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Fruticulture in the Amazonian Rainforest is one of the main causes of deforestation, biodiversity loss, and soil erosion. Fruticulture plays a key role in the soil traits and soil organic matter (SOM) compartments by altering the soil ecosystem. Our aim was to assess the influence of Forest–Fruticulture conversion on soil traits, and SOM fractions in Brazil’s Legal Amazon. The experiment was carried out in field conditions using four land uses as main treatments: Bixa orellana, Theobroma grandiflorum, Paullinia cupana, and the Amazon Rainforest. The soil physicochemical traits were analyzed using samples that were collected from 0–5, 5–10, and 10–20 cm soil depth by using grids (10 × 10 m) with 36 sampling points. Our results showed that the Fruticulture promoted an increase in bulk density, GMD, aggregate diameter, soil porosity, gravimetric moisture, sand, clay, carbon associated with humic acid, and, the sum of bases (K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+), while the Amazon Rainforest showed the highest values of silt, soil P content, SOC, p-SOC, m-SOC, carbon associated with fulvic acid, humine, and soil C stock. Overall, the fruticulture farming systems have negative effects on SOM compartments. The results of our study highlight the importance of considering fruticulture with endemic plant species by promoting soil fertility and soil aggregation.

Tissue repair is a systemic process divided into different molecular, biochemical, and cellular steps. Alternatives that aid tissue repair are constantly being studied, as well as ways to avoid complications to the patient. Thus, it is important to highlight the therapeutic use of annatto, which has compounds with excellent therapeutic properties that allow a positive evolution in the repair of these lesions. The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review on the therapeutic potential of annatto compounds (Bixa orellana L.) in tissue repair. The research was carried out by consulting the online databases: Pubmed, Lilacs, BVS, EBSCO and Capes Journals. Works published in the last 10 years in Portuguese, English or Spanish were selected. The results were organized in a descriptive way, pointing out in each study the relevant data regarding the theme. The results showed that bioactive compounds, such as trochotrienols and carotenoids (bixin and norbixin), can be obtained from annatto extract. These substances have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, osteogenic and antiosteoporotic properties and are being used in the treatment of health problems. Therefore, it was concluded that compounds found in annatto (Bixa orellana L.) have therapeutic potential in the process of repairing skin and bone injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achiote (Bixa orellana) is highly appreciated as a condiment and as the main source of bixin and tocotrienols, both having antioxidant properties. To explore the possibility of maximizing the antioxidant activity of achiote seed extracts using clean methodologies, the use of sonication and green solvents were tested. Ethyl lactate, isopropyl acetate, and ethanol combined with probe sonication produced the best results, obtaining similar bixin contents but higher δ-tocotrienol contents, as well as significantly higher in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity compared with the maceration method extract, requiring low energy and saving time and solvents. The probe-sonicated achiote extract with the highest δ-tocotrienol content was better at increasing the Caenorhabditis elegans resistance to oxidative stress than the extract obtained through maceration. This is the first report about the effect of sonication combined with green solvents on the bixin and δ-tocotrienol content in achiote seed extracts and its relevance on the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the purification of Bixa orellana L. leaf lectin (BoLL) and the evaluation of its antimicrobial activity and in vivo toxicity. BoLL was isolated from saline extract of leaves through protein precipitation with ammonium sulfate (60% saturation) followed by ion exchange (CM-Sephadex) and size exclusion (Sephadex G-75) chromatographies. The lectin was characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions (SDS-PAGE), stability towards heating and pH variation, as well as influence of ions on its hemagglutinating activity (HA). HA inhibition assay by different carbohydrates and glycoproteins was also performed. The antimicrobial activity of BoLL was investigated against pathogens for humans and plants. In vivo acute toxicity in mice was assessed using a dose of 100 mg/kg per os or i.p. BoLL was isolated with high specific HA (purification fold: 53.89) and showed a single 19-kDa polypeptide band in SDS-PAGE. BoLL SHA increased in the presence of 20 mM Mg2+ ions, was resistant to heating at 100 °C, and stable at acidic pH range. HA inhibition was detected especially by glycoproteins, but also by monosaccharides. BoLL showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against Escherichia coli [minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations of 400 and 800 μg/mL, respectively] and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC and MBC: 400 μg/mL), as well as bacteriostatic effect against Bacillus megaterium and Micrococcus luteus (MIC: 18.2 and 800 μg/mL, respectively). No changes were observed in hematological, biochemical, and behavioral parameters in the acute toxicity test. However, animals treated with BoLL at 100 mg/kg per os or i.p. showed histopathological alterations in the liver, spleen, and kidneys. In conclusion, our data add new biotechnological value for B. orellana leaves, since they contain a thermostable lectin with antibacterial activity, which stimulate future studies aiming at its biomedical application. However, caution should be considered in future studies due to some signs of toxicity in mice. • A protocol for purification of a lectin from Bixa orellana leaf (BoLL) was defined. • BoLL showed a single 19-kDa polypeptide band in SDS-PAGE. • Hemagglutinating activity of BoLL increased in the presence of Mg2+ ions, was resistant to heating at 100 °C, and stable at acidic pH range. • BoLL showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects • BoLL (100 mg/kg per os or i.p.) did not cause the death of Swiss mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Residual annatto seed meal (RASM) is a byproduct after extraction of bixin in the cosmetic industry and may be used in animal diets. Objective: Two experiments were carried out to determine the nutritive value and effect of RASM inclusion levels in the diets of Japanese quails. Methods: For the digestibility experiment, 160 Japanese quails were distributed in a randomized study with two treatments and 10 replicates with eight birds each. The treatments consisted of a reference diet and a test diet containing 75% of the reference diet and 25% of RASM. For the performance assay, 192 Japanese quails were used in a randomized study with six treatments and four replicates with eight birds each. Treatments consisted of a control corn-based diet (Contr1) and another diet based on sorghum + canthaxanthin (Contr2), and four diets based on sorghum with increasing inclusion levels of RASM (0, 3, 6, and 9%). Results: Digestibility of dry matter and crude protein, metabolization coefficient of gross energy, and retention of calcium and phosphorus were 41.05, 43.12, 47.97, 25.49, and 30.35%, respectively. RASM inclusion did not influence bird productivity; however, feed conversion worsened in treatments with 0–6% RASM inclusion relative to that in Contr1. Yolk color increased due to RASM treatment. Conclusion: RASM may be included in sorghum-based diets for quails at 9%, with improvement in yolk color and no negative effects on productivity and egg quality.

