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- Study of the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of two Euphorbia speciesPublication . Perez Vazquez, Ana; Alvarez, Paula Barciela; Silva, Tayse Ferreira; Rodrigues, Daniele Bobrowski; Mandim, Filipa; Pires, Tânia C.S.; Carpena Rodríguez, María; Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Barros, Lillian; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.In this research, a study of the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of two Euphorbia species (Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia jolkinii) was developed. Euphorbia species belong to the Euphorbiaceae family, being commonly found in America and tropical Africa. Euphorbia species have been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat gonorrhea, migraines, intestinal parasites, warts, and skin diseases [1]. Since there is more data available of Euphorbia hirta, the aim of this study was to provide a comparison between E. hirta and E. jokinii regarding their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. For the cellular antioxidant activity, murine macrophage cells RAW 264.7 were used following the procedure described by Wolf & Lui (2007). E. hirta showed better inhibition percentage results than E. jolkinii, being 2,000 μg/mL, the maximum concentration tested for both samples. Extracts of both Euphorbia species were used to determine their antimicrobial activity. Gram-negative and Gram-positive food and clinical bacteria were tested for this assay. Moreover, Streptomycin, Methicillin and Ampicillin were used as controllers to compare both MIC and MBC results. For the food bacteria, E. jolkinii had better MIC results than E. hirta when Gram-negative bacteria were tested, although it was lower than controllers. MBC results for both Euphorbia species were similar and lower than the controllers. When Gram-positive clinical bacteria were tested, similar MIC results between both extracts were obtained. However, when L. monocytogenes and S. aureus were tested, E. jolkinii showed better MIC results. Antifungal activity was also assessed using ketoconazole as control and Aspergillus brasiliensis and Aspergillus fumigatus as fungi. Unsatisfactory results were obtained for both Euphorbia species for both fungi. AGS, CaCo2, MCF-7, NCl-H460, PLP2 and RAW 264.7 cell lines were used for the anti-inflammatory assay. Ellipticine was used as control in all the cell lines except in RAW 264.7, where dexamethasone was used. Results showed lower anti-inflammatory activity of the 2 extracts compared to the controllers in all cell lines, being E. jolkinii the one with lower GI50. Considering the obtained results, although E. hirta has been widely studied, E. jolkinii showed better antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, being a suitable option for the pharmacological industry.
- Biological properties of Hypericum sampsonii and Hypericum japonica: comparison of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activitiesPublication . Barciela Alvarez, Paula; Perez Vazquez, Ana; Rodrigues, Daniele Bobrowski; Silva, Tayse Ferreira; Mandim, Filipa; Pires, Tânia C.S.; Carpena Rodríguez, María; Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Barros, Lillian; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.Hypericum was famous in ancient times for its properties, morphology, and adaptability. Currently, it has naturalized in practically all parts of the world from America to Australia. It is considered a cosmopolitan species present on all five continents. Hypericum is the largest genus of the Hypericaceae family (more than 500 species classified in 36 taxonomic sections). The study of these ethnomedicinal plants has been developed mainly and traditionally in China where there are more than 64 species, of which 19 have been related to the presence of phytochemicals with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, analgesic, or neuroprotective properties, among others [1]. Remarkably, the great potential of these species has hardly been scientifically evaluated [2]. In this study, the comparison and study of the different biological properties of the species Hypericum japonica and Hypericum sampsonii was carried out. Cellular antioxidant activity was evaluated with murine macrophage cells, with both species showing 77±5% inhibition at a maximum tested concentration of 2,000 μg/mL. