Maria Graciela Iecher Faria

Cultivating Humulus lupulus L. under subtropical conditions is challenging because hops are adapted to temperate climates, where environmental factors influence plant development and secondary metabolism. This study evaluated the essential oil yield and chemical composition of cones and leaves from four hop varieties (Cascade, Columbus, Comet, and Nugget) cultivated under subtropical conditions in northwestern Paraná, Brazil. Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC–MS. Chemical variability was investigated using Pearson correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Cascade and Columbus showed better agronomic performance, while Nugget and Comet produced the highest essential oil yields in cones (1.532% and 0.695%, respectively). In leaves, Nugget, Cascade, and Comet exhibited the highest yields. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons predominated in most samples, with α-humulene and β-caryophyllene as major constituents in both organs. Oxygenated sesquiterpenes, including caryophyllene oxide and humulene oxides, were also identified in the essential oils. Phytol was relatively abundant in the leaves of Cascade, Columbus, and Nugget, demonstrating differences between vegetative and reproductive tissues. PCA revealed distinct chemical patterns among varieties and harvest periods, emphasizing the influence of genotype and seasonal conditions. These results demonstrate the potential of hop cultivation under subtropical conditions and highlight leaves as a promising source of volatile compounds for further valorization and industrial applications.

Basidiomycetes produce a wide range of bioactive metabolites, yet the effects of fungal co-cultivation on phenolic composition and associated biological properties remain poorly understood. This study investigated the phenolic composition and antioxidant, photoprotective, and anti-tyrosinase activities of mycelial extracts obtained from four basidiomycetes cultivated either alone or in paired cultures. Phenolic compounds were characterized by HPLC, and the identified metabolites were further evaluated using target prediction, enrichment analyses, PASS prediction, ADME profiling, and toxicity assessment. Nine phenolic compounds were identified across ten cultivation systems. Catechin and syringic acid were detected only in selected paired cultures, indicating that fungal interactions altered phenolic composition. The highest antioxidant activities were observed for P. sanguineus and T. polyzona cultivated alone, while SPF reached 39 in P. ostreatus, T. polyzona, Lentinus + Pycnoporus, and Pycnoporus + Trametes. Tyrosinase inhibition reached 92.7% in the axenic culture of P. ostreatus and remained above 90% in selected co-cultures. Computational analyses identified enrichment of biological processes related to oxidative stress and UV responses, as well as pathways including PI3K-Akt, FoxO, HIF-1, and p53. PASS prediction indicated that catechin, quercetin, and myricetin showed the highest probabilities for antioxidant activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and NADPH oxidase, and melanin synthesis inhibition, while ADMET predicted good solubility and high gastrointestinal absorption for most of the identified metabolites. Fungal interactions altered the phenolic composition of basidiomycete mycelia and influenced their biological activities, indicating that co-cultivation may be a useful strategy for modulating the production of bioactive metabolites.

Biodegradable coatings can improve fruit storage, but physical and chemical interactions might impair performance. This work coated strawberries with a blend based on cassava starch (native, oxidized, or acetylated), gelatin, sorbitol, and two antimicrobial agents (calcium propionate and potassium permanganate) to evaluate potential downsides of exposure to an acidic environment. The coatings varied in thickness (0.124-0.160 nm), opacity (1.37-4.61), solubility (29-55%), and color. Mass loss analysis indicated limited efficiency (the 10% threshold was reached within 48 h) in strawberries due to potential hydrolysis reaction. Soluble solids, titratable acidity, harvest index, and vitamin C concentration confirmed that hydrolysis under acidic conditions strongly impaired acetylated starch coating performance, performing worse than the control group. Further studies are needed to evaluate coating behavior in non-acidic fruits and under different pH conditions.

Background and Objectives: The cultivation of Humulus lupulus has been encouraged in Brazil, despite the country’s climate generally being unfavorable for its development. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and photoprotective potential of four H. lupulus varieties, Cascade, Columbus, Comet, and Nugget, cultivated in the northwestern region of Paraná State, Brazil. Methods: The varieties were grown in experimental plots. Crude extracts (CEs) of cones and leaves were obtained through dynamic maceration with solvent renewal (96% ethanol), followed by concentration in a rotary evaporator. Assays for sun protection factor (SPF), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•) radical scavenging activity, and 2.2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS^•⁺) were performed to assess antioxidant activity. Chemical profiling was performed using UHPLC-MS/MS. Results: UHPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of phenolic and organic acids, flavonoids, phenolic aldehydes, alkaloids, and α-benzopyrone-type lactones, with high concentrations of rutin (>500 µg/g) in both cones and leaves. Total phenolic content ranged from 69.70 to 95.95 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg CE; flavonoids from 170.53 to 696.67 µg quercetin equivalent/mg CE; DPPH^• EC₅₀ values ranged from 1.34 to 3.13 mg/mL; FRAP from 1.19 to 2.52 µM ferrous sulfate/mg; ABTS^•⁺ from 5.11 to 22.60 mM Trolox/mg CE; and SPF ranged from 16.02 to 39.48 in the CE of H. lupulus cones and leaves. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the cultivated varieties possess antioxidant and photoprotective properties, encouraging further studies to explore their potential applications.

