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- Humulus lupulus aqueous extract and hydrolate as a potential ingredient for cosmetics : chemical characterization and in vitro antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory assessmentPublication . Valente, João Vasco; Oliveira, Rita Palmeira de; Guiomar, Liliana; Vaz, Cátia; Rolo, Joana; Gaspar, Carlos; Oliveira, Ana Sofia; Caramelo, Débora; Breitenfeld, Luísa; Gonçalves, José Carlos; Delgado, F.M.G.; Oliveira, José Martinez; Oliveira, Ana Palmeira deHumulus lupulus extracts have in their composition different molecules, such aspolyphenols, α-acids, β -acids, and hydrocarbons, which contribute to the plant’s medicinal properties. These molecules are associated with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti - inflammatory activities. OBJECTIVE This work focuses on the evaluation of H. lupulus biological activities, with the aim of evaluating its potential for inclusion in cosmetic formulations. METHODS Two distinct aqueous extracts and two hydrolates obtained via hydrodistillation were evaluated. These include the flower parts (FE, FH) and the mix of aboveground parts (ME, MH). The chemical profiles for both aqueous extracts and hydrolates were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC chromatography -mass spectrometry (GC -MS ). Antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity , and anti-inflammatory activity were tested in vitro using standard methods. RESULTS Rutin was the major compound found in FE (40.041 µg mg -1 of extract) and ME (2.909 µg mg -1 of extract), while humulenol II and was the most abundant compound in hydrolates (FH:20.83%; MH: 46.80%). Furthermore, FE was able to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis with MIC values of 50% and 25% (v/v), respectively. FH showed the same effect Staphylococcus aureus (50% v/v). FH evidenced poor antioxidant potential in DPPH scavenging test, it demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing (***p<0.001) intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), NO (nitric oxide) levels (***p<0.001) and cyclooxygenase -2 (COX-2) protein expression (***p<0.001) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -stimulated macrophages. Nevertheless, it is important to note that FH exhibited cytotoxicity at high concentrations in 3T3 fibroblasts and RAW macrophages. CONCLUSION The studied H. lupulus aqueous extracts and hydrolates revealed that FH stands out as the most promising bioactive source for cosmetic formulations. However, future research addressing antimicrobial activity is necessary to confirm its potential incorporation into dermatological and cosmetic formulations.
- Chemical composition and nutritional value of flowers and fruits of Cytisus striatus (Hill) RothmPublication . Caramelo, Débora; Pitacas, F.I.; Vitória, Cláudia; Gonçalves, Joana; Gominho, Jorge; Gallardo, Eugenia; Anjos, O.In ancient times, the shoots of certain species within the Cytisus genus were used as animal feed. Cytisus striatus is a plentiful and widespread shrub that has long been utilized as a soil fertilizer in the Iberian Peninsula. The flowers of this shrub have traditionally been employed for medicinal purposes. However, the nutritional value of yellow broom flowers and fruits remains largely unexplored. In this study, flowers and fruit of C. striatus (Cytisus striatus) were collected from natural shrubs at three different locations in Portugal during the same year. An analytical assessment of their macro and micronutrient content was conducted. Regarding nutritional composition, flowers and fruits exhibited a fibre content of 18% and 42%, protein content of 21% and 12%, lipid content of 2% and 1%, carbohydrate content of 43% and 14%, and ash content of 4% and 3%, respectively. Potassium was the most abundant mineral, with concentrations of approximately 20,094 mg/kg in the flowers and 11,746 mg/kg in the fruits, followed by calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Compared to some edible flowers and fruits, these plant parts of C. striatus showed macro and micronutrient values similar to species such as lavender, lupins, and cowpea pod husks.