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated on both food contaminants and clinical bacteria and fungi. MIC and MBC were determined by colorimetric assay, where 10 μL of liquid was added from each well that showed no color change was plated on solid medium, blood agar (7% sheep blood) and incubated at 37°C for 24 h, respectively. Ampicillin and Steptomicin were used for all bacteria tested and Methicillin was also used for Staphylococcus aureus. The MIC results showed that H. japonica has a higher antimicrobial effect on Gram-negative bacteria and in Enterococcus faecalis. While H. sampsonii showed a more effective power for the rest of Gram-positive tested bacteria. The antifungal activity was performed applying the method described by Heleno et. al., 2013, using Aspergillus brasiliensis and A. fumigatus and using Ketoconazole as positive control, showing no activity for both species [3]. Anti-inflammatory activity was studied using six cell lines (CaCo2, MCF-7, NCl-460, PLP2, RAW 264.7) and Ellipticine as a control in all but RAW 264.7 where Dexamethasone was used. For all cell lines, both Hypericum species showed lower GI50 than the control, being H. japonica the one with higher anti-inflammatory effect of the two extract samples. This study is the first to provide more information on the bioactivities of two less-analyzed Hypericum species
- Chemical profile and bioactivities of industrial wastes from Chenopodium quinoa seedPublication . Casalvara, Rhaira Fernanda Ayoub; Santos, Everton da Silva; Mattos, Jose Vinicius; Pimentel, Tatiana Colombo; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Rodrigues, Daniele Bobrowski; Pereira, Carla; Corrêa, Rúbia C.G.; Cardozo‐Filho, Lucio; Gonçalves, José EduardoThis study aimed to investigate the effect of extraction methods and solvents (Soxhlet and supercritical fluid extraction, SFE) on the chemical profile (gas chromatography [GC]/mass spectrometry and GC/flame ionization detection) and antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities of quinoa Piabiru (QP) husk crude extracts. Soxhlet was applied using 100% water (QPSH2O), and ethanolic solutions of 50% ethanol (ethanol:water 50:50 v/v, QPSetOH50), 70% ethanol (QPSetOH70), and 99% ethanol (QPSetOH99) as solvents. SFE was applied using CO2 and n-propane as solvents (QPSF). QPSH2O extract showed a higher concentration of phytosterols (stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, 7,8-epoxylanostan-11-OL,3-acetoxy) and carotenoids (rhodopin) and oleic acid, displaying intermediate thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) antioxidant activity. Intermediate concentrations of ethanol (QPSetOH50 and QPSetOH70 extracts) increased the extraction yields and the antibacterial activity of the extracts (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus). Higher concentrations of ethanol (QPSetOH99 extract) contributed to increased antioxidant activity as assessed by TBARS and higher recoveries of 4-(allyloxy)-2-methyl-2-pentanol, nonadecane, and lauric, myristic, palmitic, linoleic, stearic, arachidic, behenic, and lignoceric acids. Finally, the QPSF extract presented higher antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power, higher content of 5-methoxy-2-pentanone, 5-methoxy-2-methyl-2-pentanol, 1-(1,3-dimethylbutoxy)-2-propanol, oxalic, undecanoic, myristoleic, tricosanoic, pentadecanoic, elaidic, 11-eicosenoic, and erucic acids, and better antifungal activity against Aspergillus brasiliensis than the other extracts. Crude extracts were not cytotoxic against non-tumor cells (Vero) and did not show antitumor or antiinflammatory activities. Thus, antagonistic or synergistic effects of the phytochemical profile of quinoa husk crude extracts may present potential food and pharmaceutical applications. Practical Applications: The exceptional nutritional properties of quinoa seeds have boosted their cultivation in more than 123 countries. However, quinoa husks are generally considered waste. This study, which is of utmost importance, demonstrates the potential of extracting bioactive compounds from quinoa husks via pressurized fluids, turning them into a health-promoting co-product. This approach could minimize the current shortage of new antibiotics, antifungals, antitumor agents, and anti-inflammatory substances in the pharmaceutical and food sectors. By converting quinoa husks into valuable bioactive extracts,we contribute significantly to developing effective natural compounds, underlining the significance of our collective work.
