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Pinto Lisboa Martins Rodrigues Sarmento, Francisca
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- New Perspectives on the Sustainable Employment of Chestnut Shells as Active Ingredient against Oral Mucositis: A First ScreeningPublication . Ferreira, Ana Sofia; Silva, Ana Margarida; Pinto, Diana; Moreira, Manuela M.; Ferraz, Ricardo; Švarc-Gajić, Jaroslava; Costa, Paulo C.; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Rodrigues, FranciscaOral mucositis (OM), a common side effect of oncological treatment, is an oral mucosal disorder characterized by painful ulcerations and increased risk of infection. The use of natural antioxidants to suppress the redox imbalance responsible for the OM condition has emerged as an interesting approach to prevent/treat OM. This study aims to explore the chestnut (Castana sativa) shells as potential active ingredient against OM. Therefore, chestnut shells were extracted at different temperatures (110–180 °C) by Subcritical Water Extraction (SWE), aiming to recover antioxidants. The extracts were also evaluated against microorganisms present in the oral cavity as well as on human oral cell lines (TR146 and HSC3). The highest phenolic content was obtained with the extraction temperature of 110 °C, exhibiting the best antioxidant/antiradical activities and scavenging efficiencies against HOCl (IC50 = 4.47 μg/mL) and ROO• (0.73 μmol TE/mg DW). High concentrations of phenolic acids (e.g., gallic and protocatechuic acids) and flavanoids (catechin, epicatechin and rutin) characterized the phenolic profile. The antimicrobial activity against several oral microorganisms present in the oral cavity during OM, such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Escherichia, was demonstrated. Finally, the effects on HSC3 and TR146 cell lines revealed that the extract prepared at 110 °C had the lowest IC50 (1325.03 and 468.15 µg/mL, respectively). This study highlights the potential effects of chestnut shells on OM
- Insights into the 3D In Vitro Permeability and In Vivo Antioxidant Protective Effects of Kiwiberry Leaf Extract: A Step Forward to Human Nutraceutical UsePublication . Silva, Ana Margarida; Almeida, Andreia; Dall’Acqua, Stefano; Loschi, Francesca; Sarmento, Bruno; Costa, Paulo C.; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Rodrigues, FranciscaActinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq. (kiwiberry) leaves are a source of phenolic compounds with pro-health biological effects, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Despite the huge number of studies reporting the composition of A. arguta leaves, no in vitro or in vivo studies explore its potential use as nutraceutical ingredient based on these activities. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the safety profile of kiwiberry leaf extracts using in vitro and in vivo approaches through the assessment of intestinal cell viability (Caco-2 and HT29-MTX), 3D intestinal permeation, and, most important, the redox markers, biochemical profile and liver and kidney function effects after the animal assays. Briefly, wistar rats were orally treated for 7 days with kiwiberry leaf extracts (50 and 75 mg/kg bw), water (negative control), or vitamin C (positive control). The cell viability was above 90% at 1000 μg/mL for both cells. Coumaroyl quinic acid and rutin achieved a permeation higher than 25% in the 3D intestinal model. The animal studies confirmed the extracts’ ability to increase superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase content in animals’ livers and kidneys while simultaneously decreasing the triglycerides content. This study highlighted the antioxidant capacity of kiwiberry leaf extracts, ensuring their efficacy and safety as a nutraceutical ingredient
- 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
- Appraisal of a new potential antioxidants-rich nutraceutical ingredient from chestnut shells through in-vivo assays – A targeted metabolomic approach in phenolic compoundsPublication . Pinto, Diana; Almeida, Andreia; López-Yerena, Anallely; Pinto, Soraia; Sarmento, Bruno; Lamuela-Raventós, Rosa; Vallverdú-Queralt, Anna; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Rodrigues, FranciscaChestnut (Castanea sativa) shells (CSS) are a source of bioactive compounds with well demonstrated in-vitro antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, no in-vivo studies have already evaluated this effect. This study evaluated the effects of the oral daily administration of an eco-friendly CSS extract (50 and 100 mg/kg per body weight (b. w.)) to rats regarding in-vivo antioxidant activity, glucose and lipids levels, and metabolomic profiling of poly- phenols by LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS. The results demonstrated the in-vivo antioxidant properties in the animals liver, kidney and blood serum, as well as protective effects against hemolysis and rising of blood glucose and lipids levels. New insights on metabolomic profiling of polyphenols proved their absorption and further biotransformation by phase I (hydrogenation and hydroxylation) and II reactions (glucuronidation, methylation and sulfation). This is the first study that attempted to validate a novel nutraceutical ingredient extracted from CSS by in-vivo assays, corroborating the outcomes screened by in-vitro assays
- 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.
- Bioactive polysaccharides from medicinal mushrooms: A review on their isolation, structural characteristics and antitumor activityPublication . Garcia, Juliana; Rodrigues, Francisca; Saavedra, Maria José; Nunes, Fernando M.; Marques, GuilherminaMushrooms either alone or in combination with conventional cancer treatment have been enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy improving the patients' quality of life. These therapy effects have been attributed to polysaccharides; the most potent compounds found in the fungi kingdom. Due to their wide range of biological activity and the backbone of glucose residues linked by β-(1 → 3)-glycosidic bonds, often with attached side-chain glucose residues joined by β-(1 → 6) linkages, the mushroom's polysaccharides, particularly the β-glucans, are the most versatile metabolites. Lentinan, D-fraction, and schizophyllan from Lentinula edodes, Grifola frondosa, and Schizophyllum commune, respectively are well-known β-glucans, however, the precise immunomodulation and anticancer mechanisms of action remain to be uncovered. According to several studies, β-glucan can interact with certain receptors on macrophages and dendritic cells, such as dectin-1 and TLRs, producing different cytokines and, in turn, indirectly activating other immune cells including T and B cells. Moreover, recent findings have proved that β-glucans have a direct cytotoxic effect on cancer cells suppressing proliferation and enhancing apoptosis possibly via multiple pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB-, ERK-, ERα-, caspase- and p53-dependent pathways. Indeed, this study intends to provide information on the lentinan, D-fraction, and schizophyllan by examining the extraction procedures, chemical composition, and immunostimulatory and antitumoral biological activities. Future research directions should be directed toward improving the validity and reliability of randomized trials to confirm the potential role of β-glucans on the immune system and as anticancer therapy.
