Search Results (5)

Phytotherapy represents a promising field for developing new therapeutic strategies, either by acting as antiparasitic agents themselves or by enhancing the efficacy of synthetic drugs. The present study evaluated the in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions following the administration of doramectin, either alone or in combination with cinnamaldehyde and pink grapefruit essential oil (CNM–PGF). Additionally, ex vivo P-glycoprotein-mediated interactions were assessed at the intestinal level. Higher efficacy against Haemonchus contortus was observed with the combined treatment of doramectin plus phytochemicals or loperamide. Although phytochemicals and loperamide reduced the ex vivo efflux of rhodamine 123, no pharmacokinetic interactions were detected in vivo. The enhanced efficacy is most likely attributable to localized drug–drug interactions and increased drug availability at the parasite interface. Based on the results obtained, the best treatment would be the combination of DRM with phytochemicals such as CNM–PGF and loperamide. However, a pharmaceutical formulation that allows sustained in vivo interaction between these compounds is needed. Full article

Naringenin is one of the main phenolic compounds found in grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi Macfad.). This compound is known for its therapeutical properties as an antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antineoplastic agent. In order to enable the development of drugs based on this compound, an appropriate extraction method needs to be developed. For this study, enzymatic extraction was chosen, as it is a cheap and green extraction method. Optimal extraction conditions (pH, temperature, agitation, solvent composition, sample-to-solvent ratio and enzyme-to-sample ratio) were determined through a Plackett–Burman and a Box–Behnken design, resulting in pH 6.0, 40 °C, 50 rpm, 20% EtOH, 0.2 g sample per 15 mL solvent and 1000 U/g. Once extraction conditions were determined, a single-factor experiment was performed under optimal conditions to determine extraction time, which resulted in 10 min per extraction. Finally, repeatability and intermediate precision were evaluated through naringenin quantification. Good values were obtained for both parameters (1.80% and 2.05%, respectively). Furthermore, extracts presented significant amount of naringenin (0.18 ± 0.02 mg/g). Full article

The effect of electrospun nylon-6 nanofibrous membranes (NFMs) on the concentration of bitter compounds and antioxidants of grapefruit juices during dead-end filtration processes was studied. Filtration experiments with aqueous standard solutions of different molecules showed that NFMs retain low molecular weight antioxidants (i.e., ascorbic and caffeic acids) only at early filtration stages, whereas they remove bitter glycosylated phenolics (i.e., naringin and narirutin) at a more stable ratio, variable according to the membrane thickness. Experiments with fresh grapefruit juice of two varieties (pink and yellow) showed that NFM-filtration reduces (17 to 30%) flavanones associated with the immediate bitterness and allows for the complete removal (>99.9%) of limonin, responsible for the persistent bitterness of many citrus juices. In contrast, the same process causes a lower loss of ascorbic acid (5%) and does not affect acidity, nor sugar concentration. The results confirmed that NFMs feature permselectivity towards bitterness-related compounds. This work highlights the NFM potential as filter devices for the selective reduction of the bitter terpenoid (limonin) and glycosylated flavonoids (naringin and narirutin) from grape juice citrus juices in the production of industrially-relevant beverages. Full article

Lycopene is a bioactive red pigment found in plants, especially in red fruits and vegetables, including tomato, pink guava, papaya, pink grapefruit, and watermelon. Several research reports have advocated its positive impact on human health and physiology. For humans, lycopene is an essential substance obtained from dietary sources to fulfil the body requirements. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing oxidative stress and downstream complications include one of the major health concerns worldwide. In recent years, oxidative stress and its counter strategies have attracted biomedical research in order to manage the emerging health issues. Lycopene has been reported to directly interact with ROS, which can help to prevent chronic diseases, including diabetes and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the present review article was written to provide an accumulative account of protective and ameliorative effects of lycopene on coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that fights ROS and, subsequently, complications. It reduces blood pressure via inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme and regulating nitrous oxide bioavailability. It plays an important role in lowering of LDL (low-density lipoproteins) and improving HDL (high-density lipoproteins) levels to minimize atherosclerosis, which protects the onset of coronary artery disease and hypertension. Various studies have advocated that lycopene exhibited a combating competence in the treatment of these diseases. Owing to all the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertensive properties, lycopene provides a potential nutraceutical with a protective and curing ability against coronary artery disease and hypertension. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) are complex natural products of plant origin and exhibit different desirable, e.g., antimicrobial properties. Their growth inhibition effect on the pathogenic fungi of the genus, Fusarium, which forms deoxynivalenol (DON), has been documented. DON is the most common contaminant of grains and their products, causing strong emetic effects after their consumption. The aim of the study was to investigate the ability of selected EOs to degrade DON under in vitro conditions, using various incubation terms. The impact of a different temperature, pH, incubation time, mycotoxin, and essential oil concentration was tested. The results indicate that the kind of EO influences the effectiveness of mycotoxin level reduction, and the most effective EOs were palmarosa and lemon oils. A higher reduction of DON content by EOs was achieved after 24 h of the experiment (up to 72%), at a pH range between 3 and 6 and a temperature of 20 °C. Moreover, the effect of various doses of white and pink grapefruit and palmarosa EOs (100 and 200 μL/mL) on toxin level reduction was observed. The experiment confirmed that the selected EOs may be effective in DON reduction, as previously documented in experiments with zearalenone. Full article