanding of the role of natural products in different biological models has been achieved. The development of omics approaches has provided new avenues for comprehensive research. The program also focuses on environmental protection and the principles of Green Chemistry, and has fostered international collaboration and industry partnerships, making important contributions to the development of the bioeconomy and support for public policies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Armando Moreno-Velasco, Mabel Fragoso-Serrano, Pedro de Jesus Flores-Tafoya, Sebastian Carrillo-Rojas, Elihu Bautista, Suzana Guimara Leitao, Jhon F. Castaneda-Gomez, Rogelio Pereda-Miranda
Summary: This study investigated the roots of Operculina hamiltonii, a traditional medicinal plant in Brazil. Three new acyl sugars or resin glycosides were identified and their structures elucidated. The combination of these compounds with other drugs showed enhanced cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qian-Qing Liu, Lin-An Xiong, Jia-Yu Qian, Ting-Ting Gong, Lie-Feng Ma, Luo Fang, Zha-Jun Zhan
Summary: A new naturally occurring compound, Linderagatins C-F (1-4), with the structures of diaryltetrahydrofuran-type 7,9'-dinorlignans, was discovered in the roots of Lindera aggregata. The neuroprotective effects of compounds 2 and 3 on erastin-induced ferroptosis in HT-22 cells were found to be significant.