This work developd nanomaterials formulated from annatto seed oily extract (ASE), myristic acid (tetradecanoic acid), and their fatty acid esters. The annatto seed oily extract was obtained using only soybean oil (ASE + SO) and Brazil nut oil (ASE + BNO). The UV/VIS analysis of the oily extracts showed three characteristic peaks of the bixin molecule at 430, 456 and 486 nm. The lipid nanoparticles obtained using myristic acid and ASE + BNO or only BNO showed better results than the oil soybean extract, i.e., the particle size was

Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense (Mabs) causes chronic infections, which has led to the need for new antimycobacterial agents. In this study, we investigated the antimycobacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethyl acetate fraction of Bixa orellana leaves (BoEA) and ellagic acid (ElAc). In silico analysis predicted that ElAc had low toxicity, was not mutagenic or carcinogenic, and had antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Apparently, ElAc can interact with COX2 and Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzymes, which could explain both activities. In vitro analysis showed that BoEA and ElAc exerted antimicrobial activity against Mabs (minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.56, 1.56 mg/mL and bactericidal concentration of 6.25, 3.12 mg/mL, respectively. Clarithromycin showed MIC and MBC of 1 and 6 µg/mL). Treatment with BoEA or ElAc increased survival of Tenebrio molitor larvae after lethal infection with Mabs and reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice, around 40% of edema volume after the fourth hour, similarly to diclofenac. In conclusion, BoEA and ElAc exert antimicrobial effects against Mabs and have anti-inflammatory effects, making them potential sources of antimycobacterial drugs. The biological activities of ElAc may be due to its high binding affinities predicted for COX2 and DHFR enzymes.

Bixin is a carotenoid found in the covering of Bixa orellana seeds and widely used as a dye, mainly in food products and cosmetics. This compound is insoluble in water, but technologies have been developed for its use in aqueous preparations, as well as a component for new formulations to disperse other lipophilic ingredients. It has recently aroused the interest of researchers in areas such as Pharmacology, Endocrinology and Oncology, but also new applications in Food Technology. This work aimed to review the main studies in the period from 1911 to 2023, but we emphasised aspects in technologies related to the field of health such as Pharmacology and Pharmacy. We used 'bixin' as a keyword to search for articles on the Web of Science and obtained 488 results, most of which were original articles and 20 were reviews. The analysis demonstrated a continuing large number of studies in Food Technology, but a rapid growth in areas related to health aspects.

Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) is widely cultivated in China. Its seed is used as medicine and as an astringent antipyretic. Since 2019, anthracnose-type lesions have been observed on the annatto leaves in the field (about 30 hectares) in Zhanjiang (21˚18'12''N, 110˚17'22''E), Guangdong Province, China. Disease incidence was around 70% (n = 100 investigated plants from about 3 ha). The early symptoms were yellow spots on the edge or tip of leaves. The spots gradually expanded and became dark brown, eventually coalescing into large irregular or circular lesions (Supplemental Figure 1-A). Ten symptomatic leaves from 10 plants were sampled. The margins of the lesions were cut into 2 × 2 mm pieces and the surfaces were disinfected with 75% ethanol for 30 sec and 2% sodium hypochlorite for 60 sec. After that, pieces were rinsed thrice in sterile water, placed on potato dextrose agar(PDA) medium, and incubated at 28 ℃ for 3 days. Pure cultures were obtained by transferring hyphal tips to new PDA plates. Twenty isolates were obtained. Three representative single-spore isolates (BOC-1, BOC-2, and BOC-3) from the twenty isolates were confirmed to be identical based on morphological characteristics and ITS analysis and used for further study. Besides, the three isolates were deposited in the fungus collection at Aquatic Organisms Museum of Guangdong Ocean University. Colonies on PDA were white to gray with cottony mycelia after incubating in the dark for 6 days at 28 ℃. Conidia were one-celled, hyaline, cylindrical, clavate, and obtuse at both ends; they measured 9.6 to 18.5 µm × 3.5 to 5.5 µm (n = 50). Appressoria were oval to irregular in shape and dark brown, and they measured 6 to 9 µm × 4.5 to 8 µm (n = 30) (Supplemental Figure 1-D, E and F). These morphological characteristics matched the description of Colletotrichum siamense (Prihastuti et al. 2009; Sharma et al. 2013). For molecular identification, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), chitin synthase (CHS-1), and actin (ACT) loci of the isolates were amplified using primer pairs ITS1/ITS4, GDF1/GDR1, CHS-79F/CHS-354R, and ACT-512F/ACT-783R, respectively (Weir et al. 2012). Sequences were deposited in GenBank under nos. MZ047377-MZ047379 (ITS), MZ126934-MZ1269346 (GAPDH), MZ126904-MZ1269046 (CHS-1), and MZ126844-MZ1268446 (ACT). A phylogenetic tree was generated on the basis of the concatenated data from ITS, GAPDH, CHS-1, and ACT sequences that clustered the three isolates with C. siamense (the type strain MFLU 090230), (Supplemental Figure 2). The pathogenicity of the three isolates was tested respectively in a greenhouse maintained at 25 to 29℃ and 80% relative humidity. Annatto seeding ( n =5, 2-month-old) were inoculated with a spore solution (1 × 105 per mL) until it run-off. Whereas control plants were sprayed with sterile distilled water.. The experient was repeated three times. Anthracnose lesions were observed on the inoculated leaves after 10 days while the control plants remained healthy (Supplemental Figure 1-G, and H). The same pathogen was re-isolated from all the inoculated leaves based on morphology and ITS analysis. C. siamense has been reported to cause anthracnose in a broad range of hosts (Weir et al. 2012; Wang et al. 2017; Liu et al. 2017; Zhuo et al. 2017 ), but not in B. orellana. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. siamense causing anthracnose on B. orellana in China. Our study provides important reference information for controlling this disease.

