Bees are of great importance for plant diversity for being an important pollinating agents. Stingless bees such as Scaptotrigona affinis postica, is cultivated largely due to the products offered by it. Pollen is one of these products, which has been highlighted for exhibit various therapeutic properties. Considering the bioactivity of this natural product, this study investigated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive activities, and elucidated the chemical composition of pollen collected extract by Scaptotrigona affinis postica. Using in vitro assays, the antioxidant potential and inhibitory activity against the COX enzyme from pollen extract was evaluated. Additionally, tests were performed to measure the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in animal models. In our results, we found that pollen extract showed antioxidant effects and inhibitory activity against the COX enzyme. The in vivo assays showed that the extract acts on the nervous system in local and systemic levels and that the anti-inflammatory activity is due the prostanoids reducing. Chemical analyses recognize 10 molecules in the extract belonging to the polyphenol and flavonoids classes and the computational study suggests that is responsible for the observed results. Thus, it is reported for the first time the biological potential of S. aff. postica pollen extract and we conclude that this bee product can be considered as one source of potential new drugs.

Since it acquired pandemic status, SARS-CoV-2 has been causing all kinds of damage all over the world. More than 6.3 million people have died, and many cases of sequelae are in survivors. Currently, the only products available to most of the world’s population to fight the pandemic are vaccines, which still need improvement since the number of new cases, admissions into intensive care units, and deaths are again reaching worrying rates, which makes it essential to compounds that can be used during infection, reducing the impacts of the disease. Plant metabolites are recognized sources of diverse biological activities and are the safest way to research anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds. The present study computationally evaluated 55 plant compounds in five SARS-CoV-2 targets such Main Protease (Mpro or 3CL or MainPro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), Papain-Like Protease (PLpro), NSP15 Endoribonuclease, Spike Protein (Protein S or Spro) and human Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) followed by in vitro evaluation of their potential for the inhibition of the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 Spro with human ACE-2. The in silico results indicated that, in general, amentoflavone, 7-O-galloylquercetin, kaempferitrin, and gallagic acid were the compounds with the strongest electronic interaction parameters with the selected targets. Through the data obtained, we can demonstrate that although the indication of individual interaction of plant metabolites with both Spro and ACE-2, the metabolites evaluated were not able to inhibit the interaction between these two structures in the in vitro test. Despite this, these molecules still must be considered in the research of therapeutic agents for treatment of patients affected by COVID-19 since the activity on other targets and influence on the dynamics of viral infection during the interaction Spro x ACE-2 should be investigated.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease that has a significant global impact. It is associated with aging and characterized by widespread joint destruction. Cuminaldehyde is a biologically active component of essential oils that has shown promise in the treatment of nociceptive and inflammatory diseases. This study investigated the effects of cuminaldehyde on an experimental model of osteoarthritis induced in rat knees. Cuminaldehyde was found to be as effective as indomethacin in reducing pain in all evaluated tests, including forced walking, functional disability of weight distribution on the legs, and spontaneous pain in animals with osteoarthritis. The knees of animals treated with cuminaldehyde had significantly higher radiographic and histopathological scores than those of animals that did not receive the treatment. Cuminaldehyde also modulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In vitro assays showed that cuminaldehyde preferentially inhibits COX-2 enzyme activity. In silico studies demonstrated that cuminaldehyde has satisfactory energy affinity parameters with opioid receptors and COX-2. These findings suggest that cuminaldehyde’s anti-inflammatory activity is multifactorial, acting through multiple pathways. Its nociceptive activity occurs via central and peripheral mechanisms. Cuminaldehyde modulates the immune response of the inflammatory process and may be considered a leading compound for the development of new anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.

Osteoarthritis (OA) remains a chronic incurable condition, presenting substantial challenges in treatment. This study explores a novel strategy by investigating the concurrent use of cuminaldehyde, a natural compound, with indomethacin in animal models of MIA-induced OA. Our results demonstrate that the co-administration of cuminaldehyde and indomethacin does indeed produce a superior effect when compared to these compounds individually, significantly enhancing therapeutic outcomes. This effect is evidenced by a marked reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IFN-γ, alongside a significant increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, compared to treatments with each compound alone. Radiographic analyses further confirm the preservation of joint integrity and a reduction in osteoarthritic damage, highlighting the association’s efficacy in cartilage-reducing damage. These findings suggests that the association of cuminaldehyde and indomethacin not only slows OA progression but also offers enhanced cartilage-reducing damage and fosters the production of protective cytokines. This study underscores the potential benefits of integrating natural products with pharmaceuticals in OA management and stresses the importance of further research to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the observed potentiated effects.

Background/Objectives: This study evaluates the effect of Mn(II) and Co(II) ions on the production of anti-Candida metabolites by the endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp., isolated from Dizygostemon riparius. The objective was to identify metal-induced secondary metabolites with antifungal potential against drug-resistant Candida species. Methods: Aspergillus sp. was cultivated in Czapek agar supplemented with MnCl₂ (400 µM) or CoCl₂ (200 µM). Metabolite profiles were analyzed using UHPLC-DAD and LC-ESI-HRMS, followed by structural elucidation via NMR. Antifungal and biofilm inhibition activities were tested against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. Toxicity was assessed using Tenebrio molitor larvae. Results: Key metabolites, including pyrophen, penicillquei B, and fonsecinone B, demonstrated antifungal activity with MIC values of 4.37–280.61 µg/mL. Fonsecinone B exhibited superior biofilm inhibition, surpassing fluconazole in reducing biofilm biomass and viability. In vivo assays showed low toxicity, with survival rates above 80% at 2× MIC/kg. Conclusions: Mn(II) and Co(II) significantly modulated the production of antifungal metabolites in Aspergillus sp. Fonsecinone B emerged as a promising candidate for antifungal therapy due to its potent activity and low toxicity. These findings support further investigation into the therapeutic potential of metal-induced fungal metabolites for combating drug-resistant Candida infections.

Background/Objectives: Ambroxol is a mucolytic agent widely used in the treatment of respiratory diseases; however, evidence in the literature indicates anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory properties, suggesting potential for therapeutic repositioning. This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of ambroxol in an experimental model of osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Adult male Wistar rats underwent OA induction on day zero (D0) by sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA) injection and were allocated into the following groups: Healthy, negative control (CTRL−), and groups treated with meloxicam (2 mg/kg) or ambroxol (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally (gavage) once daily for 28 days. Behavioral tests were performed, including rotarod, walkway gait analysis, weight-bearing, Von Frey, and Rat Grimace Scale assessments, along with radiographic and histopathological analyses and quantification of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10). Results: Ambroxol treatment improved nociceptive parameters and motor function, reduced radiographic and histopathological scores, and showed performance comparable to meloxicam in several tests. There was a marked reduction in IL-1β and IL-6 levels, while IL-10 levels were lower in ambroxol-treated groups, suggesting early control of the inflammatory response. Conclusions: The results indicate that ambroxol exhibits antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions and suggest a potential chondroprotective effect, reinforcing its viability as a candidate for therapeutic repositioning in osteoarthritis. Further studies are required to more precisely elucidate its mechanisms of action, define optimal dosing and treatment duration, and support translation to clinical models.