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Fibromyalgia (FM) is a painful chronic condition that significantly impacts the quality of life, posing challenges for clinical management. Given the difficulty of understanding the pathophysiology and finding new therapeutics, this study explored the effects of a medicinal plant, E. brasiliensis, in an FM model induced by reserpine in Swiss mice. Animals were treated with saline 0.9% (vehicle), duloxetine 10 mg/kg (positive control), or hydroalcoholic extract of E. brasiliensis leaves 300 mg/kg (HEEb). Nociceptive parameters, as well as locomotion, motor coordination, strength, anxiety, and depressive-like behaviors, were evaluated for 10 days. After that, the brain and blood were collected for further analysis of cytokines (interleukin 1? and interleukin 6), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the immunocontents of total and phosphorylated Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). The results demonstrated that the acute and prolonged treatment with HEEb was able to reduce both mechanical and thermal nociception. It was also possible to observe an increase in the strength, without changing locomotion and motor coordination parameters. Interestingly, treatment with HEEb reduces anxious and depressive-like behaviors. Finally, we observed a reduction in inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus of animals treated with HEEb, while an increase in BDNF was observed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, no alterations related to total and phosphorylated TrkB receptor expression were found. Our study demonstrated the antinociceptive and emotional effects of HEEb in mice, possibly acting on neuroinflammatory and neurotrophic mechanisms. These data provide initial evidence about the E. brasiliensis potential for treating chronic pain., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Myrcia is a genus widespread in South America with many species presenting anti-inflammatory and biological properties. We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of crude hydroalcoholic extract of Myrcia pubipetala leaves (CHE-MP) using macrophages (RAW 264.7), and the air pouch model in mice to evaluate leukocyte migration and mediator's release. Adhesion molecule expression, CD49 and CD18, was evaluated in neutrophils. In vitro , the CHE-MP significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels in the exudate and the supernatant culture. CHE-MP did not present cytotoxicity and modulated the percentage of positive neutrophils for CD18 and its expression per cell, without modifying the expression of CD49, which corroborated with significantly reduced neutrophil migration to inflammatory exudate and subcutaneous tissue. Taken together, the data demonstrate that CHE-MP presents a potential activity on innate inflammatory.

