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- The health-benefits and phytochemical profile of Salvia apiana and Salvia farinacea var. Victoria blue decoctionsPublication . Afonso, Andrea Luísa Fernandes; Pereira, Olívia R.; Fernandes, Ângela; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Silva, Artur; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Cardoso, Susana M.Salvia apiana and Salvia farinacea var. Victoria Blue decoctions were screened for diverse bioactivities, including the ability to counteract oxidative and inflammatory events, as well as to act as cytotoxic and antimicrobial agents. Both extracts showed good activities and that of S. apiana origin was particularly effective regarding the ability to prevent lipid peroxidation and to prevent nitric oxide (NO ) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line (EC50 = 50 µg/mL). Moreover, it displayed high cytotoxic capacity against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2, cervical carcinoma HeLa, and breast carcinoma cells MCF-7, but comparatively low effects in porcine liver primary cells, which highlights its selectivity (GI50 = 41–60 µg/mL vs. 362 µg/mL, respectively). Further, it exhibited inhibitory and lethal potential against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is possible that the bioactive properties of the two Salvia extracts are associated to their phenolic components and, in the particular case of S. apiana, to its richness in phenolic terpenes, namely in rosmanol, hydroxycarnosic acid and a derivative of sageone, which were found in the extract.
- Thymus zygis and thymus pulegioides as a source of phenolic compoundsPublication . Pereira, Olívia R.; Afonso, Andrea Luísa Fernandes; Domingues, Vasco; Cardoso, Susana M.Thymus is an important genus in the West Mediterranean region, where many species are cultivated for confection of several dishes, including salads, soups, stews and sauces. Many Thymus, including T. zygis and T. pulegioides are also commonly used in traditional medicine. Whist phenolic compounds are commonly associated to health-beneficial properties of Thymus, the specific phenolic composition of T. zygis and T. pulegioides is presently unknown. The extracts of the aerial parts of T. zygis and T. pulegioides species were prepared with hot water as previously described. Total phenolic contents were determined according to the adapted Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method and the identification of the phenolic compounds was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD). The extracts of T. zygis and T. pulegioides contained 319±44 and 391±3 μg GAE/mg, respectively. Likewise other Thymus species, both extracts were enriched in caffeic acid derivatives, showing characteristic UV spectra maxima at 290 and 328 nm. The two extracts also contained moderate amounts of the flavone luteolin-7-O-glucoside that has been previously described in others Thymus species. Yet, T. zygis and T. pulegioides phenolic profiles could be clearly distinguished: while the first had high levels of the phenolic acid salvianolic acid K the extract of T. pulegioides was enriched in eriodictyol derivatives. The phenolic compounds of T. zygis and T. pulegioides are here described for the first time.
- Chemical characterization of three Thymus species: T. herba-barona, T. pseudolanuginosus and T. caespititiusPublication . Afonso, Andrea Luísa Fernandes; Pereira, Olívia R.; Silva, Artur; Cardoso, Susana M.The genus Thymus, belonging to Lamiaceae family, is rich in medicinal and aromatic species and well-known by several health promoting activities [1,2]. Despite this genus has been extensively studied, some species remain unexploited. In this study, Thymus herba-barona, Thymus pseudolanuginosus and Thymus caespititius decoctions were screened for their phenolic constituents by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and an electrospray mass spectrometer (UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn) operating in negative mode. The three aqueous extracts were rich in caffeic acid derivatives, mainly rosmarinic acid (MW 359) and its structural isomers, that accounted for 55.8 ± 2.8 mg/g in T. herba-barona and 40.2 ± 0.9 and 43.2 ± 3.2 mg/g in T. pseudolanuginosus and T. caespititius, respectively. In turn, other depsides were differently distributed in the three Thyme extracts: while dihydro-salvianolic acid B (MW 716 Da) and caffeoyl rosmarinic acid were particularly representative in T. herba-barona, salvianolic acids K ([M-H]− at m/z 555 493 359) and B ( [M-H]− at m/z 717 519 475) were found in moderate amounts in T. caespititius extract. On the other hand, T. pseudolanuginosus was clearly distinguished by its richness in the flavone luteolin-O-glucuronide ([M − H]− at m/z 461→285). Overall, this work is an important contribution for the phytochemical characterization of these three Thymus species, which are poorly explored.
