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Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria L.) (Ae) is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory and oxidative related diseases. Therefore, this study focuses on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of Ae infusion (AeI). Phenolic compounds characterization was achieved by HPLC-PDA-ESI/MSn. To evaluate antioxidant potential, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and SNAP assays were used. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of AeI was investigated in LPS-stimulated macrophages by measuring the NO production. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity was validated using the mouse carrageenan-induced paw edema model. Peripheral and central analgesic potential was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate tests, respectively, as well as the formalin assay to assess both activities. The safety profile was disclosed in vitro and in vivo, using MTT and hematoxylin assays, respectively. Vitexin, quercetin O-galloyl-hexoside, and kaempferol O-acetyl-hexosyl-rhamnoside were referred to in this species for the first time. AeI and mainly AePF (Ae polyphenolic fraction) showed a significant antiradical activity against all tested radicals. Both AeI and AePF decreased NO levels in vitro, AePF being more active than AeI. In vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were verified for both samples at concentrations devoid of toxicity. Agrimony infusion and, mainly, AePF are potential sources of antiradical and anti-inflammatory polyphenols.

Fragaria vesca L. (F. vesca), popularly known as wild strawberry, is a plant from the Rosaceae family, found in temperate and subtropical areas of the northern hemisphere. F. vesca leaves have been shown to have antiseptic, emollient, and dermatological protection properties, due to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, ellagitannins, and proanthocyanidins. In this study, a F. vesca extract was obtained by an optimized extraction process, and was characterized by HPLC, ROS scavenging activity, cytotoxicity assays in HaCaT cells, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity determination. The most active extract was then incorporated in a hydrogel with hydroxyethylcellulose at 2% (w/w), which was characterized at the physicochemical, stability, cytotoxicity, and ROS scavenging activity levels to evaluate its quality, safety, and efficacy. In vivo studies, human repeat insult patch testing, and an assay to determine their antioxidant efficacy, were also performed. The results showed that the Fragaria vesca extracts had antioxidant activity and that the F. vesca extract-based hydrogel exhibited cutaneous compatibility, acceptability and antioxidant efficacy, being stable, and suitable for topical application.

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The results of a survey of 28 over-the-counter tablet preparations of isoflavones extracted from soy and 2 with black cohosh that are available in Portuguese pharmacies are presented. All were remedies for hot flushes and post-menopause related problems. Their isoflavone content was analysed by HPLC/DAD and LC/MS-MS. The results show that the isoflavonoids in soy extracts sold by the pharmaceutical companies in Portugal are mainly daidzin, glycitin and genistin.

Overexpression of melanin contributes to darkening of plant and fruit tissues and skin hyperpigmentation, leading to melasma or age spots. Although melanin biosynthesis is complex and involves several steps, a single enzyme known as tyrosinase is key to regulating this process. The melanogenesis pathway is initiated by oxidation of the starting material l-tyrosine (or l-DOPA) to dopaquinone by tyrosinase; the resulting quinone then serves as a substrate for subsequent steps that eventually lead to production of melanin. Medicinal plants are considered a good source of tyrosinase inhibitors. This study investigated the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of A. mollis leaf extracts and their phytochemicals. Significant activity was verified in the ethanol extract –EEt (IC50 = 1.21 µg/mL). Additionally, a kinetic study showed that this tyrosinase inhibition occurs by DIBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one) and verbascoside contribution through a non-competitive reaction mechanism. A synergistic effect on tyrosinase inhibition was observed in the binary combination of the compounds. In conclusion, both EEt and a mixture of two of its phytochemicals can be effective tyrosinase inhibitors and can be used as a bleaching agent for cosmetic formulations in the future.

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