Toxicological Profile and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Mucoadhesive Gel from Residues of Agave sisalana and Punica granatum
Author:
Fracasso Júlia Amanda Rodrigues1, Sikina Ingrid Yuri Galindo2, da Costa Luísa Taynara Silvério12, Guarnier Lucas Pires3, Ribeiro-Paes João Tadeu3, de Ferreira Fernando Yutaka2, de Almeida Luan Victor Coelho1, de Castro Silva Beatriz1, de Barros Barbosa Débora1ORCID, Ximenes Valdecir Farias4, Venkli Desirre5ORCID, Viel Amanda Martins67, dos Santos Lucinéia124
Affiliation:
1. School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 1193, José Bonifacio Street, Araçatuba 16015-050, Brazil 2. Department of Biotechnology, School of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 2100, Dom Antonio Avenue, Assis 19806-900, Brazil 3. Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14048-900, Brazil 4. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, Brazil 5. Department of Biochemistry and Chemical Technology, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-060, Brazil 6. São Camilo University Center, São Paulo 04263-200, Brazil 7. Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio University Center (CEUNSP), Itu 13300-200, Brazil
Abstract
Inflammation is a natural protective reaction of the body against endogenous and exogenous damage, such as tissue injuries, trauma, and infections. Thus, when the response is adequate, inflammation becomes a defense mechanism to repair damaged tissue, whereas when the response is inadequate and persistent, the increase in inflammatory cells, cytosines, and chymosins impair tissue regeneration and promote a response harmful to the organism. One example is chronic tissue inflammation, in which a simple lesion can progress to ulcers and even necrosis. In this situation, the anti-inflammatory medications available in therapy are not always effective. For this reason, the search for new treatments, developed from medicinal plants, has increased. In this direction, the plants Agave sisalana (sisal) and Punica granatum (pomegranate) are rich in saponins, which are secondary metabolites known for their therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. Although Brazil is the world’s leading sisal producer, approximately 95% of the leaves are discarded after fiber extraction. Similarly, pomegranate peel waste is abundant in Brazil. To address the need for safe and effective anti-inflammatory treatments, this study aimed to create a topical mucoadhesive gel containing a combination of sisal (RS) and pomegranate residue (PR) extracts. In vitro experiments examined isolated and combined extracts, as well as the resulting formulation, focusing on (1) a phytochemical analysis (total saponin content); (2) cytotoxicity (MTT assay); and (3) a pharmacological assessment of anti-inflammatory activity (phagocytosis, macrophage spreading, and membrane stability). The results revealed saponin concentrations in grams per 100 g of dry extract as follows: SR—29.91 ± 0.33, PR—15.83 ± 0.93, association (A)—22.99 ± 0.01, base gel (G1)—0.00 ± 0.00, and association gel (G2)—0.52 ± 0.05. In MTT tests for isolated extracts, cytotoxicity values (µg/mL) were 3757.00 for SR and 2064.91 for PR. Conversely, A and G2 exhibited no cytotoxicity, with increased cell viability over time. All three anti-inflammatory tests confirmed the presence of this activity in SR, PR, and A. Notably, G2 demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect comparable to dexamethasone. In conclusion, the gel containing SR and PR (i.e., A) holds promise as a novel herbal anti-inflammatory treatment. Its development could yield economic, social, and environmental benefits by utilizing discarded materials in Brazil.
Funder
Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel–Brazil
Subject
Polymers and Plastics,Organic Chemistry,Biomaterials,Bioengineering
Reference29 articles.
1. Cicatrização de feridas;Campos;ABCD Arq. Bras. De Cir. Dig.,2007 2. Anti-Inflammatory Hydrogel Dressings and Skin Wound Healing;Huang;Clin. Transl. Med.,2022 3. Sánchez, M., González-Burgos, E., Iglesias, I., and Gómez-Serranillos, M.P. (2020). Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and Its Major Active Constituents. Molecules, 25. 4. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs May Affect Cytokine Response and Benefit Healing of Combat-Related Extremity Wounds;Lisboa;Surgery,2017 5. da Costa, L.T.S., Fracasso, J.A.R., Guarnier, L.P., de Brito, G.R., Fumis, D.B., de Camargo Bittencourt, R.A., Guiotti, A.M., Barros de Barbosa, D., Camargo, I.C.C., and de Souza, E.B. (2023). Toxicity and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Agave Sisalana Extract Derived from Agroindustrial Residue. Plants, 12.
|
|