β-D-glucan has significant implications in regulating lipid metabolism and preventing diseases associated with lipid accumulation. Schizophyllan (SPG) from Schizophyllum commune fungus is a commercially important β-glucan with applications in the health food industry, pharmacy, and cosmetics. However, SPG was obtained by submerged culture of the wood-rotting and filamentous fungus S. commune BRM 060008, which may have been isolated from the Cerrado Biome of Brazil. In this study, to confirm that the polysaccharide produced by BRM 060008 strain fermentation was indeed (1→3)(1→6)-β-D-glucan, it was purified and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, high-performance size exclusion chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and methylation analysis. The polysaccharide produced was identified as the β-D-glucan expected with a high molecular weight (1.093 × 10 6  g/mol) and the thermogravimetric analysis indicated a maximum degradation temperature of ~324 °C and a 60 % residual weight, lower than commercial SPG. The molecular structure and thermal properties of the β-D-glucan were similar to the commercial sample. Additionally, the in vitro pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity was evaluated, investigating anti-obesity and anti-lipidemic properties. The results showed unprecedented lipase inhibition activity to SPG prepared using the S. commune strain BRM 060008, making it promising for food and pharmaceutical applications., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest 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., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Enzyme assays can be performed with the capillary electrophoresis technique (CE) in many approaches, such as the immobilized enzyme micro-reactor. Acetylcholinesterase is a promising enzyme to be used when pursuing such a method, as it has already been explored in the proposal of similar methods of miniaturizing enzyme assays. The present work proposes a novel enzyme micro-reactor, based on the anchorage of the enzyme on magnetic nanoparticles of MnFe 2 O 4, with chitosan and glutaraldehyde as the cross-linker in the capillary by means of an arrange of neodymium magnets. The calculated K m of the enzyme evaluated by this method was 1.12 mmol L -1 , comparable to other studies in the literature that utilizes immobilized enzymes. Also, IC 50 for neostigmine was assessed in 3 different micro-reactors, with an average of 29.42 ± 3.88 μmol L -1 . In terms of the micro-reactor stability, it was possible to perform at least 25 experiments with assembled micro-reactor. The method was applied to hydroalcoholic extracts of 7 plant species. Plinia cauliflora had the best result, with 42.31 ± 6.81% of enzyme inhibition in a concentration of 100 mg L -1 ., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest 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., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Among the most important sources of β-glucans are edible and medicinal mushrooms. These molecules are components of the cellular wall of basidiomycete fungi (mushrooms) and can be extracted even from the basidiocarp as the mycelium and its cultivation extracts or biomasses. Mushroom β-glucans are recognized by their potential effects as immunostimulants and immunosuppressants. They are highlighted as anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, adjuvant in diabetes mellitus, mycotherapy for cancer treatment, as well as adjuvants for COVID-19 vaccines. Due to their relevance, several techniques of β-glucans extraction, purification, and analysis have already been described. Despite the previous knowledge of β-glucans' benefits for human nutrition and health, the main information about this topic refers to the molecular identification, properties, and benefits, as well as their synthesis and action on cells. Studies on biotechnology industry applications (product development) and the registered products of β-glucans from mushrooms are still limited and more common for feed and healthcare. In this context, this paper reviews the biotechnological production of food products containing β-glucans from basidiomycete fungi, focusing on food enrichment, and presents a new perspective on fungi β-glucans' use as potential immunotherapy agents. KEY POINTS: • Mushrooms' β-glucans for product development in the biotechnology industry • Biotechnological production of food products containing mushrooms' β-glucans • Basidiomycete fungi β-glucans are used as potential immunotherapy agents., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Eugenia brasiliensis Lam., popularly known as "grumixama" or "Brazilian cherry", is widely used in folk medicine with astringent, diuretic, energizing, anti-rheumatic, and anti-inflammatory properties., Aim of the Study: Despite its traditional use, detailed toxicological studies of Eugenia brasiliensis are few. Thus, in the current study, we evaluate the toxicological effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Eugenia brasiliensis (HEEb) and its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity., Materials and Methods: We used male, and female Swiss mice. Acute toxicity study was performed following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guideline 425, and subacute toxicity was assessed following OECD guideline 407. We observed behavioral responses, in addition to hematological, biochemical, and histological evaluations. The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of HEEb were assessed using the Carrageenan-induced mechanical allodynia and paw edema model. Mechanical allodynia, levels of inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative damage were evaluated., Results: The treatment with HEEb was not able to generate important toxicological alterations. Moreover, doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg of HEEb were able to reduce mechanical allodynia, paw edema, and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), decrease malondialdehyde and increase superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in the paw., Conclusions: This study demonstrated that HEEb does not present important toxic effects. Additionally, an important antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential were observed., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest 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., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Few studies were performed on the volatile components' properties of propolis from native Brazilian stingless bees. This work sought to extract, chemically characterize, and evaluate of the antimicrobial properties of volatile oils from propolis of the stingless bees Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata (MQ) and Tetragonisca angustula (TA). The volatile oils from the pulverized propolis samples were obtained in a Clevenger apparatus and characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and to flame ionization detector (GC-FID). All samples showed promising activity against Mycoplasma pneumoniae, with MICs from 103 to 224 μg mL -1 , nonetheless, they were less active against cell walled bacteria. Activity against Candida species was moderate, but one MQ sample showed a MIC value of 103 μg mL -1 against C. tropicallis. Oils' fractionation showed no improvement in antibacterial activity. The promising antibacterial effect against this microorganism is likely related to the synergism between the components of the volatile oils., (© 2022 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Eugenia involucrata DC. (Myrtaceae), popularly known as "cereja-do-Rio-Grande", is a native tree from Brazil, popularly used as a hypoglycemiant. Crude hydroalcoholic extract (CHE) and fractions (insoluble (FI), dichloromethane (FDM), ethyl acetate (FEA) and butanol (FBu)) of leaves were assessed to determine the phenolic chemical composition by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. 10 compounds were identified, being 7 new for this species: rutin, isoquercitrin, luteolin-7- O -rutinoside, mandelic acid, naringenin, luteolin-7- O -glucoside and salicylic acid. Extract and fractions showed inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase (AchE) enzyme (best result: IC 50 = 44.19 µg mL -1 , for FEA) and α-glucosidase (α-Glu) (best result: IC 50 = 31.25 ± 0.15 µg mL -1 , for CHE). The observed antioxidant and inhibitory activity on the AchE and α-Glu is due to, at least in part, the presence of phenolic compounds in the samples.