This study aimed to optimize the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of acerola (Malpighia emarginata) by-product extracts obtained by probe-type ultrasound-assisted extraction and assess the composition and antibacterial activity of the extract obtained under optimized conditions. A Box–Behnken experimental design was applied to evaluate the effects of ultrasonic power (350 to 650 W), ethanol concentration (20% to 80% v v⁻¹), and extraction time (20 to 60 min) on TPC and AA. The optimal extraction conditions were 650 W, 50% (v v⁻¹) ethanol, and 20 min, which yielded the highest values of TPC (3.36 g gallic acid equivalent 100 g⁻¹) and AA through the DPPH radical scavenging method (4.97 mM Trolox equivalents 100 g⁻¹) and a ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (11.35 mM Trolox equivalents 100 g⁻¹). Organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids were identified in the optimized extract, including malic acid, protocatechuic acid, resorcylic acid, and rutin. The optimized extract (2.89–11.32 mg mL⁻¹) inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella sonnei, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Acerola by-products represent a promising source of extracts with the potential to replace synthetic additives, contributing to the circular economy of agroindustries.

Leaves (LV), stems (STs), and inflorescences (IFs) of Pfaffia glomerata are usually discarded despite containing various bioactive compounds, especially β-ecdysone saponin. The objective was to optimize by desirability (DI) the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds (total phenolics (TPCs), antioxidant activity (AA), and total saponins) from the aerial parts (LV, ST, and IF) of P. glomerata. Ideal drying conditions were determined and the drying kinetics were evaluated. LV, STs, and IFs were dried and extracted (0.06 g/mL 80% EtOH) in a USS (6 cm × 12 mm, pulse 3/6 s) by Central Composite Design (CCD), varying sonication power (140–560 W) and time (11–139 min), with TPC, AA by DPPH, and total saponin content as responses. The DI indicated that the higher TPC, AA, and saponin levels were obtained at 136.5 min and 137.87 W (STs), and 138.6 min and 562.32 W (LV and IFs). IF extracts contained higher saponin, TPCs, and AA. Higher β-ecdysone levels (3.90 mg g⁻¹) were present in the leaves. Several phenolics were detected in area parts of P. glomerata, the most abundant being p-coumaric acid (LV) and nicotinic acid (STs and IFs). These compounds provide potential health benefits. Phytol was found in all extracts. Extracts by UAE from leaves have antibacterial potential, with demonstrated inhibitory effects against S. aureus, E. coli, L. monocytogenes, S. Typhi, and P. aeruginosa, and presented bactericidal effects against E. coli, L. monocytogenes, and S. Typhi. Aerial parts of P. glomerata can be used to obtain extracts by UAE rich in bioactive compounds, providing complete utilization of the plant and sustainability to cultivation. This work represents the first report on the application of ecofriendly UAE techniques to extract bioactive compounds from the aerial parts of Brazilian ginseng.

This work aimed to evaluate the extraction conditions of total phenolic compounds (TPC) from Pfaffia glomerata leaves (PGLs) and characterize the extract obtained in the best conditions. Aqueous extraction was performed in a Shaker, varying the levels of rotation (100, 150, 200 rpm), temperature (30, 45, 60° C) and mass to volume (w v^-1) ratio (1:10, 1:20, 1:30 g ml^-1). The variables w v^-1 ratio and temperature, and their combination, showed a positive effect (po C, 1:30 g ml^-1, 125 rpm and 30 min allowed to reach the maximum TPC content (11.94 mg g^-1). This extract contains β-ecdysone (4.64 g 100g^-1), a chemical marker of P. glomerata, and, phenolic compounds, as gallic acid (28.51 mg 100g^-1) and catechin (24.82 mg 100g^-1). PGLs extract exhibits antioxidant activity by the in vitro methods evaluated (iron reduction powder and radical scavenging ability). Antibacterial activity was also detected, being found the minimum inhibitory concentration of 20 mg mL^-1 for Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Therefore, PGL extract had a potential application as natural antioxidant and antimicrobial in food or pharmaceutical products.