Some significant compounds present in annatto are geranylgeraniol and tocotrienols. These compounds have beneficial effects against hyperlipidemia and chronic diseases, where oxidative stress and inflammation are present, but the exact mechanism of action of such activities is still a subject of research. This study aimed to evaluate possible mechanisms of action that could be underlying the activities of these molecules. For this, in silico approaches such as ligand topology (PASS and SEA servers) and molecular docking with the software GOLD were used. Additionally, we screened some pharmacokinetic and toxicological parameters using the servers PreADMET, SwissADME, and ProTox-II. The results corroborate the antidyslipidemia and anti-inflammatory activities of geranylgeraniol and tocotrienols. Notably, some new mechanisms of action were predicted to be potentially underlying the activities of these compounds, including inhibition of squalene monooxygenase, lanosterol synthase, and phospholipase A2. These results give new insight into new mechanisms of action involved in these molecules from annatto and Chronic®.

Abstract Background Halitosis is an unpleasant breath odour that can interfere with the professional life, social life and quality of life of people who suffer from it. A modality of treatment that has been increasing in dentistry is antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). Bixa orellana, popularly known as “urucum” is a plant native to Brazil. The seeds are used to produce a dye that is largely used in the food, textile, paint and cosmetic industries. The aim of this study is to verify whether aPDT with Bixa orellana extract and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is effective in reducing halitosis. This method will also be compared with tongue scraping, the most commonly used conventional method for tongue coating removal, and the association of both methods will be evaluated. Methods/design A randomized clinical trial will be conducted at the dental clinic of the Universidade Nove de Julho. Thirty-nine patients will be divided by block randomization into three groups (n = 13) according to the treatment to be performed. In Group 1, tongue scraping will be performed by the same operator in all patients for analysis of the immediate results. Patients will also be instructed on how to use the scraper at home. Group 2 will be treated with aPDT with Bixa orellana extract and the LED light curing device: Valo Cordless Ultradent®. Six points in the tongue dorsum with a distance of 1 cm between them will be irradiated. The apparatus will be pre-calibrated at wavelength 395–480 nm for 20 s and 9.6 J per point. In Group 3, patients will be submitted to the tongue scraping procedure, as well as to the previously explained aPDT. Oral air collection with the Oral Chroma™ and microbiological collections of the tongue coating shall be done before, immediately after and 7 days after treatment for comparison. Discussion Halitosis treatment is a topic that still needs attention. The results of this trial could support decision-making by clinicians regarding aPDT using blue LEDs for treating halitosis on a daily basis, as most dentists already have this light source in their offices. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03346460. Registered on 17 November 2017.

Background: Full chloroplast genomes provide high resolution taxonomic discrimination between closely related plant species and are quickly replacing single and multi-locus barcoding regions as reference materials of choice for DNA based taxonomic annotation of plants. Bixa orellana, commonly known as “achiote” and “annatto” is a plant used for both human and animal foods and was thus identified for full chloroplast sequencing for the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Complete Chloroplast Animal Feed database. This work was conducted in collaboration with the Instituto de Medicina Tradicional (IMET) in Iquitos, Peru. There is a wide range of color variation in pods of Bixa orellana for which genetic loci that distinguish phenotypes have not yet been identified. Here we apply whole chloroplast genome sequencing of “red” and “yellow” individuals of Bixa orellana to provide high quality reference genomes to support kmer database development for use identifying this plant from complex mixtures using shotgun data. Additionally, we describe chloroplast gene content, synteny and phylogeny, and identify an indel and snp that may be associated with seed pod color. Results: Fully assembled chloroplast genomes were produced for both red and yellow Bixa orellana accessions (158,918 and 158,823 bp respectively). Synteny and gene content was identical to the only other previously reported full chloroplast genome of Bixa orellana (NC_041550). We observed a 17 base pair deletion at position 58,399–58,415 in both accessions, relative to NC_041550 and a 6 bp deletion at position 75,531–75,526 and a snp at position 86,493 in red Bixa orellana. Conclusions: Our data provide high quality reference genomes of individuals of red and yellow Bixa orellana to support kmer based identity markers for use with shotgun sequencing approaches for rapid, precise identification of Bixa orellana from complex mixtures. Kmer based phylogeny of full chloroplast genomes supports monophylly of Bixaceae consistent with alignment based approaches. A potentially discriminatory indel and snp were identified that may be correlated with the red phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Bixa orellana is a plant from the Bixaceae family, for which, limited information is available on hepatoprotective properties. This study aimed at evaluating the protective effects of this plant on sub-acute acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in mice. Materials and Methods: Various aqueous extracts were prepared from roots, leaves, and barks. Albino mice were divided into six groups: a control group, an APAP group; a silymarin group (positive control) and three test groups. Mice were treated orally with APAP (250 mg/kg) followed 3 hr later by plant extracts, silymarin (50 mg/kg) or distilled water (10 ml/kg) administration once daily, for seven days. After treatment, animals were sacrificed, the liver was collected and different biochemical parameters were measured. Histological analyses were performed using hematoxylin/eosin staining and the qualitative phytochemical content of plant extracts was evaluated using conventional methods. Results: Administration of B. orellana barks decoction (250 mg/kg) significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase levels (p<0.001), unlike leaves and roots extracts. Moreover, the bark infusion had the highest activity compared to macerate and decoction. It significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels (p<0.001) and increased the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase, at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg compared to the APAP group. A significant (p<0.001) decrease of tumor necrosis factor-a levels and leukocyte infiltration was found following treatment with bark infusion. The infusion content evaluation revealed the presence of polyphenols, saponins, tannins, sterols, anthraquinones, and coumarins and the absence of alkaloids. Conclusion: These results show that infusion from B. orellana barks is hepatoprotective against APAP-induced toxicity via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Residual annatto seed meal (RASM) is a byproduct after extraction of bixin in the cosmetic industry and may be used in animal diets. Objective: Two experiments were carried out to determine the nutritive value and effect of RASM inclusion levels in the diets of Japanese quails. Methods: For the digestibility experiment, 160 Japanese quails were distributed in a randomized study with two treatments and 10 replicates with eight birds each. The treatments consisted of a reference diet and a test diet containing 75% of the reference diet and 25% of RASM. For the performance assay, 192 Japanese quails were used in a randomized study with six treatments and four replicates with eight birds each. Treatments consisted of a control corn-based diet (Contr1) and another diet based on sorghum + canthaxanthin (Contr2), and four diets based on sorghum with increasing inclusion levels of RASM (0, 3, 6, and 9%). Results: Digestibility of dry matter and crude protein, metabolization coefficient of gross energy, and retention of calcium and phosphorus were 41.05, 43.12, 47.97, 25.49, and 30.35%, respectively. RASM inclusion did not influence bird productivity; however, feed conversion worsened in treatments with 0-6% RASM inclusion relative to that in Contr1. Yolk color increased due to RASM treatment. Conclusion: RASM may be included in sorghum-based diets for quails at 9%, with improvement in yolk color and no negative effects on productivity and egg quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this work was to estimate the cardinal temperatures and to quantify the thermal requirements for the initial development of seedlings of the native tree species Citharexylum myrianthum and Bixa orellana. A field experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 2?12 factorial arrangement (2 tree species and 12 sowing dates), with five replicates. The base, optimum, and maximum temperatures for the development of C. myrianthum were 11.4, 18.1, and 36.6°C, and, for B. orellana, 12.0, 18.4, and 46.4°C. The thermal requirements for the development of C. myrianthum was 66.7°C day per leaf, and, for B. orellana, 82.5°C day per leaf. In the initial development, B. orellana shows a large thermal amplitude and is tolerant to extreme temperatures, while C. myrianthum shows a large thermal amplitude, but a lower thermal requirement and a more rapid development than B. orellana.

Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) are enzymes that have been implicated in the biosynthesis of a wide diversity of secondary metabolites with important economic value, including bixin. Bixin is the second most used pigment in the world’s food industry worldwide, and its main source is the aril of achiote (Bixa orellana L.) seeds. A recent transcriptome analysis of B. orellana identified a new set of eight CCD members (BoCCD4s and BoCCD1s) potentially involved in bixin synthesis. We used several approaches in order to discriminate the best candidates with CCDs genes. A reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) expression analysis was carried out in five developmental stages of two accessions of B. orellana seeds with different bixin contents: (P13W, low bixin producer and N4P, high bixin producer). The results showed that three BoCCDs (BoCCD4-1, BoCCD4-3, and BoCCD1-1) had an expression pattern consistent with bixin accumulation during seed development. Additionally, an alignment of the CCD enzyme family and homology models of proteins were generated to verify whether the newly proposed CCD enzymes were bona fide CCDs. The study confirmed that these three enzymes were well-preserved and belonged to the CCD family. In a second selection round, the three CCD genes were analyzed by in situ RT-qPCR in seed tissue. Results indicated that BoCCD4-3 and BoCCD1-1 exhibited tissue-specific expressions in the seed aril. To test whether the two selected CCDs had enzymatic activity, they were expressed in Escherichia coli; activity was determined by identifying their products in the crude extract using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. The cleavage product (bixin aldehyde) was also analyzed by Fourier transform infrared. The results indicated that both BoCCD4-3 and BoCCD1-1 cleave lycopene in vitro at 5,6-5′,6′.

Background Study: The aim of this research was to examine possible antioxidant, cytotoxic and neurological activity of methanol and n-hexane extracts of Bixa orellana leaves. Additionally, we aimed to identify potential lead compounds through in-silico analysis., Methods: In-vitro antioxidative properties were investigated through different assays, including: total phenolic content assay (TPC), total flavonoid content assay (TFC), DPPH free radical scavenging assay and reducing power assay. Also, the cytotoxic effect of the samples was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality test. In addition, anxiolytic, locomotor, and CNS depressant activities were assessed utilizing various established methods. Moreover, reported compounds were used in the in silico study to explore the best-fit phytoconstituents against gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA A ) receptor., Results: MBOL displayed substantial antioxidative activities in various established assays compared to NBOL. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, both MBOL and NBOL revealed cytotoxic activity in a concentration-dependent approach. Again, in Elevated Plus Maze test, 200 and 400 mg/kg of NBOL and MBOL demonstrated significant anxiolytic activities evident from time spent in open arms. In addition, maximum number of head dipping was demonstrated by MBOL at 400 mg/kg (53.90 ± 1.16) in Hole Board test. NBOL and MBOL at both doses significantly diminished the magnitude of movements from the 2nd to 5th observation periods in Open Field test. Furthermore, in Hole Cross test, MBOL remarkably dwindled the locomotor activity at 120 min and 180 min (3.60 ± 0.40 and 2.40 ± 0.51) at 400 mg/kg. Finally, in silico analysis revealed 13 compounds as promising leads with strong binding affinity to GABA A receptor along with good pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles., Conclusion: Therefore, the present study's findings advocate the traditional usage of this plant and recommend both MBOL and NBOL as as a potential source of therapeutic candidate for the management of neurological disorders., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

