Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, in vivo toxicity, and polyphenolic composition of Eugenia selloi B.D.Jacks. (pitangatuba), a Brazilian native fruit

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 15; no. 6; p. e0234157
• Main Authors: Lazarini, Josy Goldoni, Franchin, Marcelo, Soares, Jackeline Cintra, Nani, Bruno Dias, Massarioli, Adna Prado, de Alencar, Severino Matias, Rosalen, Pedro Luiz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Francisco Public Library of Science 09-06-2020; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Acids; Anti-inflammatory agents; Antioxidants; Antioxidants (Nutrients); Bioactive compounds; Bioassays; Biocompatibility; Biological effects; Biology and Life Sciences; Cell activation; Chemical properties; Chromatography; Composition; Cytokines; Flavonoids; Food; Fractionation; Fruits; Galleria mellonella; Health aspects; Hypotheses; Inflammation; Larvae; Leukocyte migration; Mass spectrometry; Medicine and Health Sciences; Myrtle; Native species; NF-κB protein; Nutrition; Oxidative stress; Oxygen; p-Hydroxybenzoic acid; Phenolic compounds; Phenols; Physiology; Phytochemicals; Polyphenols; Reactive nitrogen species; Reactive oxygen species; Scientific imaging; Toxicity; Tropical fruits; Brazil; United States > US; Germany
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234157

Brazilian native fruits are a rich source of polyphenolic compounds that can act as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. Here, we determined the polyphenolic composition, anti-inflammatory mechanism of action, antioxidant activity and systemic toxicity in Galleria mellonella larvae of Eugenia selloi B.D.Jacks. (synonym Eugenia neonitida Sobral) extract (Ese) and its polyphenol-rich fraction (F3) obtained through bioassay-guided fractionation. Phenolic compounds present in Ese and F3 were identified by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. The anti-inflammatory activity of Ese and F3 was tested in vitro and in vivo through NF-[kappa]B activation, cytokine release and neutrophil migration assays. The samples were tested for their effects against reactive species (ROO*, O2*-, HOCl and NO*) and for their toxicity in Galleria mellonella larvae model. The presence of hydroxybenzoic acid, ellagitannins and flavonoids was identified. Ese and F3 reduced NF-[kappa]B activation, cytokine release and neutrophil migration, with F3 being three-fold more potent. Overall, F3 exhibited strong antioxidant effects against biologically relevant radicals, and neither Ese nor F3 were toxic to G. mellonella larvae. In conclusion, Ese and F3 revealed the presence of phenolic compounds that decreased the inflammatory parameters evaluated and inhibited reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. E. selloi is a novel source of bioactive compounds that may provide benefits for human health.