This study aims to analyze the peach palm by-product (shells) bioconversion by culinary-medicinal mushroom Lentinula edodes to obtain a food ingredient for dietary supplementation containing high contents of dietary fiber, protein, and β-glucans. The β-glucans production by L. edodes mycelium was optimized through a solid-state fermentation, checking the influence of the heart of palm shells and supplements (rice bran, manioc flour, and sorghum flour) through an experimental mixing plan. The cultivation treatment that presented the highest tendency for β-glucans production was analyzed by the centesimal composition and in vivo biological activity. Treatments 4 (with shells, rice bran, and manioc flour) and 6 (with shells, sorghum flour, and manioc flour) presented the highest β-glucans content. A flour was obtained with high dietary fiber and protein content, and low lipids and carbohydrates content, and low caloric value. The in vivo biological activity demonstrated high protein quality and promoted a lower elevation of the glycemic curve. Thus, technology for the transformation of peach palm shells into a food ingredient was made feasible. It could generate a gluten-free and lactose-free dietary supplement that is both nutritive and bioactive, enhancing human health and well-being as well as environmental sustainability.

Despite knowledge on the therapeutic properties of fungal bio-compounds, few studies have been reported on their anti-parasitic activities. The anti-parasitic activity (APA) of mycelial extracts from seven medicinal agaricomycetous mushrooms (Polyporus lipsiensis, Ganoderma applanatum, Pleurotus ostreatus, P. flabellatus, Oudemansiella canarii, Lentinula edodes, and Pycnoporus sanguineus) against Giardia duodenalis, and identification of chemical compounds produced by mycelium P. lipsiensis mycelium, have been reported. The extracts of mycelia and fermented culture broths of tested mushroom species were evaluated against G. duodenalis by biological assays. P. lipsiensis showed the highest APA. The chemical analysis of mycelial extract of P. lipsiensis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 73 molecules, including steroids, terpenes, and lipids. According to literature data, among these molecules, 11 possess APA. The present study revealed the diversity of compounds with anti-protozoal potential produced by mycelia of Agaricomycetes mushrooms, particularly P. lipsiensis against G. duodenalis.

