Plants represent the main source of molecules for the development of new drugs, which intensifies the interest of transnational industries in searching for substances obtained from plant sources, especially since the vast majority of species have not yet been studied chemically or biologically, particularly concerning anti-inflammatory action. Anti-inflammatory drugs can interfere in the pathophysiological process of inflammation, to minimize tissue damage and provide greater comfort to the patient. Therefore, it is important to note that due to the existence of a large number of species available for research, the successful development of new naturally occurring anti-inflammatory drugs depends mainly on a multidisciplinary effort to find new molecules. Although many review articles have been published in this regard, the majority presented the subject from a limited regional perspective. Thus, the current article presents highlights from the published literature on plants as sources of anti-inflammatory agents.

This study identified two phenolic compounds in Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi fruits: naringenin (first report in this species) and gallic acid. Their structures were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data (1H-, 13C-NMR) and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. A high content of phenolics (659.21 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of sample—Folin-Ciocalteau method) and total flavonoids (140.69 mg of rutin equivalents/g of sample—aluminum chloride method) were quantified in S. terebinthifolius, as well as high antioxidant activity (77.47%—2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH method). The antihypertensive activity related to its phenolic content was investigated. After intravenous infusion in Wistar rats, these phenolics significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the systolic, median, and diastolic arterial pressures of individuals. The rotarod test was performed to determine the mechanism of action of the sample vasorelaxant effect. It was found that its action exceeded that of the positive control used (diazepam). This confirmed the vasodilatory activity exerted by S. terebinthifolius fruits is related to the phenolic compounds present in the plant, which are potent antioxidants and inhibit oxidative stress, mainly in the central nervous system.

O presente trabalho visou verificar a elaboração, a caracterização e a avaliação da aceitação de duas formulações alimentares achocolatadas (uma contendo albumina e a outra, concentrado proteico de soro de leite - WPC) para crianças de 7 a 10 anos. O desenvolvimento das formulações baseou-se nas recomendações nutricionais para a faixa etária. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros físico-químicos: composição química, estabilidade, pH, viscosidade e fluidez. A análise sensorial englobou as escalas hedônica de atitude, intenção de consumo e doçura e foi realizada por um grupo de 142 julgadores de um centro universitário, com média de 24,5 ± 7,3 anos de idade e 66,2% do sexo feminino. Todos os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística, adotando-se p < 0,05 como nível de significância. A composição química não diferiu em base seca (p > 0,05). Observaram-se 3,88 (albumina) e 4,79 (WPC) vezes mais proteínas em 100 mL de amostra do que em bebidas comerciais. A primeira formulação mostrou-se mais viscosa (137,33 cP versus 22,33 cP da formulação com WPC) e menos fluida (percorreu 40 mL em 69 segundosversus 29 segundos da formulação com WPC). Quanto ao pH, o produto com albumina apresentou característica alcalina (8,60) e o com WPC ácida (6,28). Ambas as formulações permaneceram estáveis e homogêneas após 24 horas de visualização. A análise sensorial mostrou que as formulações foram similares em todos os testes aplicados (p > 0,05), sendo que as características mais bem avaliadas foram o sabor, a textura e a doçura, para ambas. Houve boa aceitação das formulações, com nota mediana de 7 e valores acima de 80% para a soma das respostas positivas nos testes. Conclui-se que as formulações alimentares analisadas apresentaram boas características físico-químicas e mostraram-se equilibradas nutricionalmente, com potencial para comercialização.

The objective of this work was to determine the total carotenoids, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity of 'UENF SD 08' (super-sweet corn) and to compare them with those of 'UENF50611' (field corn). The total carotenoid content was determined according to Rodriguez-Amaya, the total phenolic content by the Folin-Ciocalteau method, and the antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging method. For 'UENF SD 08', the average values were: 936.76±16.34 µg 100 g−1 for carotenoids, 346.0±3.80 mg 100 g−1 for phenolics, and 45.53±0.01% for antioxidant activity. For UENF50611, the average values were: 1,173.38±21.66 µg 100 g−1 for carotenoids, 563.33±7.97 mg 100 g−1 for phenolics, and 59.82±0.11% for antioxidant activity. UENF50611 showed a higher antioxidant activity observed due to its higher levels of carotenoids and phenolic compounds; however, the values observed for the 'UENF SD 08' super-sweet corn are within the ranges already described in the literature. 'UENF SD 08' contains a lower concentration of carotenoids and phenolic compounds than 'UENF50611', its nonmutant genetic background. However, the super-sweet corn 'UENF SD 08' has agronomic advantages, is considered a source of the evaluated secondary metabolites, and its consumption can contribute to a diet with a higher content of antioxidants.

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The need to increase the product's shelf life and the growing concern to minimize the use of synthetic products encouraged the researchers to evaluate the antioxidant activity and quantify phenolic compounds as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, quercetin and apigenin through the use of HPLC, in 29 accesses of Capsicum baccatum. Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum is one species of the Capsicum genus widely consumed in Brazil. It is the second largest pepper produced in the world. However, its chemical composition and mainly its extract antioxidant activity have been poorly reported in literature. In order to deepen the study of the access properties relating the antioxidant activity versus content of phenolic compounds. It is suggested that the BRS, 1643a, 1611 and 1613, accession could be used as natural antioxidants in the food industry.