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- A comparative study of the in vitro enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. and Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poiret from Pakistan: New sources of natural products for public health problemsPublication . Baessa, M.; Rodrigues, Maria João; Pereira, Catarina; Santos, T.; Neng, N. da Rosa; Nogueira, J. M. F.; Barreira, Luísa; Varela, J.; Ahmed, H.; Asif, S.; Boukhari, S. A.; Kayani, W. K.; Ahmad, Khawaja Shafique; Zengin, G.; Mollica, A.; Custódio, LuísaInfusions, decoctions and tinctures were prepared from flowers of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. and Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poiret and evaluated for in vitro inhibition of enzymes implicated on the onset of neurological diseases (acetylcholinesterase: AChE and butyrylcholinesterase: BuChE), diabetes (alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase), obesity (lipase) and skin hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase). Extracts were also appraised for radical scavenging activity (RSA) on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, and for metal chelating activity on copper and iron ions. Samples were evaluated for their total contents in different phenolics groups by spectrophotometric methods, for phenolic profile by high performance liquid chromatography e diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and for mineral contents by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AE). Regarding B. monosperma, the tincture allowed for a moderate inhibition of AChE, the decoction was able to inhibit alpha-glucosidase and no activity was observed towards BuChE, alpha-amylase or lipase. All extracts had a low or moderate inhibition towards tyrosinase, and significant RSA and metal chelating potential. As for S. grandiflora, only the decoction inhibited AChE, none of the extracts was able to inhibit BuChE, all samples inhibited alpha-glucosidase and infusions and decoctions had similar inhibitory properties towards alpha-amylase. None of the extracts was active against lipase, but all were able to inhibit tyrosinase. Extracts had also significant RSA, moderate copper chelation and decoctions had the capacity to chelate iron. The most abundant macroelements in both species were potassium and calcium, while iron was the prevalent microelement, especially in B. monosperma. Both species had significant levels of phenolic compounds, and the main components in decoctions and infusions of B. monosperma were syringic and salicylic acids, while the major compound identified in tinctures was the flavonoid luteolin-7-O-glucoside. In S. grandiflora the most abundant were chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids and catechin hydrate. Molecular docking studies on the most abundant molecules in S. grandiflora, (+)-catechin, chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid, indicate that these compounds are able to dock to alpha-glucosidase in a similar manner than acarbose. Our results suggest that flowers of both species are a promising source of high value-added compounds with enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant properties. (c) 2018 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
- In vitro enzyme inhibitory and anti-oxidant properties, cytotoxicity and chemical composition of the halophyte Malcolmia littorea (L.) R.Br. (Brassicaceae)Publication . Castañeda-Loaiza, Viana; Placines, Chloé; Rodrigues, Maria Joao; Pereira, Catarina; Zengin, Gokhan; Neng, Nuno R.; Nogueira, José M. F.; Custódio, LuísaThis work reports for the first time the in vitro anti-oxidant (towards DPPH, ABTS, copper and iron), enzymatic inhibitory (on AChE, BuChE, α-glucosidase, α-amylase and tyrosinase), cytotoxicity (towards HepG2 and HEK 293 cells), and metabolomics (by HPLC-MS) of extracts from organs of Malcolmia littorea (L.) R.Br. Extracts were constituted mainly by phenolic acids and flavonoids, and main compounds were salicylic acid and luteolin-7-O-glucoside. Samples showed reduced radical scavenging and metal chelating capacity, and only the methanol extracts reduced iron. The root's ethanol and methanol extracts, and the aerial organ's ethanol extract exhibited the highest AChE inhibition. The root's ethanol extract displayed dual anti-cholinesterase activity. Samples showed a low capacity to inhibit α-amylase, but a high α-glucosidase inhibition was obtained with the root's and flower's ethanol extracts, and flower's methanol extract. Overall, samples displayed a high inhibition against tyrosinase, reduced HepG2 cellular viability and were less toxic towards HEK 293 cells.
