Propolis is a resinous material of different colours ranging from yellow, brown, green and red, composed of resins produced by plants, added to the secretions of bees and mixed with wax. Propolis i...

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic activity of the Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum) ethanolic extract (CSEE) in neuroblastoma cells, chemically characterize the compounds present in the CSEE, and predict the molecular interactions and properties of ADME. Thus, after obtaining the CSEE and performing its chemical characterization through dereplication methods using UPLC/DAD-ESI/HRMS/MS, PM6 methods and the SwissADME drug design platform were used in order to predict molecular interactions and ADME properties. The CSEE was tested for 24 h in neuroblastoma cells to the establishment of the IC50 dose. Then, the cell death was evaluated, using annexin-PI, as well as the activity of the effector caspase 3, and the protein and mRNA levels of Bax and Bcl-2 were analyzed by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. By UHPLC/DAD/HRMS-MS/MS analysis, the CSEE showed a high content of isocoumarins-dihydrocoriandrin, coriandrin, and coriandrones A and B, as well as nitrogenated compounds (adenine, adenosine, and tryptophan). Flavonoids (apigenin, hyperoside, and rutin), phospholipids (PAF C-16 and LysoPC (16:0)), and acylglicerol were also identified in lower amount as important compounds with antioxidant activity. The in silico approach results showed that the compounds 1 to 6, which are found mostly in the C. sativum extract, obey the “Five Rules” of Lipinski, suggesting a good pharmacokinetic activity of these compounds when administered orally. The IC50 dose of CSEE (20 µg/mL) inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell death by the accumulation of cleaved caspase-3 and the externalization of phosphatidylserine. Furthermore, CSEE decreased Bcl-2 and increased Bax, both protein and mRNA levels, suggesting an apoptotic mechanism. CSEE presents cytotoxic effects, promoting cell death. In addition to the promising results predicted through the in silico approach for all compounds, the compound 6 showed the best results in relation to stability due to its GAP value.

A Moringa oleifera Lam. é uma espécie de árvore rica em minerais e medicinalmente importante da família Moringaceae, possui uma ampla gama de aplicações, desde a culinária até sua utilização medicinal. A Moringa oleifera Lam. é rica em vários fitoconstituintes, como flavonoides, carotenoides, isotiocianatos, polifenóis, saponinas, alcaloides, glicosídeos cardiotônicos, carboidratos e glicosinolatos. Todas as partes de Moringa oleifera Lam., incluindo sementes, folhas, raízes, flores, caule e vagens têm valor medicinal tradicional. As sementes apresentam um valor especial do ponto de vista econômico, visto que uma vez amadurecidas rendem 38-40% de óleo vegetal incolor e inodoro. Além disso, o grande incentivo no desenvolvimento de processos dentro da química verde coloca esta planta em destaque, visto que sua utilização para tratar águas residuais tem se tornado cada vez mais popular e oferece uma ampla variedade de outros benefícios, como redução de custos, redução da geração de subprodutos e maior biodegradabilidade. Na presente revisão, foi colocada em perspectiva uma análise consolidada do papel da Moringa oleifera Lam., em relação ao seu valor nutricional, medicinal e comercial, juntamente com uma revisão atualizada sobre a análise fitoquímica e sua utilidade, bem como a segurança de uso da planta.

Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville, commonly known as “barbatimão,” is native to the Cerrado biome in Brazil and belongs to the botanical family Fabaceae. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of crude hydroethanolic extracts formulated from the bark, leaves, and stems of S. adstringens. Soluble solids were determined using the incubation drying methodology. Colorimetric methods of complexation with ferric chloride were employed as a qualitative assay to identify the presence of tannins, while phenolics and flavonoids were quantified by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride complexation, respectively. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the capture of DPPH free radicals. Antibacterial and antifungal analyses in vitro were conducted using the disk diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii. The MTT assay was used to determine antiparasitic activity against Leishmania amazonensis and to assess cytotoxicity using differentiated THP-1 macrophages. The extracts demonstrated efficacy against yeasts, especially the stem extract against C. albicans (7.62 mm), and against bacteria, with emphasis on the stem and leaf extracts against M. tuberculosis (both 9 mm). All extracts exhibited high antioxidant capacity, particularly the leaf and stem extracts (both over 92%) and low cytotoxicity (Cytotoxic Concentration - CC50 > 300 µg/mL). No extract was effective against L. amazonensis (Inhibitory Concentration - IC50 > 100 µg/mL). In conclusion, S. adstringens is a potential source of compounds with antibacterial properties (particularly against Gram-positive bacteria) and antifungal activity, with low cytotoxicity and high antioxidant activity. This work emphasizes the use of this plant as a source of molecules for the development of drugs against bacterial and fungal infectious diseases, as well as for combating diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, that are linked to cellular and DNA damage due to oxidative stress.