- Health-promoting effects of Thymus herba-barona, Thymus pseudolanuginosus, and Thymus caespititius decoctionsPublication . Afonso, Andrea Luísa Fernandes; Pereira, Olívia R.; Neto, Rodrigo; Silva, Artur; Cardoso, Susana M.Thymus herba-barona, Thymus pseudolanuginosus, and Thymus caespititius decoctions were screened for their phenolic constituents, along with their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. The total phenolic compounds in the extracts of the three plants ranged from 236.0 ± 26.6 mgGAE/g (T. caespititus) to 293.0 ± 30.5 mgGAE/g of extract (T. pseudolanuginosus), being particularly rich in caffeic acid derivatives, namely rosmarinic acid and its structural isomers, as well as flavones, such as luteolin-O-glucuronide. The T. pseudolanuginosus extract presented the best DPPH radical scavenging ability (EC 50 = 10.9 ± 0.7 µg/mL), a high reducing power (EC 50 = 32.2 ± 8.2 µg/mL), and effectively inhibited the oxidation of β-carotene (EC 50 = 2.4 ± 0.2 µg/mL). The extracts also showed NO· scavenging activity close to that of ascorbic acid, and thus might be useful as anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, they exhibited antibacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus strains were the most sensitive bacteria to thyme extracts, with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values in the range of 0.6–3.5 mg/mL. Overall, this work is an important contribution for the phytochemical characterization and the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities of these three Thymus species, which have been poorly explored.
- Salvia elegans: uma fonte natural de compostos antioxidantesPublication . Pereira, Olívia R.; Afonso, Andrea Luísa Fernandes; Silva, Joana de A.; Batista, Ana Rita; Sobral, Abílio J.F.N.; Cardoso, Susana M.A espécie Salvia elegans é um arbusto que pertence ao género Salvia, família das Lamiaceae. Várias espécies do mesmo género têm vindo a ser cultivadas para uso na culinária e em medicina tradicional. Devido ao seu cheiro característico, a S. elegans é vulgarmente conhecida por salva ananás e utilizada como condimento ou aromatizante em alimentos. No México esta espécie é popularmente conhecida como “mirto” e tem sido usada na medicina tradicional para tratar afeções do sistema nervoso central. Apesar disso, as suas propriedades biológicas não estão ainda estudadas. Neste trabalho pretende-se clarificar a capacidade antioxidante da espécie S. elegans, bem como proceder à identificação dos seus principais constituintes fenólicos, uma vez que vulgarmente estes compostos se encontram associados a esta propriedade. Para tal, as partes aéreas da planta S. elegans foram extraídas com água quente e o teor de compostos fenólicos totais no extrato foi determinado por uma adaptação do método colorimétrico de Folin-Ciocalteu. A identificação dos compostos fenólicos foi efetuada por análise de cromatografia líquida de alta resolução (HPLC-DAD), acoplada à técnica de espectrometria de massa com ionização por electrospray (ESI-MSn), em modo negativo. Ainda, a capacidade antioxidante do extrato aquoso de S. elegans foi testada através dos testes de captação de radicais livres DPPH•, e do teste do poder redutor. De acordo com o método de Folin-Ciocalteu, os compostos fenólicos no extrato aquoso de S. elegans totalizam 201±46 μg EAG/ mg de extrato. O extrato é particularmente rico em ácido rosmarínico (MW 360) e contém ainda quantidades moderadas de outros derivados do ácido cafeico e da flavona luteolina. Para além disto, o extrato de S. elegans possui uma boa capacidade antioxidante, apresentando valores de IC50 11,3±1,9 e 31,3±5,0 μg/mL no método de DPPH• e poder redutor, respetivamente. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo permitem sugerir que S. elegans possui grande potencial para ser aplicada como agente antioxidante. Futuramente, pretende-se esclarecer a contribuição individual dos principais constituintes fenólicos do extrato de S. elegans na atividade antioxidante do mesmo.
- Phytochemical composition and bioactive effects of Salvia africana, salvia officinalis 'Icterina' and Salvia mexicana aqueous ExtractsPublication . Afonso, Andrea Luísa Fernandes; Pereira, Olívia R.; Fernandes, Ângela; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Silva, Artur; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Cardoso, Susana M.In the present study, aqueous extracts of Salvia africana, Salvia o cinalis ‘Icterina’ and Savia mexicana origin were screened for their phenolic composition and for antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties. The three aqueous extracts contained distinct phenolic compounds, with S. africana presenting the highest total levels (231.6 7.5 g/mg). Rosmarinic acid was the dominant phenolic compound in all extracts, yet that of S. africana origin was characterized by the present of yunnaneic acid isomers, which overall accounted for about 40% of total phenolics. In turn, S. o cinalis ‘Icterina’ extract presented glycosidic forms of apigenin, luteolin and scuttelarein, and the one obtained from S. mexicana contained several simple ca eic acid derivatives. S. africana aqueous extract exhibited high antioxidant potential in four methods, namely the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging ability, iron-reducing power, inhibition of -carotene bleaching and of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), for which EC50 values were equal or only 1.3–3.1 higher than those of the standard compounds. Moreover, this extract was able to lower the levels of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages (EC50 = 47.8 2.1 g/mL). In addition, the three sage aqueous extracts showed promising cytotoxic e ect towards hepatocellular HepG2, cervical HeLa, and breast carcinoma cells MCF-7. Overall this study highlights the potential of three little-exploited Salvia species, with commercial value for applications in food or pharmaceutical industries.