- Chemical profile, antioxidant, antimicrobial, enzyme inhibitory, and cytotoxicity of seven Apiaceae species from Turkey: a comparative studyPublication . Zengin, Gokhan; Sinan, Kouadio Ibrahime; Ak, Gunes; Mahomoodally, Mohamad Fawzi; Paksoy, Mehmet Yavuz; Picot-Allain, Carene; Glamocilja, Jasmina; Sokovic, Marina; Jeko, Jozsef; Cziaky, Zoltan; Rodrigues, Maria Joao; Pereira, Catarina; Custódio, LuísaSeveral Apiaceae species, used as both food and in complementary and alternative medicine, represents a rich source of potential valuable phytopharmaceuticals which necessitates scientific contemplation. In the present study, the antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties of methanol extracts of seven Apiaceae species, (Chaerophyllum macrospermum (Willd. ex Spreng.) Fisch. & C.A.Mey. ex Hohen, Ferula rigidula Fisch. ex DC., Ferula orientalis L., Prangos ferulacea Lindl., Prangos peucedanifolia Fenzl., Ferulago setifolia K. Koch, and Pimpinella anthriscoides Boiss.) were evaluated. Species belonging to the Prangos genus exhibited the highest total phenolic content, namely P. peucedanifolia and P. ferulacea, with values of 47.90 and 44.44 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract, respectively. P. peucedanifolia also displayed the highest radical scavenging capacity (81.53 and 102.70 mg Trolox equivalent [TE]/g extract for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), respectively) and reducing power (165.87 and 100.09 mg TE/g extract for cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), respectively). C. macrospermum showed the most potent inhibition against Alzheimer's disease related enzymes, namely acetylcholinesterase (4.53 mg galantamine equivalent [GALAE]/g extract) and butyrylcholinesterase (3.22 mg GALAE/g extract). P. ferulacea (131.94 mg kojic acid (KAE) equivalent/g extract) and P. peucedanifolia (4.97 mmol acarbose equivalent (ACAE)/g extract) were potent inhibitors of tyrosinase and a-glucosidase, respectively. In general, studied species were able to reduce cellular viabilities. P. peucedanifolia possessed promising antibacterial potential against Bacillus cereus (Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC): 0.37 mg/mL), L. monocytogenes (MIC: 0.56 mg/mL), P. aeruginosa and Escherichia coli (MIC: 0.27 mg/mL), Salmonella typhimurium and Enterobacter cloacae (MIC: 0.75 mg/mL). F. rigidula showed the highest antifungal effect against Aspergillus ochraceus and Trichoderma viride (MIC: 0.10 mg/mL). The present findings could be the scientific starting point towards the pharmaceutical and/or commercial utilization of these Apiaceae species.