O Papiloma Vírus Humano (HPV), é um DNA-vírus de cadeia dupla que normalmente acomete mulheres, incluindo adolescentes. O Brasil é um país com uma grande incidência de infecções por HPV quando comparado a outros países, principalmente nas regiões Centro-Oeste e Nordeste. A infecção por esse vírus é reconhecida como uma Infecção Sexualmente Transmissível (IST), e pessoas sexualmente ativas são as principais afetadas pelo mesmo. O HPV está relacionado à lesões benignas e de baixo grau oncogênico e lesões malignas e de alto risco oncogênico, sendo os tipos 16 e 18 de alto risco os principais relacionados ao câncer cervical. O Papanicolau é o principal exame para a identificação de células pré-cancerosas e a prevenção do câncer de colo uterino. É imprescindível manter acompanhamento ginecológico regular e realizar o exame preventivo, no mínimo uma vez ao ano, para possibilitar o rastreio precoce de doenças. A vacinação contra o HPV é uma estratégia extremamente necessária na prevenção do câncer do colo uterino. Atualmente, a vacina é disponibilizada pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e tem como público alvo meninas de 9 a 14 anos. Dados mostram que a vacinação no Brasil apresenta resultados insatisfatórios, onde a meta da OMS de 80% de cobertura vacinal não foi alcançada. Há estudos que mostram que a vacina contra o HPV é eficaz para o desenvolvimento de lesões intraepiteliais de baixo e alto grau. Foi conduzido um estudo documental, descritivo e de natureza quantitativa na unidade básica de saúde Guaraní/Anchieta, localizada em Umuarama, Paraná. A pesquisa abrangeu 929 exames realizados em mulheres, coletados entre os anos de 2020 e 2023, e foram encontrados 13 resultados que se enquadram nos parâmetros analisados neste estudo. Os resultados permitiram a análise do aumento no número de exames realizados e na frequência de resultados com alterações no ano de 2022, o que pode ser atribuído ao término da pandemia de COVID-19. O estudo mostrou uma baixa prevalência na Unidade Básica de Saúde analisada, porém, não é possível afirmar que o município inteiro não apresenta altas taxas de infecção por HPV. A realização das campanhas de vacinação com o objetivo de conscientizar a população sobre o HPV e campanhas de realização do exame preventivo para mulheres são essenciais para que haja a redução dos casos de câncer cervical.

A busca de alimentos e até mesmo suplementos como fonte de micronutrientes vem aumentando devido a alimentação com baixo consumo de alimentos saudáveis pela população em geral. Elementos como zinco, selênio e lítio quando deficitários na alimentação podem causar problemas. A falta de zinco no organismo pode levar a efeitos adversos comportamentais, questões neurais. Já o selênio possui atividades em organismos como prevenir ou retardar o desenvolvimento do câncer, combater os radicais livres e tem atuação na tireoide. O lítio em subdoses pode agir como protetor de doenças oxidantes do sistema nervoso central. A utilização de basidiomicetos comestíveis para a produção de novos alimentos enriquecidos com nutrientes vem sendo pauta de diversos estudos nos últimos anos. Estes cogumelos possuem capacidade de bioacumulação de metais e micronutrientes o que os torna uma excelente opção para a suplementação alimentar, além das atividades biológicas como ação antimicrobiana, antioxidante, entre outros. Dentre os estudos de biofortificação de cogumelos com zinco, selênio e lítio destacam-se os pertencentes ao gênero Pleurotus. Espécies como Agaricus subrufescens, Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinus crinitus, Pleurotus eryngii também são opções de escolha para a bioacumulação. A suplementação com esses minerais pode ser considerada uma alternativa de tratamento contra deficiências nutricionais, distúrbios de humor e prevenção contra o suicídio e doenças como o Alzheimer. A fortificação da biomassa micelial gera vantagens na produção dos cogumelos para alimentação, controlando a presença de agentes tóxicos como metais pesados e agrotóxicos, além de proporcionar o ganho de outros compostos benéficos. Foi realizada uma breve revisão bibliográfica sobre biofortificação de lítio, selênio e zinco em basidiomicetos entre os anos de 2013 e 2023. Conclui-se que, a bioacumulação de metais é um campo pouco estudado, porém, promissor pensando na aplicação na indústria farmacêutica e alimentícia.

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and the antioxidant and antifungal activities of the essential oil (EO) extracted from the aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Ageratum conyzoides (Asteraceae). The EO was extracted by the hydrodistillation process (3h), and the compounds were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activity was performed by the β-carotene/linoleic acid co-oxidation system and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and the iron reduction method (FRAP). The antifungal activity was performed by the broth microdilution (MIC) method using the strains Rhizopus oryzae ATCC 7560; Aspergillus flavus ATCC 1217; Aspergillus ochraceus ATCC 6787 and Penicillium verrucosum ATCC 7680. The results indicated a yield of 0.82 mg/kg. Sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons (33.28%) were the major class, and precocene I (48.19%), precocene II (7.38%) and β-caryophyllene (19.66%) were the major constituents. The co-oxidation system of β-carotene/linoleic acid showed 52.18% inhibition of oxidation in the concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. Of the four fungi evaluated, only Aspergillus ochraceus showed results, with a MIC of 1250 μL/mL, and the importance of finding activity on this fungus lies in the fact that it is a producer of ochratoxin A, infesting mainly green coffee beans. The results found open up new perspectives in valuing a species considered invasive.