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Pinto Lisboa Martins Rodrigues Sarmento, Francisca
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- Green-Sustainable Recovery of Phenolic and Antioxidant Compounds from Industrial Chestnut Shells Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction: Optimization and Evaluation of Biological Activities In VitroPublication . Lameirão, Fátima; Pinto, Diana; F. Vieira, Elsa; F. Peixoto, Andreia; Freire, Cristina; Sut, Stefania; Dall’Acqua, Stefano; Costa, Paulo; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Rodrigues, FranciscaChestnut processing industry generates large amounts of by-products, including leaves, burs and shells that are a source of bioactive compounds. The purpose of this study was to establish an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of phenolic and antioxidant compounds from industrial chestnut shells. A central composite design (CCD) was conducted to analyze the effects of time (4–46 min) and temperature (34–76 °C) in the antioxidant activity (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) of chestnut shells extracts. The optimal extraction conditions were obtained at 70 °C for 40 min. The optimal extract was characterized regarding phenolic profile, radical scavenging capacity, and effects on intestinal and dermal cell lines. The optimal extract revealed high amounts of ellagic acid (40.4 µg/mg dw), followed by caffeic acid derivative (15.4 µg/mg dw) and epigallocatechin (15.3 µg/mg dw). Indeed, the extract exhibited the highest scavenging efficiencies against NO● (IC50 = 0.1 µg/mL) and HOCl (IC50 = 0.7 µg/mL) and did not conducted to a decrease on HaCaT and HFF-1 viability up to 100 μg/mL. Oppositely, a decrease on Caco-2 and HT29-MTX viability was observed. This study suggests that UAE could be a sustainable option to valorize chestnut shells as raw material for different industries.
- Development and Optimization of a Topical Formulation with Castanea sativa Shells Extract Based on the Concept “Quality by Design”Publication . Oliveira, Nágilla; Cádiz-Gurrea, María de La Luz; Silva, Ana Margarida; Macedo, Catarina; Rodrigues, Francisca; Costa, PauloThe proposed study aims to develop and optimize a topical formulation with Castanea sativa shells extract considering the concept of Quality by Design, focusing on a planned development that consider the vulnerabilities of the entire process through risk analysis tools and design of experiments (DoE). A Box–Behnken design with three factors and three levels was used as a statistical tool for the execution of the DoE and the analysis of the response surface methodology responses. The independent variables studied were the quantity of sodium lauryl sulfate (%) (X1), beeswax (%) (X2) and macadamia oil (%) (X3); the dependent variables were pH (Y1), viscosity (Y2) and adhesiveness (Y3). According to the mathematical model, the optimal formulation contains 0.93% of sodium lauryl sulfate, 5.00% of beeswax and 10.00% of macadamia oil. The optimal formulation with the extract was prepared and characterized over the time, regarding organoleptic and technological characteristics, allowing conclusions to be reached regarding its stability. The formulation presented a pleasant odor and was light brown in color, it also demonstrated pseudoplastic-thixotropic behavior and a small reduction in the formulation consistency after 30 days of storage. This study demonstrated the efficiency of the Quality by Design methodology to understand the product variability, supporting that this approach favors a better understanding of the whole process and enables to design a robust development stage, reducing costs and generating high-quality products
- Multi-target neuroprotective effects of herbal medicines for Alzheimer's diseasePublication . Fernandes, Filipe; Barroso, M. Fátima; De Simone, Angela; Emriková, Eliška; Dias-Teixeira, Mónica; Pereira, José Paulo; Chlebek, Jakub; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Rodrigues, Francisca; Andrisano, Vincenza; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Grosso, ClaraEthnopharmacological relevance Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, but its treatment options remain few and ineffective. To find new therapeutic strategies, natural products have gained interest due to their neuroprotective potential, being able to target different pathological hallmarks associated with this disorder. Several plant species are traditionally used due to their empirical neuroprotective effects and it is worth to explore their mechanism of action. Aim of the study This study intended to explore the neuroprotective potential of seven traditional medicinal plants, namely Scutellaria baicalensis, Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum, Curcuma longa, Lavandula angustifolia, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Rosmarinus officinalis. The safety assessment with reference to pesticides residues was also aimed. Materials and methods Decoctions prepared from these species were chemically characterized by HPLC-DAD and screened for their ability to scavenge four different free radicals (DPPH•, ABTS•+, O2•‒ and •NO) and to inhibit enzymes related to neurodegeneration (cholinesterases and glycogen synthase kinase-3β). Cell viability through MTT assay was also evaluated in two different brain cell lines, namely non-tumorigenic D3 human brain endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) and NSC-34 motor neurons. Furthermore, and using GC, 21 pesticides residues were screened. Results Regarding chemical composition, chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of several flavonoids, phenolic acids, curcuminoids, phenolic diterpenoids, one alkaloid and one naphthodianthrone in the seven decoctions. All extracts were able to scavenge free radicals and were moderate glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors; however, they displayed weak to moderate acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition. G. biloba and L. angustifolia decoctions were the less cytotoxic to hCMEC/D3 and NSC-34 cell lines. No pesticides residues were detected. Conclusions The results extend the knowledge on the potential use of plant extracts to combat multifactorial disorders, giving new insights into therapeutic avenues for Alzheimer's disease.