- The irrigation salinity and harvesting affect the growth, chemical profile and biological activities of Polygonum maritimum L.Publication . Rodrigues, Maria Joao; Monteiro, Ivo; Placines, Chloé; Castañeda-Loaiza, Viana; Slusarczyk, Sylwester; Matkowski, Adam; Pereira, Catarina; Pousao-Ferreira, Pedro; Custódio, LuísaPreviously, our group identified the halophyte Polygonum maritimum L. (sea knotgrass) as a promising source of ingredients for the cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical and veterinarian industries. To further explore this species, and to guarantee the supply of biomass for commercial purposes, it is necessary to ensure its sustainable production while assuring the preservation of its chemical and biological properties. In this context, this work aimed to cultivate this species in greenhouse conditions and to determine the influence of specific agronomic conditions, namely irrigation salinity and harvest, on the plant's growth performance and biological properties of obtained biomass. For that purpose, plants were grown in a greenhouse and irrigated with water with different salinities (0, 100, 200, 300 and 600 mM of sodium chloride - NaCl). After six weeks of irrigation, plants were cut 7 cm above soil level and submitted to an additional two harvests with a six-week interval. Plant growth performance was evaluated in terms of plant height, leaf number and surface area, moisture, and productivity. Acetone extracts were prepared from aboveground organs and evaluated for chemical composition (by spectrophotometric methods, and by ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry - UHRMS), and for in vitro antioxidant properties [radical-scavenging activity (RSA) on DPPH and ABTS, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and metal chelating activity on iron (ICA) and copper (CCA)]. Extracts were also appraised for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Increased salinity and multiple harvests reduced plant growth and yields; the highest productivity was obtained in plants irrigated with freshwater at 2nd harvest (346 g/m(2) of dried biomass). The extracts maintained the in vitro biological properties and interesting chemical profile, however, these depended on the irrigation salinity and harvest regime. The highest antioxidant activities were obtained in extracts from plants irrigated with freshwater at the 3rd harvest (DPPH: 96.2%; ABTS: 89.1%; CCA: 61.6%; FRAP: 136%). The extracts from biomass obtained in 1st the harvest of freshwater-irrigated plants, and from those treated with 100 and 200 mM of NaCl, had significant anti-inflammatory properties. The main compounds detected were mostly flavonols (myricetin and quercetin glycosides), which varied according to both irrigation salinity and harvest. Our results indicate that sea knotgrass can be cultivated in greenhouse conditions aiming industrial commercial applications, irrigated with freshwater or with irrigation solutions with moderate salinity. Moreover, produced biomass maintain the biological and chemical properties previously detected in plants collected from the wild.
- Dataset on functional and chemical properties of the medicinal halophyte Polygonum maritimum L. under greenhouse cultivationPublication . Rodrigues, Maria Joao; Monteiro, Ivo; Placines, Chloé; Castañeda-Loaiza, Viana; Ślusarczyk, Sylwester; Matkowski, Adam; Pereira, Catarina; Pousão-Ferreira, Pedro; Custódio, LuísaThis data article includes data and analyses on the effect of different agronomic techniques on the production of Polygonum maritimum L. (sea knotgrass), namely different salinity irrigation treatments (0, 100, 200, 300 and 600 mM of NaCl) and a multi-harvest regime, and their relation with the chemical profile (ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry - UHRMS), in vitro antioxidant [radical-scavenging activity (RSA) of DPPH and ABTS, copper chelating activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power] and anti-inflammatory (nitric oxide reduction on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages) activities. For further interpretation of the data presented in this work, please see the related research article "The irrigation salinity and harvesting affect the growth, chemical profile and biological activities of Polygonum maritimum L." (Rodrigues et al., 2019).
