ABSTRACT Aim: This work is aimed to the study the effect of aqueous extracts obtained from leaves of Ugni molinae and their respective products of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the viability of colon cancer cells. Methods: Ugni molinae leaves were used to prepare a 1%, aqueous extract and with this, an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was performed, obtaining, fraction products of digestion gastrointestinal (Dgi) and fraction residue. this fraction was identified through liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), and then these samples were evaluated in different viability tests, such as trypan blue exclusion, metabolic activity 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and cytotoxicity by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), on colorectal cancer cells (CaCo-2) and human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK) for a period of 24 and 48 hours. Results and discussion: The aqueous extracts of leaves of Ugni molinae and their digestion fractions caused inhibition of the viability of Caco-2 cells. In most cases, the effect was concentration-dependent and in particular, the only compound that generated inhibition of the viability in all trials corresponded to the Dgi fraction. Conclusion: The results are favorable, since it is finally is this product that would act in the gastrointestinal tract, interacting with the target cells. These results are important since in most cases, these compounds had effects on cancer cells Caco-2 and not on HEK cells at the same concentrations used in each trial.

Abstract Background: Gunnera tinctoria has been collected by Mapuche-Pewenche people for food and medicinal purposes. The high polyphenol content of methanolic extract from G. tinctoria leaves with chemical constituents such as ellagic acid and quercetin derivatives suggests its application to prevent endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to provide evidence of the protective effect of this extract on endothelial function by reducing oxidative stress induced by high D-glucose and H2O2, as well as by stimulating nitric oxide (NO) levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results: A methanolic extract with a high content of polyphenols (520 ± 30 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry extract) was obtained from G. tinctoria leaves. Its main constituent was ellagic acid. The results of Ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assays of the extract confirmed its antioxidant activity by inhibition pathway of radical species. The incubation of HUVECs with the extract decreased the apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis induced by high extracellular concentration of D-glucose or hydrogen peroxide. The extract increased endothelial NO levels and reduced vasoconstriction in human placental vessels. Conclusions: This study provides evidence about the antioxidant and endothelial protective properties of methanolic G. tinctoria leaf extract. The extract improves the availability of NO in HUVECs, inhibiting the production of ROS and vasoconstriction.

ABSTRACT To evaluate the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of the major polyphenol compounds of propolis and their cellular damage, both as single molecule or in combination. Honey bees propolis were fractionated by using CPC and preparative HPLC. Four major polyphenols (chrysin, pinocembrin, galangin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester) were identified by thin layer chromatography–mass spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy. These compounds inhibited both ATCC and clinical H. pylori strains, with caffeic acid phenethyl ester being the most active. The four compounds presented minimum inhibitory concentration in the range 256–1024 µg ml−1 and a fractional inhibitory concentration of 64–512 µg ml−1. In mixtures all compounds showed an indifference effect (FIC < 0.15) but chrysin + galangin which was synergistic (FIC = 2.0). Killing curves show a similar behavior as the antibiotic amoxycillin. On the other hand, analyses by transmission electron microscopy at sub inhibitory concentration show vesicle formation and cell lysis after exposition to both individual polyphenol compounds and in mixture. The major compounds of propolis show anti-H. pylori activity both as individual compounds and in mixture. When combined they present mainly indifference but exert a lytic activity upon H. pylori, suggesting a potential bactericidal activity of propolis.

ABSTRACT Avocado peels were used to extract proanthocyanidins (PACs) as starting material to prepare semi-synthetic derivatives of epicatechin by nucleophilic attack with pyrogallol and resorcinol. One-step isolation of both semi-synthetic derivatives was successfully performed through centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), and identified by TLC and LC-MS/MS. The effect upon adherence of Helicobacter pylori ATCC 43504 to AGS cells and the subsequent induction of pro-inflammatory IL-8 release was tested for these two semi-synthetic derivatives. Bacterial adherence and IL-8 synthesis was evaluated using AGS cells con-infected with FITC-labeled H. pylori. Concentration of 700 μg/mL of epicatechin-pyrogallol and epicatechin-resorcinol decreased H. pylori adherence to AGS cells to less than 20% and reduced IL-8 production to less than 10%. In conclusion, semi-synthetic adducts prepared from avocado PACs reduce significantly the adherence and IL-8 production in H. pylori-infected AGS cells.