- Eco-friendly insights on kiwiberry leaves valorization through in-vitro and in-vivo studiesPublication . Silva, Ana Margarida; Garcia, Juliana; Dall'Acqua, Stefano; Costa, Paulo; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Rodrigues, FranciscaOn 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
- New insights of phytochemical profile and in vitro antioxidant and neuroprotective activities from optimized extract of Horned Melon fruitPublication . Vieira, Elsa F.; Podlasiak, Martyna; Moreira, Manuela M.; Grosso, Clara; Rodrigues, Francisca; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Delerue-Matos, CristinaThis study aimed the optimization of antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total carotenoids of Horned Melon fruit submitted to maceration extraction, using ethanol as solvent. Optimization was performed by Box–Behnken design on three levels and three variables: extraction temperature (25 °C, 55 °C, and 85 °C), extraction time (0.5, 2.0, and 3.5 h) and ethanol concentration (10%, 50%, and 90%). The optimal conditions to improve the carotenoids extraction was 55 °C, 1.5 h and 86% ethanol, whereas the antiradical/antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP assays) and TPC were enhanced at 45 °C for 2.0 h and 40% ethanol. The optimal antioxidant extract was characterized regarding the phenolic composition and in vitro neuroprotective activities. The phenolic composition revealed the presence of high amounts of gallic acid (11.7 ± 0.6 mg/100 g dw) and protocatechuic acid (7.69 ± 0.38 mg/100 g dw). However, this extract presented a weak activity against Monoamine oxidase A (11.8 ± 2.3% inhibition at 2.7 mg/mL) and did not display anti-cholinesterase activity at the maximum concentration tested (1.3 mg/mL). Maceration was an efficient extraction technique to recover polyphenols and carotenoids from Horned Melon fruit. The optimized model can be very useful for food and pharmaceutical industries
- Assessment of a Formulation Containing a Castanea sativa Shells Extract on Skin Face Parameters: In Vivo EvaluationPublication . Silva, Ana Margarida; Costa, Paulo C.; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Rodrigues, FranciscaIn the last years, the demand for new eco-friendly ingredients has increased on the cosmetic market. Consumers are more aware of sustainable principles and, simultaneously, more conscious regarding the skin aging process. Chestnut (Castanea sativa) shells are a food by-product produced in high quantities in Europe. This waste has been described as a rich source of phenolic compounds with skin biological effects, such as antioxidant, antiradical, and anti-inflammatory activities. Despite the huge number of assays reporting the richness of chestnut shell extracts in bioactive compounds as well as the development of cosmetic formulations containing these extracts, no in vivo assays have assessed their clinical efficacy in human volunteers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on skin face parameters of a formulation containing a chestnut shell extract in human volunteers (n = 22) who applied the product twice per day, for 56 days. For that, biophysical techniques, including Corneometer®, Cutometer®, and PrimosPremium, were employed, allowing the quantification of skin hydration and firmness, as well as of wrinkles’ depth and volume and wrinkles’ skin roughness. The results demonstrated that the formulation led to a slight decrease in roughness and wrinkles’ depth, although no significant differences with respect to a placebo were observed. In addition, a clear improvement of skin hydration was achieved (t0 = 54.00 Arbitrary Units (A.U.) and t56 = 58.62 A.U.). In contrast to the placebo, the active formulation increased skin firmness up to 31.76% in 50.00% of the volunteers, but without significant differences with respect to the placebo, probably due to the short period of treatment. A long-term use of the product is recommended to possibly observe significant differences in all parameters.
- Honey as an Adjuvant in the Treatment of COVID-19 Infection: A ReviewPublication . Soares, Sónia; Bornet, Mélina; Grosso, Clara; Ramalhosa, Maria João; Gouvinhas, Irene; Garcia, Juliana; Rodrigues, Francisca; Delerue-Matos, CristinaSince ancestor times, honey has been used to promote human health due to its medicinal, and nutritious properties, mainly due to bioactive compounds present, such as phenolic compounds. The emergence of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, led to the pursuit of solutions for the treatment of symptoms and/or disease. Honey has proven to be effective against viral infections, principally due to its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that attenuate oxidative damage induced by pathogens, and by improving the immune system. Therefore, the aim of this review is to overview the abilities of honey to attenuate different COVID-19 symptoms, highlighting the mechanisms associated with these actions and relating the with the different bioactive compounds present. A brief, detailed approach to SARS-CoV-2 mechanism of action is first overviewed to allow readers a deep understanding. Additionally, the compounds and beneficial properties of honey, and its previously application in other similar diseases, are detailed in depth. Despite the already reported efficacy of honey against different viruses and their complications, further studies are urgently needed to explain the molecular mechanisms of activity against COVID-19 and, most importantly, clinical trials enrolling COVID-19 patients.
