Counteracting effects on free radicals and histological alterations induced by a fraction with casearins

Abstract

Casearia sylvestris Swartz is a medicinal plant widely distributed in Brazil. It has anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and antitumor activities and is popularly used to treat snakebites, wounds, diarrhea, flu and chest colds. Its leaves are rich in oxygenated tricyclic cis-clerodane diterpenes, particulary casearins. Herein, we evaluated the antioxidant activities of a fraction with casearins (FC) isolated from C. sylvestris and histological changes on the central nervous system and livers of Mus musculus mice. Firstly, in vitro studies (0.9, 1.8, 3.6, 5.4 and 7.2 μg/mL) revealed EC50 values of 3.7, 6.4 and 0.16 µg/mL for nitrite, hydroxyl radical and TBARS levels, respectively. Secondly, FC (2.5, 5, 10 and 25 mg/kg/day) was intraperitoneally administered to Swiss mice for 7 consecutive days. Nitrite levels in the hippocampus (26.2, 27.3, 30.2 and 26.6 µM) and striatum (26.3, 25.4, 34.3 and 27.5 µM) increased in all treated animals (P < 0.05). Lower doses dropped reduced glutathione, catalase and TBARS levels in the hippocampus and striatum. With the exception of this reduction in TBARS formation, FC displayed only in vitro antioxidant activity. Animals exhibited histological alterations suggestive of neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, indicating the need for precaution regarding the consumption of medicinal formulations based on Casearia sylvestris.

Behavioral effects induced by antitumor cleronade diterpenes from Casearia sylvestris and in silico interactions with neuron receptors

“…On the other hand, biochemical and enzimatic profile of hippocampus and striatum from FC-treated mice in similar doses suggest that FC presents scavenger action for lipid peroxidation, since it reduced generation of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) only (Araújo et al, 2015). Despite these diferences from in vitro and in vivo evaluations, which probably involve the liver basic machinery and its biochemical processes such as oxidation and hidroxilation in absence of hepatic injury (Araújo et al, 2015), FC showed a new side of its pontentiality, specially taking into consideration that oxidative stress directly participate in the genesis and progression of many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurological illnesses (e.g., Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases) and aging process. Life expectancy increasing becomes crucial to develop new strategies and therapies to combat chronic diseases (Ferreira et al, 2011;Krishnaiah et al, 2011;Alam et al, 2013).…”

“…It was carried out using a fraction composed by a mixture of casearins since its represents the most folk approach in etnopharmacological uses by Brazilian population. Moreover, it is likely that distinct bioactive terpenoids may jointly or independently contribute to the biological effects (Ferreira et al, 2011;Araújo et al, 2015).…”

“…There are very a few studies describing actions of C. sylvestris on the central nervous system (CNS). Since this plant has been used for a long time in the South America, even by natives from Karajá (Brazil) and Shipibo-Conibo (Peru) Indian tribes as an alternative to treat pathologies, it is really important to understand pharmacological and/ or side effects of C. sylvestris derived products (Ferreira et al, 2011;Araújo et al, 2014Araújo et al, , 2015. Then, this study examines the possible effects of a fraction with casearins (FC) on adult mice using classical experimental models of animal behavior and theoretical calculations to verify the interaction of Casearin X (Cas X) with pharmacological receptors.…”

Action of Ascorbic Acid Supplementation in The Prevention of Morphological Changes in the Myocardium in Mice with Muscular Dystrophy

“…Among these are: immunosuppressants that in mdx mice promote reduction of cardiac fibrosis, of the systolic ejection fraction and ventricular mass [37]; and steroids, which reduce the number of deaths due to heart problems among DMD patients [38]. In addition to these, antioxidants which act by reducing free radical levels and oxidative stress [39], and therefore reduce damage caused by the muscle tissue of dystrophic animals have been widely studied [20,40].…”

Toxicogenetic profile of rats treated with aqueous extract from Morinda citrifolia fruits

“…Popular knowledges associated with geographic and economic barriers to obtain health care contribute to the use of medicinal plants such as teas and extracts, especially in developing countries to supply primary basic requirements (Firenzuoli and Gori, 2007;WHO, 2011;Akram et al, 2014;Tuttolomondo et al, 2014;Araujo et al, 2015). However, continuous exposure to synthetic or natural chemicals present in these preparations may lead to structural and functional damage to macromolecules, due to possible toxic effects, which can be measured by several genotoxic and mutagenic testing methodologies (Speit and Rothfuss, 2012;Hussin et al, 2014).…”