Molecular Docking, Physicochemical Properties, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity of Flavonoids Present in Euterpe oleracea Martius

Abstract

Background: Euterpe oleracea Martius, popularly known as açaí, is a fruit rich in α-tocopherols, fibers, lipids, mineral ions and polyphenols. It is believed that the high content of polyphenols, specially flavonoids, provides several health-promoting effects to the açaí fruit, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant properties. Most of flavonoids are antioxidant molecules from vegetable origin that act as a trap for free radicals, reacting and neutralizing them, thus offering perspectives in preventing oxidative damage. Objective: In this study we aim to perform an in silico evaluation of flavonoids present in the pulp and in the oil of Euterpe oleracea Martius, and their potential to represent antioxidant agents. Methods: First, we selected 16 flavonoid molecules present in Euterpe oleracea Martius pulp and oil, and then their physicochemical properties were analysed with respect to the Lipinski’s rule of five. Moreover, we evaluated their pharmacokinetic properties using the QikProp module of the Schrödinger software and their toxicity profile using the DEREK software. Docking simulations in the GOLD 4.1 software and calculation of the pharmacophore hypothesis of molecules were also performed. Results: Flavonoids present in the açaí pulp, catechin, epicatechin, luteolin, chrisoeriol, taxifolin, apigenin, dihydrokaempferol, isovitexin and vitexin presented good oral bioavailability. Regarding pharmacokinetic properties, the compounds catechin, epicatechin, isovitexin, luteolin, chrisoeriol, taxifolin and isorhamnetina rutinoside presented the best results and high human oral absorption. In the prediction of toxicological properties, compounds isorhamnetin rutinoside and rutin presented alert concerning mutagenicity for hydroxynaphthalene or derivate, and in docking simulations all the compounds presented key interactions with the corresponding targets tested. Conclusion: The flavonoids catechin, chrysoeriol and taxifolin presented overall best results, allowing such computational results to serve as a theoretical basis for future studies of developing drug candidates for biological tests in vitro and in vivo, which can contribute to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Açaì (Euterpe oleracea) Extract Protects Human Erythrocytes from Age-Related Oxidative Stress

“…Euterpe oleracea, an Amazonian Brazilian fruit popularly known as Açaì [ 23 ], presents several bioactive molecules with different properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities, and also modulates calcium homeostasis. The biological effects of Açaì are related to its chemical matrix, which includes numerous phytochemicals components, such as flavonoids [ 24 ]. These molecules can directly neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or inactivate molecules with a pro-oxidant capacity [ 25 ].…”

Herbal medicines in the treatment of tinnitus: An updated review

“…A significant reduction in the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) score was also observed in patients receiving açai extract 100 mg ( p = .007). Though noted for its potent antioxidant capacity ( de Liz et al, 2020 ; de Oliveira et al, 2021 ), Açai extract caused no significant changes in oxidative stress biomarkers. No other clinical evidence is currently available on the safety and efficacy of Açaí in patients with tinnitus.…”

“…Herbal medicines other than G. biloba extract in the treatment of tinnitus are provided in Table 3 . Açaí (Arecaceae; Euterpe Oleracea Martius), a fruit rich in α-tocopherols, fibers, lipids, mineral ions, and polyphenols, has been widely used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties ( Benatrehina et al, 2018 ) It also contains flavonoids including catechin, chrysoeriol, anthocyanins and taxifolin and possesses high antioxidant capacity ( de Liz et al, 2020 ; de Oliveira et al, 2021 ). Flavonoids (anthocyanins) in Açaí are suggested to be of potential activities for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease ( de Oliveira et al, 2019 ).…”

Computational design of Checkpoint Kinase-1 (CHK-1) inhibitors for cancer therapy

“…In silico prediction of Pharmacokinetic (ADME) and toxicity parameters using Qikprop Generally, the Qikprop module analyses and calculates physiologically suitable pharmacokinetic and toxicity parameters and provides information about the safety range for all selected drug molecules (25). In this study we performed Qikprop screening for the already existing FDA approved drugs -Procaterol and Dexrazoxaneto compare their pharmacokinetic and toxicity parameters with the clinical trial inhibitor.…”