- Chemical and bioactive screening of green polyphenol-rich extracts from chestnut by-products: an approach to guide the sustainable production of high-added value ingredientsPublication . Rodrigues, Daniele Bobrowski; Verissimo, Lavinia; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Rodrigues, Joana P.B.; Oliveira, Izamara; Fernandes, Isabel P.; Barros, Lillian; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Calhelha, Ricardo C.Opportunities for the valorisation of agro-industrial residues of the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) production chain have been fostered with the production of multifunctional polyphenol-rich extracts with the potential to be introduced as natural additives or active components in several products. Nonetheless, it is crucial to explore the feasibility of different extracts from the various by-products for these applications through the exhaustive study of their composition and bioactivities without losing sight of the sustainable character of the process. This work aimed at the screening of the phenolic compound composition and bioactivities of different green extracts of chestnut burs, shells and leaves, as the first step to establish their potential application as natural ingredients, primarily as food preservatives. To this end, maceration (MAC) as a conventional extraction method besides ultrasound and microwave-assisted extractions (UAE and MAE) was employed to obtain the extracts from chestnut by-products using water (W) and hydroethanolic solution (HE) as solvents. Phenolic compounds were analysed by HPLC-DAD-(ESI-)MS/MS; the antioxidant capacity was assessed by colourimetric assays, and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against several strains of food-borne bacteria and fungi. The leaf extracts obtained by MAC-HE and UAE-HE presented the highest concentration of phenolic compounds (70.92 & PLUSMN; 2.72 and 53.97 & PLUSMN; 2.41 mg.g(-1) extract dw, respectively), whereas, for burs and shells, the highest recovery of total phenolic compounds was achieved by using UAE-HE and UAE-W (36.87 & PLUSMN; 1.09 and 23.03 & PLUSMN; 0.26 mg.g(-1) extract dw, respectively). Bis-HHDP-glucose isomers, chestanin and gallic acid were among the most abundant compounds. Bur extracts (MAC-HE and UAE-HE) generally presented the highest antioxidant capacity as measured by TBARS, while the best results in DPPH and reducing power assays were found for shell extracts (MAE-W and MAC-HE). Promising antibacterial activity was noticed for the aqueous extracts of burs, leaves and hydroethanolic extracts of shells, with emphasis on the MAE-W extract of burs that showed bactericidal activity against E. cloacae, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus (MBC 5 mg.mL(-1)). Overall, it can be concluded that chestnut by-products, including burs, shells and leaves, are sources of polyphenolic compounds with significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The choice of extraction method and solvent greatly influenced the composition and bioactivity of the extracts. These findings highlight the potential of chestnut by-products for the development of natural additives, particularly for food preservation, while also emphasizing the importance of sustainable utilization of agricultural waste materials. Further research is warranted to optimize extraction techniques and explore additional applications for these valuable bioactive compounds.
- A Scoping Review on Carotenoid Profiling in Passiflora spp.: a Vast Avenue for Expanding the Knowledge on the SpeciesPublication . Leite, Marina de Macedo Rodrigues; Rodrigues, Daniele Bobrowski; Brison, Raquel; Nepomuceno, Fernanda; Bento, Maria Lua; Oliveira, Lívia de Lacerda deThe Passiflora genus is recognised for its ethnopharmacological, sensorial, and nutritional significance. Yet, the screening of its dietary and bioactive molecules has mainly targeted hydrophilic metabolites. Following the PRISMA-P protocol, this review assessed the current knowledge on carotenoid composition and analysis within Passiflora, examining 968 records from seven databases and including 17 studies focusing on carotenoid separation and identification in plant parts. Those publications originated in America and Asia. P. edulis was the most frequently examined species of a total of ten, while pulp was the most studied plant part (16 studies). Carotenoid analysis involved primarily high-performance liquid chromatography separation on C-18 columns and detection using diode array detectors (64.71%). Most studies identified the provitamin A beta-carotene and xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin, with their geometric configuration often neglected. Only one study described carotenoid esters. Besides the methodology's insufficient description, the lack of use of more accurate techniques and practices led to a high risk of bias in the carotenoid assignment in 17.65% of the articles. This review highlights the opportunity to broaden carotenoid studies to other species and parts within the diverse Passiflora genus, especially to wild, locally available fruits, which may have a strategic role in enhancing food diversity and security amidst climatic changes. Additionally, it urges the use of more accurate and efficient analytical methods based on green chemistry to better identify Passiflora carotenoids.
- Comprehensive HPLC-DAD-(ESI-)MS/MS characterization and comparison of bioactive molecules from different parts of Ganoderma lucidum sporocarpsPublication . Rodrigues, Daniele Bobrowski; Oludemi, Taofiq; Petros, Peter; Barros, LillianGanoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom, both historically and currently. Driven by the ethnopharmacological prospect and the crescent body of scientific evidence that associates G. lucidum intake with health, the interest in its secondary metabolites has been further fostered. Whereas most research on medicinal mushrooms has focused on the comprehensive identification and yields of metabolites throughout their different growth phases, the distribution of those compounds along the sporocarps (fruiting bodies) in the poorly investigated. This study aimed to directly compare the chemical composition of the exterior skin and interior flesh of G. lucidum sporocarps. Dried samples provided by Käapa Biotech (Finland) were homogenised and subjected to ultrasound-assisted extraction with ethanol:H2O (80:20, v/v) at an amplitude of 47% for 15 min. Extracts were analysed in an HPLC-DAD-(ESI-)MS/MS system. Sixtytwo compounds were tentatively identified in both extracts and comprised primarily lanostane-type triterpenes, besides six phenolic compounds. Among the triterpenes, 20 lucidenic and 16 ganoderic acids were found, with Lucidenic acid F and Ganoderic acid D being the major compounds in the flesh and skin. The overall chemical profile was the same regardless of the sporocarp part analysed, but the proportion among the compounds was considerably different. Interestingly, whereas the total triterpene content of the outer part exceeded 3 times that of the inner part, both presented equivalent amounts of total polyphenols. Our results indicate a similar profile but a higher concentration of compounds in the skin when compared to the interior biomass of fruiting bodies. This is the first time a study has examined the variations of triterpenic components between different parts of G. lucidum sporocarps.