Depression is a debilitating disorder in humans that significantly affects quality of life. As such, alternative therapies are highly sought after by patients seeking treatment for depression. Experimentally, the chronic administration of corticosterone (CORT) in rodents has been reported to promote depressive-like behaviors. Herein, animals received saline or CORT for 21 days and, during the last 7 days, they were treated with the crude hydroalcoholic extract (CHE) of Myrcia pubipetala Miq (50, 100 or 150 mg/Kg), or vehicle (distilled water), by oral route. After 24 h, animals were subjected to the open field (OFT) and forced swimming tests (FST), and then sacrificed for the removal of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex for biochemical analysis. Results showed enhanced catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as an elevated formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), in the cerebral cortex of CORT-treated mice. The chronic administration of the CHE (100 and 150 mg/Kg) reduced TBARS and the increased total sulfhydryl content, and also reversed the increase in TBARS induced by CORT. In the hippocampus, CORT increased CAT and SOD activities and reduced glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (C) activity, while Myrcia pubipetala Miq. CHE (100 and 150 mg/Kg) increased GSH-Px activity when administered alone and reversed decreased GSH-Px (100 and 150 mg/Kg) activity when given during CORT administration. Neither CORT administration nor CHE treatment significantly altered the immobility time of the animals in FST and no changes were observed in the locomotor activity of the animals in the OFT. Findings indicate that the CHE of Myrcia pubipetala Miq. exerts antioxidant effects in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of mice induced to depression by CORT. Since phenolic compounds are reported to have antioxidant effects in this species, the effects of the CHE may be, at least in part, mediated by the presence of these compounds in Myrcia extract., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Natural antiparasitic agents are used as a strategy for advances in the treatment of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), such as giardiasis. The present paper identified the compounds produced by Ganoderma lipsiense mycelium grown in submerged fermentation and investigated the antigiardial activity potential of extracts in vitro . G. lipsiense mycelium crude extract ( CE ) was obtained by the maceration process and after purification in column, thirty compounds were identified by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in hexane sub-fraction ( HSF ). To determine the antigiardial potential, different parts of the purified CE have been evaluated, where hexane ( HEXf ) and dichloromethane ( DCMf ) fractions showed in vitro reduction levels higher than 90% of the Giardia duodenalis trophozoites at 100 μg mL -1 . This antigiardial activity was investigated aiming to explore the possibility of G. lipsiense mycelium extract as a novel antigiardial compound to the treatment of human giardiasis.

This study describes anti-inflamatory activity of epicuticular wax (ECW) extracted from leaves of Eugenia brasiliensis Lam., and its isolated compounds, catechin and gallocatechin in a pleurisy model in mice. The results for exudation and cell migration showed that the extract and isolated compounds from the plant were effective in inhibiting these inflammatory parameters. The ECW demonstrated a dose-dependent effect on the inhibition of cell migration. The results for NO x levels reveals that the isolated compounds from Eugenia brasiliensis were effective in inhibiting the production of this inflammatory mediator, however, ECW were not able in inhibiting the production of NO in the pleural cavity, at the tested doses. The results here obtained, helps to reinforce the scientifically hypothesis that E. brasiliensis has an important anti-inflammatory activity, and that this effect may be, at least in part, by the presence of the compounds catechin and gallocatechin.

Bryophyllum delagoense (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Druce, native to Madagascar, is popularly known as "abyssian cactus" and popularly used in folk medicine as an analgesic and healing agent. The study methodology was divided into the phytochemical study: fractionation and identification of phenolic compounds by HLPC-ESI-MS/MS from the methanolic extract (ME), and fractions (DCMF and EAF) of leaves of B. delagoense , and biological activity with acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibition of extracts and fractions by in vitro enzymatic techniques. Twenty-seven phenolic compounds were identified, being the highest concentration of syringic acid (87.848 mg g -1 ). The DCMF fraction showed the best biological activity for inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme (0.125 mg mL -1 ).

