In this work, a metabolic profile of Mansoa hirsuta was investigated, and in vitro assays and theoretical approaches were carried out to evaluate its antioxidant potential. The phytochemical screening detected saponins, organic acids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids in extracts of leaves, branches, and roots. Through LC-MS analysis, the triterpenes oleanolic acid (m/z 455 [M-H]⁻) and ursolic acid (m/z 455 [M-H]⁻) were identified as the main bioactive components. The extracts of the leaves, branches, and roots revealed moderate antioxidant potential in the DPPH test and all extracts were more active in the ABTS test. The leaf extracts showed better antioxidant capacity, displaying IC₅₀ values of 43.5 ± 0.14, 63.6 ± 0.54, and 56.1 ± 0.05 µg mL⁻¹ for DPPH, ABTS, and kinetics assays, respectively. The leaf extract showed higher total flavonoid content (TFC) (5.12 ± 1.02 mg QR/g), followed by branches (3.16 ± 0.88 QR/g) and roots (2.04 ± 0.52 QR/g/g). The extract of the branches exhibited higher total phenolic content (TPC) (1.07 ± 0.77 GAE/g), followed by leaves (0.58 ± 0.30 GAE/g) and roots (0.19 ± 0.47 GAE/g). Pharmacophore and molecular docking analysis were performed in order to better understand the potential mechanism of the antioxidant activity of its major metabolites.

This paper describes the anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities of Eugenia dysenterica DC. (O. Berg. (Myrtaceae) essential oils from leaves (EOED). EOED were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and the products were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The main constituents of EOED were caryophyllene oxide (66.3%), isoledene (3.9%), 1,3,8-p-menthatriene (3.5%), mustakone (3.46%), β-phellandrene (1.7%), and selin-11-en-4-α-ol (1.7%). The antioxidant assay was performed based on the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroxyl radical, and nitric oxide production. By performing the Ellman assay, it was observed that EOED was able to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with an IC50 = 0.92 g.ml-1 promising better value when compared with the drug rivastigmine (IC50 = 1.87 g.ml-1), used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The caryophyllene oxide (the main compound) was tested after purification on the AChE with an IC50 = 0.31 g.ml-1. Caryophyllene oxide (the majority compound) was tested on the AChE and presented the IC50 = 0.31 g.ml-1. At concentrations of 0.9, 1.8, 3.6, 5.4, and 7.2 g.ml-1, it was found out that EOED prevented lipid peroxidation inhibiting amount of TBARS formed in a similar manner to ascorbic acid. In addition, there was a reduction in the production of hydroxyl radical as well as the production of nitric oxide. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on compounds from this species that have activity for potentially preventing neurodegenerative disorders. Key words: Eugenia dysenterica, essential oil, antioxidant, anticholinesterase.

With a broad ethnopharmacological tradition in Brazil, Montrichardia linifera has been reported as a potent antirheumatic, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoan agent. However, there is a lack of studies on its effect on bacterial biofilm formation and Schistosoma mansoni worms. This study reports the effects of antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antischistosomal properties of leaf extracts of M. linifera. Phytochemical screening and identification of the main compounds of the extracts were performed. All the extracts evaluated showed antibacterial activity at the concentrations tested. We checked for the presence of flavonoids and derivatives of phenolic acids by the presence of spectra with bands characteristic of these classes in the sample analyzed. The antibacterial assays showed that the best MICs corresponded to 125 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 in all fractions. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts showed the ability to inhibit biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25123. For the antischistosomal activity, only the acetone and ethyl acetate extracts had a significant effect against helminths, with potent activity at a concentration of 50 µg/mL, killing 100% of the worms after 72 h of incubation. The M. linifera leaf extracts showed antibacterial activity, biofilm inhibition capacity, and anthelmintic activity against S. mansoni.

The leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn., Myrtaceae, collected in Jerusalem, contained 0.5% of essential oil. Using GC and GC/MS, 41 components were identified. The major constituents were p-cymene (24.2%) and spathulenol (17.5%). The other important components were cryptone (6.9%), caryophyllene oxide (4.5%), terpinen-4-ol (4.4%), cuminaldehyde (3.9%), borneol (3.8%) and phellandral (3.8%).

Citrus: A Perspective for Developing Phytomedicines for Neurodegenerative Diseases | InTechOpen, Published on: 2017-04-12. Authors: Chistiane Mendes Feitosa, Rivelilson Mendes de Freitas, Valéria Lima Silva, et