Miriam Teresa Paz Lopes’s research while affiliated with Federal University of Minas Gerais and other places

p> Clusia minor L. is traditionally used to treat many disorders that including pain and inflammation such as sores and warts. Four extracts from the leaves of plant were prepared: hexane (CMH-A), ethyl acetate (CMH-B), methanol (CMH-C) and ethanol (CMH-E) and the pharmacological (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties) and toxicity effects were examined. Previously, the main constituents from CMH-A extract was revealed. Here, we present the GC/MS analysis of CMH-B and CMH-C. Thirty three compounds were identified in the CMH-B extract and twenty seven compounds in the CMH-C. The presence of D-α-tocopherol and lupeol was relevant in both extracts. The only sterols identified were sitosterol and stigmasterol. All of them showed effective radical scavenger properties in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, being CMH-E extract the most promissory (IC₅₀ = 10.25 µg/mL). CMH-A, C and E extracts, administered topically (0.5–4 mg per ear), significant reduced ear edema induced by croton oil at 4 mg per ear, meanwhile CMH-B that was be able to significant reduce the inflammation at the dose of 2 mg per ear. We evaluated also the cytotoxic activity of the extracts against kidney cells (BHK), colon cancer (CT26), endothelial cancer cells (EA.hy926) and breast cancer (4T1). CMH-B extract showed the most cytotoxicity effect, with IC₅₀ values in the range of 32.01-203.5 µg/mL. In addition, no oral acute toxicity after mice exposure to Clusia minor L. extracts was observed. The results suggest Clusia minor L. may be a good potential source of new bioactive agents for developing medicinal agents.</p

Background: The aqueous extract of the Allophylus cominia (L) Sw (Sapindaceae) leaves has shown anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties. In the Caribbean region, it is typically used for the treatment of type-2 diabetes. Methods: Considering the herb–drug interaction, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of the A. cominia extract on the cytochrome P450 (CYP) (rat hepatocyte model) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) (4T1 cell line) systems. Results: The extract did not decrease the cell viability after being assayed by the MTT test at up to 1500 μg/mL for 72 h. The exposure of the cultured rat hepatocytes to the product (up to 250 μg/mL) for 48 h increased the activities of CYP-1A2, 2C9, and 2E1 by 1.46-, 1.60-, and 1.51-fold, respectively, compared with the controls. The activities of CYP-2B6, 2D6, and 3A4 were not significantly altered, whereas the activity of P-gp decreased by 2- and 4-fold. In addition, the extracts at 100 and 200 μg/mL significantly increased doxorubicin cytotoxicity in these cells 24 h after treatment. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the A. cominia extract modulates the CYP and P-gp systems increasing sensitivity to doxorubicin. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the potential herb–drug interaction or chemosensitive properties.