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α-glucosidase (α-glu) are key target enzymes in the search for novel strategies in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and type II diabetes. Therefore, methods to assess the enzyme inhibition are of great value in the research field. Here is proposed a novel a dual electrophoretically-mediated microanalysis for the simultaneous determination of both enzymes' activity. In order to do so, the various solutions required for both assays were introduced in the capillary electrophoresis system using the multiple injections approach. Enzymatic kinetic parameters were tested, K m for AChE and α-glu were 3.81 and 0.43 mmol L -1 . K i values were 4.27 μmol L -1 for neostigmine (an AChE inhibitor) and 0.40 mmol L -1 for acarbose (an α-glu inhibitor). Results of IC 50 (concentration for 50% of inhibition) were 5.11 ± 0.47 μmol L -1 and 0.58 ± 0,02 mmol L -1 for neostigmine and acarbose, respectively. All parameters (except for K i of neostigmine) were comparable with the literature, indicating a good reliability of the proposed method to evaluate these enzymes activity. Total time analysis was approximately 10 min, being possible to perform around 12 enzymatic assays per hour, with low sample and reagent consumption, thus satisfying some of the principles of green chemistry. The method was applied to evaluate 10 phenolic compounds, of wich p-coumaric acid showed the best inhibitory activity for AChE (40.14 ± 4.75% at 10 mg L -1 ); and quercetin for α-glu (46.53 ± 4.90% at 10 mg L -1 )., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus are contemporary diseases of great concern. Phenolic compounds are linked to several health benefits and could lead to novel strategies to combat these ailments. The objective of this study was to evaluate by electrophoretically-mediated microanalysis the potential inhibitory activity of the fruit juices from Plinia cauliflora ("jaboticaba") and Eugenia uniflora ("pitanga") toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α-glucosidase, target enzymes in strategies for the treatment of these diseases. The phenolic profiles of the samples were also investigated. Jaboticaba and pitanga juices inhibited 85.90 ± 1.73 and 52.67 ± 1.24% of AChE activity at 5 mg mL -1 , and 57.91 ± 2.60 and 69.47 ± 2.89% of α-glucosidase activity at 1 mg mL -1 , respectively. Total phenolic content of the juices were 303.54 ± 28.28 and 367.00 ± 11.42 mgGA L -1 , respectively. The observed inhibitory activity can be explained, at least in part, by the presence of the phenolic compounds.

The studies on natural compounds to diabetes mellitus treatment have been increasing in recent years. Research suggests that natural components can inhibit alpha-glucosidase activities, an important strategy in the management of blood glucose levels. In this work, for the first time in the literature, the compounds produced by Ganoderma lipsiense extracts were identified and evaluated on the inhibitory effect of these on alpha-glucosidase activity. Four phenolic compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) to crude extract from G. lipsiense grown in red rice medium (RCE) and synthetic medium (SCE), being syringic acid identified in both extracts. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed fatty acids and their derivatives, terpene, steroid, niacin, and nitrogen compounds to SCE, while RCE was rich in fatty acids and their derivatives. Both extracts demonstrated alpha-glucosidase inhibition (RCE IC 50  = 0.269 ± 8.25 mg mL -1 ; SCE IC 50  = 0.218 ± 9.67 mg mL -1 ), and the purified hexane fraction of RCE (RHEX) demonstrated the highest inhibition of enzyme (81.1%). Studies on kinetic inhibition showed competitive inhibition mode to RCE, while SCE showed uncompetitive inhibition mode. Although the inhibitory effects of RCE and SCE were satisfactory, the present findings identified some unpublished compounds to G. lipsiense in the literature with important therapeutic properties.

Nature is a vast source of medicinal substances, including propolis, which has been extensively investigated. Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees from the exudates of plants that they collect and modify in their jaws; it is a rich and complex matrix with secondary metabolites of diverse botanical origins. The objective of this study was to apply an in vitro bioguided approach using as a model system the mollicutes with a sample of propolis from the Brazilian native bee Melipona quadrifasciata (mandaçaia) in order to identify potential new molecules with antimicrobial activity. A crude hydroalcoholic extract was obtained and submitted to liquid-liquid partitioning with solvents of different polarities, generating four different fractions: aqueous, dichloromethane, butanol, and ethyl acetate fractions. The antimollicute activity assays served as a basis for the bioguided fractionation. The dichloromethane fraction was the most promising, exhibiting a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 μg/mL against Mycoplasma pneumoniae . After purification by column liquid chromatography, a subfraction presenting MIC of 15.6 μg/mL against Mycoplasma genitalium was highlighted. The fractions were also tested against Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Using gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS), several volatile compounds were identified in the non-polar fractions of this propolis. However, the more purified molecules had no better antimollicute activity than their original subfraction. Apparently, the synergism among its compounds is largely responsible for the antibacterial activity of the propolis of this native Brazilian bee., (Copyright © 2020 Hochheim, Pacassa Borges, Boeder, Scharf, Simionatto, Yamanaka, Alberton, Guedes and de Cordova.)