- Bio-Recycling Hazelnut Shells to Improve Antioxidant Properties of Lentinus tigrinus SporophorePublication . Desiderio, Anthea; Pedrosa, Mariana C.; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Carocho, Márcio; Rodrigues, Daniele Bobrowski; Buratti, Simone; Soffientini, Irene; Ratto, Daniela; Savino, Elena; Rossi, PaolaLentinus tigrinus is a wood-decay fungus known for its nutritional, culinary, and medicinal benefits. It contains bioactive compounds like polyphenols, terpenes, and flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory effects. These natural antioxidants are increasingly recognized for their potential to prevent oxidative damage linked to aging and chronic diseases. This study investigates the antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from L. tigrinus sporophores cultivated on hazelnut shells (Lt1_HS), a waste material rich in phenolic compounds, and sporophores cultivated on sawdust (Lt1_S). Bioactivity tests, including DPPH, TBARS, MTT, and DCFHDA assays, were performed to assess the hydroalcoholic extracts’ efficiency. The results showed that all the extracts contained various bioactive compounds, primarily polyphenols. Notably, the caffeoylquinic acids present in HS and Lt1_HS are linked to anti-peroxidant effects. Biological analyses demonstrated that the Lt1_HS extract has higher anti-peroxidant activity (IC50 0.77 ± 0.01 mg/mL) compared to Lt1_S (IC50 1.36 ± 0.01 mg/mL) and reduces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in HaCaT cells by 80%. However, the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these antioxidant effects are still unclear, and further analysis will be conducted. Additionally, this study promotes recycling hazelnut shells as a valuable substrate for fungal cultivation, supporting sustainable waste management.
- Chemical profile and bioactivities of industrial wastes from Chenopodium quinoa seedPublication . Casalvara, Rhaira Fernanda Ayoub; Santos, Everton da Silva; Mattos, Jose Vinicius; Pimentel, Tatiana Colombo; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Rodrigues, Daniele Bobrowski; Pereira, Carla; Corrêa, Rúbia C.G.; Cardozo‐Filho, Lucio; Gonçalves, José EduardoThis study aimed to investigate the effect of extraction methods and solvents (Soxhlet and supercritical fluid extraction, SFE) on the chemical profile (gas chromatography [GC]/mass spectrometry and GC/flame ionization detection) and antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities of quinoa Piabiru (QP) husk crude extracts. Soxhlet was applied using 100% water (QPSH2O), and ethanolic solutions of 50% ethanol (ethanol:water 50:50 v/v, QPSetOH50), 70% ethanol (QPSetOH70), and 99% ethanol (QPSetOH99) as solvents. SFE was applied using CO2 and n-propane as solvents (QPSF). QPSH2O extract showed a higher concentration of phytosterols (stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, 7,8-epoxylanostan-11-OL,3-acetoxy) and carotenoids (rhodopin) and oleic acid, displaying intermediate thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) antioxidant activity. Intermediate concentrations of ethanol (QPSetOH50 and QPSetOH70 extracts) increased the extraction yields and the antibacterial activity of the extracts (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus). Higher concentrations of ethanol (QPSetOH99 extract) contributed to increased antioxidant activity as assessed by TBARS and higher recoveries of 4-(allyloxy)-2-methyl-2-pentanol, nonadecane, and lauric, myristic, palmitic, linoleic, stearic, arachidic, behenic, and lignoceric acids. Finally, the QPSF extract presented higher antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power, higher content of 5-methoxy-2-pentanone, 5-methoxy-2-methyl- 2-pentanol, 1-(1,3-dimethylbutoxy)-2-propanol, oxalic, undecanoic, myristoleic, tricosanoic, pentadecanoic, elaidic, 11-eicosenoic, and erucic acids, and better antifungal activity against Aspergillus brasiliensis than the other extracts. Crude extracts were not cytotoxic against non-tumor cells (Vero) and did not show antitumor or antiinflammatory activities. Thus, antagonistic or synergistic effects of the phytochemical profile of quinoa husk crude extracts may present potential food and pharmaceutical applications. Practical Applications: The exceptional nutritional properties of quinoa seeds have boosted their cultivation in more than 123 countries. However, quinoa husks are generally considered waste. This study, which is of utmost importance, demonstrates the potential of extracting bioactive compounds from quinoa husks via pressurized fluids, turning them into a health-promoting co-product. This approach could minimize the current shortage of new antibiotics, antifungals, antitumor agents, and anti-inflammatory substances in the pharmaceutical and food sectors. By converting quinoa husks into valuable bioactive extracts,we contribute significantly to developing effective natural compounds, underlining the significance of our collective work.