- Characterization of a spirit beverage produced with strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) fruit and aged with oak wood at laboratorial scalePublication . Anjos, O.; Pedro, Soraia; Caramelo, Débora; Semedo, Andreia; Antunes, Carlos Alberto Lopes; Canas, Sara; Caldeira, IldaArbutus unedo spirit is a valuable product in Mediterranean countries. This spirit is usually marketed in Portugal without wood ageing. This work aims to characterize the ageing effect on the Arbutus unedo spirit, for three and six months with oak wood (Quercus robur L.) submitted to different toasting levels, based on its chemical composition and its sensory properties. For this purpose, several parameters were analysed: acidity, pH, dry extract, and volatile compounds (methanol, acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate and fusel alcohols). The volatile compounds were identified by GC-MS and quantified by GC-FID. Sensory analysis was performed by a trained panel, who have profiled this beverage, as well as the changes acquired during ageing. Spectroscopic techniques, namely FTIR–ATR, were applied to discriminate the different beverages produced. The results highlighted an increase in Arbutus unedo spirit’s quality with the wood contact, mainly based on the sensory attributes. Additionally, they showed that the best beverages were produced using oak wood with medium toasting levels during three months of ageing
- Insights into the bioactivities and chemical analysis of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) SwinglePublication . Caramelo, Débora; Pedro, Soraia; Marques, Hernâni; Simão, Ana Y.; Rosado, Tiago; Barroca, Celina; Gominho, Jorge; Anjos, O.; Gallardo, EugeniaMany species of the so-called exotic plants coexist with native species in a balanced way, but others thrive very quickly and escape human control, becoming harmful—these are called invasive alien species. In addition to overcoming geographic barriers, these species can defeat biotic and abiotic barriers, maintaining stable populations. Ailanthus altissima is no exception; it is disseminated worldwide and is considered high risk due to its easy propagation and resistance to external environmental factors. Currently, it has no particular use other than ornamental, even though it is used to treat epilepsy, diarrhea, asthma, ophthalmic diseases, and seborrhoea in Chinese medicine. Considering its rich composition in alkaloids, terpenoids, sterols, and flavonoids, doubtlessly, its use in medicine or other fields can be maximised. This review will focus on the knowledge of the chemical composition and the discovery of the biological properties of A. altissima to understand this plant better and maximise its possible use for purposes such as medicine, pharmacy, or the food industry. Methods for the extraction and detection to know the chemical composition will also be discussed in detail.
- Insights into the bioactivities and chemical analysis of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) swinglePublication . Caramelo, Débora; Pedro, Soraia; Marques, Hernâni; Simão, Ana Y.; Rosado, Tiago; Barroca, Celina; Gominho, Jorge; Anjos, O.; Gallardo, EugeniaIn recent years, several analytical methods for characterising the Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle have aroused interest in the scientific community, since this species is not only considered an invasive alien species, but also possesses a wide and complex number of chemical compounds. These compounds are studied with the aim of ascertaining their biological activities, which could help to understand their mechanisms of action, develop new products with potential application in different fields of research.
- Potential applications of the Cytisus shrub species : Cytisus multiflorus, Cytisus scoparius, and Cytisus striatusPublication . Caramelo, Débora; Barroca, Celina; Guiné, Raquel P.F.; Gallardo, Eugenia; Anjos, O.; Gominho, Jorge
- Chemical profile and eco-safety evaluation of essential oils and hydrolates from Cistus ladanifer, Helichrysum italicum, Ocimum basilicum and Thymbra capitataPublication . Ferraz, Celso Afonso; Sousa, Ana Catarina A.; Caramelo, Débora; Delgado, F.M.G.; Oliveira, Ana Palmeira de; Pastorinho, M. RamiroThe demand for natural-based products for industrial applications is increasing sharply and therefore the search for new alternatives to the plants traditionally used is growing. These alternative plants can be an important source of bioactive compounds under a circular economy approach. Considering the potential future use of new plant extracts by the industry, it is necessary to assess the risk associated with their introduction into the ecosystem. This work aims to provide an insight into the volatile profiles and evaluate the potential (eco)toxic effects of essential oils (EO’s) and hydrolates of four plant species, namely rockrose ( Cistus ladanifer ), curry plant ( Helichrysum italicum ), conehead thyme ( Thymbra capitata ) and basil ( Ocimum basilicum ). Chemical analysis was performed by GC-MS and acute toxicity tests were performed using the model organism Daphnia magna . The essential oil and the hydrolate from H. italicum , as well as all the other hydrolates caused no immobilization up to the highest concentrations tested, suggesting that all hydrolates present low to no risk towards D. magna. Similarly, the essential oil of H. italicum , presented negligible risk towards D. magna . For C. ladanifer and T. capitata essential oils, the EC 50 (the concentration estimated to immobilize 50 per cent of the Daphnia ) at 48h varied from 199.7 mg/L and 12.05 mg/L, respectively. The essential oil from C. ladanifer was mainly characterised by monoterpene hydrocarbons, while the H. italicum was richer in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. Both essential oil and hydrolate from T. capitata contained exclusively monoterpene hydrocarbons with a particularly high content of carvacrol. The higher acute toxicity of T. capitata essential oil can be attributed to the high amount of carvacrol present in the distillate. Overall, of the essential oils and hydrolates tested, all can be classified as practically non-toxic, except for T. capitata essential oil that, according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) of the United Nations, can be classified as moderately toxic