The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a polyphenol-rich Açaí seed extract (ASE, 300 mg/kg-1d-1) on adiposity and hepatic steatosis in mice that were fed a high-fat (HF) diet and its underlying mechanisms based on hepatic lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. Four groups were studied: C57BL/6 mice that were fed with standard diet (10% fat, Control), 10% fat + ASE (ASE), 60% fat (HF), and 60% fat + ASE (HF + ASE) for 12 weeks. We evaluated the food intake, body weight gain, serum glucose and lipid profile, hepatic cholesterol and triacyglycerol (TG), hepatic expression of pAMPK, lipogenic proteins (SREBP-1c, pACC, ACC, HMG-CoA reductase) and cholesterol excretion transporters, ABCG5 and ABCG8. We also evaluated the steatosis in liver sections and oxidative stress. ASE reduced body weight gain, food intake, glucose levels, accumulation of cholesterol and TG in the liver, which was associated with a reduction of hepatic steatosis. The increased expressions of SREBP-1c and HMG-CoA reductase and reduced expressions of pAMPK and pACC/ACC in HF group were antagonized by ASE. The ABCG5 and ABCG8 transporters expressions were increased by the extract. The antioxidant effect of ASE was demonstrated in liver of HF mice by restoration of SOD, CAT and GPx activities and reduction of the increased levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonylation. In conclusion, ASE substantially reduced the obesity and hepatic steatosis induced by HF diet by reducing lipogenesis, increasing cholesterol excretion and improving oxidative stress in the liver, providing a nutritional resource for prevention of obesity-related adiposity and hepatic steatosis.
This study describes the isolation of a flavonoid fraction from leaves of Ocotea notata (Nees & Mart.) [10]) present in the fraction and its activity against the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). The 50% effective concentrations values (EC50) calculated from the dose-response curve and the selectivity indices (SI) against the virus were: EC50 35.8 µg/mL and SI 5.5 to HSV-1 and EC50 23.5 µg/mL and SI 8.5 to HSV-2. The flavonoid fraction was more active against HSV-2 than HSV-1. The mechanisms of antiviral action of the flavonoid fraction against the virus were also evaluated. The percentage inhibition (PI) obtained for HSV-2 was higher than 90% in the following assays: virucidal, pre-treatment of cells, treatment of cells after viral adsorption and treatment of cells after viral penetration. For HSV-1, the flavonoid fraction had no effect in pretreatment of cells and showed 60% of inhibition in virucidal assay.
Cocos nucifera
L. is a palm tree
(Arecaceae) with a high economic value. The coconut husk fibers are
nonedible, thick, and abrasion-resistant and correspond up to 85%
of biomass discarded as solid waste residue. Therefore, the husk fibers
are an underexploited byproduct with a high content of extractives
of unreported nature. Two varieties of
C. nucifera
L. husk extracts were investigated to uncover bioactive metabolites
and their possible application as a green corrosion inhibitor for
carbon steel AISI 1020 under neutral pH conditions. The chemical analysis
indicated 3% (w/w) of proanthocyanidins in the husk fibers with a
high B-type procyanidin content. The husk fibers’ crude extract
showed promising results as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for
carbon steel AISI 1020 under neutral pH conditions. Although it formed
a film on the metal surface in all tested concentrations (0.4, 0.8,
1.2, and 1.6 g L
–1
), the highest protective efficiency
was shown at a concentration of 1.2 g L
–1
, determined
by electrochemical techniques and mass loss. This was the first comprehensive
report on coconut husk fibers’ chemical composition, which
was similar between the two varieties with potential for industrial
application.
The essential oil obtained by steam distillation from fresh leaves of Ocotea notata (Ness) Mez (Lauraceae) was analyzed by GC-MS and twelve compounds were identified, accounting for 83.3 % of the total components present in the essential oil. The sesquiterpenes Germacrene A (22.7 %) and β-Caryophyllene (22.9 %), and the monoterpenes α-Pinene, β-Pinene and Terpinolene (8.7 %, 6.9 % and 5,5 % respectively) were the main constituents. The oil was evaluated by means of the brine shrimp lethality test and showed high toxicity with an LC 50 value of 2.37 μg/mL.
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