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Journal of Ethnopharmacology
ُElsevier
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Abstract: |
Ethnopharmacological relevance: The red Brazilian cherry, Eugenia uniflora, is widely used in traditional medicine. The
aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition of a methanol extract from leaves of E. uniflora and
characterization of the isolated compounds. In addition, we aimed to determine the antioxidant activities in vitro and in
a cell-based (HaCaT cell) model. We also studied the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antidiabetic activities
in relevant rat models. The molecular mode of action of the antidiabetic activities was also investigated.
Materials and methods: UV, MS, and NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) were used to identify the
secondary metabolites. Antioxidant effects were determined in vitro and in HaCaT cells. The ani-inflammatory
and antidibetic activities were studied in experimental animals.
Results: In this work, a new compound, gallic acid 3-O-[6′-O-acetyl-β-D-glucoside], along with 16 known plant
secondary metabolites (PSM) were isolated, characterized using UV, MS, and NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, HMQC,
and HMBC). Noticeable antioxidant effects were determined in HaCaT cells: The extract reduced the elevated levels
of ROS and p38 phosphorylation and increased the reduced glutathione (GSH) content induced by UVA. The extract
showed substantial anti-inflammatory activities in vivo: It diminished the edema thickness in carrageenan-induced
hind-paw edema rat model and lowered the leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity. In rats, central and
peripheral anti-nociceptive properties were also observed: The extract reduced the number of writhing in acid induced
writhing and increased the latency time in hot plate test. Furthermore, adequate antipyretic effects were
observed: The extract reduced the elevated rectal temperature in rats after intraperitoneal injection of Brewer's yeast.
Moreover, the extract possessed robust anti-diabetic activity in streptozotocin (STZ) -diabetic rats: It markedly reduced
the elevated serum glucose and lipid peroxidation levels and increased the insulin concentration in serum with
higher potency than the positive control, glibenclamide. These effects might be associated with the interaction of
PSM with the conserved amino acid residues of human pancreatic α-amylase (HPA), maltase glucoamylase (MGAMC)
and aldose reductase (ALR2) revealing considerable binding affinities.
Conclusion: A plethora of substantial pharmacological properties indicates that Eugenia uniflora is a good antioxidant
and a sustainable by-product with solid therapeutic potential for treating diabetes, inflammation, pain
and related oxidative stress diseases.
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