- Exploring the halophyte Cistanche phelypaea (L.) Cout as a source of health promoting products: In vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties, metabolomic profile and computational studiesPublication . Trampetti, Francesca; Pereira, Catarina; Rodrigues, Maria Joao; Celaj, Odeta; D'Abrosca, Brigida; Zengin, Gokhan; Mollica, Adriano; Stefanucci, Azzurra; Custódio, LuísaIn this study, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol and water extracts from flowers, stems and roots of Cistanche phelypaea (L.) Cout were appraised for radical scavenging activity (RSA) towards 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl,2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and superoxide free radicals, and for metal chelating activities on iron and copper ions. The water extracts had the highest antioxidant activity, especially those from roots and flowers, and were further appraised for in vitro inhibition of enzymes implicated on the onset of human ailments, namely acetyl- (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) for Alzheimer's disease, alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase for diabetes, and tyrosinase for skin hyper-pigmentation disorders. The extracts had a higher activity towards BuChE, and the roots extract had the highest capacity to inhibit tyrosinase. Samples showed a low capacity to inhibit carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes, except for the root extract with a good inhibition on glucosidase. Samples were then characterized by NMR (1D and 2D): the main metabolites identified in the flowers extract were iridoid glycosides, in particular gluroside and bartsioside. In stems, phenylehanoid glycosides (PhGs) and iri doids were detected, especially acteoside. In roots were detected essentially PhGs, mainly echinacoside and tubuloside A. Docking studies were performed on the identified compounds. A favorable binding energy of tubuloside A to tyrosinase was calculated, and indicated this compound as a possible competitive inhibitor of alpha-glucosidase and tyrosinase. Our results suggest that C. phelypeae is a promising source of biologically-active compounds with health promoting properties for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
- Unravelling the potential of the medicinal halophyte Eryngium maritimum L.: In vitro inhibition of diabetes-related enzymes, antioxidant potential, polyphenolic profile and mineral compositionPublication . Pereira, Catarina; Locatelli, M.; Innosa, D.; Cacciagrano, F.; Polesna, L.; Santos, T. F.; Rodrigues, Maria João; Custódio, L.This work searched for the biotechnological potential and chemical characterisation of the medicinal halophyte Eryngium maritimum L. as source of bioactive natural products with enzymatic inhibitory properties and antioxidant capacity. With that aim, herbal formulations traditionally used in folk medicine, namely tisanes (infusions and decoctions) and tinctures, were prepared from four different anatomical organs (roots, stems, leaves and flowers) and assessed for in vitro inhibition of enzymes related with diabetes and for antioxidant potential. Phenolic fingerprinting and mineral contents were also assessed. Sea holly's tisanes, particularly from flowers and leaves, had the highest phenolic content although tinctures were comparatively richer considering the ingestion dosage. The main constituents identified were carvacrol, 2,3-dimethoxybenzoic acid, naringenin, catechin and t-cinnamic acid
- In vitro and in silico approaches to appraise Polygonum maritimum L. as a source of innovative products with anti-ageing potentialPublication . Rodrigues, Maria Joao; Slusarczyk, Sylwester; Pecio, Łukasz; Matkowski, Adam; Salmas, Ramin Ekhteiari; Durdagi, Serdar; Pereira, Catarina; Varela, J.; Barreira, Luísa; Custódio, LuísaDifferent Polygonum species have in vitro neuroprotective properties and are traditionally used for their anti-ageing benefits. In this context this work explored for the first time P. maritimum (sea knotgrass) as a potential source of natural products with industrial application as cognitive enhancers with anti-ageing potential. For that purpose methanol and dichloromethane extracts were prepared from leaves and roots of that species and evaluated for in vitro neuroprotective effects through the inhibition on acetyl- (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), protection against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cytoxicity on neuroblastoma cells and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation on microglia cells. The extracts were chemically characterized by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and docking studies were performed on the identified compounds. Methanol extracts had the highest activity in AChE (leaves: IC50 = 0.27 mg/mL; roots: IC50 = 0.17 mg/mL) and BuChE (leaves: IC50 = 0.62 mg/mL; roots: IC50 = 0.61 mg/mL) inhibition, as well as reduction of nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-treated microglia (leaves: IC50 = 4.17 μg/mL; roots: IC50 = 9.95 μg/mL). Methanol extracts prevented oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells when applied simultaneously with H2O2, whereas cells pre-treated with the dichloromethane extracts had increased viability. Fifteen flavonoids were identified and showed favorable binding energies to AChE and BuChE binding pockets. These data suggests P. maritimum as a promising source of natural products and/or molecules with cognitive enhancement and anti-ageing properties.