Liposoluble molecules are a group of compounds that display potent biological and therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to identify liposoluble molecules produced by Ganoderma lipsiense grown in red rice medium using solid-state fermentation (SSF) techniques, and to investigate the antigiardial and antibacterial activities potential of extracts in vitro. Eighteen fatty acids and derivatives were identified by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis in G. lipsense extract. Qualitative (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance) characterizations identified the steroid ergosta-6,22-diene-3β,5α,8α-triol in purified hexane subfraction (HEXsf) F19 isolated from hexane fraction (HEXf) of crude extract (CE). Ergosta-6,22-diene-3β,5α,8α-triol exhibited significant inhibitory activity against Giardia duodenalis throphozoites (93.6%) in in vitro assays. CE and HEXf inhibited 95.38% and 92.74% of the G. duodenalis throphozoites in 100 µg mL -1 , whereas CE and their fractions dichloromethane (DCMf) and ethyl acetate (EAf) showed antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus at 500 µg mL -1 . Importantly, some liposoluble compounds produced and identified in G. lipsiense are unpublished for this species. This is first report for the production of ergosta-6,22-diene-3β,5α,8α-triol by G. lipsiense and its antiparasitic activity., (© 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.)

Basidiomycetes fungi have been utilized for the production of several compounds with bioactive properties, such as phenolic compounds. The present work quantified and identified the phenolic compounds produced in a kinetic study (63 days) and evaluated the antimicrobial activity from the extract obtained by Ganoderma lipsiense cultivation in solid-state fermentation using red rice. Phenolic compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) and caffeic acid content was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). Caffeic and syringic acids were produced by G. lipsiense. In the control medium (red rice), the following compounds were identified: p-coumaric acid, salicylic acid, ferulic acid and vanillin. High concentrations of caffeic acid (0.977 µg g -1 ) were measured in 49 days. Antimicrobial activity was investigated against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus using a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) technique. Ganoderma lipsiense extract was only effective against P. aeruginosa. These data have proved to be satisfactory in the study of biosynthesis of caffeic acid and antibacterial compounds by G. lipsiense in solid-state fermentation with red rice.

This work investigated the antioxidant and antidepressant-like effects of ethyl acetate extract from Eugenia catharinensis in mice treated with corticosterone (20 mg/Kg). The animals received saline or corticosterone (21 days) and, in the last 7 days, they were treated with the extract (50, 125, 200 or 250 mg/Kg) or vehicle. After 24 h, the mice were submitted to the open field and forced swimming tests, after which the hippocampus and cerebral cortex were removed. Our results showed that the extract decreased the immobility time of mice in the forced swimming test and that the extract was able to reverse the effect caused by corticosterone. Corticosterone pre-treatment generated oxidative stress, altering antioxidant enzymes in the nervous tissue. The extract increased the catalase and superoxide dismutase activities and reversed the effects of corticosterone. In the hippocampus, the extract increased superoxide dismutase activity and reversed the increase in catalase activity elicited by corticosterone. We propose that the effects elicited by the Eugenia catharinensis are dependent on the presence of phenolic compounds (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, syringic acid, 4-hydroxy methylbenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, salicylic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, isoquercetin, rutin, ferulic acid, aromadendrin, galangin and apigenin) in this extract, as demonstrated by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

This study evaluates the antidepressant-like effect and analysed the qualitative and quantitative 74 phenolic standards of ethyl acetate fraction from Tabernaemontana catharinensis leaves. Acute administration of fraction in mice reduced the immobility time in forced swimming and tail suspension tests confirming its antidepressant-like activity. The anti-immobility effect elicited by this fraction was prevented by the pretreatment of mice with PCPA (100 mg kg -1 ), ketanserin (5 mg kg -1 ), SCH 23,390 (0.05 mg kg -1 ) or yohimbine (1 mg kg -1 ). A sub effective dose of the fraction produced a synergistic effect with fluoxetine (5 mg kg -1 ). Chromatographic analysis identified 4-hydroxybenzoic and p-coumaric acids in the ethyl acetate fraction from T. catharinensis. Capillary electrophoresis presented 7.34 ± 0.02 mg g -1 of p-coumaric acid concentration in the fraction. Therefore, it is possible that antidepressant-like effect elicited by ethyl acetate fraction from T. catharinensis be dependent on the p-coumaric acid.

