Repository logo

Browsing by Author "Dall'Acqua, Stefano"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Chemical characterization and bioactive properties of a coffee-like beverage prepared from Quercus cerris kernels
    Publication . Pinto, Diana; Diaz Franco, Santiago; Silva, Ana Margarida; Cupara, Snezana; Koskovac, Marijana; Kojicic, Ksenija; Soares, Sónia; Rodrigues, Francisca; Sut, Stefania; Dall'Acqua, Stefano; Oliveira, M Beatriz P P
    In the present study, a coffee-like beverage was prepared from Quercus cerris seeds. Seeds presented 60.4% carbohydrates (of which 26.9% is fiber), 6.3% proteins and 4.0% fat. In the coffee-like beverage, the TPC and TFC were 2070.2 mg GAE per L and 285.3 mg CEQ per L, respectively. The IC50 values determined using FRAP and DPPH assays were, respectively, 203.1 mg L-1 and 271.6 mg L-1. Concerning the reactive species scavenging capacity, the extract was more effective against O2˙-, HClO and ˙NO (namely, IC50 = 17.24 ± 0.24 μg mL-1, IC50 = 9.25 ± 0.92 μg mL-1 and IC50 = 0.65 ± 0.06 μg mL-1). Qualitative and quantitative analyses by 1D- and 2D-NMR and LC-MS indicated high levels of ellagic acid and gallotannin or ellagitannin derivatives. The optimal range of non-cytotoxic concentrations in Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cell lines was between 0.1 and 1.0 μg mL-1. This is the first study that evaluates the Q. cerris seed extract as a beverage.
    2019-04-17Journal article Open access Show more
  • Eco-friendly insights on kiwiberry leaves valorization through in-vitro and in-vivo studies
    Publication . Silva, Ana Margarida; Garcia, Juliana; Dall'Acqua, Stefano; Costa, Paulo; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Rodrigues, Francisca
    On the last decade, the demand for novel active skin ingredients based on sustainable principles arise as a trend. These new concerns transformed the consumer preferences, which are not actually solved by the industry portfolio. Regulatory aspects establish guidelines to assess the safety and efficacy of new cosmetic ingredients, being this step imperative to introduce a new ingredient on the market. Our last studies reported the richness of Actinidia arguta (kiwiberry) leaves in bioactive compounds with potential skin applications, but further studies are necessary to validate this extract. Therefore, the current study aimed to screen the hydroalcoholic extract of A. arguta leaves regarding elastase and hyaluronidase inhibition, achieving excellent results (65.62 ± 2.09% and 54.64 ± 4.17%, respectively). The cell viability was assessed in keratinocytes and fibroblasts (0.1–1000 μg/mL), ensuring the absence of cytotoxic effects. Afterwards, 3D models, namely a skin (EpiSkin™) and an ocular (SkinEthic™ HCE, respectively) model, were used to estimate the irritant potential. The viability achieved in both models after exposure to the extract was, respectively, 55.18 ± 10.60% and 101.15 ± 5.96%. The IL-1α released for the skin and ocular models were, respectively, 0 pg/mL and 35.60 ± 2.61 pg/mL, being the extract classified as non-irritant for both models. Lastly, in-vivo studies performed through a patch test in 10 human volunteers proved the absence of allergic or irritative reactions. Overall, the results attained highlighted that the hydroalcoholic kiwiberry leaves extract is an excellent cosmetic ingredient, being not irritant to skin application
    2022Journal article Restricted access Show more
  • The phytochemical and bioactivity profiles of wild Calluna vulgaris L. flowers
    Publication . Rodrigues, Francisca; Moreira, Teresa; Pinto, Diana; Pimentel, Filipa B.; Costa, Anabela S.G.; Nunes, M. Antónia; Gonçalves Albuquerque, Tânia; S. Costa, Helena; Palmeira-de-Oliveira, Ana; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Sut, Stefania; Dall'Acqua, Stefano; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.
    The nutritional composition of Calluna vulgaris flowers as well as the phytochemical profile, antioxidant (DPPH and FRAP assays), antimicrobial and cytotoxic (in human immortalized non-tumorigenic keratinocyte and fibroblasts) activities of aqueous, hydroalcoholic and ethanolic extracts were evaluated. A high content of fiber and carbohydrates (75%) and the prevalence of α-tocopherol as vitamer deserves attention. Linolenic (35%), linoleic (27%) and palmitic (21%) acids were the most abundant fatty acids. Qualitative and quantitative analysis by LC-MS and 1NMR indicated high levels of quercetin, kaempferol and myricetin derivatives as well as procyanidins. The hydro-alcoholic extract displayed the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC). No adverse effects on cells were observed until a concentration of 100 μg/mL and a good antimicrobial activity was reported against S. epidermidis and S. aureus with the hydro-alcoholic extract. The data obtained demonstrated that wild plants like heather, although not being a common nutritional reference, can be used in an alimentary base as a source of bioactive compounds, namely antioxidants.
    2018Journal article Open access Show more