- If you cannot beat them, join them: exploring the fruits of the invasive species Carpobrotus edulis (L.) NE Br as a source of bioactive productsPublication . Castañeda-Loaiza, Viana; Placines, Chloé; Rodrigues, Maria João; Pereira, Catarina; Zengin, Gokhan; Uysal, Ahmet; Jeko, Jozsef; Cziaky, Zoltan; Reis, Catarina Pinto; Gaspar, Maria Manuela; Custódio, LuísaThe halophyte species Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E. Br, also known as Hottentot-fig, is one of the 20 most aggressive invasive species of coastal areas worldwide. It is native to South Africa, where it is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases, including tuberculosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Aiming at a sustainable use of its biomass as a value-added product, this work reports for the first time the in vitro antioxidant, anti-microbial, enzymatic inhibitory properties and toxicity of peel and flesh extracts of Hottentot-fig mature fruits. The extracts' chemical composition was also determined by spectrophotometric methods (total contents of phenolics: TPC; flavonoids: TFC and tannins: TTC), and by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The peels' extracts had generally the highest TPC, TFC and TTC, especially the ethanol ones (TPC: 272.82 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (DW), TFC: 1.58 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g DW and TTC: 20.3 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g DW). The peels' extracts also had the highest diversity of compounds, mostly phenolic acids, flavonoids, and coumarins, as identified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Some molecules were specific to a particular fruit part, for example, coumaric acid and uvaol in the peel, and vanillin and kaempferol-O-(rhamnosyl)hexosylhexoside in the flesh. Some compounds are here described for the first time in Hottentot-fig, such as azelaic acid and emodin. The peel's extracts had the highest anti radical activity, especially the ethanol and acetone towards 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.59 and 0.88 mg/mL, respectively), and the acetone extract against 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) (IC50 = 0.56 mg/mL). Samples had nil capacity to chelate iron, a low copper chelation potential, but a significant capacity to reduce iron, especially the ethanol (IC50 = 0.09 mg/mL) and the acetone extracts of peels (IC50 = 0.10 mg/mL) and flesh (IC50 = 0.11 mg/mL) and also the water peel's extracts (IC50 = 0.18 mg/mL). Samples had nil to low activity towards the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, but displayed a strong inhibition of tyrosinase, especially the ethanol peel's extracts (29.55 mg kojic acid equivalents (KAE)/g). Samples had nil to low in vitro toxicity towards human keratinocytes. All together our results suggests possible novel biotechnological applications of Hottentot-fig fruits as sources of innovative bioactive ingredients for the food, cosmetic, agriculture and/or pharmaceutical industries.
- Harnessing the bioactive potential of Limonium spathulatum (Desf.) Kuntze: insights into enzyme inhibition and phytochemical profilePublication . Youssef, Seria; Custódio, Luísa; Rodrigues, Maria João; Pereira, Catarina; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Jekő, József; Cziáky, Zoltán; Ben Hamed, KarimThis study assessed the halophyte species Limonium spathulatum (Desf.) as a possible source of natural ingredients with the capacity to inhibit enzymes related to relevant human health disorders and food browning. Extracts using food-grade solvents such as water and ethanol were prepared by maceration from dried L. spathulatum leaves. They were evaluated for in vitro inhibition activity of enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-glucosidase, tyrosinase and lipase, related to Alzheimer’s disease, type-2-diabetes mellitus, skin hyperpigmentation, and obesity, respectively. These extracts were also appraised for in vitro acute toxicity on tumoral and non-tumoral cell lines and their chemical composition by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The extracts were more effective towards BChE than AChE. The best results were obtained with the hydroethanolic and water extracts, with IC50 values of 0.03 mg/mL and 0.06 mg/mL, respectively. The hydroethanolic extract had the highest capacity to inhibit α-glucosidase (IC50: 0.04 mg/mL), higher than the positive control used (acarbose, IC50 = 3.14 mg/mL). The ethanol extract displayed the best inhibitory activity against tyrosinase (IC50 = 0.34 mg/mL). The tested samples did not inhibit lipase and exhibited low to moderate cytotoxic activity against the tested cell lines. The hydroethanolic extract had a higher diversity of compounds, followed by the ethanol and water samples. Similar molecules were identified in all the extracts and were mainly hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonoids. Taken together, these results suggest that L. spathulatum should be further explored as a source of bioactive ingredients for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.