• Green synthesis of TiO 2 nanoparticles using natural Bixa orellana seed extract as capping and stabilizing agent. • Extensive enhancement in efficiency of DSSC with the use of as synthesized G-TNP compared to conventionally synthesized TiO 2. • Current conversion efficiency 3% achieved with use of G-TNP photoanode. Mesoporous anatase TiO 2 nanoparticles are the best photoanode materials for high performance DSSC. Chemical and physical methods used for the preparation of TiO 2 nanoparticles suffer with environment related issues e.g. use of toxic solvents, hazardous by-products and consumptions of high energy. We have synthesized mesoporous anatase TiO 2 nanoparticles from Titanium (IV) butoxide solution using Bixa orellana seed extract and further used it for making DSSC photoanode. The method offers environment friendly, cheaper and efficient DSSC. Structure, morphology, size and porosity of TiO 2 nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM and N 2 sorption measurements. The amount of dye loading by TiO 2 was obtained using desorption technique which revealed much higher dye loading for the plant seed grown nanoparticles (G-TNP). TNP and G-TNP demonstrated photovoltaic conversion efficiencies 1.03% and 2.97% respectively. This study therefore demonstrates that the synthesized mesoporous anatase TiO 2 naoparticles can serve as promising photoanode materials for DSSC applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The megabiodiversity of Brazil created opportunities for the domestication of a number of crop species, including some of major global importance. Considering the economic value of many Brazilian native crops, the genetic characterization of their populations is fundamental to support the utilization and conservation of their genetic resources, currently threatened by deforestation and the intensification of monuculture of exotic crops. Recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies have promoted the rapid genomic evaluation of non-model species, including those of only local importance. In this context, we evaluated the genomic diversity of three native Brazilian crops: manioc (Manihot esculenta), annatto (Bixa orellana) and the juçara palm (Euterpe edulis). Double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD) was employed to identify thousands of SNP markers in each crop species (1952 in manioc, 3362 in annatto and 1040 in juçara). Population genomic analyses identified many loci putatively under selection, but the unavailability of genome sequences for annatto and juçara hampers further characterization for these crops. Nonetheless, the SNP markers identified were effective in the characterization of the genomic diversity and population structure. The levels of genomic diversity and inbreeding were compatible with the biology of each species. While wild and cultivated manioc were remarkably genetically divergent, the same was not observed between accessions of wild and cultivated annatto, and genetic differentiation was observed among juçara samples from different environments. The application of population genomic approaches may be valuable for the establishment of better practices of management of these crops, promoting the conservation and valorization of Brazilian native genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epilepsy and psychosis have a complex and interesting relationship. The drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy have the chances of reducing the symptoms and the risk of psychosis. Tardionally, seeds of Bixa Orellana L. were used to treat epilepsy in Brazilian tribes. Objective: To explore the anti-epileptic and anti-psychotic activity of bixin on experimental animals. Methodology: The anti-epileptic activity was assessed by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and maximal electro shock (MES)-induced convulsions. The effect of bixin against psychosis was assessed by an apomorphine-induced stereotyped behaviour in rats along with the climbing activities in mice. Bixin (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, p.o.) was pre-treated for a period of fifteen days. Bixin was administered one hour prior to the respective induction (MES/PTZ/apomorphine). After the induction, the assigned rodents were monitored for the different stages of convulsions as well as behavioural changes with respect to stereotyped and climbing behaviours in experimental animals. Result: Pre-treatment of bixin exhibited dose dependent prevention of seizures in the MES and PTZ models at P<0.001 significant level. The high dose of bixin showed complete inhibition of tonic-extension phase seizure and improved the mean time latency in the onset of tonic-clonic convulsions. The bixin pre-treatment also showed a significant (P<0.01) deterrence in stereotyped and climbing behaviour dose dependently. Conclusion: The present study provided the scientific footage to the traditional usage of the herb in the manifestation of convulsion and psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of salt stress on pigment synthesis and antioxidant enzyme activity as well as in the genes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of bixin was studied. The 14-day germinated seedlings of Bixa orellana were induced into the various NaCl concentration (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 mM). After 45 days, leaves were taken for pigment analysis, antioxidant assays, and gene expression analysis to study the response of salt stress. The pigment content such as chlorophyll level was increased upon salt stress with a reduction in total carotenoid clearly indicating the adaptability of plants towards the stressed state. The level of β-carotene was increased in the highest concentration of salt stress treatment. The secondary metabolites such as bixin and abscisic acid (ABA) content were also high in elevated concentration of salt-treated seedling than control. The antioxidant enzyme activity was increased with the highest dose of salt stress suggesting the antioxidant enzymes to protect the plant from the deleterious effects. The mRNA transcript gene of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway such as phytoene synthase (PSY), 1-deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS), phytoene desaturase (PDS), beta-lycopene cyclase (LCY-β), epsilon lycopene cyclase (LCY-ε), carboxyl methyl transferase (CMT), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ADH), lycopene cleavage dioxygenase (LCD), and carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) showed differential expression pattern under salt stress. In addendum, we studied the co-expression network analysis of gene to assess the co-related genes associated in the biosynthesis pathway of carotenoid. From the co-expression analysis result showed, the LCY, PDS, and PSY genes were closely correlated with other genes. These finding may provide insight to the plants to exist in the stress condition and to improve the industrially important pigment production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-parasitic nematodes are known as one of the most important pests attacking various plants in the world, and investigating the nematode component is very essential for management of this pest and prevent damage to plants in general. Our survey of plant-parasitic nematodes on medicinal plants in Me Linh Station for Biodiversity, a place for conservation of precious plants and animals in Vietnam, identified ten species that belong to nine genera, five families, and two orders of plant-parasitic nematodes parasitizing six medicinal plants. Excoecaria cochinchinensis was parasitized by the highest number of nematode genera (5 genera, including Xiphinema, Discocriconemella, Meloidogyne, Helicotylenchus, and Hemicriconemoides), while Hymenocallis littoralis was associated with the highest number of plant-parasitic nematodes (2060 nematodes/250g soil). The results also showed that Discocriconemella limitanea was found to be a dominant species with the highest number of individuals on 6 medicinal plants, and the genus Helicotylenchus had the highest frequency of appearance (5/6 plants or 83.3%). These nematodes caused symptoms such as yellowing leaves, root galls, and root lesions, which directly affect the quality and yield of medicinal plants. Based on the results, this study showed that plant-parasitic nematodes are a potential threat to the cultivation of medicinal plants in Me Linh Station for Biodiversity, and thus, control measures should be applied to ensure sustainable cultivation of medicinal plants in this place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) are enzymes that have been implicated in the biosynthesis of a wide diversity of secondary metabolites with important economic value, including bixin. Bixin is the second most used pigment in the world’s food industry worldwide, and its main source is the aril of achiote (Bixa orellana L.) seeds. A recent transcriptome analysis of B. orellana identified a new set of eight CCD members (BoCCD4s and BoCCD1s) potentially involved in bixin synthesis. We used several approaches in order to discriminate the best candidates with CCDs genes. A reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) expression analysis was carried out in five developmental stages of two accessions of B. orellana seeds with different bixin contents: (P13W, low bixin producer and N4P, high bixin producer). The results showed that three BoCCDs (BoCCD4-1, BoCCD4-3, and BoCCD1-1) had an expression pattern consistent with bixin accumulation during seed development. Additionally, an alignment of the CCD enzyme family and homology models of proteins were generated to verify whether the newly proposed CCD enzymes were bona fide CCDs. The study confirmed that these three enzymes were well-preserved and belonged to the CCD family. In a second selection round, the three CCD genes were analyzed by in situ RT-qPCR in seed tissue. Results indicated that BoCCD4-3 and BoCCD1-1 exhibited tissue-specific expressions in the seed aril. To test whether the two selected CCDs had enzymatic activity, they were expressed in Escherichia coli; activity was determined by identifying their products in the crude extract using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. The cleavage product (bixin aldehyde) was also analyzed by Fourier transform infrared. The results indicated that both BoCCD4-3 and BoCCD1-1 cleave lycopene in vitro at 5,6-5′,6′. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are establishing themselves as an important class of nanomaterials due to their exceptional physicochemical properties and wide range of applications. Due to their affordability, lack of toxicity, and strong biocompatibility, ZnO NPs find extensive use in the field of biomedicine. ZnO NPs are promising in biomedicine, especially for their ability as anticancer and antimicrobial agents. The ecologically sustainable preparation of metallic NPs using different plant extracts is a viable alternative to more conventional synthesis methods. The present study investigates the effects of changing the physical conditions on ZnO NPs synthesis from Bixa orellana (B. orellana) extract using the precipitation method. Confirmation and characterization of the ZnO NPs were achieved by analytical techniques. EDS results verified that highly pure ZnO NPs were synthesized. X-ray diffraction analysis verified the crystal nature of the synthesized NPs and their crystalline particle size of 82.66 nm. The XRD graphs strongly indicate the formation of wurtzite ZnO due to the presence of the (1 0 0), (0 0 2), and (1 0 1) planes. The antibacterial activity was assessed through the utilization of agar disc diffusion. The findings revealed that ZnO NPs exhibited significant efficacy in inhibiting the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The zone of inhibition with the greatest diameter (22 mm) was reported for the bacterial strain B. cereus. The present investigation provides evidence that B. orellana leaves extract is capable of producing ZnO NPs, which play a crucial role in its antibacterial action. Additional investigation is necessary to validate the role of diverse phytochemicals in the synthesis of ZnO NPs and their applications in diverse fields such as agriculture, cosmetics, food, and healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antecedentes: la cocción de alimentos en horno microondas es una tendencia en aumento en la población en general, sin que se tenga en cuenta el efecto sobre su calidad. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto del extracto de Bixa orellana sobre aceite de girasol durante el calentamiento en microondas. Materiales y métodos: aceite de girasol, con y sin la adición de extracto de Bixa orellana 100 ppm, se sometió a calentamiento durante 12 minutos en horno microondas evaluándose sus propiedades fisicoquímicas a distintos intervalos de tiempo. Resultados: la adición de Bixa orellana contribuye a conservar la calidad del aceite de girasol sometido al microondas durante los tres primeros minutos de calentamiento. A tiempos mayores, dadas las temperaturas alcanzadas, no se observa efecto protector. Conclusión: la adición de 100 ppm de extracto de Bixa orellana en aceite de girasol permite contrarrestar la oxidación durante tres minutos de calentamiento en microondas.

