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- In vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of Laurobasidium lauri extractsPublication . Silva, L.; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Moreira, Fernando; Ferraz Oliveira, Rita; Pinho, CláudiaPlants and mushrooms have been used as medicines for many years, as a source of antibi-otics, antineoplastics, among others. Research have been conducted on the medicinal uses of Portu-guese plants, however, the therapeutic potentials of some of these plants used in traditional medicine, has remained unexploited. This study aims to evaluate antibacterial and cytotoxic activities, in vitro, of Laurobasidium lauri, a well-known fungus used in folk medicine on Madeira Island. An experimental study was performed using two extracts (aqueous and ethanolic 55% (V/V)) of the fun-gus isolated and in combination with three medicinal plants (Parietaria judaica, Polygonum aviculare, and Peperomia galioides). The antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coliand Staphy-lococcus aureus, through disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. Regarding the disc diffusion method E. coliwas not susceptible to any of the extracts, except for the antibiotic (41.0 ± 1.0 mm). However,S. aureus, when subjected to 10 mg/ml of the ethanolic extracts of L. lauri(isolated and in combination) exhibited an inhibition with a diameter of 16,3 ± 2,5 mm and 12,0 ± 1,7 mm, respec-tively, when compared to the control, ciprofloxacin (24,0±1,0 mm). Also, the ethanolic extract of the isolated fungus had the best value of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for S. aureus(MIC = 0.078125 mg/mL). The ethanolic extract of the fungus in combination with medicinal plants showed greater cytotoxic action on lung cancer cells A549 (IC50 = 48.3±1.0 μg/mL). The fungus presented cytotoxic and antibacterial potential, and the results observed may be related to some bioactive compounds (e.g., costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone, two natural sesquiterpene lactones present in Laurustrees, where the fungus grows). However, more research is needed to confirm these biological activities and mechanisms of action.
- Antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) ethanolic extractPublication . Pinho, Cláudia; Laranjeira, Cátia; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Oliveira, RitaFerrazDandelion (Taraxacum oficinale) is a plant known for its medicinal properties, such as antioxidant and anticancer activity. Increasing interest and research on medicinal plants have revealed its potential for treating different diseases, including cancer.
- Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Taraxacum hispanicum Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts on HepG2 CellsPublication . Laranjeira, C.; Nogueira, A.; Almeida, R.; Oliveira, Ana; Ferraz Oliveira, Rita; Pinho, Cláudia; Cruz, AgostinhoPlants belonging to the genus Taraxacum have been used in traditional medicine. Nowadays, extracts of these plants have been reported for the treatment of diseases, including liver disorders. Increasing interest and research on these plants also revealed its potential for treating cancer. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity and cytotoxic properties of crude extracts from aerial parts of Taraxacum hispanicum H.Lindb, against human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2). Material and methods: Evaluation of the antioxidant properties was performed using DPPH in vitro test, superoxide scavenging assay and Fe2+ chelating activity. MTT assay was used to determine metabolic activity, for 24 and 48 hours.