Regions with a tropical climate are frequently affected by endemic diseases caused by pathogenic parasites. More than one billion people worldwide are exposed directly to tropical parasites. The literature cites several antiparasitic metabolites obtained from medicinal plants or via synthetic pathways. However, fungi produce a diversity of metabolites that play important biological roles in human well-being. Thus, they are considered a potential source of novel natural agents for exploitation in the pharmaceutical industry. In this brief review article, we will provide an overview of the current situation regarding antiparasitic molecules derived from filamentous fungi, in particular, those which are effective against protozoan parasites, such as Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, and Leishmania, vectors of some neglected tropical diseases. Diseases and parasitic agents are described and classified, and the antiparasitic properties of natural compounds produced by the fungi of the phyla Basidiomycota and Ascomycota are reviewed herein, in order to explore a topic only sparsely addressed in the scientific literature.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Eugenia brasiliensis Lam. (Myrtaceae) is a Brazilian tree distributed throughout Atlantic rain forest, since Bahia until Santa Catarina state, and is popularly known as "grumixaba, grumixameira, cumbixaba, ibaporoiti, and cereja-brasileira". The bark and leaves of Eugenia brasiliensis are used in folk medicine as adstringent, diuretic, energizing, anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory. This study aimed at investigating the chemical composition, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Eugenia brasiliensis (HEEb)., Material and Methods: Chemical composition of the HEEb was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography/ESI-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of HEEb (30-300 mg/kg) was verified in mice after oral administration by intra-gastric gavage (i.g.) 60 min prior to experimentation. It was investigated whether HEEb decreases visceral pain and leukocyte migration induced by an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of acetic acid (0.6%). We also evaluated whether HEEb decreases nociceptive behavior induced by formalin (including paw edema and temperature), prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ), histamine, and compound 48/80. Finally, we evaluated the effect of HEEb in the chronic inflammatory (mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity) pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), as well as quantifying the concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in the paw by ELISA method., Results: Seven polyphenols were identified in HEEb by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. HEEb treatment alleviated nocifensive behavior and leukocyte migration caused by acetic acid. Moreover, HEEb also reduced the inflammatory pain and paw temperature induced by formalin, as well as it decreased nociceptive behavior induced by histamine and compound 48/80. Finally, acute and repeated treatment of animals with HEEb (100 mg/kg, i.g.) markedly reduced the mechanical and thermal (heat) hypersensitivity, besides decrease paw edema and temperature induced by CFA, and this effect was evident until the day 7. Moreover, repeated treatment with HEEb (100 mg/kg, i.g.) significantly reduced the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the paw when compared to the CFA group., Conclusions: This is the first report showing that HEEb presents antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in the visceral and somatic inflammatory pain in mice, possibly involving the inhibition of histamine receptors and pro-inflammatory cytokines activated pathways. Our results are of interest because they support the use of Eugenia brasiliensis as a potential source of phytomedicine for inflammatory diseases and pain., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We investigated the effects of chronic administration of crude hydroalcoholic extract (CHE) and crude acetone extract (CAE) obtained from leaves of Eugenia brasiliensis species on hypertriglyceridemia and oxidative stress caused by the chronic administration of coconut oil. Rats received CHE or CAE (50, 100 or 150mg/kg, orally) for 30days, plus coconut oil (2mL, orally) or saline for 15th. Triglyceride levels, liver cell lipid accumulation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA-RS), total sulfhydryl content and the activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were evaluated in the blood and liver of rats. Results showed that chronic administration of CHE or CAE was able to prevent hypertriglyceridemia and decrease the lipid droplets in liver cells, as well as the increase in TBA-RS, the reduction in total sulfhydryl content and CAT activity in the blood and prevent total or partial the increase in CAT and reduction in SOD and GSH-Px activities in the liver. These findings indicate that both extracts may have hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

