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Abstract(s)
Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels are formed from pre-existing vasculature, being
a key process that leads to tumor development. Excessive angiogenesis occurs when diseased cells
produce abnormally large amounts of angiogenesis factors (e.g. vascular endothelial growth factor
(VEGF)) [1]. Some studies recognize phenolic compounds as chemopreventive agents; flavonoids seem
to suppress the growth of tumor cells modifying the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis in several tumor
cell lines [2]. Among them, apigenin derivatives have been recognized as having antiangiogenic effects
on tumor cells being this related to a decrease in VEGF expression or to a VEGFR inhibition [3].
According to Ferreira et al. previous research, Arenaria montana L. is rich in apigenin derivatives [4].
Therefore, this plant source is ideal to prepare apigenin rich extracts to be used as chemoprevent i ve
agents in functional foods. However, bioactive compounds are generally recognized as presenting
problems of instability, which can weaken their bioavailability and potential benefits. Therefore, the use
of microencapsulation is studied here as a way to confer protection and increasing the efficacy of
functional foods incorporating these extracts [5].
In this work, a hydroethanolic extract prepared from A. montana was evaluated for its in vitro
antiangiogenic effects, being further microencapsulated to be used as chemopreventive agent in
functional yogurts.
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Citation
Oliveira, F.S.; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Fernandes, I.P.; Junior, B.D.; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barreiro, M.F. (2015). Microencapsulation of plant extracts rich in apigenin to be used as chemopreventive agents in functional foods. In 6th Workshop on Green Chemistry and Nanotechnologies in Polymer Chemistry. Bragança. ISBN 978-972-745-188-3