ABSTRACT Carotenoids are incorporated into the diet of laying hens in order to modify the yolk color. A natural source of carotenoids in tropical countries is annatto, which could be used in the diets of hens. This study aimed to evaluate the addition of natural (annatto) and synthetic carotenoids to the diet of laying hens (commercial and alternative) and their effects on yolk color and consumer sensory perception of fresh and stored eggs obtained from two different preparations (boiled and fried). Physicochemical analysis of proximate composition, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), emulsion activity and instrumental color were performed. Cooking caused significant alterations to the moisture in the preparations and this may have directly affected the color intensity, influencing factors related to egg appearance. In this study, 85 % of the panelists indicated that yolk color is an important attribute of the product’s quality. There was no antioxidant effect of the carotenoids in raw eggs. Synthetic additives should be better dosed to obtain the desired effect. Storage did not alter the proximate composition of the eggs.

Antecedentes: los extractos de Bixa orellana son utilizados como colorante de alimentos, y presentan una actividad antioxidante de importancia farmacéutica. Su uso puede limitarse por su inestabilidad, donde el proceso de inclusión en β-ciclodextrina (β-CD) por fluido supercrítico con CO2 (FSC-CO2) es una alternativa para mediar esta desventaja. Objetivos: comparar diferentes condiciones de temperatura y presión de extracción por FSC-CO2, para determinar cuál de estas permite obtener un extracto de Bixa orellana con mayor actividad antioxidante, y evaluar el efecto de la inclusión en β-CD, en dicha capacidad antioxidante. Métodos: se obtuvieron extractos por FSC-CO2 variando condiciones de presión y temperatura: (I) 3583 psi, 35°C, (II) 1413 psi, 35°C, (III) 2184 psi, 45°C, (IV) 5076 psi, 45°C, y (V) 2300 psi, 40°C. Se evaluó la actividad antioxidante de los extractos obtenidos mediante el método DPPH, determinando su IC50. Se realizó el complejo de inclusión en β-CD del extracto que presentó la mayor actividad antioxidante, por el método FSC-CO2, y fue caracterizado por IR, DSC y RMN. Mediante análisis comparativo de los espectros de la β-CD, extracto libre y el complejo extracto/β-CD, se verificó el acomplejamiento, y se evaluó la capacidad antioxidante del complejo de inclusión. Resultados: el extracto con mayor actividad antioxidante se obtuvo bajo la condición de extracción IV, con un IC50 de 23,55 μg/mL, seguido del extracto II (28,76 μg/mL), del extracto III (37,23 μg/mL), del extracto V (81,09 μg/mL) y del extracto I (193,82 μg/mL), los cuales presentaron diferencias significativas (P