- Hábitos alimentares e sucesso académico em estudantes universitáriosPublication . Pires, Adriana; Mota, Ana Beatriz; Canteiro, Carolina; Afonso, Andrea Luísa Fernandes; Nogueira, António José M.; Teixeira, CristinaExiste uma relação entre os hábitos alimentares e o desempenho académico dos estudantes universitários. Um comportamento alimentar saudável para além de fornecer energia e bem-estar, permite um melhor desenvolvimento físico e mental.
- Infertilidade masculina: formas de diagnósticoPublication . Correia, Aline; Barbosa, Marilene; Gomes, Micaela; Afonso, Andrea Luísa Fernandes; Teixeira, Cristina; Nogueira, António José M.O diagnóstico da infertilidade é fundamental para o tratamento e concretização do projeto parental. Muitos fatores contribuem para um quadro de infertilidade, incluindo fisiológicos e genéticos que devem ser considerados para um correto diagnóstico.
- Microbiological contamination in different food service units associated with food handlingPublication . Alves, Ana Francisca Lemos; Viveiros, Cristina; Lopes, Jéssica Paula Marim; Nogueira, António José M.; Pires, Bruno; Afonso, Andrea Luísa Fernandes; Teixeira, CristinaBackground: A microbiological analysis of samples taken from hands of food handlers and utensils/crockery in food service units was used to assess the risk of food contamination. We aimed to assess indicators of microbiological contamination in different food service units. Methods: We used data for an official inspection proposal (2018–2019) in different food service units serving a district in Northeast Portugal. We showed the proportion of positive samples for each microorganism assessed in samples taken from hands and kitchen utensils/crockery. Results: Out of 471 samples taken from hands of food handlers, 26.8% (n = 126) were classified as “unsatisfactory” due to the presence of at least Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and/or total and fecal coliforms. Such a proportion varied according to the type of food service unit with a higher proportion being observed in Canteens (40.0%) and in Retirement Home/Day Care Centers (37.8%). More than one third of 649 samples taken from kitchen utensils/crockery were classified as “unsatisfactory” (n = 181; 27.9%) or “bad” (n = 49; 7.6%). There were significant differences in these proportions across food service units, with a higher proportion of “unsatisfactory” samples being observed in Fishmongers and Butcher Shops/Charcuteries (50.0% and 45.1%, respectively), while a higher proportion of “bad” samples was observed in both Pastry/Bakery and Fishmonger establishments (33.3%), followed by Butcher Shops/Charcuteries (14.1%). Conclusions: Our results emphasize the need of awareness of hygiene practices among food handlers of different food service units, particularly in Fishmongers, Pastry/Bakery establishments and Butcher Shops/Charcuteries, highlighting the need of a periodic hygienic evaluation.
- Antibiotic resistance in the drinking water: old and new strategies to remove antibiotics, resistant bacteria, and resistance genesPublication . Duarte, Ana Catarina; Rodrigues, Sílvia; Afonso, Andrea Luísa Fernandes; Nogueira, António José M.; Coutinho, Paula IsabelBacterial resistance is a naturally occurring process. However, bacterial antibiotic resistance has emerged as a major public health problem in recent years. The accumulation of antibiotics in the environment, including in wastewaters and drinking water, has contributed to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Such can be justified by the growing consumption of antibiotics and their inadequate elimination. The conventional water treatments are ineffective in promoting the complete elimination of antibiotics and bacteria, mainly in removing ARGs. Therefore, ARGs can be horizontally transferred to other microorganisms within the aquatic environment, thus promoting the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. In this review, we discuss the efficiency of conventional water treatment processes in removing agents that can spread/stimulate the development of antibiotic resistance and the promising strategies for water remediation, mainly those based on nanotechnology and microalgae. Despite the potential of some of these approaches, the elimination of ARGs remains a challenge that requires further research. Moreover, the development of new processes must avoid the release of new contaminants for the environment, such as the chemicals resulting from nanomaterials synthesis, and consider the utilization of green and eco-friendly alternatives such as biogenic nanomaterials and microalgae-based technologies.