Browsing by Author "Pereira, Raquel"
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- Biological activity of 6,7-dehydroroyleanone derivatives from Plectranthus aliciaePublication . Filipe, Márcia Santos; Dominguez, Eva; Isca, Vera; Pereira, Raquel; Mandim, Filipa; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Diaz-Lanza, Ana María; Barros, Lillian; Rijo, PatríciaPlectranthus genus (Lamiaceae) is known to be rich in bioactive abietane royleanone-type diterpenes, such as 6,7-dehydroxyroyleanone (1, Fig. 1), which have been previously found in P. madagascariensis (var. aliciae Codd). This abietane royleanone presents moderate to significant to cytoxic activity against several cancer cell lines. Moreover, 1 has one hydroxyl group suitable for deri- vatization that can be explored to enhance the cytotoxic activity of lead com- pound 1. Based on this, the aim of the present work is to explore the obtention of 1, from P. aliciae aliciae (Codd) van Jaarsv. & T.J.Edwards., a subspecies of P. madagascariensis to be further used in the preparation of new derivatives with enhanced biological activities.
- Biological activity of 6,7-Dehydroxyroyleanone and derivatives obtained from Plectranthus aliciae (Codd) A.J.PatonPublication . Filipe, Márcia Santos; Domínguez-Martín, Eva M.; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Melgar Castañeda, Bruno; Mandim, Filipa; Isca, Vera M. S.; Pereira, Raquel; Teixidó-Trujillo, Silvia; Capote, Natalia A.; Nikolić, Milan; Filipović, Nenad; Díaz-Lanza, Ana M.; Figueiredo, Ana Cristina; Barros, Lillian; Rijo, PatríciaThe Plectranthus genus (Lamiaceae) is known to be rich in abietane diterpenes. The bioactive 6,7-dehydroxyroyleanone (DHR, 1) was previously isolated from Plectranthus madagascariensis var. madagascariensis and var. aliciae. This study aimed to explore the occurrence of DHR, 1, in P. aliciae and the potential bioactivities of new semisynthetic derivatives from DHR, 1. Several extraction methods were evaluated, and the hydrodistillation, using a Clevenger apparatus, afforded the highest yield (77.8 mg/g of 1 in the essential oil). Three new acyl derivatives (2-4) were successfully prepared from 1 (yields of 86-95%). Compounds 1-4 showed antioxidant activity, antibacterial effects, potent cytotoxic activity against several cell lines, and enhanced anti-inflammatory activity that surpassed dexamethasone (positive control). These findings encourage further exploration of derivatives 2-4 for potential mechanisms of antitumoral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory capabilities, studying both safety and efficacy.
- Thermal tourism: study of the profile and motivations of the practitioner in portugalPublication . Loureiro, Isabel Sofia; Gomes, Helena; Costa, Vânia; Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Pereira, Raquel; Nunes, AlcinaHealth and wellness tourism had a growing interest in the Portuguese population until 2019. However, with the ap-pearance of Covid-19, several establishments had to close over these two years, this segment being one of the most affected areas. Many water users looked forward to the opening of the spa resorts to continue their treatments. Giv- en the importance of this theme, this work has as its main goal the definition of a consumer profile and to identify the determinants of satisfaction of the thermal tourists, as well as to gauge the degree of knowledge of thermal tourism and specifically of spas in the Portuguese context. In methodological terms, a questionnaire survey was conducted among the tourists to achieve the research objectives. The results show a younger, healthier and diversified thermal tourism practitioner. It also reveals similarities with other profile and motivations studies. However, it is possible to notice a few differences. Practitioners are seeking a combination of a leisure and health dimension and valorise fac- tors such as location and access of the establishments, quality of the services provided and rest and tranquillity. An issue regarding their length of stay has been identified. As they are locals and live in the same country as the thermal spa, most respondents do not stay overnight at the destination. In the future, it would be interesting to research product development and market strategies for diversified thermal practitioners.