Cannabis sativa (marihuana) is considered an illicit drug due to its psychoactive properties. Recently, the Chilean government opened to the use cannabis in the symptomatic treatment of some patients. The biological effects of cannabis render it useful for the complementary treatment of specific clinical situations such as chronic pain. We retrieved scientific information about the analgesic properties of cannabis, using it as a safe drug. The drug may block or inhibit the transmission of nervous impulses at different levels, an effect associated with pain control. Within this context and using adequate doses, forms and administration pathways, it can be used for chronic pain management, considering its effectiveness and low cost. It could also be considered as an alternative in patients receiving prolonged analgesic therapies with multiple adverse effects.

Introduction: Pediculosis capitis is a public health problem with a high prevalence. The emergence of parasite resistance to conventional pediculicide is of great concern worldwide. Objective: To develop alternatives pediculicide, effective and safe, based on the essential oil of Eucaliptus globulus. Method: Through bioassays active concentrations ranges of the essential oil were established, and proceeded to develop a standardized, stable, pharmaceutical form, evaluating its effects on our population. Results: The results showed 100% effectiveness; short time of death, ovicidal action, activity on the adhesion of the egg, and low toxicity. Discussion: In addition to great effect, the inability of the parasite to become resistant to the chemical composition of the essential oil makes this formulation an alternative to the problem of head lice solution.

Introducción: La pediculosis capitis es un problema de salud pública con una alta prevalencia. La aparición de resistencia del parásito a los pediculicidas convencionales es de gran preocupación a nivel mundial. Objetivo: Desarrollar alternativas pediculicidas, efectivas y seguras, en base al aceite esencial de Eucaliptus globulus. Método: A través de bioensayos se establecieron rangos de concentraciones activas del aceite esencial, y se procedió al desarrollo de una forma farmacéutica, estandarizada, estable, evaluando sus efectos en nuestra población. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron 100% de efectividad; corto tiempo de muerte, acción ovicida, actividad sobre la adherencia del huevo, y baja toxicidad. Discusión: Además de la gran efectividad, la imposibilidad del parásito de adquirir resistencia a la composición química del aceite esencial hace de esta formulación una solución alternativa al problema de la pediculosis.

Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) is an edible berry native to Southern Chile. The anthocyanin profiles and concentrations of this fruit have been widely studied. The high concentration of anthocyanins confers a deep colour to the skin and pulp of maqui berries, and the biological activity of this fruit has been attributed to these compounds. However, other compounds such as flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in this fruit have not been studied to date. The objective was to determine the hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonol profiles in maqui berries in order expand the knowledge base for this fruit. Two extraction methodologies (solid phase extraction using a mixed mode cation exchange cartridge and selective precipitation), followed by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS were applied to the extraction and identification of the main hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols in the berries. Quantification was accomplished by using the first extraction procedure. Low levels of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were detected in maqui berries, where 5-galloylquinic acid was the only quantifiable derivative. However, diverse and high levels of flavonols were detected in the fruit, the most relevant of which are myricetin-galactoside, quercetin-rutinoside, and quercetin-3-galactoside. Nineteen other flavonols were identified, with total concentrations between 1.05 and 1.18 μmol/g fresh weight. The diversity of flavonols makes the profiles and concentrations of these compounds significant, whereas hydroxycinnamic acids in maqui are not significan! The comparatively high levels of flavonols combined with the high concentration of anthocyanins contribute to the consideration of this native fruit from Chileas a "superfruit".

The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky) is one of most important pest of stored seeds worldwide, but its current control method is based on the use of synthetic insecticides, usually leading to undesirable problems such as insecticide residues on treated food, human intoxications, and insect resistance development. Therefore the search of friendly alternative methods is required. The aim of this study was to assess, under laboratory conditions, the insecticidal properties of Peumus boldus Molina, Laurelia sempervirens (Ruiz & Pav.) Tul., and Laureliopsis philippiana (Looser) Schodde essential oils against S. zeamais. The phytochemical analysis of the three essential oils showed 1,8-cineole, safrole and methyleugenol as the common components; all of them documented with insecticidal activity from essential oils from other plant species. The highest toxicity (100% mortality) of these three oils acting as a contact insecticide was observed at 24 h exposure at 4% concentration. The estimated LC50 values for P. boldus, L. sempervirens, and L. philippiana were 0.37, 1.02, and 0.28 μL g-1, respectively. Peumus boldus exhibited the highest fumigant activity with 100% adult mortality at 30 μL oil L-1 air. At ≥ 0.5% (v/w) concentration, all essential oils showed repellent activity. These three essential oils showed a promissory insecticidal activity against the maize weevil.