- Evaluation of the Extraction Temperature Influence on Polyphenolic Profiles of Vine-Canes (Vitis vinifera) Subcritical Water ExtractsPublication . Dorosh, Olena; M. Moreira, Manuela; Pinto, Diana; F. Peixoto, Andreia; Freire, Cristina; Costa, Paulo; Rodrigues, Francisca; Delerue-Matos, CristinaThis work focused on evaluating the possibility of using vineyard pruning wastes from two Portuguese Vitis vinifera varieties; Touriga Nacional (TN) and Tinta Roriz (TR), as new potential ingredients for the nutraceutical industry. An environmentally friendly extraction technique; namely subcritical-water extraction (SWE), was employed. The overall results indicate that phenolic acids were the major class of compounds quantified; being gallic acid the principal one. The highest value for total phenolic content (TPC) was obtained for the TR extract at 250 °C (181 ± 12 mg GAE/g dw). In terms of antioxidant activity; the DPPH values for the extracts obtained at 250 °C were approximately 4-fold higher than the ones obtained at 125 °C; with TR extract presenting the highest value (203 ± 22 mg TE/g dw). Thus, the TR extract obtained through SWE at 250 °C was selected to evaluate the scavenging activity and the in vitro effects on cells due to the best results achieved in the previous assays. This extract presented the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (O2●-, HOCl and ROO●). No adverse effects were observed in HFF-1 viability after exposure to extract concentrations below 100 μg/mL. This work demonstrated that vine-canes extracts could be a potential ingredient to nutraceutical industry
- Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Antioxidant Properties of Boletus edulis and Neoboletus luridiformis Against Multidrug-Resistant ESKAPE PathogensPublication . Garcia, Juliana; Rodrigues, Francisca; Castro, Flávia; Aires, Alfredo; Marques, Guilhermina; Saavedra, Maria JoséMultidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) has become the most recurrent global cause of skin and soft-tissue infections, belonging to the WHO priority pathogens list. Successful therapy remains challenging and entails the assessment of novel and successful antibiotics. In this study, mushrooms are considered a valuable and unique source of natural antimicrobial compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of Boletus edulis (B. edulis) and Neoboletus luridiformis (N. luridiformis) aqueous and methanolic extracts against ESKAPE isolates from clinical wound infections. Disk diffusion and microdilution methods were used to assess the antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical characterization was achieved by analysis of total phenols, orthodiphenols content, and antioxidant activity as well as by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Human foreskin fibroblasts-1 (HFF-1) cell viability was performed by the MTT assay. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of B. edulis and N. luridiformis showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties against multidrug-resistant bacteria, although with different efficacy rates. The results showed that there is a convincing relation between the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity suggesting that the presence of phenolic compounds may explain the biological effects. HPLC analysis revealed high levels of protocatechuic acid, homogentisic acid, pyrogallol, gallic acid, p-catechin, and dihydroxybenzoic acid in the aqueous extract of B. edulis, explaining the highest antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. Importantly, the mushrooms extracts were non-cytotoxic at all the tested concentrations. Overall, the tested mushrooms extracts are good candidates to further explore its use in the prevention of wound infection, particularly by multidrug-resistant pathogens
- Vine-Canes as a Source of Value-Added Compounds for Cosmetic FormulationsPublication . Moreira, Manuela M.; Rodrigues, Francisca; Dorosh, Olena; Pinto, Diana; Costa, Paulo C.; Švarc-Gajić, Jaroslava; Delerue-Matos, CristinaThe majority of works about vine-canes are focused on the evaluation of their chemical composition and antioxidant potential. To the best of our knowledge, the possible applications of produced extracts in cosmetic formulations have never been explored. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of vine-canes subcritical water extracts for use as active ingredients in the cosmetic industry. For that, the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of six vine-cane varieties, namely Alvarinho and Loureiro from the Minho region and Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz (TR) from both the Douro and Dão regions, were evaluated through spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. All extracts presented similar antioxidant activity and the highest phenolic content was reported for TR variety from the Douro region (33.7 ± 1.9 mg GAE/g dw). The capacity of vine-cane extracts to capture reactive oxygen species superoxide (O2∙−) was also studied, with the highest IC50 value being obtained for Loureiro variety (56.68 ± 2.60 µg/mL). Furthermore, no adverse effects on HaCaT and HFF-1 dermal cell lines in concentrations below 100 and 1000 μg/mL, respectively, were determined. Finally, Loureiro vine-cane extract was incorporated into a topical formulation, and physical and microbiological properties were within expected values, demonstrating that vine-canes extracts can be successfully incorporated in cosmetic products.