Background: Bixa orellana extracts are used to food coloring and it is important in pharmaceutical industry as a potential source of antioxidant activity. The application may be limited because it is unstable, but the process of inclusion in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) by supercritical fluid CO2 (FSC-CO2) is an alternative to mediate this disadvantage. Objectives: we compared different conditions of temperature and pressure of FSC-CO2 extraction, to obtain a Bixa orellana extract with excellent antioxidant activity, and we evaluated the effect of inclusion in β-CD in the antioxidant capacity. Methods: extracts were obtained by FSC-CO2 with different conditions of pressure and temperature: (I) 3583 psi, 35°C, (II) 1413 psi, 35°C, (III) 2184 psi, 45°C, (IV) 5076 psi, 45°C, and (V) 2300 psi, 40°C. The antioxidant activity by DPPH assay was determined and the IC50 was evaluated. We performed the inclusion complex in β-CD with the highest antioxidant activity extract. The extract/β-CD complex was characterized by IR, DSC and NMR. This complexation was verified by comparative analysis of the spectra of the β-CD, free extract and β-CD/extract complex. The antioxidant capacity of this inclusion complex was evaluated. Results: the extract with highest antioxidant activity was obtained under the extraction condition IV, with an IC50 of 23.55 μg/mL, followed extract II (28.76 μg/mL), extract III (37.23 μg/mL), extract V (81.09 μg/mL) and extract I (193.82 μg/mL). Analysis showed significant differences (P<0.01) between these extracts. The spectra obtained by IR, DSC and NMR evidence the encapsulation process. The IC50 value of the extract/β-CD complex (104.84 μg/mL) was significantly higher than the value obtained for the pure extract (23.55 µg/mL). Conclusions: the highest antioxidant activity of Bixa orellana extracts was obtained by supercritical fluid pressure at 5076 psi and temperature of 45°C. Variations in IR, DSC and NMR spectra showed the inclusion of the β-CD/extract, and the IC50 values indicated the protective effect of β-CD to the reaction with DPPH radical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) coupled to low-pressure solvent extraction (LPSE) was studied for producing tocotrienols-rich oil and bixin-rich extract from annatto seeds. In the SFE step using CO2, 2.90 ± 0.01 g oil/100 g seeds was obtained, which was composed of 14.85 wt.% δ-tocotrienol and 2.06 wt.% γ-tocotrienol. In the LPSE step using ethanol, 11.3 ± 0.6 g extract/100 g defatted seeds was obtained, which was composed of 30 wt.% bixin. The process integration was also evaluated in the economic viewpoint with the objective to show its feasibility in different scenarios, which included different purchasing costs of seeds, costs of plants, processing times in the SFE step, bed height to internal diameter ratios in the SFE step, solvent type in the LPSE step, and selling prices of oil and extract fractions. Among 64 scenarios assessed, the more promising one provided values of cost of manufacturing (COM) of US$ 336.96/kg oil and US$ 12.05/kg bixin extract, payback time of 0.26 year, return on investment of 389.7% and gross margin of 66.5%. For a 100 L scale plant, 4968 kg oil and 7643 kg bixin can be recovered per year using approximately 220 tons of seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to correlate fruit epicarp colorimetry with bixin content in urucum seeds (Bixa orellana L.). Bixin is used in several industrial segments, such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, cosmetics and food. The fruits were harvested from adult trees and were classified visually in four maturation stages based on the external color of the epicarp. After visual segregation, the color of the fruit was measured with a digital color analyzer. The initial characterization was through seed morphometry and determination of water content. The experiment was completely randomized, with four replicates. Green fruits and light brown seeds showed larger seeds and bixin content. To obtain bixin the seeds can be harvested when the fruit is closed, with green and / or light brown or with reflectance values in the range of 93-162; 61-144; Or 35-62 nm on the red, green or blue scales, respectively, of the color spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Bixa orellana (B. Orellana) is a frequently utilized plant that has grown in significance in pharmaceutical applications. The leaves extract of B. orellana was used in the current study for preliminary phytochemical analysis in terms of both quantitative and qualitative, which indicates the presence of phenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated antifungal activity at 30 mm zone of clearance against Candida albicans and antibacterial activity at 16 mm zone of clearance against Bacillus nakamuria by well diffusion method against different strains. The plant extract showed a MIC of 20 µg/mL and MBC of 157.11 µg/mL against E. coli by ELISA and broth dilution method, respectively. To evaluate the phytochemicals in the extract, further purification of the extract by TLC, column chromatography, and component analysis by GC–MS, which reported 18 components, and UV spectrum were performed. A number of therapeutic applications for the extract were observed, including antidiabetic activity (anti-glucosidase) of 98.34% inhibition at 100 µg/mL, anti-lipase of 100% inhibition at 100 µg/mL, and anti-amylase activity of 100% inhibition at 100 µg/mL, antioxidant activity (anti-DPPH activity) of 59.74% inhibition at 100 µg/mL, anthelmintic at 1 min by 1000 µg/mL, antifibrinolytic at 20 secs by 1000 µg/mL and cytotoxic activity against A549 lung cell lines, wherein, the cell viability was below 40 % at the highest dose (100 µg/mL), with an IC 50 value of 39.9 µg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis is a group of neglected tropical diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. The absence of effective vaccines and the limitations of current treatments make the search for effective therapies a real need. Different plant-derived essential oils (EOs) have shown antileishmanial effects, in particular from Bixa orellana L. (EO-Bo) and Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (EO-Da). In the present study, the EO-Bo and EO-Da, formulated in nanocochleates (EO-Bo-NC and EO-Da-NC, respectively), were evaluated in vitro and in vivo against L. amazonensis. The EO-Bo-NC and EO-Da-NC did not increase the in vitro inhibitory activity of the EOs, although the EO-Bo-NC showed reduced cytotoxic effects. In the animal model, both formulations (30 mg/kg/intralesional route/every 4 days/4 times) showed no deaths or weight loss greater than 10%. In the animal (mouse) model, EO-Bo-NC contributed to the control of infection (p < 0.05) in comparison with EO-Bo treatment, while the mice treated with EO-Da-NC exhibited larger lesions (p < 0.05) compared to those treated with EO-Da. The enhanced in vivo activity observed for EO-Bo-NC suggests that lipid-based nanoformulations like nanocochleates should be explored for their potential in the proper delivery of drugs, and in particular, the delivery of hydrophobic materials for effective cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment.