This study describes the qualitative and quantitative chemical composition and evaluates the antibacterial activity of essential oil from Eugenia platysema leaves. Analysis by GC-FID and GC-MS allowed the identification of 22 compounds. Different from the other species of the Eugenia genus, the major compound found in the essential oil was the diterpene phytol (66.05%), being this the first report of the presence of this compound in the essential oils from Eugenia genus. The sesquiterpene elixene was the second most concentrated compound in the studied essential oil (9.16%). The essential oil from E. platysema was tested for its antibacterial activity against cell-walled bacteria and mollicute strains of clinical interest using the microdilution broth assay. The results showed that the essential oil of E. platysema was inactive until 1000 μg mL(-1) against tested bacteria.

The purpose of this work was to study the chemical composition and antimycoplasmic and anticholinesterase activities of the essential oil of Eugenia hiemalis leaves collected throughout the year. A total of 42 compounds were identified by CG, and are present in almost every seasons. Sesquiterpenes were dominant (86.01-91.48%), and non-functionalised sesquiterpenes comprised the major fraction, which increased in the summer; monoterpenes were not identified. The major components were spathulenol (5.36-16.06%), δ-cadinene (7.50-15.93%), bicyclogermacrene (5.70-14.24%) and β-caryophyllene (4.80-9.43%). The highest oil yield was obtained in summer and autumn. Essential oils presented activity against three evaluated Mycoplasma strains, but no activity was observed in the anticholinesterase assay.

This study describes the seasonal composition and the antibacterial, antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity of the essential oil from Eugenia brasiliensis leaves. Analysis by using GC allowed the identification of 40 compounds. It was observed that the monoterpenes varied more (42%) than the sesquiterpenes (14%), and that the monoterpene hydrocarbons suffered the greatest variation throughout the year (64%). Major compounds were spathulenol in the spring (16.02 ± 0.44%) and summer (18.17 ± 0.41%), τ-cadinol in the autumn (12.83 ± 0.03%) and α-pinene (15.94 ± 0.58%) in the winter. Essential oils were tested for their antibacterial activity, and the best result was obtained from the autumn oil, with MIC = 500 μg mL(- 1) against Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, lipid peroxidation and iron-reducing power assays, as well as the anticholinesterase activity. Both tests showed a weak performance of the essential oils.

Eugenia brasiliensis Lam., a plant from the south of Brazil, is used in the popular medicine for rheumatism treatment. This study reports that topical application of hydroalcoholic extract, fractions and isolated compounds from E. brasiliensis caused an inhibition of ear oedema in response to topical application of croton oil on the mouse ear. For oedema inhibition, the estimated ID50 values (dose reducing the inflammatory response by 50% relative to the control value) for hydroalcoholic extract and fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane) were 0.17, 0.29, 0.13 and 0.14 mg/ear, respectively, with inhibition of 79+/-7%, 87+/-6%, 88+/-5% and 96+/-2%, respectively. Isolated phenolic compounds (quercetin, catechin and gallocatechin) were also effective in inhibiting the oedema (inhibition of 61+/-5%, 66+/-2% and 37+/-9%, respectively). Moreover, both extract and isolated compounds caused inhibition of polymorphonuclear cells influx (inhibition of 85+/-6%, 81+/-5%, 73+/-6% and 76+/-6%, respectively). The histological analysis of the ear tissue clearly confirmed that the extract and compounds of E. brasiliensis inhibited the influx of polymorphonuclear cells to mouse ear skin after application of croton oil. Furthermore, hydroalcoholic extract was also effective in inhibiting the arachidonic acid-mediated mouse ear oedema (ID50 value was 1.94 mg/ear and inhibition of 60+/-7%). Therefore, these results consistently support the notion that E. brasiliensis possesses topical anti-inflammatory activity.