- Influence of temperature on the subcritical water extraction of Actinidia arguta leaves: A screening of pro-healthy compoundsPublication . Silva, Ana Margarida; Luís, Ana Sofia; Moreira, Manuela M.; Ferraz, Ricardo; Brezo-Borjan, Tanja; Švarc-Gajić, Jaroslava; Costa, Paulo C.; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Rodrigues, FranciscaActinidia arguta is a species disseminated in Europe and classified by the Chinese Herbal Medicine as a medicinal plant. The fruit (kiwiberry) has been extensively exploited for multiple purposes, while leaves where discarded. The objective of this study was to evaluate the optimal Subcritical Water Extraction (SWE) temperature (110 °C - 160 °C) of antioxidants and polyphenols from A. arguta leaves. The optimal temperature of extraction was 123 °C, revealing the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents and good scavenging efficiencies against HOCl (IC50 = 17.06 μg/mL) and O2●- (IC50 = 335.2 μg/mL), without toxicity on intestinal cells. The phenolic profile was characterized by high amounts of phenolic acids (e.g., gallic acids), flavanols (catechin) and flavonols (e.g., quercetin-3-O-galactoside). This work allows to conclude that SWE can be a useful extraction technique for the recovery of polyphenolics from A. arguta leaves
- Infusions and decoctions of dehydrated fruits of Actinidia arguta and Actinidia deliciosa: Bioactivity, radical scavenging activity and effects on cells viabilityPublication . Silva, Ana Margarida; Pinto, Diana; Fernandes, Iva; Albuquerque, Tânia Gonçalves; Costa, Helena S.; Freitas, Vitor; Rodrigues, Francisca; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.Actinidia deliciosa and A. arguta fruits (kiwifruit and kiwiberry, respectively) are an excellent source of bioactive compounds. The aim of this paper is to valorize the fruits that are not commercialized (e.g. due to inadequate size or physical damage) in infusions and decoctions. The antioxidant activity, the scavenging activity against reactive species, the phenolic profile and the intestinal effects of infusions and decoctions of dehydrated fruits were evaluated and compared. Decoctions presented the highest antioxidant activity and a good ability to capture HOCl and NO. The phenolic composition of A. arguta present quinic acid, cis-caftaric acid and its derivatives, caffeoyl hexoside, luteolin glucuronide, quercetin derivatives and myristin, while A. deliciosa extracts were characterized by the presence of quinic acid, caffeic acid and its derivatives and caffeoyl hexoside. No adverse effects were observed on Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cells. Kiwiberry decoctions showed to be the best option to keep the fruits benefits.
- Increasing the added value of vine-canes as a sustainable source of phenolic compounds: A reviewPublication . Dorosh, Olena; Rodrigues, Francisca; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Moreira, Manuela M.Grapes represent one of the most produced fruit crops around the world leading to the generation of large amounts of vine-canes as a side product, with no current economically profitable application. However, vine-canes have been demonstrated to be natural sources of phenolic compounds with numerous health benefits associated, with several potential applications. Therefore, new ambitious applications focused on their re-use are needed, targeting a sustainable process that simultaneous produces functional products and mitigates the waste generation. This review gives to the readers a complete summary about the state of the art regarding the vine-canes extracts research. Vine-canes phenolic composition is addressed and related to the health benefits exhibited. This review comprises studies from the past two decades reporting the extraction processes to recover vine-cane phenolic compounds, including conventional and environmentally friendly technologies and discussing their advantages and disadvantages. The conditions that favour the extraction process for vine-cane polyphenols for each technique were also deeply explored for the first time, enabling to the reader apply only the best parameters to achieve the highest yields without huge investment in optimizations procedures. Furthermore, a correlation between the bioactive properties of the vine-cane extracts and their applications in multiple fields is also critically presented
- Chemical composition and bioactivity of oilseed cake extracts obtained by subcritical and modified subcritical waterPublication . Švarc-Gajić, Jaroslava; Rodrigues, Francisca; Moreira, Manuela M.; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Morais, Simone; Dorosh, Olena; Silva, Ana Margarida; Bassani, Andrea; Dzedik, Valentin; Spigno, GiorgiaRecovery of bioactive compounds from biowaste is gaining more and more interest in circular economy models. The oilseed cakes are usually insufficiently exploited by most technologies since they represent valuable matrices abundant in proteins, minerals, and phytochemicals, but their use is mostly limited to feed ingredients, fertilizers or biofuel production. This study was thus focused on the exploration of new valorization pathways of oilseed cakes by subcritical water, representing a safe and economic alternative in the creation of value chains. Pumpkin, hemp, and flax seed cakes were treated with subcritical water in nitrogen and carbon-dioxide atmospheres, as well as in nitrogen atmosphere with the addition of acid catalyst. The degradation of carbohydrate fraction was studied by quantifying sugars and sugar degradation products in the obtained extracts. The extracts obtained under different conditions were further compared chemically with respect to total phenols and flavonoids, as well as to the content of individual phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the effects of subcritical water treatment conditions on antioxidant, antiradical and cytotoxic properties of thus obtained extracts were defined and discussed.