The current study was undertaken to analyse the effect of short-term UV-B and UV-C radiations in provoking carotenoid biosynthesis in Bixa orellana . Seeds of B . orellana were germinated and exposed to the short term UV pre-treatment under controlled environmental condition for 5 days. The UV treated young seedlings response in pigment contents; antioxidant enzyme activity and mRNA gene expression level were analysed. The pigment content such as chlorophyll was increased in both UV-B and UV-C treated seedlings, but the total carotenoid level was decreased when compared to the control seedlings this can be attributed to the plant adaptability to survive in a stressed condition. The β-carotene level was increased in UV-B, and UV-C treated young seedlings. No significant changes have occurred in the secondary pigment such as bixin and ABA. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase was significantly increased in UV-B treated seedlings when compared to the UV-C treated seedlings and control. The mRNA expression of the genes involved in bixin biosynthesis pathways such as DXS , PSY , PDS , LCY - β , LCY - ε , CMT , LCD , ADH and CCD genes showed different expression pattern in UV-B and UV-C treated young seedlings. Further we analysed the gene co-expression network to identify the genes which are mainly involved in carotenoid/bixin biosynthesis pathway. Form our findings the CCD , LCY , PDS , ZDS and PSY showed a close interaction. The result of our study shows that the short term UV-B and UV-C radiations induce pigment content, antioxidant enzyme activity and different gene expression pattern allowing the plant to survive in the oxidative stress condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annatto ( Bixa orellana L.) is a tropical crop indigenous to the Americas, probably Amazonia. Annatto is commercially valuable in the food and cosmetics industries as a natural dye used instead of synthetic dyes. In addition, annatto contains other important substances for human health, such as geranylgeraniol, tocotrienols and other carotenoids. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of 63 accessions from the annatto germplasm bank at the Agronomic Institute (IAC), São Paulo, Brazil, using four phytochemical compounds and 16 microsatellite markers. Significant variation was observed for the phytochemical compounds, ranging from 2 to 7.31 g (100 g dry matter-DM) for bixin, 2.14-7.11 g (100 g DM) for lipids, 0.25-1.05 g (100 g DM) for tocotrienols, and 0.49-2.61 g (100 g DM) for geranylgeraniol content. A total of 73 alleles was observed in the molecular characterization with 16 microsatellite loci. We found higher expected heterozygosity than observed heterozygosity for all loci, indicating strong deficits of heterozygotes. For both molecular and phytochemical compounds, cluster and PCoA analyses tended to separate the accessions from Rondônia, northern Brazil, with only a few exceptions, from the Southwestern accessions. The same two groups were found in the Bayesian analysis with molecular data. Rondônia accessions showed higher values for all the phytochemical compounds and higher levels of genetic diversity. Some accessions presented bixin levels well above the average and are promising materials to be used in genetic improvement programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Biosynthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has gained much interest and offers an attractive alternate to physical and chemical approaches. In recent year several safe, easy, cost-effective, reproducible, and environmentally friendly synthesis approaches for silver nanoparticles have been developed. In this research work, a simple, cheap, and unexplored method was applied on green synthesis of AgNPs using secondary metabolites extracted from Bixa orellana seeds. The seeds are rich of flavonoids and phenolic compounds which presumably responsible for the fast reduction and stabilization of silver ion into silver nanoparticles. The biosynthesis process is very likely to be able to reduce silver ions under simple physiological conditions. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) that was appeared at 420 nm in UV–vis spectrum, had confirmed the formation of AgNPs. Moreover, the functional groups in secondary metabolite that act as reducing, capping and stabilizing agents for silver nanoparticles, are identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. An X-ray diffraction analysis generated four peaks for Bixa orellana seed extract mediated AgNPs positioned at 2θ angles of 38.1°, 44.2°, 64.6°, and 77.5° corresponding to crystal planes (1 1 1), (2 0 0), (2 2 0), and (3 1 1). Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirmed the formation of nanosized silver particles. The z-average of the synthesized particles measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) was found to be 92.9 nm. AgNPs synthesized exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, antibacterial and antiproliferative activity against human breast (MCF-7) cell line. On the basis of our results, we conclude that biologically synthesized AgNPs exhibited favorable characteristics and have the potential to be used in biomedical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic inflammation is the underlying mechanism for many diseases. Thus, inflammatory signaling pathways are valuable targets for new treatment modalities. Natural products have gained interest as a potential source of bioactive compounds which provide health benefits in combating inflammatory-related diseases. Recent reports have linked the medicinal values of Bixa orellana L. with its anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, this review aims to examine the therapeutic potential of bixin, a major bioactive constituent found in the seeds of B. orellana , on inflammatory-related diseases based on existing in vitro and in vivo evidence. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of bixin via signaling pathways is explored and possible toxic effects are addressed. The findings suggest that bixin may ameliorate inflammation via inhibition of toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B (TLR4/NF-κB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and thioredoxin-interacting protein/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TXNIP/NLRP3) inflammasome mechanisms. More well-planned clinical studies should be performed to verify its effectiveness and safety profile., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Shadisvaaran, Chin, Mohd-Said and Leong.)

Objetivos: Determinar el efecto de los extractos acuoso e hidroetanólico de las hojas de Bixa orellana sobre los indicadores no enzimáticos de hepatotoxicidad, en ratas sometidas a paracetamol. Diseño: Experimental. Institución: Centro de Investigación de Bioquímica y Nutrición, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Material biológico: Ratas machos de 3 meses de edad. Intervenciones: Se distribuyó aleatoriamente 35 ratas machos de 3 meses de edad en 5 grupos, que recibieron vía peroral por 10 días: NaCl 0,9% los controles positivo y negativo, silimarina 300 mg/kg, extracto acuoso 500 mg/kg y extracto hidroetanólico 500 mg/kg. Previo ayuno de 24 horas, al quinto día se administró paracetamol (400 mg/kg) peroral, excepto al control negativo. Bajo anestesia con éter, se realizó punción cardiaca para extraer sangre. Principales medidas de resultados: Ratio hepático (peso hígado/peso animal x 100), bilirrubina total (BT), directa (BD) e indirecta (BI), hepatomegalia, especies reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) en hígado y suero. Resultados: El tratamiento con extracto acuoso solo disminuyó los indicadores BT y BI (p

Bixa orellana é uma planta nativa do Brasil, conhecida popularmente como urucum. O objetivo desse estudo foi extrair o óleo das sementes de B. orellana e, a partir dele, isolar e identificar o tocotrienol e quantificar seus ácidos graxos. A extração do óleo realizou-se em aparelho Soxhlet utilizando hexano como solvente extrator. O tocotrienol foi isolado por meio de métodos cromatográficos e identificado por espectrometria de ressonância magnética nuclear RMN ¹H e RMN 13C. Os ácidos graxos foram quantificados por cromatografia gasosa acoplada ao espectrômetro de massa. Os resultados demonstraram a presença de δ -tocotrienol e, dentre os ácidos graxos, a ocorrência do ácido aracdônico, que até o presente momento não havia sido relatada na espécie em estudo.