Papers by Alexandre Ferraz
Fitoterapia, 2005
In the present study we have investigated the in vitro antitumor effects of three benzopyrans, 6i... more In the present study we have investigated the in vitro antitumor effects of three benzopyrans, 6isobutyryl-5,7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethylbenzopyran (1), 7-hydroxy-6-isobutyryl-5-methoxy-2,2dimethylbenzopyran (2) and 5-hydroxy-6-isobutyryl-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylbenzopyran (3) isolated from Hypericum polyanthemum. The three compounds tested demonstrated potent growth inhibitory activity at 40 Ag/ml (b25% control growth) in the NCI-H460, HT-29 and U-373MG human cell lines. Determination of cell cycle distribution demonstrated that the antiproliferative effect of the three benzopyrans could be associated to alterations in the cell cycle phase distribution. Treatment with the IC 50 of the three compounds induced an arrested in S phase. Only in cells treated with compound 3 did the percentage of sub-G1 population increase up to 9%, suggesting that this compound induced more cell death than the others. Consistent with sub-G1 analysis, appreciable oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation was only observed in the NCI-H460 cell line treated with compound 3. From these results it can be suggested that despite no differences among the 0367-326X/$ -see front matter D Rocha).
Cheminform, 2010
ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was e... more ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Phytotherapy Research, 2005
Recently the crude methanol extracts of six Hypericum species were analysed against a panel of mi... more Recently the crude methanol extracts of six Hypericum species were analysed against a panel of microorganisms and it was found that H. caprifoliatum Cham. & Schlecht., H. myrianthum Cham. & Schlecht. and H. polyanthemum Klotzsch ex Reichardt were the most active. This paper reports the activity of the hexane, chloroform and methanol fractions of these plants as well as the activity of some isolated compounds against Staphylococcus aureus determined by bioautographic procedures. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Planta Medica, 2009
In the present study we used the micronuclei test and the comet assay in mice to investigate the ... more In the present study we used the micronuclei test and the comet assay in mice to investigate the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of three benzopyrans--6-isobutyryl-5,7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-benzopyran (HP1); 7-hydroxy-6-isobutyryl-5-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-benzopyran (HP2); and 5-hydroxy-6-isobutyryl-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-benzopyran (HP3)--isolated from Hypericum polyanthemum. No significant difference in polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE) percentage between the vehicle group and groups treated with HP1, HP2, or HP3 was detected, indicating no toxicity to the bone marrow of the animals. Only HP1 increased the frequency of micronucleated cells (MNPCEs) in bone marrow sampled after 24 h in comparison with the vehicle group, suggesting a weak mutagenic effect. The damage index and damage frequency did not show a significant increase after treatment with HP1, HP2, or HP3 in comparison with the vehicle group. The antitumor activity previously reported in vitro for these benzopyrans, the lack of acute toxicity, the MN induction only for HP1, and the relatively low DNA damage make all compounds good candidates for in vivo studies on antitumor action.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009
Baccharis dracunculifolia (D.C.) (Asteraceae), a native plant to Brazil known as "vassourinha" or... more Baccharis dracunculifolia (D.C.) (Asteraceae), a native plant to Brazil known as "vassourinha" or "alecrimdo-campo", is the most important botanical source of a Brazilian propolis called green propolis. The leaf extracts of this plant have been used to treat liver and digestive disorders. It has been recognized that green propolis can induce mutagenic effects at high doses, but no study reporting possible mutagenic effects by Baccharis dracunculifolia extracts in the maximum tolerated dose has been conducted. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of this plant in vivo. Adult CF-1 mice were treated with 0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg or 2.0 g/kg of an aqueous extract of Baccharis dracunculifolia by gavage for 3 consecutive days. Blood and liver samples were collected to detect DNA damage using the comet assay, while bone marrow samples were used to assess chromosome mutations by the micronucleus test. The extract increased the DNA damage in blood and liver tissues and the frequency of micronucleus in bone marrow. These findings suggest genotoxic and mutagenic effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia comparable to green propolis in mice.
Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology, 2010
Plants from the genus Piper are economically useful and some species have been indicated because ... more Plants from the genus Piper are economically useful and some species have been indicated because of their medicinal properties in the central nervous system. However, few studies about toxicity and neurobehavioral effects have been conducted. In this study, two Piper species, P. amalago and P. mikanianum were investigated in rats to determine acute toxicity and to evaluate the ansiogenic/ansiolytic properties in the elevated plus-maze and the effects on locomotion and exploration in an open field. Additionally, genotoxic activities were evaluated, using the comet assay in several tissues and the micronucleus assay in bone marrow. The phytochemical analysis of both Piper species leaves suggests the presence of amide, essential oils, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The LD 50 of P. amalago and P. mikanianum were estimated as 2,545 and 1,661 mg/kg, respectively. The behavioral and genotoxic parameters were determined after an intraperitoneal administration of P. amalago (250 or 420 mg/kg) or P. mikanianum (160 or 270 mg/kg). Both plants decreased the number of entries and time spent in the open arms in the plus-maze test, indicating an anxiogenic effect. Only P. mikanianum affected locomotion and exploration in the open field behavior test. No genotoxic or mutagenic effect was observed. Our results suggest that these Piper species act on the central nervous system, without induce genetic toxicity.
Food Chemistry, 2011
The antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of propolis, bee glue, of various climate and orogra... more The antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of propolis, bee glue, of various climate and orographic characteristics, collected from Italy, Brazil and Russia, was evaluated measuring their inhibitory action on peroxidation of linoleic acid, radical scavenging ability towards 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, total phenolic content and reducing capacity by enzymatic and Folin method respectively. Propolis samples were chemically characterized by HPLC-MS/MS in order to find a possible correlation between antioxidant activity and polyphenols composition and quantification. The results obtained indicate that Italian and Russian propolis samples have similar polyphenolic composition and, as a consequence, almost similar antioxidant activity, while Brazilian propolis evidence lower polyphenolic and antioxidant characteristics. Climate and orography reasons of these differences are also suggested.
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2011
Subacute toxicity Biochemical assay Comet assay Micronucleus assay a b s t r a c t Pterocaulon po... more Subacute toxicity Biochemical assay Comet assay Micronucleus assay a b s t r a c t Pterocaulon polystachyum DC is a native species to southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and northeastern Argentina. It is utilized to treat animal problems popularly diagnosed as "mycoses". The antifungal and amebicidal activity of its hexane extract has been previously reported, although there are no studies confirming the safety of this plant for therapeutic purposes to date. Hence, this study investigates the toxic effects of a hexane extract of Pterocaulon polystachyum administered as acute and subacute oral treatments. After acute treatment the extract caused alterations in biochemical parameters, morphological alterations in tissues and was genotoxic, according to the comet assay; neither mortality nor visible signs of lethality were seen in mice. Similarly subacute treatment caused important differences in biochemical parameters and tissues, between control and treated groups. The results also revealed genotoxicity in kidney tissue, though no mutagenicity was detected by the micronucleus test. No animal died during the treatment period.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Baccharis trimera (Less.) (Asteraceae) is a native plant from Bra... more Ethnopharmacological relevance: Baccharis trimera (Less.) (Asteraceae) is a native plant from Brazil. Also known as "carqueja", it is popularly used to treat liver diseases, diabetes, as well as digestive disorders, mainly by women with lower socioeconomic status. Aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vivo genotoxic/antigenotoxic and mutagenic potential of this plant, using the comet and the micronucleus assays. Material and methods: Female adult mice were treated with 500, 1000 or 2000 mg/kg of B. trimera aqueous extract (Bt-AE) by gavage for three consecutive days. Results: Independently of the dose, no genotoxic effect was observed in blood and liver samples analyzed by the comet assay. Conversely, B. trimera showed an antigenotoxic effect in blood from treated mice, thus protecting cells against oxidative DNA damage induced by the ex vivo treatment with hydrogen peroxide. In addition, Bt-AE showed in vitro antioxidant activity, assessed by DPPH and xanthine oxidase assays, suggesting that the observed antigenotoxic effects might be related to its antioxidant properties. Conclusions: However, the extract increased the frequency of micronucleus in bone marrow of treated mice, indicating a chromosomal mutagenic activity. Thus, medicines prepared from this plant should be used with caution, although the results also suggest antigenotoxic effects for B. trimera aqueous extract. (A.B.F. Ferraz). logical alterations were found in liver from pregnant rats treated with a hydroethanolic extract of B. trimera .
