Cristiane Mengue Feniman Moritz

According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 3.9 billion people worldwide suffer from non-communicable oral diseases, with head and neck cancer patients experiencing exacerbated oral mucositis primarily from radiotherapy. This condition manifests as painful, debilitating mucosal lesions, necessitating effective antimicrobial interventions. This study developed and characterized stable mouthwash formulations containing green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from Baccharis trimera (carqueja) extract for the management of oral mucositis, evaluating their physicochemical stability, antimicrobial efficacy, and biosafety. AgNPs formation was confirmed by color change to brown and a surface plasmon resonance band at 407 nm (UV-Vis), with dynamic light scattering revealing a monomodal hydrodynamic diameter of ~25 nm and stable dispersion; scanning electron microscopy showed spherical particles of 25–35 nm. Four formulations (22–85 ppm AgNPs) in a commercial vehicle exhibited excellent stability over 60 days at 5 °C and 25 °C, maintaining near-neutral pH (~7), low surface tension ( 500 µg/mL). Against human oral microbiota (n = 4 volunteers), it reduced bacterial growth by 14–156% relative to controls (e.g., −5% to 156% inhibition). Cytogenotoxicity tests (A. cepa) confirmed non-toxicity (mitotic index 79–93% of control, low cellular alteration index). These findings establish the carqueja-mediated instant green AgNPs mouthwash as a stable, potent antimicrobial agent, poised to mitigate mucositis-related infections and enhance the quality of life of cancer patients.

A candidíase vulvovaginal (CVV) é uma infecção frequente na população feminina, causada predominantemente por Candida albicans, gerando prurido, ardor e corrimento, com impacto significativo na qualidade de vida. O aumento de cepas resistentes aos antifúngicos convencionais estimula a busca por alternativas terapêuticas, entre elas o barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens), planta rica em taninos e compostos fenólicos com reconhecida atividade antimicrobiana. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia clínica e a atividade in vitro do extrato liofilizado de barbatimão no controle da CVV. Foram realizados ensaios laboratoriais para determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM), teor de compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante. Paralelamente, conduziu-se estudo clínico piloto, randomizado, envolvendo 11 pacientes, distribuídas em grupo experimental (banho de assento com extrato de barbatimão 1%) e grupo controle (tratamento convencional com fluconazol). As pacientes foram acompanhadas durante 30 dias. O extrato apresentou alta atividade antifúngica frente a Candida albicans, com CIM < 0,19 mg·mL⁻¹, além de elevado teor fenólico (323,29 mg EAG·g⁻¹) e relevante atividade antioxidante. Clinicamente, 100% das pacientes do grupo experimental apresentaram melhora dos sintomas entre o 2º e o 6º dia de tratamento, com predominância de resolução entre o 3º e o 4º dia. O grupo controle obteve melhora já no 2º dia após dose única de fluconazol. Os achados demonstram que o barbatimão possui potencial antifúngico expressivo, segurança inicial e resposta clínica favorável, reforçando sua aplicabilidade como alternativa fitoterápica.

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.