Introduction: Ugni molinae Turcz., (Myrtaceae) is a plant that is distributed in central-southern of Chile, including Juan Fernández Islands. The leaves have been used in folk medicine for diarrhea and oral infections due to their astringent and antiseptic properties. Objective: antioxidant activity of two extracts (ethyl acetate and methanol) from U. molinae leaves was assessed in several assays. Methods: HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) for chemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant methods. Results: HPLC profiling of both extracts showed the presence of flavan-3-ols (catechin) and gallic acid, flavonoids and caffeic acid derivates as main constituents. These extracts showed significant activity on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and hydroxyl radical assays. It is noteworthy that bleaching of b-carotene-linoleate liposomes and copper-induced oxidation of human LDL were prevented by both extracts. Conclusions: results suggest that polyphenol-rich extracts of U. molinae could slow down lipid peroxidation and limit free radical damage.

Introducción: Ugni molinae Turcz. (Myrtaceae) es una planta que se distribuye en el centro-sur de Chile, incluido el archipiélago de Juan Fernández. Las hojas se han utilizado en medicina popular para diarreas e infecciones bucales, por sus propiedades astringentes y antisépticas. Objetivo: la actividad antioxidante de los dos extractos (acetato de etilo y metanólicol) de las hojas de Ugni molinae se evaluó mediante diferentes ensayos. Métodos: HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) para el análisis químico y los métodos antioxidantes in vitro. Resultados: los perfiles HPLC de ambos extractos mostraron la presencia de flavan-3-oles (catequinas) y ácido gálico, flavonoides y derivados del ácido cafeico como constituyentes principales. Estos extractos mostraron actividad significativa frente a 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo (DPPH), capacidad reductora del ión cobre (CUPRAC) y ensayos frente al radical hidroxilo. Es importante destacar que el blanqueamiento de liposomas de b-caroteno-linoleato y la oxidación producida por cobre de LDL (low density lipoprotein) humana fueron evitados por ambos extractos. Conclusiones: los resultados sugieren que los extractos de Ugni molinae ricos en polifenoles podrían evitar la peroxidación lipídica y el daño de radicales libres.

In the present work we carried out a comparative study of total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity of aqueous leaf extracts of Ugni molinae Turcz., Myrtaceae (infusion and Soxhlet extracted) prepared from continent and Juan Fernández Island samples. The results revealed that total phenol content (TPC), tannins (TTC) and flavonoids (TFC) for U. molinae extracts (infusion and Soxhlet extracts) from island leaves were 38.5, 56.7 and 37.5% higher than those obtained with leaves from the continent, respectively. Also, HPLC profiles showed important differences between U. molinae populations. In vitro antioxidant capacity (scavenging of DPPH radical) for 1% infusion and aqueous extract (Soxhlet method) of U. molinae from island samples, was 15% greater than from continent samples. Further, in vivo impact of U. molinae intake (1% infusion) was studied in plasma samples obtained from healthy volunteers. Participants that consumed tea prepared with leaves from island population showed higher TBARS reduction and plasma antioxidant capacity (TEAC-CUPRAC) than those who consumed tea prepared with leaves from continental population. The conditions of the territory in which U. molinae populations growth could explain the differences in their composition and activity. According to results, island U. molinae populations could be an important source of study for the development of an antioxidant supplement, and thereby contribute to the use of this species that has becoming an ecological problem in the island.

Introduction: the antimicrobial activity has been reported for the essential oils of some species in the families Lauraceae and Atherospermataceae. The present study was conducted with three Chilean species: Cryptocarya alba Looser (Peumo) and Persea lingue (Ruiz & Pav.) Nees (Lingue) from the family Lauraceae, and Laurelia sempervirens (Ruiz & Pav.) Tul. (Chilean laurel) from the family Atherospermataceae. The morphological aspects and the popular uses of these species are the only known aspects. Thorough studies of their chemical composition and biological activity are lacking. Objective: to evaluate the activity of the essential oils against microorganisms and to provide information on the chemical composition of these species. Methods: samples were collected in the Bío-Bío Region and essential oils were obtained by steam distillation. Chemical characterization was done using GC-MS. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Penicillium sp. and Fusarium oxysporum through antifungal agar dilution and vapor diffusion assays. Antibacterial tests against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, were carried out using agar disk and well diffusion assays. Results: the results for the essential oils from the three species indicated selective activity against fungi and bacteria, suggesting that the different chemical features of these oils may play a role in their mechanisms of action. Conclusions: further studies focusing efforts on developing products to control microorganisms that cause economic losses and affect human health.