Phytotherapy Research, 2008
The antiproliferative activity of three benzopyrans isolated from the chloroform extract of the a... more The antiproliferative activity of three benzopyrans isolated from the chloroform extract of the aerial parts of Hypericum polyanthemum was analysed in order to determine their effect on the growth and cell cycle in the U-373 MG glioblastoma cell line. Compound 1 was less cytotoxic than compounds 2 and 3. A synergistic effect was noticed when the three benzopyrans were used simultaneously. The cytotoxicity noted could be related to an arrest in G2/M phase, leading to apoptosis in the U-373 MG glioblastoma cell line. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B-biology, 2009
The photoprotective effect of the methanolic extracts of three Antarctic plant species -Deschamps... more The photoprotective effect of the methanolic extracts of three Antarctic plant species -Deschampsia antarctica Desv., Colobanthus quitensis (Kunth) Bartl., and Polytrichum juniperinum Hedw. against UV-induced DNA damage was investigated in hamster lung fibroblasts (V79 cells) and in a biomonitor organism Helix aspersas, using comet assay. The protective, mutagenic, and antimutagenic profiles of these extracts were also evaluated using haploid strains of the simple eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and antioxidant activity were investigated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, as well as the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase assay. At the concentration range employed, the extracts were not cytotoxic or mutagenic to S. cerevisiae. In addition, the treatment with these extracts enhanced survival, and decreased induced reverse, frameshift, and forward mutations in a dose-response manner in all UVC doses employed. The plants extracts did not generate DNA strand breaks in V79 cells, and the treatment significantly decreased DNA damage induced by UVC. Extracts significantly decreased UVC-induced lipid peroxidation in V79 cells, showing a clear antioxidant property. Moreover, results of comet assay in V79 cells, employing Fpg, Endo III, and Endo V enzymes, demonstrated significant reduction of UVC-induced DNA damage after pre-incubation with these extracts. The treatment with all tested extracts were much less efficient against UVC-induced cytotoxicity in the yeast strain defective in photolyase as compared to the wild type strain, suggesting that this DNA repair pathway is stimulated by substances present in the extracts. All extracts showed a significant inhibitory effect in the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase assay, and they had the ability to scavenge DPPH. In H. aspersas, the treatment was able to protect against UVCinduced damage. In conclusion, D. antarctica, C. quitensis, and P. juniperinum extracts present photoprotective properties, which can be attributed to molecules, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which act as UV-absorbing molecules and as antioxidants, as well as stimulate DNA-repair processes.
Experimental Diabetes Research, 2010
The present study was designed to evaluate the oxidative stress as well as the therapeutic effect... more The present study was designed to evaluate the oxidative stress as well as the therapeutic effect of Agaricus blazei Muril (A. Blazei) in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. We used 25 Wistar rats, and DM was induced by injecting streptozotocin (70 mg/Kg i.p.). Agaricus blazei Muril was administered daily starting 40 days after disease onset. A. Blazei was tested as an aqueous extract for its phytochemical composition, and its antioxidant activity in vitro was also evaluated. Lipoperoxidation (LPO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured in the pulmonary tissue, as well as the presence of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), through immunohistochemistry. An anatomopathologic study was also performed. Phytochemical screening of A. Blazei detected the presence of alkaloids and saponins. The extract exhibited a significant antioxidant activity in the DPPH-scavenging and the hipoxanthine/xanthine oxidase assays. Pulmonary LPO increased in diabetic animals (0.43 ± 0.09; P < .001) as compared to the control group (0.18 ± 0.02), followed by a reduction in the A. Blazei-treated group (0.33 ± 0.04; P < .05). iNOS was found increased in the lung in diabetic rats and reduced in the A. Blazei-treated group. The pulmonary tissue in diabetic rats showed oxidative alterations related to the streptozotocin treatment. The A. Blazei treatment effectively reduced the oxidative stress and contributed to tissue recovery.
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Papers by Alexandre Ferraz