- Polyphenol composition by HPLC-DAD-(ESI-)MS/MS and bioactivities of extracts from grape agri-food wastesPublication . Ueda, Jonata Massao; Griebler, Karoline Ribeiro; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Rodrigues, Daniele Bobrowski; Verissimo, Lavinia; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Gonçalves, João Carlos B.; Fernandes, Isabel P.; Pereira, Eliana; Barros, Lillian; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Calhelha, Ricardo C.Grape agri-food wastes, such as skin, seeds, and other discarded by-products, contain phytochemical compounds that offer potential health benefits. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the polyphenol composition and bioactivities of different extracts obtained from grape marc and seeds, with the goal of exploring their potential for application as natural food additives. Results: Regardless of the extraction method used (dynamic maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)), all extracts exhibited relatively high concentrations of phenolic compounds. The chemical characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of specific compounds and chemical groups associated with each extraction methodology. Moreover, the extracts displayed satisfactory antioxidant activities, especially in inhibiting lipoperoxidation as assessed by the TBARS assay. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated effective inhibition against different strains of bacteria and fungi known as food contaminants. Taken together, these findings indicate that those extracts have the potential to be tested as natural antioxidants and preservatives with sustainable origins in food and beverage systems. Among the extraction methods evaluated, traditional maceration and UAE provided extracts with the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Conclusions: Our results suggest the opportunity to explore grape marc and seeds discarded by the winery industry in Portugal as natural sources of bioactive compounds, which could be employed as functional food ingredients or technological additives. The valorization of grape biowastes offers a promising strategy to reduce waste and harness their potential health benefits.
- Effects of different treatments on the phenolic composition of acorn extracts from Quercus robur and Quercus rotundifoliaPublication . Alonso-Esteban, José Ignacio; Mateus, Cristiano; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Rodrigues, Daniele Bobrowski; Babo, Pedro; Canadas, Raphael; Barros, LillianThe European oak (Quercus robur L.) and the holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia Lam.) are two examples of endemic species that already contribute for the socio-economic development of the Iberian Peninsula. The first one stands out because of its wood, and the second one has been traditionally managed as savannah-like ecosystems for livestock breeding [1]. However, from a chemical perspective, the potential of these plants, especially their acorns, can be further expanded. For this work, acorn samples of the two mentioned species were submitted to four different extraction methods in order to characterize the phenolic compounds of each extract. The four extractions were the following: 1 – maceration with water at 40 ºC for one hour; 2 – infusion with boiling water for 5 minutes; 3 – decoction with boiling water for 5 minutes; 4 – maceration with ethanol 80% (v/v) at room temperature for 1 hour. The extractions were performed using a solid/liquid ratio of 25 g/L and the phenolic compounds were analyzed by HPLD-DAD-ESI/MS [2]. The average extraction yields ranged between 9.58 – 21.89 g of extract/100 g for Q. robur and from 2.88 to 6.82 g of extract/100 g for Q. rotundifolia. Regarding the composition of phenolic compounds, gallic and ellagic acids were the most abundant molecules found in the samples of these species [3]. The total content of phenolic compounds varied between 71 - 124 mg/g of extract and 70 – 90.5 mg/g of extract in Q. rotundifolia and Q. robur, respectively. Gallic acid was the compound which was found in the greatest concentration in all the extractions, reaching its maximum concentration when the aqueous maceration extraction was applied. Ellagic acid and its derivatives (ellagitannins) were also found in the extracts, but to a lesser extent than gallic acid. Considering the extraction yield and the content of phenolic compounds, the most promising extraction method was the aqueous maceration, which could be applied to obtain extracts rich in gallic acid and ellagitannins from acorns.