Introducción: las familias Lauraceae y Atherospermataceae son fuentes importantes de aceites esenciales, en los que se ha observado actividad frente a microorganismos. Este estudio se realizó en las especies chilenas: Cryptocarya alba Looser (Peumo), Persea lingue (Ruiz & Pav.) Nees (Lingue) de la familia Lauraceae y Laurelia sempervirens (Ruiz & Pav.) Tul. (laurel chileno) de la familia Atherospermataceae. De estas solo se conocen antecedentes morfológicos y usos populares, sin presentar estudios acabados sobre la composición química ni la actividad biológica. Objetivo: evaluar la actividad de sus aceites esenciales frente a microorganismos y aportar antecedentes de su composición química. Métodos: las muestras se recolectaron en la región del Bío-Bío. Se obtuvieron aceites esenciales por hidrodestilación. La caracterización química se realizó por CG-MS. La actividad antimicrobiana se evaluó a través de ensayos antifúngicos por el método de dilución en agar y difusión de vapor frente a Penicillium sp. y Fusarium oxysporum; los ensayos antibacterianos a través del método del pocillo y papel frente a Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtillis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Staphyloccoccus aureus. Resultados: estos indican que los aceites esenciales de las 3 especies poseen un efecto selectivo frente a hongos y bacterias, lo cual sugiere que su naturaleza química diferente tendría un papel en el mecanismo de acción. Conclusiones: se sugiere la continuación de estudios concentrando esfuerzos en el desarrollo de productos para el control de microorganismos que provocan pérdidas económicas y en la salud humana.

With the aim to assess its biological activity, three extracts of a Chilean endemic plant, Lepechinia chamaedryoides (Balb.) Epling (polar extract, resinous exudate and essential oil) were evaluated for its insecticidal activity on Diptera larvae, Drosophila melanogaster Meigen. The bioassay was conducted on the basis of a completely randomized experimental design with 15 treatments and three repetitions, which includes the study of mortality variables and 50% lethal concentration (LC50) and 90% (LC90), in addition to the observation of organisms through a magnifying glass, optical microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy. Mortality was recorded over than 90% in four tested concentrations of essential oil. In the case of polar extract and resinous exudate no significant differences between the different concentrations tested and controls, with mortality values lower than 23%. The lethal concentration 50% (LC50) of essential oil was 0,46% v/v and the lethal concentration 90% (LC90) of 0,77 % v/v. There were changes in the external and internal morphology of the third stage larvae. Externally, there was darkening of the cuticle and a volume increase of the body. Internally, there was a fragmentation of the salivary glands as well as differences in the Malpighian tubes and imaginal discs in relation to control group. At the cellular level, there were also changes, including changes in organelles like in rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and Golgi apparatus.

Se evaluó el efecto insecticida de tres extractos de la planta endémica de Chile, Lepechinia chamaedryoides (Balb.) Epling (extracto polar, exudado resinoso y aceite esencial), sobre larvas del díptero Drosophila melanogaster Meigen con el fin de determinar cuál o cuáles de éstos poseen actividad biológica insecticida. El bioensayo se realizó sobre la base de un diseño experimental completamente aleatorio, con 15 tratamientos y tres repeticiones, que contempló el estudio de variables de mortalidad y de concentración letal 50 % (CL50) y 90 % (CL90), y observación de organismos mediante lupa, microscopía óptica y microscopía electrónica de transmisión. Se registró una mortalidad mayor al 90 % en cuatro concentraciones evaluadas del aceite esencial. En el caso de extracto polar y exudado resinoso no hubo diferencias significativas entre las distintas concentraciones evaluadas, respecto al control, presentándose valores de mortalidad inferiores a un 23 %. La concentración letal 50% (CL50) del aceite esencial fue de 0,46 % v/v y la concentración letal 90% (CL90) de 0,77 % v/v. Se observaron cambios en la morfología externa e interna de las larvas en el tercer estado. Externamente, se observó oscurecimiento de la cutícula y un aumento de volumen del organismo. Internamente, se observó una fragmentación de las glándulas salivales además de diferencias en los tubos de Malpighi y discos imaginales en relación al grupo control. A nivel celular, también se presentaron cambios, entre ellos, variaciones en aspecto de organelos como en retículo endoplasmático rugoso, mitocondrias y aparato de Golgi.

An apparatus which allows the direct measurement of the antioxidant capacity of volatiles compounds emitted from some herbs and culinary spices is described. The device comprises: a sample chamber, a mixing chamber, a pump and, a detection system. Volatiles from Clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry) were purged and captured into a DPPH-containing solution and changes in the absorbance were recorded on-line. Linear response was observed when temperature was set between 30-53 ºC; nitrogen flow was 15 mL min-1 during 60 min; DPPH concentration was 20 µmol L-1 and a sample size (powdered Clove) ranged between 200-1000 mg.